Agra, India

You will be spared many of our photos of clamorous street scenes in Agra – but here’s a sample nonetheless.

It’s primarily a tourist destination, so likely kept much tidier than other cities of its size in India.  Suffice to say – lively, noisy, stinky, and full of people, cows, scruffy dogs and more than a few monkeys.

The main attraction here is the Taj Mahal, and the weather could not have been more perfect.

Lots of local pilgrims here. 

For many, it’s a singular visit to India’s most prized possession.  Ironic – the Taj is a Muslim monument, covered in Arabic script with Islamic decorations and quotes from the Koran……. yet many of the local visitors are Hindu.  And most of the ladies really dress up for the occasion.

It is, in fact, unexpectedly striking and hauntingly beautiful.  Our hotel had wonderful views….

Our visit also included one of the“summer palaces” of the ruler, which had to be abandoned in the 1600s after only 11 years of residency because of water scarcity.  So history repeats….

Of course, National Geographic made sure we had exposure to some of the local culture, including (no surprise) dancing!

A few purchases from local vendors.

And Henry found a fellow member of the “clean plate” club in one of our traveling companions!

An intriguing and colorful place – not sure if a return trip to India is on our radar, but we won’t rule it completely out.

Next we turn to another continent….. Africa.