The flight from Paro, Bhutan paralleled the Himalayas, providing some wonderful views of the mountains.
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| Over Bhutan |
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| Yan Dok Lake (also called Turquoise Lake) in the background |
Once we turned south over India the smog closed in and we could not see much of the country.
The drive from Delhi to Agra was through never-ending
smog. We saw many interesting farm
scenes including carts pulled by oxen.
We also saw a number of sambar, a large deer native to the Indian Subcontinent,
southern China and Southeast Asia. They
were just wandering the fields but were too far away for pictures. Were very glad we got to see them.
Agra was busy, crowded and dusty, much like Kathmandu with
fewer motorcycles and more, and more varied, livestock.
We went really upscale for our hotel in Agra and are staying
at the Oberoi Amarvilas, reported to be the highest rated (or most expensive?)
hotel in Agra. The building and grounds were spectacular and the service was excellent.
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| Entrance Courtyard |
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| Lobby |
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| View of the pool from our balcony |
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| View of grounds and pool |
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| View of Taj from the john |
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| Awesome pool |
Every suite/room, including the major public rooms, have a view of the Taj Mahal. You could even see the Taj when sitting on the john in our bathroom. We also had a major balcony over looking the Taj and the pool and grounds…really awesome.
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| From our balcony |
We did a quick trip across the river to see the Taj from the
other side
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| Typical Sight seeing - Paul and Mary side by side taking pictures of the same view. |
and then all went back to our hotel for dinner at the Indian restaurant, the
Esphahan. The food was very good but a
bit hot (it is Indian food after all).
We were serenaded by a musician playing Santoor, an Indian stringed
instrument similar to a hammered dulcimer with 72 strings. The musician was very accomplished and
played many Indian songs with an occasional western song thrown in.
After Jessica returned to her hotel we went to our room and
enjoyed some entertainment from the balcony.
There were dancers and musicians performing on the top of the pavilion
across from the swimming pool. Special
treat.
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| Twirling Dancer at night |
The building and grounds were beautifully lit at night.
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| Courtyard at night |
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| Pool at night |
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