Agra Fort and Baby Taj

The history of the Taj Mahal is linked to the Agra Fort and "Baby Taj". No trip to the Taj Mahal would be complete without visiting these other two monuments. The Agra Fort was where the emperor's son imprisoned his father before he could spend all the money in the treasury on the infamous "black taj".

From the above tower in the Agra Fort, the emperor lived the last 7 years of his life. The tower was complete with a view of the Taj Mahal - the tomb the emperor had built as an expression of his love for his late wife, the queen.

Click Here for Photos of Agra Fort

Click Here for Photos of "Baby Taj"

Taj Mahal

The Taj Mahal was truly a wonderful site to see. What made the trip even more impressive was the history behind all the buildings in Agra: the Taj Mahal, the Agra Fort and the "Baby Taj". Click Here for Taj Mahal

Very Large Statue of Hindu God

Right behind a toy store is a huge statue of the Hindu God, Lord Shiva. Shiva is one of the principal gods in the Hindu religion. He is often referred to as the destroyer. This statue is about 50 feet tall and definitely the biggest one I have seen in India although I am told there is another larger. We happen to pass by during the Diwali Festival at which time thousands of people in Bangalore go to pray to Shiva.

Annual Sports Event

We attended the final day of the company's Annual Sports Event. Eric was asked to speak at both the opening and closing ceremony. The main events included soccer, cricket, and volleyball for the men. The women also had teams for volleyball, soccer and a dodgeball style of game. The children had a lot of fun. I played on the management team. My wife commented that everytime I caught the ball during the cricket match everyone cheered. Apparently I impressed a few Indians by my quickness. Of course, they didn't know I played many years of baseball growing up. Nonetheless, I played the best defense I could with almost no practice for last 10 years. I did have to pay a price - I was sore for two days after.

Johanna was impressed by some of the soccer players who were wearing Argentina jerseys.

Tourist Attraction for the Indian Tourists

During our trip to Agra and Delhi, I soon realized I and many other tourists were part of the "attraction" or site seeing for the Indian tourist. These people obviously don't get out much. I think Sarah had here picture taken more by other people than by me. After about the fifth time, I finally took a picture of me posing for picture with the India Tourist at the Gandhi Memorial in Delhi. However, my favorite pose was at the Agra Fort where Caleb had fallen asleep in my arms. I was tired from carrying his dead weight for the last 30 minutes and decided I need to sit down and rest. I sat down on a raised area of marble, when a man with his camera approached me asking if he could have one quick photo of his daughter (about 10 yrs. old) sitting next to me.

In addition, as a family we were a novelty for the Chinese tourists. Johanna noticed it when we first walked into the hotel in Delhi. A family with 3 children was quite the attraction for the Chinese tourists who quickly took out their cameras. Then again at the Taj Mahal, Johanna, Sarah and the boys were quickly surrounded by a group of Chinese tourists. Once again the cameras came out.

Excuse me, why are you talking Hindi to me, do I look Indian???

If I only had a dollar for every time someone asked Johanna, "What part of India are your from?" or just started talking Hindi. During our trip to Delhi and Agra, it was even more prevalent. Just about everyone we came in contact with including drivers, guides and not to mention most of the locals. The funny thing was that she wasn't even wearing one of the Indian outfits she bought here.

The funniest episode was on the train from Agra. Johanna was having trouble with here seat. The kind gentleman behind her started explaining to her in Hindi. I did all I could to not laugh looking at the blank look on Johanna's face. Then there was the guy sitting at the table next to ours in the restaurant. He proceeded to ask Johanna in Hindi which part of India she was from. Our guide quickly came to rescue.

BEST FRIENDS STICK TOGETHER

Here in India, when you find a best a friend in life you don't want to let go. This may seem strange for American culture but here in India, it's okay to hold hands, hug - but not kiss, your best friends since elementary school. Talk about culture shock!!

Diwali Festival in India

The Diwali Festival is a Hindu celebration that brings with it many other fun and exciting activities. Often referred to as the festival of lights, it quickly becomes a cross between 4th of July and Christmas. While we didn't decorate the house with lights, we did take advantage of the fireworks and good food.

HAPPY HALLOWEEN

Despite being thousands of miles from the spirit of Halloween, the children were able to enjoy Halloween in this small neighborhood. In fact the Indian children have realized what fun it can be running from house to house asking for candy.