Day six - Agra

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India is such a a land of contractions. It is a country of 1.2 billion, the largest democracy in the world with an emerging economy. At the same time, 60 % of the population lives in adjunct poverty.

We had no illusions in visiting India. We wanted to experience a culture, a land and a people that are totally different from what we know and live. We achieved our goal. As we drove east out of Delhi, a city of 17 million people, it was obvious why the area was attractive to the first nomadic tribes. The countryside is rich in soil and fields of crops stretch for miles. 

The highway we drove on was a super express toll road. However we passed settlements of brick makers using camels for transportation and little enclaves that dried the cow dung which is used for heating and building. Something that has been done for centuries.

Our destination is Agra. A city of 2 million which is the home of the Taj Mahal. The city has been labelled the City of Love. Agra is a very polluted city on the Yamuna river. The traffic is worse than Delhi and there are cows, dogs, and as our tour guide said "society" everywhere. 

I am writing this at the Taj Mahal. There are thousands of people here and I managed to find a quiet spot while Donna visited a museum. The Queen entered through the west gate, the King through the east gate and the remaining entourage through the south gate. 

The structure was built as monument to the King's wife who died giving birth to their14th child. It took 22 years to complete finished in 1653 at a cost of 41 million rupees. It is made completely of white marble. There are two adjoining buildings which served as a mosque and a guest house.

It is considered a sacred place and as such no shoes. (Shoe covers were provided). The gardens are well maintained and no sign of cows or dogs as we saw just outside the entrance.

It is almost time for sunset at the Taj Mahal. 

This is a sample of the diversity of cultures here.

I am getting used to the selfie.

And finally, a fitting tribute to the City of Love and the Bollywood film industry.

This leading man didn't have a very good voice but who would with a couple hundred people listening.