Woke to cool weather and a wet day---first cool day and 2nd
wet day since I arrived. Effects of the typhoon that hit from Bay of Bengal.
Rather welcome. Monstrous Delhi traffic jam this morning---feared I would miss
my train---luckily it was running an hour late (shades of British Railways) the
good news. The bad news,
they had combined two trains together, so my 'posh'
persons berth was swamped with 6 Bengalis (from
the 'C' section), all their luggage and blaring Bollywood movies played on a computer.
Only a 4 hour sector--- so tolerable. Indians are very polite, adaptable &
compliant in difficult situations--so best to roll with the situation. Not the
Western style aggression & belligerence
 |
| A new category of traffic hazard.... |
Rolled into
Agra an hour late. Upon leaving the railway station was instantly bombarded
with high-pressure touts who all wanted to be my new best friend and to sign me
up for a days guide and driver service to see the sights. Eventually located my
guest house accommodation, inconveniently located approx 10 kms from the rail
station. Did I mis-read the map when reserving at Booking.com? Exceptionally
clean with a beautifully maintained private garden.
One can quickly
see this is an Indian city (pop: 1.3 million) of economic extremes--- of opulent
gated communities and people who live in tar-paper tents on vacant lots between
said gated communities. Between the monster SUV’s lined up outside the Marriott
and the skinny children tugging at ones trouser leg begging for change.
Early to bed tonight--- ready for a big day ‘doing the sights’ tomorrow.
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