India Day 7: Delhi Ho!!

India Day 7: Delhi Ho!!

Sadly, this is to be Miche's last day in India. None of us can believe its only been one week! It feels as if we have been adventuring for months. Anyways, because Miche is leaving late at night we opted to cram as much India into one day as possible. Starting with an early morning romp around the great, Taj Mahal. Again, I find myself at a loss for words. Here before us was a symbol/structure that we have seen in books and have heard about our whole lives but never in a thousand years could have imagined seeing with our own eyes (and it didn't disappoint).

It is bigger than you have imagined, it stands alone commanding the surrounding area more than you've imagined, and when viewed near sunrise there is a quality of effervescence that plays on your vision adding a sense of serenity beyond imagination. We milled around the grounds drinking in the rich history and often finding ourselves awestruck and staring over the shining white marble domes

(each man hating a little this impossible bar set by a wealthy sultan for his beloved). We shed ourselves of our shoes and entered this sacred place feeling the cool marble on our feet and touching gem-laidened marble walls while admiring the spectacular symmetry and care given to each nook and cranny. Finally we left, hearts satisfied at seeing one of the WORLD's greatest treasures. 

Next we rushed to the train station to catch the next train to Delhi. Unbenounced to us the only spots left on this 3 hour ride were in second class, on the shelf beds. Allow me to paint a picture of this experience for you. We are in the center if India, at the peak of the hot season, in an all metal train packed to the gills with people and children who do not share our American views on personal space. Luckily, or so we thought, we could escape from the bowels of the floor seats and seek refuge in the top bunks, but as the train pulls away we quickly realize our mistake.

The top bunks are situated 3 feet from the roof of the train cars, which are all metal. It was like riding in an oven set to top side broil. I thought Miche was actually going to die. Our waters turned to hot teas, our clothes drenched in our own sweat, and the train's delay continually growing, there was no end in sight. But we made friends with the local children and survived, barely. Over Miche's final hours we saw Delhi's red fort (not as spectacular as Agra's) which made us appreciate Agra's fort. We swam through bazaars, shopped, and had a few more beers.

We then said goodbyes to our faithful travel companion as he set out for the airport. 

Miche, thanks for all the meals, rides, and tours. You helped make this one of the most spectacular vacations/graduations ever! I would travel with you anytime. You will be sorely missed. Travel safe!