Onwards to Agra

Today I really launched out alone. Alone that is, apart from my delightful young driver, Golu, who was very keen to look after me well. His English is not brilliant, but we mainly managed to communicate well.

The drive from Delhi to Agra is relatively easy on the new expressway. I did not see the Taj for a long time. First we picked up Mohsin, the guide for today, and visited the Red Fort. This is another amazing building. Then to see how the ceramic inlay is made into marble, as at the Taj. (Mainly a selling exercise......)

Then to Fatepur Sikri, a city founded in 1569 by the Mughal emperor, Akbar, but abandoned after about 14 years. This was probably due to lack of water at the site. As the sun went down, the red sandstone buildings were bathed in beautiful light.

Back to my hotel and then a short walk for the bus ride to see the Taj by moonlight. The security was repetitive, slightly chaotic and lengthy. It was hazy and the eye struggled to see the buildings. The camera did better!

This is my favourite image of the day. This boy was at Fatepur Sikri. Shortly after this image he was in a lively group of children, enjoying running around and shouting with enthusiasm.