Friday, January 30, 2009

Agra!

Hello blog readers! We spent today touring Agra, in preparation to tour the Taj Mahal tomorrow. It is closed today, as it is a mosque. We visited the Agra fort, which is very old. It has two moats: one with water for crocodiles and one with land for tigers and other scary creatures. Our host family supplied us with a driver, an escort, and a tour guide, all of which were helpful. We then drove to the Baby Taj, which is exactly what its name implies. It is also a mosque, so we walked around with no shoes. The weather is nice, and there were not many people there, so it was an enjoyable way to spend a few hours.

We have decided that an appropriate theme for this blog would be food, as we've pretty much eaten nonstop since arriving. For example, earlier today we asked for a "light lunch". We were served an appetizer, soup, multiple main dishes, rice, salad, and bananas for dessert. We have considered taking before and after pictures of ourselves to demonstrate the inevitable weight gain!

Today was a day for shopping. At one point, the three girls were sitting on a couch in a store while Woody considered jewelry and Telly was measured for some new suits. Everyone spent some money, some more than others!

Hopefully we'll get some photos up soon!

8 comments:

Sheila D. said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Sheila D. said...

Crocodiles and tigers...Oh my! Sounds like you are having a great time so far...that's wonderful!Can't wait to see those before and afters...:-)

LMS said...

Keep eating! Keep spending! Keep enjoying! But do it all with restraint...I'm sure you will.

Vera Sadler said...

I am enjoying following your adventures! Mom Mom

Paula Martin said...

Dear Woody, I'm thrilled that you are in India. Namaste! Paula Martin

Paula Martin said...

Dear Woody,
I've traveled a lot in India, and among the US Indian Community from Coast to Coast -- in my Ashram days as Swami Saraswati. The group of us who traveled together developed a defensive eating strategy. whoever loves breakfast the most -- eats a huge breakfast and loudly complements the food (which is always good). The rest of us eat lightly and selectively. At lunch, another of us eats volumes -- peppered with complements; and so on. We passed around the responsibility of the "official eater".. Because everywhere we went our hosts prepared lavish spreads, and we did not want to disappoint them by not gorging. But . . . we also did not want to gain 50 pounds in India. Remember that yogurt soothes the heat of chilis.

Indian food remains my favorite all time food.

I envy you your trip. Soak it in and enjoy.

Namaste, Saraswati (Paula Martin)

Ernie said...

Hey team - thanks for the report on your arrival! I'm glad things are going well so far.

Remember Paula's advice - eat lots of yoghurt!

We're looking forward to your fist photos.

Ernie

LMS said...

Lots of friends asked about you and hope all is well and that you are safe and enjoying India.