THE ROAD FROM DEHLI TO AGRA (Part 2 in a Series)

Three nights; two very full days ... that was Delhi, a city so vast and diverse that much more time could be devoted.  But with a total of just 10 days in India, one must move on. Prior to leaving, we enjoyed dinner at the Imperial Hotel -- a must see if you're a fan of the classic colonial style from the 1900's. We dined at San Gimignano, offering authentic and delicious cuisine ... sans alcohol due to a mandatory "Dry Day" prior to the impending local elections.   The next day, we boarded our private van for the 3.5 hour drive to Agra. We were told by driver Akbar we were on the fastest and most efficient road in India.  He explained the absence of large trucks as the result of expensive tolls imposed.  The truckers are therefore forced to use an alternate road, which same drive takes six hours! Arriving at the first of several Oberoi properties (specifically Amarvilas in Agra) to be savored on this trip is remarkable in itself, as just outside the walled property is significant evidence of poverty.   We were promised a view of the Taj Mahal from our room (and from many other enormous windows in the property), which did not disappoint save for the less-than-clear air.    From the hotel lobby Afternoon in the main part of Agra -- these are water buffaloes who couldn't care less about vehicles around them. Checking her email??  With barely a day to spend in the area, no time was wasted and we were off first to Agra Fort.   It was hot -- probably 110F -- which required perseverance on my part; not so the hubby and Aunt Judy traveling with us.  The architecture, inlaid marble and sheer size are most impressive.  After an hour or so, it was back to the hotel to switch to a golf cart for transport to the Taj, just a few minutes from the hotel, in time for a sunset viewing. Two photos of Agra Fort above; it's way too vast to do the structures  and grounds justice in a few photos. Security is quite tight, with men and women going through different scanners and pat-downs.  Finally, this iconic sight was upon us -- one of seven or eight Wonders of the World depending upon which list is consulted.  In case you're curious, we've been to five:  Machu Picchu, Pyramids, Colosseum, Great Wall, now the Taj Mahal, and the hubby has been to Christ the Redeemer in Rio.  No Chichen Itza or Petra, Jordan -- yet. It is a remarkable sight, no question.  We had been told in advance that there would be some scaffolding, but that hardly mattered.   And to think that this was built solely as a shrine to a wife (the emperor's favorite) should give most husbands pause! Not much more can be written, but rather photos to be treasured.   View FROM the Taj Mahal of the entrance. Would not have thought of coming to India without this ever-so-brief stop in Agra. Next we are off via train to Ranthambhore and a couple days on safari ...

MACHU PICCHU

Devoting an entire blog post to Machu Picchu is the least I can do … it was a remarkable experience. Had I known the round-trip journey, from the time we were picked up at our Cusco hotel until we returned the same evening was 14 hours, I might have had some doubts.  But suffice to say, it was worth every second.  

At the appointed hour just shy of 8 a.m., our car & guide from tour company Belmond -- now owners of Orient Express -- drove us to the Rio Segrado (Sacred River) train station, about 75 minutes away. Beginning in May the trains depart from the closer station to Cusco, but for now we must go to this station. We boarded the Hiram Bingham train, which is often listed among the best in the world -- and it is clearly deserving of that designation. Linen, china, silver, fresh flowers, bar and entertainment is the only way to travel. I won't say the 2:20 minute journey "flew" by, but it was certainly a luxurious way to pass the time. After an elegrant, 3-course brunch, we arrived at Aguas Calientes for the 25-minute bus ride to the park entrance.  

View of the "road" up 

The fleet of buses carrying visitors up and back navigate a series of hairpin turns, with no guardrails, and a straight drop down.  It makes complete sense that the road was never paved -- it would be far too slippery with the annual 77 inches of rainfall.  When it got really bad, I hung on to the hubby and closed my eyes! Remarkably the buses have a very safe record -- can't say the same for the hikers who make the trek up and down -- that's where the accidents are more prevalent.

Once at the top and through the gate with our required passports in hand, we were on our way to this remarkable place. While the amount of visitors allowed per day is 2,500 (and tightly controlled), at times it seemed like we were the only ones there.  I won't go into the history of this historic site, but Professor Hiram Bingham should be annointed a saint for enabling these ancient Incan ruins to be seen by so many after basically going unnoticed from the mid-1500's until the early 1900's.  It is now the most visited site in all of Peru, and surely tops the list of all sites in South America.

After our two-hour guided tour by Camila (who has been to MP more than

The hubby and guide Camila

1,000 times), we enjoyed high tea at The Sanctuary outside the entrance prior to the bus ride back down, the train ride back (with another wonderful meal and wine) and then finally the drive to Cusco. 

Park staff actually using a toothbrush to maintain the stone!

Surprised to have an orchid "fix" here!

Natural habitat ...

Got anything for me??!

Afternoon tea 

Exhausted, yes, but exhilarated after experiencing one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.