India at 40 km/h

  Agra, Uttar Pradesh, India
December 31, 2014

We had to get going early as our plans have changed slightly. We were supposed to drive to Orchha, then take a train to Agra, but the trains have been delayed from 3 to 5 hours. This would mean that we would arrive in Agra after midnight, so we will be driven all the way to Agra. The distance was 450 kms or 8 1/2 hours by car (and we made really good time).


We arrived in Orchha mid-morning without incident, thanks to our amazing driver Raju. I had taken Gravol and had slept for most of the drive.



I was surprised and delighted to awaken to a huge fortress that had been built during the 16th and 17th centuries. Our guide greeted us and showed us around the first palace, Jehangir Mahal Orchha Palace. This palace was under construction for more than 22 years and was a gift from Raja Bir Singh Ju Deo to Emperor Jehangir who stayed in the palace for one night. The palace has a beautiful combination of Hindu and Islamic architecture such as the lotus, birds, geometric patterns and the crescent moon.



The entire palace was made out of stone and semiprecious stone. The craftsmanship was incredible and still looks very beautiful despite the many years of decay.



We could see the home that was built for Raj Raveen Mahal. She was a poetess and a musician and was the mistress of Raja Indramani in the late 1600's.



We also briefly explored Raj Mahal, which was built during the 17th century by Madhukar Shah. We were able to go into the Queen's bedroom and saw beautifully preserved paintings and frescos. It really gave us a sense of how extravagant and beautiful the palaces would have been hundreds of years ago.



We had a quick vegetarian buffet lunch at Orchha Resort, so that Raju could get to Agra before sunset Theresa at the Palace.



Along the way there were very few homes, except in the densely populated towns and cities. So, for the next 5 1/2 hours I turned our long journey along bumpy and barren roads into a Safari adventure while listening to "Orange is The New Black", the last episode of "Serial", a Jillian Michael's podcast, a HBR podcast and a couple of Deepak Chopra's meditations.



I was able to spot the following birds and animals:


vultures
grouse or quail
drongos
peacocks
parakeets
pheasants
egrets
storks
crows
Indian Rollers
Kingfishers
pigeons
cows
buffalos
sheep
hairy pigs
goats
stray dogs
monkeys

We finally arrived in Agra and checked in at the Trident Hotel. It is a beautiful, modern hotel and we made ourselves at home. We relaxed in the room until 9:00, then dragged myself out of bed for our gala evening. If I had not been NYE, I would have been down for the count Poolside Party.

I am glad that I found the energy, because we had a wonderful poolside meal beside a heat lamp (definitely need one for our backyard). The cold dishes and desserts were set up inside the dining room and the grills were set up beside the pool, near our table. There was a brief wait for our table and aslight delay with our drinks initially, but after that, everything went very smoothly.

While Bill was hunting down drinks and food, I was contented to sit at our table and have chefs and waiters bring me plates of food. Not sure what helped my situation more, our proximity to the grill or my blonde hair! Either way, it worked out great for me! Every time Bill would disappear, I had someone else bringing me a new treat. No wonder I am getting fatter by the day here!

At midnight we joined all the other guests by the DJ where they were cranking out the latest Indie and American pop songs and rang in the New Year with my sweetie by my side Fireworks at Midnight. We were also treated to bursts of noise and colour with a small, but very good firework display that was set up on the other side of the hotel.

It was a great end to 2014 which has been filled with many new challenges and delights - new job, new colleagues and friends, a fabulous girls trip to California and the run along Big Sur, our 1st trip to Texas, I would like to say conquering Tough Mudder, but I will say finishing Tough Mudder, the bachelorette in Chicago, Heidi and Brent's beautiful wedding and now our first time to Nepal and India. Not too shabby for a middle-aged gal (as Bill likes to say now)! If 2015 is anything like 2014, then I will not be disappointed!



Pictures & VideosFantasticPreserved FrescosMirror Selfie before DinnerGrilled to OrderNew Years CheersDessert Buffet