chalo'!

that means "let's go..." in hindi.... and we have been "going" a lot in the past couple of days. still recovering from actually seeing the Taj Mahal... it's one of those sights that, no matter how many times you see photos or postcards of it, when you stand in front of it, it takes your breath away. The last time I felt as awestruck was when I saw the Grand Canyon in 2000. The descendants of the artisans who constructed the taj still live right outside the gates, and they continue to do the same marble inlay work. THe only difference is that today, instead of spending 22 years building a marble palace for their deceased wives (Taj), these artisans create tabletops and jewelry boxes that they sell to passing tourists.

We then took a public bus for a "1.5 hour bus ride" to Fatehpur Sikri. the bus station gave us plenty of entertainment...I would describe it as well-orchestrated chaos that seems completely without order to an outsider, but is perfectly understood by those immersed in it on a daily basis. it is common knowledge the buses in India are typically late. very late. ours was only delayed about 45 mins or so, but we then encountered the traffic jam to end all traffic jams...rickshaws, tuk-tuks, public buses, cars, kids, cows....all piled up, honking in the 90 degree heat and waiting for a train to cross and allow the traffic to pass. we arrived a few hours past schedule, but all of us agreed that the experience was well worth it. we had fun talking with the other passengers and enjoying the sights from the inside of a rusted-out 1950's-era bus. it also makes traffic inside the beltway seem like a sunday stroll through the park.

so much more to write but a line for the computer is quickly forming behind me...hoping to get pictures posted tomorrow... missing everyone back home but having an incredible time... xox