Delhi

We said good-bye this morning to what would have to be one of the greatest views in the world ( the view of the Tahj Mahl from our room that was only ever broken by monkeys walking on the windowsill). Our Agra to Delhi train was at 6.00am. We were locked in to the hotel and had to wake the night-watchman from his sleep on the couch to let us out and then the manager so that we could settle the account.

It was so,so, so cold on the train. I still managed to sleep most of the way. Tahlia and I had a whole row of seats to ourselves so we can have a sleep but no clothes for cold weather. The train arrived about an hour late (a bit over 5 hour duration). I was prepared for the Delhi onslaught and Tahlia seemed to handle it pretty well. When you walk out of the station you are grabbed by all the tourist touts, taxi and rickshaw drivers just for the fare or to offer the best deal on accommodation. We had a plan so we stuck to it as I hadn't arranged any accommodation for Delhi. I found a phone, secured some accommodation and the necessary directions to direct the driver. For the whole phone call and the walk to the rickshaw station we had five or six guys trying to draw our business. I find it easier to speak italian to them and then they seem to go away. Tahlia is good at getting rid of them as she just gets rude and then screams at them (yesterday a guy riding a motorbike spat at her).

Were staying at this really cool home stay that is about (3KM) from Old Delhi. We have HOT water (it'd been over a week), towels, TV a safe, restaurant, wireless internet and spotlessly clean. I negotiated a great rate that includes a car to the airport at 1.00am Friday morning. We are just having an easy afternoon that might include a walk to the local bazaar later.