Agra

 It is hard to tell where the fog ends and the smog starts in Agra. I would have to say that Agra was the first place I have full on noticed the air pollution. When I arrived in Agra the fog was so thick you could hardly see in front of you which is a bit worrisome when you intend on going to look at big ass building with your time. Luckily the sun burned off the fog by about noon, but the air is still a kind of weird brown colour. Shit Ima lucky lady to be raised somewhere with clean air yhew!

The Taj was fantastic... everything you want and hope it will be, but a little smaller. I spent at least two hours just soaking it in, how often does a person get to see a world wonder!?

After the Taj I headed to Agra Fort the epic sandstone fort which was built way back in the 15th century. It was quite extravagant, from wandering around inside and the descriptions I read about the place it seemed more like a palace and a place to show off how much money not your mighty ninja skills.

Then it was off to Itimad-ud-Daulah.. or Baby Taj to me. No where near as big as the Taj Mahal but arguably much more intricate in its design. Since you can get much closer to everything here as well I had a chance to really appreciate the craftsmanship that went into these buildings. That sounds kind of lame or like I am Norm from This Old Work Shop. I mean it though dammit!

This was followed with a trip to Mehtab Bagh, a park that offered a waaayyy better view of the Taj then from inside the courtyard, no crazy crowds, and pretty flowers awww yaaa. On my way in I was surrounded by people selling crap, (normal), and then a man gave me a bindi makeover, (not so normal), and I felt like a fool the rest of the day. I am not really sure what the bindi represents so it makes me feel strange to have one.