Out of India

Getting to see the largest mausoleum built for love - the Taj Mahal - was no easy task. In attempt to be organised, Dennis kindly pre-booked our train tickets to Agra - the home of the Taj. Our time was running low and we had one day to spare to see the 'must-see' of India. The only must-see of our tour.
We arose at the crack of dawn to lug our packs down to the train station. We fought our way through the crowd of touts, hustlers, and beggars that are a constant on the platforms to board what we thought was our train. Once we boarded we found that our seats were taken and were quickly told that this was not our train. Our train wasn't leaving until tomorrow. So, with a panic arising in us, off we stormed to the booking office to blame someone for this horrendous clerical error. It was while we were demanding blood that the employee pulled out a booking sheet with Dennis' handwriting with tomorrow's date written on it. We went pale at the horror. Oops! Some imposter was obviously trying to sabotage our holiday - a Dennis look-alike ;) He did a good job!

After a three hour wait we boarded the next train destined for Agra. The clock was ticking and we could see our chances of seeing the Taj diminishing before our very eyes. In a change of modes of transport (train to rickshaw, including the haggling) that would make a triathlete proud, we managed to reach the Taj in the late afternoon. And how spectacular it was!

The Taj Mahal is a wonderful creation made of white carved marble that sparkles in the sun and dazzles the person looking at it as it changes colour throughout the day. We experienced sunset and sunrise (the next morning) at the Taj and it was magical. Even the crowds of people did not detract from its atmosphere. In true Indian style, the mercenary nature of the country shone through as we handed over our US $20 each while locals paid the equivalent of 50c. No sour grapes or anything though.

The next day saw us back on a train. It was someone's great idea to catch an overnight train to Mumbai - 22 hours baking and sweating in an overcrowded train, having to constantly fight for your seat whilst avoiding being pick pocketed. We managed to claim our sleepers. Unfortunately, Dennis was on the bottom bunk and a strange family who had not bought 'valid' tickets invited themselves to share his bed. Needless to say Dennis had a great sleep. It was tough travelling.


Once in Mumbai, having come full circle, we treated ourselves to a luxury hotel WITH air conditioning!!! It was a struggle to leave the room but we pulled ourselves away for one last mission - a visit to the Elephanta caves: a series of caves hand carved into solid rock about 600 years ago. It was a trek to get to the caves which the guide book had failed to mention had been destroyed by the Portugese hundreds of years ago. Needless to say, slightly disappointing, but still impressive.

After a two month haul throughout India we were more than ready to catch our flight to the first world destination of London. Don't get us wrong, amongst all our whinging, we genuinely loved our experience in India and would recommend it to everyone, but we were ready for a break from it.

In true London fashion, we flew into rain and freezing cold weather. Our bodies went into shock at the 30 degree drop in temperature. Brrrrrrr..... London is a trendy, funky city with a great vibe. Maybe that's why it is also one of the most expensive cities in Europe.


Andrea's cousin Gonzalo has saved the day by donating his room to us while we find our feet in London. He has provided us with a wealth of knowledge of how to survive in this place. What a champion!

At this point in time, we are still deciding whether to travel or work throughout the European summer. So who knows what we will be doing tomorrow. There are so many things to do and see in Europe that we could end up anywhwere. Be sure that we will keep you all updated.

Happy Birthday to Trudy! Hope you have a great day.