Delhi was PHENOMENAL! We left at 3 in the morning Friday and got home late last night. After we got off the plain in New Delhi we had a huge orange bus, with "TOURIST" across the front window, waiting for us. We all piled on and headed toward Old Delhi. We jumped off and all got in a rickshaw. Rickshaws are the little carriages that men pull on their bike. Derek and I rode through the craziest Bazaar in the world. Stuff was just spilling out of all the stores, and people were everywhere dodging each other. They would stop and we would get off and go running and dodging through ally ways to see the spice market, the chilli market and billions of people. I've never had my rear end grabbed so much in my life.

After an interesting lunch at McDonalds we got back on the huge orange bus and headed toward Agra. We didn't arrive at our hotel until nearly 9. It was the JayPee Palace and it was the nicest place I've ever been by far. A beautiful woman in a golden saree put a paste bindi on all our foreheads and a necklace of jasmine. They served us rose petal water while we waited to be checked in and there were plenty of smiles to make us feel comfortable. The marble halls were magnificent, and I got lost in them a few times. After a delicious room service dinner, I fell asleep in a huge down covered bed (with two pillows!)

We were up and back on the bus by 5 a.m. so that we could beat the crowd to the Taj Mahal. I'm glad for that as well as avoiding the worst heat of the day. The Taj was out of control. I've seen pictures and heard of it's beauty, but nothing could prepare me for the wonder it stirred inside me. Talk about the biggest token of a mans love for his wife. I find it ironic in a country that will throw you in jail for 15 days if you are seen holding hands with someone of the opposite sex. (interesting fact: Indian men hold each others hands all the time as a sign of friendship) We took picture after picture and had so much fun in front of the enormous white marble mausoleum, and I teared up just a little bit when I saw the inside. I was blown away by the talent of mankind.

Then we hit up Fort Agra and saw the old chambers of the kings and his queens and concubines. We got a great picture of all of us ladies sitting on the edge of the concubine bathing pool and Derek standing behind us. He was Loving being the only man in the group. We also got to see monkeys inside. They were adorable and I wanted to take one home so badly.

After a varied brunch we all hit the pool! I even purchased a swim costume (which is what they are called here) at the spa. Don't worry it is the sexiest piece of clothing I now own. Not only does it have sleeves but the shorts almost hit my knees and there is a foofy little skirt as well. I can't wait to rock it in the states :)

The rest of the day was spent shopping. Carpet store, mall, and another Bazaar. The best place for shoes! It wouldn't be a true trip out of the country if I didn't come back with at least three pair of shoes. After another fabulous night sleep, we woke up and ... yes....that's right..... Rode an elephant!!!!!!! It was so awesome. I've always wanted to and I still can't believe it happened. The ride to the airport was long and I've never wanted to just get home so bad. I realised though as we pulled up to the RSO campus it wasn't home but I still felt like it. I love it here. I missed the kids and I missed the plain bed. I missed the nice people of the south in their traditional clothes. (Delhi is very westernized), and I missed the work we do at the colonies.