MOTHER & DAUGHTER JOURNEY: Agra, India (home to the world wonder) Taj Mahal (pics at last)

BOOTIES REQUIRED!

Another great escape....where our drama never ends.

Finally made it to the Taj Mahal :)

Mowing the Taj Mahal lawn. One person pulls and the other pushes.

Claudia holding the Taj by her finger tips!

Beautiful Indian Women

We don't know what turn the hired driver took. But a three hour drive from New Delhi to Agra turned into 7 exhausting hours. The side streets to Agra were devastated yet looked familiar as most of our scenic routes country after country resemble "their" poverty.

The "guide" we never ordered just showed up at our arrival car in the middle of the night 2:15 am or so and introduced himself.

"Hello Mother, Hello Sister, My name is Raj."

He walked us through the quiet streets of Agra; as no gas vehicles are allowed within the Taj Mahal pollution free zone.

He checked us in and from there on out he continually asked for money and more money and more money and so on.... He strictly enforced his way or stay rule. If we didnt hire him, we wouldnt be safe.

Mr. Divot Dickhead

Mr. Divot. (his unkind nickname) is a con-man who intimidate us and would not allow us to leave our one star deluxe room at the hotel Taj Khema. (deluxe included a toilet for pooper!)

He just wouldn't leave us alone! Sadly, we went along with it:(
Everyday he would show up with his plan. What happen to our adventures? Our plan....?

While at the hotel, we hiked up the backside of the Taj Khema aka "mound" or "excessive dirt pile" from digging the footings of the Taj Mahal. We don't know if that is fact or fiction. But this is the story here on the grounds of the hotel.

Yes, there it is! Only 200 meters away. We could see a glimpse of the famous Taj through the smoke filled air. Well, possibly fog, smog or burnt remains as in our last adventure to the public cremations along the river bank at the Hindi Temple in Nepal. Who knows?

Our first view of the Taj Mahal from the "mound" on compound at Taj Khema Hotel

Either way mom cant breath through the fresh soot air. A mask has become a daily accessory.

Every breath she took felt like she was being poisoned. The stench of "crap" (dog, horse, pig, cow and people) left behind (from their behinds) literally lined the streets to get to the beautiful monument of love.

"Disappointing and Disgusting" was her way of putting it nicely.
Actually, when we walked past a dead dog laying in the street, she said "it was better off dead than living here." lol. Its horrible, but i cant help myself. "Mom?" I said. She said, "What? Its true."

We gave Mr. Divot $50 bucks to buy us tickets to the Taj. If he is coming back, we should see him in about 30 minutes or so. If not, we should take our chances on our own.

"Don't go out on the streets alone you are not safe" says Mr. Divot! Sarcastically, I say,
"Hire me for your every move... For your every dollar!"

My _ _ _ _ _ are getting bigger and I plan to tell him how I really feel soon.

Well, well, Mr. Divot. Screw you, we had enough!

Mother and I planned our escape. If all else failed, Mr Bir Tamang, My Sahti extended his services to Include India. We awoke early in the morning. Showered. My first in over a week. Still no hair wash :(
Probably my last in India. Packed up our downsized version of luggage. One bag for two.

Unclear of our exact route, we double checked with the hotel manager on our safety. And just walked out the door. Internet here we come!!!

During our walk, a young Rickshaw man of 21, offered his services. We said "NO" and walked off. "I take you wherever, you my first customer today, I give you cheap rate, 10rbs."

Sick of Mr. Divot and his deceptions..."Yeah, Yeah, we have heard that before. All we want is the Internet!" and said "NO" with a smile.
He pointed back to a sign and said computer. And there we were, free at last, to contact our world via Internet because of our new and only friend, Shallo.

So pleased with this accomplishment that hasn't been rendered in days. (Mr. Divot failed again) we hired rickshaw boy to take us to the post office and a few other errands. We reciprocated by going to places that also commissioned him.

He understood we wanted to leave Agra and right now would be best!

Of course...who doesn't, "I have a friend who can...." and off through the ripe streets of Agra he pedaled. Several hours had past. Check out time approaching, our bag awaiting patiently and of course the pesky Mr. Divot who had to have his way and our money.

Our Rickshaw Boy, Sahloo, pedaled his way back towards the hotel. In the distance, I could see Mr. Divot and the pissed off look on his face. He jumped onto his moto scooter and sped up to us. "Where have you been!" Yelling... "I have been waiting for hours and I want money!!!"
We tried to reason with him that he gave us his number and then took it away. Why??? He complained "Oh I am having trouble with my phone" as the phone rang. This made no sense, just another controlling lie.

He yelled something in some language at the boy. I told Mr. Divet to leave him alone. I took the boy by the hand and we walked away.
Mom proceeded to the office to check out and I ran to the room to get the bag with the boy.

I tried to explain our past days with Mr. Divot in a modified version. I begged the boy not to leave and not to listen to Mr. Divot. But Mr. Divet follow us up the path to my room and insisted the boy leave now or he would cause him problems too. The boy was scared and knew Mr. Divot as the "Rich Man".
I opened my door, pulled the boy in, and locked the door behind me. Mr. Divot wanted in, But I said "NO".

We only had 30 minutes to make it to the private car the boy's friend found us. Thirty minutes had already past.
We double checked the room, grabbed the bag and made a quick exit out the door.

I never looked Mr. Divot in the eyes. I just kept walking, ignoring his presence. I ran to the office while the boy went to the rickshaw with the bag. Mom was ready and we quickly walked down the street to the rickshaw. Mr. Divot and his two friends followed. He bullied the boy and did not allow him to take us on the rickshaw. It didn't work so he tried to pay the boy 20rs to go away. Now, this is a game I can play. I smile at the boy and wanted to make sure he would be okay if he stayed and helped us.

Mr. Divot followed on his scooter with his friends demanding more money. But we paid and paid and paid. We had a little yelling match as we walked beside the boy and his rickshaw. By now, the boy was concerned and offered to take us to the police.

I told Mr. Divot "Okay I will pay you, we will meet you with the money."

And off to the Police Shallo pedalled :)

By now, my story got shorter and stronger. It didn't take long and the "powerful man", Mr. Inspector was riding right beside us. Us on the rickshaw with the boy and Mr. Inspector holding on the back of his moto scooter while his driver escorted us to our prearranged vehicle that was waiting.

For once, Mr. Divot will have a taste of his own medicine. I showed a picture of Mr. Divot and the police inspector knew who he was. "Be assured! I will arrest him!" as he and his driver drove off to take care of Mr. Divot.

We hugged the boy, took a few pictures and gave him a nice 500rs tip. And his friend gave him 150rs commission for us booking the ride. A little better than Mr. Divot's bribe! :)
Ahhh, at last, we are safe and no more Mr. Divot. Clink, Clink!!