India

DIFFICULT TO FIND A WAY THROUGH TO THE PLATFORM.

HOSTEL IN AGRA WITH DINING AREA ( foreground)

TRAVELING FRIENDS..

TAXI IS WAITING.

VARANASI.TO AGRA FORT.

Well I've got my ticket from Varanasi to Agra Fort.. A pleasant night was spent on the train with other foreign travelers joining us in our compartment.  We have a visit from the heavily armed Indian Security Military police warning us of stranger danger. There seems to be a military police presence on all of these trains and noticeably everywhere..Our coach is AC 2 so is nice and cool from the constant heat outside.The train is on time as it arrives at Agra Fort at around 7 AM.  The first thing that I see as I exit the station is the huge Agra Fort built by the Mughal rulers to protect this most important city which was then the Capital of The Mughal Empire..We begin to barter the price for our "Tuk Tuk" transport to the Hostel ..as there are eight of us our bargaining powers are good...we settle for a fair price and are driven to the Hostel.We have timed it well we are in time for a good breakfast of Cereal, boiled eggs, toast, fruit (bananas , pineapple ) and coffee..just what I needed...still a little tired from the overnight train ride.....Where we are staying is just a few minutes walk to the office where tickets are booked for Taj Mahal visit and shuttle bus...perfect..I like it here already..This turns out to be a great Hostel in a great location..very handy to everything. So nice to sit out on the lawn in the evenings here with many travelers from all nationalities..sharing travel stories over a few icy cold beers.The main topic is the Taj Mahal..and the best time to go..We decide that the three of us will go at 5 AM ..get tickets and then take the "Free " shuttle Bus to this Wonder of the World. This is a great decision as when we are there there are very few people..I was so surprised. So...tomorrow is awaited with great anticipation..