09 Dec 2017
When in India a week ago, although I was staying with a friend and his family in New Delhi, they didnt have time to take me to Taj Mahal, so they booked me a private tour with this agency. Honestly, at first, I was really skeptical to travel to Agra all by myself (it takes 3 and a half hours by car in one direction), however I was all wrong to be skeptical. In addition, the driver picked me up at 6 am in front of my friend’s home. The driver was really nice and kind and he gave me plenty of sweets and snacks to have while traveling. He was constantly asking if I need some cold water or would I like him to get me a coffee. I felt very comfortable and I slept almost the entire time while in car. When we got to Agra, the guide joined us, and we went together to Taj Mahal. The guide was very interesting and communicative. Honestly, I never went anywhere ever by myself (I am just not that type of a person), therefore obviously I had my doubts regarding me spending the entire day by myself, however, the guide made me feel as we really know each other and as I came to see Taj Mahal with a really knowledgeable friend. As I said, he was very interactive and fun, and was also taking a lot of pictures for me (so I ended up having some amazing photos of me in front of the Taj Mahal). He really tried it hard and I really enjoyed the visit to Taj Mahal. After we were done here, we went to a place where they sell goods made of the same stone Taj Mahal was made of and with the same technique, however although it was interesting to see the place (there are few guys who show how they actually make it) it felt like I am supposed to buy something (and I did buy a little box which I LOVE, it’s beautiful, however I saw almost identical one at the Delhi airport for three times less money literally, so be careful when buying there they do give prices that are too high because you are a tourist). The same thing happened when we went to the store with some Indian jewelry, clothes, etc, they told me very high prices, just this time I knew that it is not supposed to cost that much so I didn’t buy anything. However, I am a person who literally has no idea how to bargain, as I am always shy to ask for a lower price, so if you are an expert give yourself a chance maybe it would be a cultural experience too to bargain in Agra and actually get the real prices