16 Apr 2019
Our very nice driver Devender arrived in good time to pick us up for our day trip to Taj Mahal and Agra Fort. The ride out went smoothly and we stopped for a little breakfast on the way. We picked up our guide Wasim, who then took us on a very enlightening and interesting tour of both Taj Mahal and Agra Fort. Wasim was very friendly and patient, so we didn't have to rush through the beautiful sights, and he was kind to take photos of us. After lunch, we went to a small shop (Gems and Art Gallery) in Agra that seemed bigger on the inside, where we were introduced to beautiful jewellery, embroideries and textiles in good quality at very agreeable prices. Then the day was very much spent, but unfortunately it took us a long time to get out of Agra because of traffic, so we came back to our hotel at midnight, when it should have been no later than 10 pm. But that's India for you.
One thing to criticise is the lack of structure between the guide and driver (and the company behind it). They didn't know what was included in our deal, and they weren't sure if we had paid the full amount (or what the amount was). But we cleared everything up, and got what we expected and more. So all in all a success.