What would you do for a visit to the Taj Mahal?
Knowing we were coming to India, I immediately wondered what the possibility would be of seeing the Taj Mahal. While we were still in Africa, we found out that our ministry for the month would be in Varnasi, which was roughly an eight hour trip away from Agra. A visit definitely seemed feasible, so as a team we started doing our research to figure out a game plan for a short trip to visit one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.
However, as details came in regarding our ministry, we realized that we were not going to be located in Varnasi, but three hours outside of the city. At this point, we all had to question, what would be willing to do in order to see the Taj Mahal.
Reflecting on our trip to Agra and back, clearly we were willing to do quite a bit.
Some say that the journey is more important than the destination. In terms of our trip to Agra to see the Taj Mahal, I am still not sure if it was about the journey, about the final destination, or simply the fact that we were 5 Americans and 3 Germans crazy enough to head out on an adventure on the trains of India.
When all was said and done, we clocked in:
-4 hours of driving the crazy roads of India and breathing in the dust-filled air
-20.5 hours waiting in train stations smelling of human excrements, body odor, and mangy, stray dogs.
-28.5 hours riding in trains, sometimes in the beautiful air conditioned chambers or we piled into the general cattle cars where we (mainly the girls) dealt with the constant stares and picture taking of creepy men.
All of this, for a mere two and a half ours at the Taj Majal.
Despite going three days without a shower, sweating through every layer of clothing, getting eaten alive by mosquitoes while failing to fall asleep on the cement floor of the train platform, in the end, it was worth it. In the midst of the exhaustion and chaos, we all got to experience India in a new way and completely on our own. I know that this crazy trip will never be forgotten and we were able to make some great memories with the Germans. Moreover, the Taj Mahal is as spectacular as its reputation. Can’t wait to see what the next trip might entail. Everest?
