New Delhi to Agra, India

We finally made it out of Katmandu ... ended up having to fly. The buses weren't going on the day that we left (I still don't think they are running). But, other than that, we got to Delhi with minimal hitches. Our flight got in 2 hours before my parents and after a bit of confusion we finally all met in the bar of our hotel for a well needed drink.

My parents got us a room at the hotel where they stayed ... which was quite a treat! I think Chris and I enjoyed the hot shower the most (although the flat screen TV was a close second). In Delhi, we visited the Red Fort and Dana's parents got a taste of real Indian food for the 1st time. Inevitably we ate too much. Also visited Jama Masjid a day after the bombing. A bit of a sobering experience. But make sure to keep your eyes on news ... we were all interviewed by a few different local channels asking us for comments.

The next morning, we introduced them to the wonders of the Indian railways and all of the smells that go with it. But everyone survived and we made it to Agra. We had a big day and saw Agra fort and the Taj Mahal for sunset. Dad bought a beautiful inlaid soapstone box which he used his impressive bargaining skills to obtain ... he's a natural!

We hired a car to get out to Fatehpur Sikri (an abandoned Mughal city) the next day. While not quite as impressive as the Taj, it was still very interesting and relaxing (after you are able to slip past the throngs of guides that accost you at the front gate).

After too short of a visit, they left back to Chicago. And we head on to Varanasi.