Temples and weddings

Last night was a bit chilly, the first time in three trips that the thermals have come out. Morning brought a hot breakfast to warm us up before setting off on a long trip to Agra. There were three stops on the way, to see the Abhaneri Wells and the Hashat Mata Temple, the largest and most beautiful in India, and they are certainly impressive. Once again we noted some women doing cement pointing of the stonework, dressed in the most beautiful saris. Dungarees would be more suited for the job. After a short lunch stop we drove to Fatehpur Siki. This was the former capital of the Mughals in the 1500's. Our local guide was most entertaining in his description of the harem with 320 favourites and several wives from different countries. The huge mosque beside it is the biggest outside Mecca and was an was an impressive building.

It was a great relief on arrival at the hotel to hear that we would just stay in for dinner. Back to luxury so there's no need for the thermals tonight. Daytime temperatures are very pleasant, much more than we hear folk in UK are getting. As we enjoyed our food we realised there were lots of very well dressed folk around, guests at a wedding in the hotel. As we finished we were aware of a procession outside, the groom going to the bride's home (a different wedding this is the favourite time of the year for weddings in India). He was on a well decorated horse with men carrying lamps on the outside of the parade of dancing guests. Dushyant encouraged us to go and have a look. A few of us joined in the parade and were encouraged by the groom to take pictures of him on his horse. Some of the guests spotted our girls and invited us all to join in the dancing. Those girls know how to party, as do guests at an Indian wedding, and a few more zumba moves have been learned! As we were told at the beginning "Expect the unexpected". Tomorrow will be a 5.30 wake up call for dawn at the Taj Mahal!