After seeing the Taj Mahal Rakesh wanted to take us to the Red Fort. Shah Jahan's (he's the one who built the Taj Mahal) son Aurangzed overthrew his father. In 1658, Aurangzed declared himself emperor and imprisoned his father in a tower of the Red Fort in Agra. For Shah Jahan, who once commanded the wealth of an empire, his only consolation would be a view across the Jamuna River to see the Taj Mahal.
Emperor Shah Jahan built the Red Fort. In 1638 Shah Jahan shifted the Mughal Empire's capital from Agra to Delhi. A new royal palace known as Red Fort was constructed. The name Red Fort comes from the massive red sandstone walls that surround it.
Walking right inside the entrance.
Gary and Rakesh, our English Guide. The Red Fort lies along the Yamuna River, which fed the moats that surround most of the wall. The construction of the Red Fort began in 1638 and was completed by 1648.
The fort was the site of a December 2000 attach by terrorist group which killed two soldiers and one civilian in what was described in the media as an attempt to derail the India-Pakistan peace process in Kashmir.
A painted and carved wooden ceiling has replaced the original of silver inlaid with gold that was looted in the 18th century.
From one of the balconies Shah Jahan can see his beloved Taj Mahal.
One of the workers at the Red Fort keeping the floors swept.
At one time 3,000 people lived in the Red Fort.
This is the ornate throne balcony where the emperor stands at the center. Fashioned as a free-standing pavilion it is composed of marble with floral carvings.
Upon leaving the Red Fort Rakesh insisted to take us shopping. Brent had warned us about this but he was very pushy. He took us to a shop where the largest yellow topaz in the world is. If you believe that, I have a deal for you! Try googling that and see what you get. I did! What a scam. The shop owner insisted that I hold this jewel. After "letting" me hold it he then brings out all this jewelry for me. His helped even pulls out some bracelets behind a couch!
Emperor Shah Jahan built the Red Fort. In 1638 Shah Jahan shifted the Mughal Empire's capital from Agra to Delhi. A new royal palace known as Red Fort was constructed. The name Red Fort comes from the massive red sandstone walls that surround it.
Walking right inside the entrance.
Gary and Rakesh, our English Guide. The Red Fort lies along the Yamuna River, which fed the moats that surround most of the wall. The construction of the Red Fort began in 1638 and was completed by 1648.
The fort was the site of a December 2000 attach by terrorist group which killed two soldiers and one civilian in what was described in the media as an attempt to derail the India-Pakistan peace process in Kashmir.
A painted and carved wooden ceiling has replaced the original of silver inlaid with gold that was looted in the 18th century.
From one of the balconies Shah Jahan can see his beloved Taj Mahal.
One of the workers at the Red Fort keeping the floors swept.
At one time 3,000 people lived in the Red Fort.
This is the ornate throne balcony where the emperor stands at the center. Fashioned as a free-standing pavilion it is composed of marble with floral carvings.
Upon leaving the Red Fort Rakesh insisted to take us shopping. Brent had warned us about this but he was very pushy. He took us to a shop where the largest yellow topaz in the world is. If you believe that, I have a deal for you! Try googling that and see what you get. I did! What a scam. The shop owner insisted that I hold this jewel. After "letting" me hold it he then brings out all this jewelry for me. His helped even pulls out some bracelets behind a couch!
I'm certain Rakesh would have gotten a commission. I insisted to Rakesh "no more shopping." Disappointed that he didn't make a shopping commission from us Mr. Singh takes Rakesh back to a dropping off place and then we head back with a five-hour drive to Delhi. Boy was I dreading this drive. By this time I already knew that the tourist trap was 3 1/2 hours away. I had a headache from dehydration but I couldn't drink anything.
We dodged camels on the road.
And water buffalo.
We stopped at the tourist trap. I'm smarter now. I remembered I had kleenex in my purse. As I entered the restroom I was handed a napkin. I declined. Boy, what a look!
Mr. Singh also insisted on taking us shopping in Delhi. Rakesh had told us earlier that prices in Agra were cheaper than Delhi. Mr. Singh told us that prices in Delhi were cheaper in Agra. We were taken to a little side road with all these shops. Mr. Singh was also disappointed that I didn't buy anything. Gary told him no more shopping and to take us to the airport.
Rakesh did an excellent job as an English guide and Mr. Singh was an excellent driver. After tipping both of them well we arrived at the airport. The flight was delayed for two hours so we did not arrive to Pune until some time after 11:00 p.m. The hotel sent a driver to pick us up.
It was a good feeling knowing that Gary and I made it through two days without Brent. I knew we could but it really is a constant struggle to do anything in a country where you do not speak the language.
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