Taj Mahal by full moon

Here I am in Agra - this morning I caught a local bus from Bharatpur to Agra which was an interesting experience. The trip was only an hour and I slept most of it. I was wedged between several large heavy packing cases and my own rucksack as well as about 50 people clad in all sorts of winter clothes and cloaks (its winter in these parts now). I did wake up halfway though though, when we passsed through the centre of a magnificent cattle market - one half selling and bargaining buffalo, and the other half goats. Never seen so many buffalo in one place - also lots and lots and lots of very cute fluffy baby buffalo! Ahhhhhh!

Without any trouble at all I found the hotel which had been recommended to me - which is about 2 minutes walk from the Taj itself - and also has spectacular taj views from the rooftop restaurant. Bargain at GBP3 per night ensuite.

The Taj Mahal itself has been shrouded in mist this morning, so im just biding time until the fog clears and I can go and visit. I plan to stay there until sundown and have a look at the full moon over the Taj tonight. Great (accidental) timing! Still managed to have a look at it from the hotel roof though, and it really does take your breath away - even from a distance.

The rest of Agra seems pretty ordinary Indian city, though I havnt yet seen much of it. Tomorrow is main sightseeing day.