Agra Fort.

On our recent trip to Agra we also got the chance to see the Agra Fort.

This was an amazing place. Quite often it is overshadowed by the Taj, but I can honestly say we enjoyed it just as much as we enjoyed the Taj. Maybe not as beautiful, but still mind blowing.

The stories our guide told us were gripping and the kids really loved hearing about the 444 year old fort. Particularly Sam, who loved the tales of the two moats, the first a wet one that was infested by crocodiles and the dry one that was filled with wild lions and tigers. There was no way anyone could get over the 20m walls and through these moats.
Construction of this massive Red Sandstone fort started back in 1565, on the banks of the Yamuna River by Emperor Akbar. Additions were made through out the years, particularly by his grandson Shah Jahan who favoured white marble instead of the original red sandstone. The fort was built primarily as a military structure, but the Shah transformed it into a palace, which later was to become his prison for 8 years until his death.
The architecture was so interesting, with domed roofs that were built with two layers so in winter could have warm water poured through them to warm the rooms and in summer, cool water pumped from the river to cool them. Such amazing insight so many years ago.

There Were 4 On The Bike..........

I still love travelling around Chennai and seeing the happy faces of some of the locals. This day we came across 4 guys on a motor bike. The saw me with the camera and they were all smiles.

It's not unusual to see a family of 4 on a bike but 4 grown men was pretty funny. I can't imagine it would be that comfy.

Freaky Friday

Out and about today we came across this van.

There was a coffin in the back and one tied to the roof. I thought it was just a delivery van delivering the coffins, that was until we got closer. There was a body in the one in the van. It was clear plastic on top and steel on the bottom. I think this is sort that they put ice in to keep the body cool. I got a shock to see two feet sticking up and more of a shock to see that they had socks on.

I don't know why but it really freaked me out.

Then Victor says to me, "Rich guy I think!"

That was the end of me. I nearly peed my pants. I don't mean to disrespect the dead but it was just one of those Indian moments........

It amazes me that the coffins never fit in these vans. The vans are always too short. I am often worried that the coffin will fly out the back. Perhaps I could suggest to Andrew that Ford could make a vehicle that would appropriately carry coffins, with the doors all shut.

Proud Mum.

This week has been pretty tough for Eliza. Trying to overcome shyness and face your fears is really hard when you don't have a lot of confidence.

Eliza has found this new school a real challenge. You know, we all thought starting a new school would be the end of all our worries from last years disaster. But along with the change of schools comes the new and different environment. Higher expectations in the classroom and at home with a huge amount of homework. Socially, making new friends again with kids from all nationality's and kids that have been on the expat circuit for awhile. When you are shy these challenges can be huge hurdles.

Today I am really proud of her.

She got up in front of the class and presented two pieces of work. One of them has been due for the last two weeks, but she hasn't had the courage to do it. This has been a concern for Andrew and I and also her teacher. A some stage in your life you have to put yourself out there. So it's been a week of tears, yelling (which I must say I am not proud of) silence, hard work, late nights and in the end achievement. I now hope with these fears faced she can move on and enjoy this awesome school and all that it has to offer.

Life here for her at 12 has been probably a lot tougher than what it is for the boys. Another new school in a foreign country, living in India (hard at the best of times for a 40 year old let alone being 12) hormones, no close extended family or old friends that know you inside and out, no familiar activities like netball or dance, no independence like she would have at home, riding her bike to friends, catching the school bus with your mates, going to town with friends shopping etc the list goes on. A lot of these things I wouldn't ever consider her doing here in Chennai. I see the looks and leers that she gets from the Indian men, although I dare say she is oblivious to them. You just wouldn't want to put your kids into a situation that would be harmful for them.

So call me a helicopter Mum.... Unfortunately we don't have a choice. One of the downsides of expat living.

I don't usually like to air my dirty laundry on my blog, but it has been a rough week. Perhaps a few more grey hairs for me and I don't think it has helped poor Andrews high blood pressure.

I just wanted to let the world know how proud of Eliza I am tonight.

Lizy Girl You Rock....

TGIF....

I Love You A Latte

I am so happy!!!

Life in Chennai just got better.

Want to guess why?

Just opened a new cafe in City Center Shopping complex.

A caramellatte never tasted better....

A Teardrop On The Face Of Eternity

The alarm goes off at 5am. In a flash I am out of bed and getting ready for one of the most awaited days of my life.
Today will be the day we get to see the Taj Mahal. We are planning to get there at opening time 6.04am, sunrise, before the crowds and the bus tours all get there.
Described as the most extravagant monument ever built for love, it will leave you speechless by it's beauty.
Mark Twain was said to say, 'There are two types of people in the world. Those who have seen the Taj Mahal and those who haven't'.
Once you have seen this magnificent beauty, it is an image you will never forget. Perhaps I am a hopeless romantic, but the sight of the Taj brought me to tears and the story that was told to us by our guide was a true love story.
The Emperor Shan Jahan built the Taj as a memorial to his second wife Mumtaz who died giving birth to their 14th child in 1631. It is said that he was so heartbroken by her death , that his hair turned grey overnight.
The construction began in the same year, but was not completed until 1653. A total of 20,000 people worked on the building. It stands an amazing 45 meters tall. Not long after it was finished the Shan Jahan was overthrown by his son and imprisoned in Agra Fort where, for the rest of his days, he could only gaze out across the river at his creation. Following his death in 1666 he was buried along side his wife in the basement, below the main chamber.
I can honestly say the Taj did not disappoint and I feel so blessed to have had this amazing opportunity to bask in it's beauty.
Sitting on the bench where Princess Dianna once sat, our guide told us she had said 'I would quite happily die tomorrow if someone would build something like this for me,' Gulp, more tears in my eyes with the memories of a beautiful soul.

The kids really loved seeing the Taj and even Mac behaved himself for most of our time there. He was happy to be wearing a new T-shirt that we found for him, to ward of cheek pincher's and the like. Now he tells everyone, 'You pinch my Cheek, I pull your hair" certainly not our intention, but hey, if it keeps them away from him it will make for a happier Mac.

I need to say to anyone that has ever dreamed of coming to India to see the Taj Mahal, DO IT! It is worth it. Don't be put off by your fear of having to go to India to see it. India has so much to offer and so many beautiful places to explore. Heck I never thought I would be dragging 3 kids around this place but it is manageable. If we can do it, anyone can. In 2 weeks time we are even heading off to Bangalore on the train. Gasp. First class I might add, but still, I wouldn't miss it for all the tea in India!!!!!