A teardrop on the face of eternity

Caught the train from Delhi to Agra on the Kerala Express this morning which takes about 3 hours. It seems every train is a Something Express, but there's nothing very express about them - you can tell it was the British who set up their rail infrastructure. But it was a good journey on old 1930s rolling stock with the 4-berth cabins that turn into bunks at night. I felt like I was in Brief Encounter.

Agra is altogether more relaxing than Delhi (although New York would be more relaxing than Delhi). Fewer cows, fewer scam merchants, less beeping etc. And the accommodation is a whole lot better too - I've even got my own private bathroom here. Ambassador, you really spoiling us.

Now all beautiful things never look as good in photos as they do in real life, and the Taj Mahal is no exception. It is truly spectacular. The first thing that hits you is the colour - Bright white marble against a backdrop of pure blue sky. Then it's the setting, on the bank of the River Yamana, in beautifully landscaped gardens, with very little noise, in stark contrast to Delhi. Then you wonder how the hell they managed to build something like that in the 1630s. Shucks, I'm gushing. But it is magnificent, all the better for the absence of a sulky Diana in the foreground.

And then sundowners on a rooftop restaurant overlooking it this evening. All very pleasant, until the rains came. Off to see Agra Fort in the morning, then it's a train to Jaipur later in the day.