A Day in Agra - Sunday, Jan 7th Agra, India

Sunday January 7th, Agra India
By Francesca Preti

Today was our fourth day in India, and it was the most memorable one yet. We started our day off early with a 3.5/4 hour bus ride to Agra, India, where we would be seeing the infamous Taj Mahal! This incredible monument was built to be a mausoleum for the wife of a Mughal emperor named Shah Jahan. Although Shah Jahan had several wives, Mumtaz was his favorite, and he was devastated when she died after giving birth to her fourteenth child. In her honor, he had this incredible mausoleum built as a testament of his love. Walking inside of the Taj Mahal was a bit rushed, as the sight attracts a large amount of visitors, but it was really incredible to see one of the new seven wonders of the world up close.


For lunch, we stopped at a place in Agra called Sheroes Hangout CafĂ©. This restaurant is run by survivors of acid attacks. As our food was prepared, we watched a brief documentary on some of the women’s stories about their attacks, and how their lives have moved forward afterwards. This experience was one of the most moving things I have ever witnessed, as these women were still so positive and so kind-hearted after having gone through something so painful. It was amazing to see how the women’s lives have progressed after their attacks, and how they have turned their painful experiences into something positive and empowering. Two of the women working at the restaurant sang songs for us. After we ate, the women informed us that there are no prices for the food, and that we only pay what we wish. I think this is a really incredible way to run a business, as they are so willing to give to others at no determined price for themselves.  A lot of us bought some things in their shop and also donated money to their cause.



 Lastly, we visited the Agra fort. This fort was much larger and older than the fort we had visited in New Delhi. We learned from our tour guide, Bobby, that Shah Jahan, the man behind the Taj Mahal, was imprisoned at this fort for the last 8 years of his life. Although he was imprisoned, the fort gave him a view of the Taj Mahal.

Comments