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January, 2000

Next India Trip
Delhi-Agra-Ranthambhore: Nupur and her husband, Anindo, agreed to be tourists with me for a few days. They showed me around Delhi, my favorite spot was Dees Biryani, Defence Colony Flyover Market, a restaurant built under a highway overpass which shook when trucks passed overhead. We rode a train to Agra and saw one of the best sites in the world: the Taj Mahal. Then we went on a road trip to Ranthambhore. The roads aren't any less dangerous with local help, so we stopped at road side liquor stores to drink beer and fortify our nerves. At Ranthambhore we went on a tiger safari - didn't see any tigers but the scenery was fantastic - an old fort overlooks the tiger park.
Nupur and Anindo at the fort next to the Taj Mahal.
The Taj Mahal - the most magnificent building erected for love. It looks even better at close range. Constructed by Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his second wife Mumtaz Mahal, whose death in childbirth in 1631 left the emperor so heartbroken that his hair is said to have turned grey overnight. Construction of the Taj began in the same year and was not completed until 1653.