The Taj and 10-year-olds

We are now in Agra (think Taj Mahal).

We got out of Kashmir with our traveling partner Mark (6ft 3", possible IRA member) nearly kicking the shit out of our houseboat owner, which resulted in possible terrorist attack upon us. We yield and left for Agra. Anywho, check out Kashmir because like Papa says "you will lav my Kashmiri country, you will lav my Dal Lake, and my sufism".

Papa is of course the heroin addict, alcoholic, Kashmiri nationalist, and lover of Allah and his prophet. We stayed at his cottage for 3 nights. Though the sites were undoubtedly breath-taking, this potentially could be the most screwed up experience of our lives. None-the-less, everyone should check out Kashmir and have one complimentary stay at Papa and his family's home, on Pat's dollar. Your junk is not included, but we're positive that Papa can recommend you to a highly regarded dealer and we're sure that one of his two deaf sons will guide you there safe and sound to the place of pick-up.

In all seriousness, Kashmir is beautiful and the vast majority of people are some of the most charismatic and kind people you'll ever come across.

We are now in Agra, and it is hotter than Mother Africa. The city is calm because it's no longer tourist season here in contrast to the other places we've been so far. SIDE NOTE: driving in India is like playing Mario Kart but instead you can win driving backwards and you'll have to watch out for the cows. Today, we got up at 5 am to witness the sunrise at the Taj Mahal. It is a truly remarkable achievement for the era and is one of the few places that belong on Pat's 7 wonders of the world, which includes the most wonderful and missed of all, Cafe Myriad.

Watching Pat in a heated and failed negotiation with a 10 year old over 30 INR (about 75 cents CDN) for a t-shirt with the Indian flag printed on was wonderful. After the failed break-down, he proceeded to the neighbouring store where he purchased it for his desired price of 75 INR ($1.50 CDN) and then informed the little 10 year old shit (Pat writing) what a fabulous deal he got. Screw You Kumar (Pat still writing).

Sasha got a wicked deck of cards (erotic statues of Kajuraho), in a respectful and no hassle fashion. Very satisfied.

Love love love
Off to Jaipur tomorrow, the Pink City awaits us!

ps. post cards coming your way soon.