January 29 On the Road Again

Get 'em up, move 'em out - our small band is en route to Agra. In the bus, Sujay hangs up a map of India, pointing out the highlights of each region. As we drive through the states, I see the disparity of the regions - ethnicities, languages, dress and income levels. We saw eager merchants in Kerala, street people and some begging in Delhi, but nothing to prepare us for the visuals that go with the words "abject poverty" and "street urchin" here in Agra. The dichotomy of the Taj Mahal and other beautiful monuments here and the people who seem to have almost nothing is stark. Our group is staying in a sumptuous hotel but we know what's out there, just beyond the walls. Although we enjoy our meal and have conversation, we are all spend and are in our rooms early.