So this wasn’t as easy as I thought it would be.

The idea was simple.

For my trip to India, I’d follow the path of Chris Bolton with a four a day picture diary. 

What we are doing?

Where it is happening? 

Who is involved?

Why? 

Four pictures and a bit of commentary to tell the story.

Except I did it in Substack and – who knew – the app is absolutely terrible for editing from a phone. Back to trusty old WordPress. So I’m a week behind , but going to catch up and post a few images and commentary.

What are we doing?

On the road to Agra at one of the roadside stops.

A refillable cup of chai was about 17p. One of the depressing realties of modern travel in the UK is the homogenised nature of our roadsides. It’s either the franchise land of Starbucks/McD/KFC/Greggs or the upscale farm shops of a Gloucester services. What both have in common is that they are designed to rob the average pocket. The franchises are definitely on their way in India , but for now it’s still the domain of inexpensive family run restaurants, hawkers and shack stops.

Where is it happening? 

The Taj of course. You can’t come to Agra and not do the Taj which is why it hosts about 40,000 visitors a day. The maximum capacity of Alton Towers is about 25,000.

It’s a stunning experience only marred by the fact that every single visitor is trying to take the same photograph as you. Selfie sticks are wisely banned so I’d suggest visiting with someone taller than me.

Who is involved?

Me and the missus gamely trying to go along with our guides insistence to photograph us from every conceivable angle.

Why?

Why have we introduced friction into every conceivable interaction? Getting into the Taj Mahal is an airport security experience. Men and women are separated , patted down as guards search for the dreaded selfie stick. We (being moderately privileged) paid for fast track entry – exactly like we do when we go to Alton Towers funnily enough. A system designed only to punish those who can’t afford it, and reward those who can.

Four more tomorrow. (If you want more, and better photos – follow me on instagram) 

Namaste!