(written by Pan-Pan)

Think of the most luxurious hotel you know, and multiply that by 100. That is the Amarvilas Hotel in Agra. Last night, James and I walked through some dark streets to reach this paradise. We walked in, were greeted by supremely well dressed doormen in full turban and gown, and entered the dome-like , sparkling lobby. Don't get me wrong, we weren't there to get a room! (Rooms start at $650 USD a night). We just went in pretending we were interested in getting a room and then got a full tour. It was great because it was like having a guided tour of an architecture wonder...for free! We were guided by a very well spoken young Indian man in Indian turban who called us "Sir" and "Madam". We saw the lit up pool area, which was like something out of a dream, plus the turqoise pool that is open 24/7. Everything was opulent, everyone was polite and respectful, the halls were lavishly decorated and the whole place was wonderfully cool. After the chaos and heat and hustle of the rest of India, it honestly felt like heaven. Our guide showed us one of the rooms, and it was just insane. The bathroom floors were made of marble, it had a balcony overlooking the Taj (as does every room at this hotel, somehow), and it was just so beautifully decorated. You would have loved it Mrs. Campbell, James says you like visiting nice hotels. Since it was night time, we couldn't get any pictures, so I took some off the internet to show you an idea of what its like.

(A room with a view of the Taj at Amarvilas)

Mark Twain once said "There are two types of people in the world: those who have seen the Taj Mahal and those who have not." Well I am thrilled to report that as of 6 am this morning, James and I are officially of the "have" group. I don't think pictures can do this monument justice, it is really just indescribably beautiful and luminescent. The whole thing is made of white marble, and it is inlaid with intricate flower designs made of precious stones. It really is a great monument to love - brief history: it was built by emperor Shan Jahan for his favourite wife who died during childbirth. Its whiteness has recently been protected by the Indian Government who has banned fueled vehicles from driving with a 2km radius of the Taj. (Note from James: They also don't turn on the lights at night, to prevent insects from landing on it.)

Us at the Taj Mahal. James is wearing his traditional Indian shirt and I'm wearing my traditional Indian dress called a Salwar Kameez (both tailor made)