Fatehpur Sikri

I have one more full day in Agra so I decide to visit Fatehpur Sikri the former capital of the area. It had to be given up again later for the lack of sufficient drinking water but the old palast city structures are still there.
I take the first half of a day long tour to avoid having to rent a taxi for the 40km ride.

We have a guide who tells us some about the history of this great place but we are in just a little bit of a rush. There's hardly anybody there.
We pass from the palace part of the complex to the sacral section Jama Masjid through the impressive 54m high Buland Darwaza, the "Victory Gate".

Our guide quickly ushers us along the walls, over the courtyard and then back towards the exit.
I ignore his requests and head over to the central building again made from white marble. It's the topmb of Sahikh Salim Chisthi. The big ruler Akbar one came to this holy man hoping for a son. And still today childless women come here to pray for offspring. I only get a brief look around then have t catch up with the group who will head on to see the Red Fort and the Taj.
First however we visit a restaurant for a 45min lunch. If only I had known this I would have spent more time at Fatehpur Sikri's Jama Masjid and caught up with them later.

Back in Agra I leave to group at the Red Fort which I already saw the day before.
Instead I head up to Agra's central mosque. My way leads me through a crowded bazar where everything is sold from beautiful saris to motorcycle mufflers. By now I got my traveling shoes on and walk unintimidated amongst the locals. And strangely nobody comes up to sell me something. I can easily take all the pictures I want. It's quite a sight.
The mosque however is a loss. Not much to be seen here. You probably have to come here Friday evenings when the muslems come to pray.

I get a moto-rickshaw and have him drop me off at the Taj south gate once again.
It's almost as stunning as the day before. The light is lower, more colorful and the general atmosphere yet more relaxed though there are much more people around than on the morning of my first visit.
I enjoy the sight of this beauty once again, this time on my own, and let my thought wonder. Tomorrow I will turn 36 and what a way to spend the eve of one's birthday.
With the light diminishing the white marble still stands out against the pale blue sky. We have a waxing half moon but only a few stars make it through the haze of Agra's smog.
I'm heading back to the entrance stopping several times on my way back. Each time I turn to walk it feels like turning away from a good friend I won't be seeing for a long while. When I finally reach the huge gate again I take one long look at my Taj Mahal before turning my back on it for good. It's hard to part but I know it is not for ever. I'm glad I spent the time and came here once again and I know I will be back sooner or later.