July 31, 2007 - Agra, India

"Do not speak- unless it improves on silence."
~ Buddhist Philosophy

On our road-trip to Agra, the following are some animals we saw on the historic Silk Road streets:
+ Snake charmer with two cobras
+ Camel
+ Monkeys
+ Water Buffalo
+ Wild Boar
+ Elephants
+ Peacocks
+ Sarus Cranes
+ Baby Egyptian Falcon

In 14 years, the city of Fatchpur Sikri was built, rose, and fell. This ghost city, built in 1571, is now a World Heritage Site. The city was once a major trading center, created in honor of a prophet who told a young 26 year old emperor he would father three sons. The theory for why the city fell in such a short period of time is due to an inadequate water supply.

Everywhere a foreigner goes in India, a peddler is usually trying to get their attention in hopes of a sale. While at Fatchpur Sikri, a monsoon rainstorm quickly came upon us, causing all to run for cover. While taking cover in a side walkway, alone, three teenage peddlers came upon me with their goods. We have been told repeatedly to not make eye contact or even respond to their requests, but the boys began to invade my "comfort bubble". It was when one of the boys grabbed my arm that I made myself very large, turned around quickly, looked him squarely in the eye, and commanded "nay, nay" ("no, no").

The peddlers got this foreigners point.