…but Hillary’s left wheel well has a bit of a bruise. As it turns out, navigating through the narrow, crowded streets of Agra’s old city is more challenging even than the chaotic, but flowing traffic of Jaipur.

Once again we were out the door on schedule, and successfully avoided the morning rush. We made such great time on the road today that we were in Agra by 1:30pm, 242km away. Things started getting really interesting about 20km from our destination when the road narrowed to a single usable lane, packed with people, vehicles and cows. I have taken on the role of navigating in the cities while Jason drives… it isn’t that I mind driving, but listening to Jason “coach” is more that I can take. Its just easier this way. Though we each played our role calmly, there really was no avoiding a couple of brush ups against other vehicles and having a mirror nearly dismount a lovely lady from a motorcycle. Unlike the situation back home, no one made the least amount of fuss over the encounters and we simply carried on. Seriously, if you see two white guys driving an auto-rickshaw it is in your best interest to give a wide berth.

After a recovery drink at our pad, the Taj Gateway Hotel, we made an excursion to see the Taj Mahal. Though not new to either of us, it never, ever ceases to amaze. We ran into a couple of other Rickshaw Run teams there, so at least a few of us are making good progress.

Based upon our unexpected progress so far, we are reworking our planned route tonight. We are thinking of pushing on to Lucknow tomorrow, 336km away. It will be our biggest day so far, but will actually put us two days ahead of “schedule”.

That will give us ample time to get to Varanasi, possibly with a rest day there for us and a “spa day” for Hillary. She will be needing her fluids changed by then.

Jason just had a swim in the pool. Now we’re considering a bite of dinner and an early night. As we drive east daylight comes earlier and earlier, and Gods (there are supposedly 330 million of them in India) know we need to get out of Agra before the city comes alive!

Cheers,
Brian and Jason