Trip to India

Was able to take about 4 hours and do a little sightseeing today. Started by seeing Humayun Tomb. Another palace like resting place for royalty. This was built before the Taj Mahal; but, you can see the similar architectural features.

Then stopped by to see India Gate which is a memorial to fallen soldiers.

Straight down the road from the India Gate is the Presidential palace. You're not allowed in; but, was able to get a couple of pictures.

Drove by the Old Fort and old British Market.

Closed the day by seeing the Aksahardum Temple; but, you are not allowed to take your camera in.

Saturday - Feb 3

The guys from TCS took us to see the Taj Mahal in Agra. Was a long day but well worth it. We left the hotel at 6am and returned around 7:30pm. The Taj truly is a beautiful place built by the Shah Jahn in the early 1600's. 22 years and 20000 laborers to build the palace and resting place for the dearest of his wives who provided him 14 children before dying at the age of 39.

The Cognizant guys took us sightseeing south of Chennai this afternoon. We went to a small town called Mahabalipuram. Some people describe it as the Atlantis of India as they found that there are several temples underwater just off the coast.

Evidently, during the Tsunami 2 years ago - they discovered several temples off shore. In a Tsunami, the water first draws back into the ocean away from the coast, prior to slamming the coast with the tidal wave. When the water drew back - the temples were visible.

Started this trip with the long flights from Portland to Frankfurt, Germany. Then with a short layover, another long flight from Frankfurt to Chennai, India.

We had a good tailwind so we made good time on both flights; but, it was still 18.5 hours of flying time - let alone the layovers. The airport in Chennai was remarkably still buzzing with lots of activity even after midnight - although based on my limited time in the airport - its not someplace I'd like to be stuck on a long layover for.

Got to the hotel in Chennai at about 1am this morning. Was able to squeeze about 5 hours of sleep in although there seem to be traffic on the road all night and every car must honk their horn for whatever reason.