How far up a side alley can one go before never making it back?

Headed to Chandni Chowk, Old Delhi's most famous, busiest street. I felt unnerved, yet curious. Saree shops up alleys seemed endless, until a black doorway we daren't enter. How far up a side alley can one go before never making it back? Poverty seemed more intense here. Filth on scale not seen before. A man throws up blood on the walk back back to the metro station.

Red Fort is the next tourist attraction to be visited. Though it seems like we are the attraction, so many wish to take photographs of us.

28th July, Agra Day Trip

4am start which will mess with our body clocks continuously. 1st class AC carriage feels so luxurious, way better than expected. As we pull away from the city, a different India is revealed gradually..greener, brighter, perhaps not cleaner but certainly less overwhelming than Delhi.

When we arrive at Agra, so many small children were begging. It was heartbreaking. I just wanted to give them all a hug and explain that we didn't have any food on us, and if we gave them money we'd have to give them all money and we don't have enough for that.

Is that even strictly true though?

Taj Mahal spoke for itself. Photos aplenty.

First time ate "out", on a rooftop with Taj in view in distance. Had a Thalli plate which consisted of rice, chapati (my new favourite kind of bread), dal, another curry thing and curd. Complete with Chai tea made seven young ladies very happy. Well, six, as a huge monkey leapt onto the table and stole Abbie's chapati. I made a split second decision and grabbed my camera to document the moment, then was told I should probably get my dinner instead. You live and learn eh!

Day was full of animals. Next we saw a cow entering through the door of a restaurant, casual as you like.

Visited Agra fort with stunning Islamic-looking art and architecture with beautiful views across the river and to the Taj Mahal on the other side.

Quite a few days behind on this, but next we go to Goa, which is a huge relief after the manic Delhi.