JudyandJohn:

We did the Taj Mahal during the 2008 World Cruise. I must say I had high expectations and was surprised that these expectations were exceeded by what we saw. Since India is so far away and travel becoming more difficult, we would opt for the longer trip as who knows if one will ever be back.

Rabies shot. None for us. The dogs we saw running around did not approach us and we found most to be sound asleep wherever they decided to flop.

The smell. Yes there was one bad odor (over a culvert) during short walk from propane bus to Taj gate but no one in our Regent group had a problem with it although we covered our mouth and nose and said "phew" more than a few times :>)

We truly enjoyed the Indian people we came in contact with and I especially enjoyed the classy doctor who came to my hotel room in Agra to treat my discomfort.

Lepers/disabled. Saw one terribly disabled beggar during our walk to the Taj who had to move on all fours. India is what it is. When you look for the good you will find it and when looking for the bad, it is easily accessible too.

We had one fabulous guide on our Regent bus and she said something like ...."You will love India or you will hate India but she will assault your senses and you will never forget her." Well I didn't love her or hate her but like Ardis I was fascinated by her and yes, I'd go back but no time soon as there are too many other places we yearn to see.

Vendors/Beggars. Act as if you are a deaf mute. Don't look at their goods but walk away saying NOTHING. They figure that if they can open your mouth, they can open your wallet. That was good advice that Regent bus people got from our Chinese guide in Beijing. He was another class act. He liked us and we liked him.

Food was always good

If you'd like to see our photos of the Taj, click on the following link, then click on World Cruise and then Segment 5.

http://ray-penny.smugmug.com/

Whatever you decide to do, have fun doing it

Cheers!

Ray & Penny