So the magic continues. A new rose petal design outside our front door.

Last night we were on the balcony just soaking in the cool breezes and the view while we waited to go and see the BIG suites. They were another WOW. We started talking to a very well dressed Indian man, we assumed he was a guest. He has two daughters in the States, one in Chicago and one in Kentucky. He was actually the Historian who helped the Taj Hotel chain recreate the palace to the original glory as closely as possible to how it used to be. Been here since the purchase for the last 12 years and still working on what else has to be done. The Princess of the family makes the decisions he carries them out. He took us on a behind the scenes tour to rooms not completed yet and all the incredible things yet to be used locked away behind closed doors.

The historian suggested that we wear the same type of original clothing from the Nizam era and have our pictures taken within the palace. We decided to do it. This is offered on request and we are not sure if there is a charge or not but we will do it anyway.

It took the beautiful young girl about 40 minutes to dress me. This is intricate attire and I think all the heavy beading made it even more difficult. I have soft hair, clips and pins always just fall out so keeping the items they wanted in my hair and the scarf over my head was very difficult. In the end I gave up trying, she said to me "lady you have nice hair but it is a problem" Seems like every time I turn around in India "lady you have a problem"

It got pretty hot taking the pictures, my dress weighed a ton all the beading made it very heavy. The bedrooms are all extremely well air conditioned but the palace is not. They remained relatively cool compared to outside but not air conditioned.

Ken is going to post some shortly, we have about an hour before we leave for the airport. Internet is good so hopefully they will be up with this post before we leave.

So sad to leave here what a place. The breakfast again was such a production. I seldom eat bread and never sweet rolls but today I ate three sweet rolls. They were so outstanding, light and not overly sweet. I ordered a bran muffin with fruit and just could NOT eat it. Guess what turned up in my room, my bran muffin and fruit. The other thing I like is they ask you do not tip anyone individually. If you wish to leave a gratuity you do so at the concierge desk and it is shared equally. The service is above and beyond. We have been handing out our pins and they have become a big hit. That elephant with the wording Taj Mahal has everyone excited.

Ngaire