After we got our stuff into our rooms, freshened up a bit we were on our way to see the Taj Mahal. A wonder of the world, a world heritage site, something I have wanted to see for a very long time.
Helena told us this used to say High Value Ladies. Not ticket holders.
After going through the line to get tickets and security, this was the main gate building.
The security people, one line for ladies, one for men, told us we were not to bring candy, gum or anything sharp into the Taj Mahal area. They took my sharpie fine point writing pen. We were not sure why, but that was keeping me from going to the Taj Mahal, they could have all the sharpies they wanted. Oh, they also took my cough drops and tums.
Even though it does not look like it, there were lots and lots of people here.
Floor mosaic
Mark's photos are next, we could not take photos inside the Taj Mahal itself
I was able to walk into the tomb, and saw the crypt behind the pierced screen. As our tour guide stopped to talk some more I really needed to get some air, I was not doing well at all. Helena said she would come with me. It took all my concentration to get back to this spot. One foot in front of the other, keep moving, get out of the cramped and crowded airless place. Keep moving one foot at a time. I thought once I got outside I would be better. Helena gave me another bottle of water, I had already had four bottles of water. That was the last thing I really remembered after I sat down. I remember bits and pieces after that. I remember water being poured on me, I remember someone rubbing my hands, and my shoes being taken off. Someone fanned me. I thought I was hallucinating when I heard someone with a thick Spanish accent say, no I am not a doctor but I am a Spaniard. I wondered what part of my head I pulled that one out of. Mark later told me that was true, it really happened. I have no idea why he said that, Mark also said he was telling them how to help me before I heard that bit. I had trouble seeing, so I am going to forever imagine that nice man looking like Antonio Banderas, Mark says he was short and pudgy wearing a baseball hat. Nope, he looks like Mr. Banderas. Someone called for a wheel chair, there was no way I was walking all that way back. I could not even sit up on my own, and my vision was not yet recovered. They had me walk down the stairs as there is no ramp, I had to hold on to both walls and Mark walked in front so in case I fell he would catch me.I had no idea who had my shoes, or if anyone in our group did. Someone brought them back to Mark. Thank you for that, whomever did that. There were four gates, and we went out one and our group went out another one.
Mark had one of the crap vendors or a beggar child buy me four liters of cold water, which I do remember drinking most of it while I sat in the wheel chair. I did see the monkey and my only thought was Lon would like to see a picture of that monkey.
Mark went and found our group, they were trying to find us.
They got us a car to take Mark and I back to the hotel, I was in no shape to go to the marble market or anywhere else. Once we got back to the hotel I got into the shower and let cool water run over me. The water was cool hitting my head and it was much warmer running off my body. Even in my fuzzy state of mind, I knew this was not good, especially after all the time I spent in the air conditioned car, and back in our room. Helena called a doctor to the hotel room. He was very nice, I got a shot of something and some medication to take, but he would not tell me what I was taking or even what my blood pressure was. He did say I was not to take any blood pressure medication till I left India. He said the top number of my blood pressure was well under 100. He told me to drink lots of pop, things with sugar and salt would be good. I know we went out after a while to walk around the hotel, I only vaguely remember that. Mark can tell you more about that, I can add his thoughts if he writes them out for me.
I was not sure what was happening other than I was so very hot and could not cool off. My thoughts were very fuzzy as if I had taken too much pain medication, it was scary to me that I could not see, and when I could I had no peripheral vision. I am not sure about my hearing, sometimes if sounded like people were very far away. and somethings I do not remember because I was passed out.
I know I had something to eat, but I can not remember what came from room service.
I am sorry that Mark had to miss some of India because of me. It was so wonderful of him to stay with me and take such good care of me. I had lots to think about, but I would do it in the morning or even later. I was worried I could not make the rest of the tour, if it was all going to be that hot and we were out side that much. But that could wait till tomorrow.
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