In extra busy places like the Taj Mahal and Fatehpur Sikri the flaw in India's social etiquette becomes annoyingly apparent. Megan and I have come to accept some facts of Indian behavior. We understand that you must not allow a space greater than 3 inches to pass between yourself and the person in front of you when standing in line. We have also grown more tolerant to being bumped into without receiving an apology or a 'pardon me'. Our patience was tested to its limits Saturday at the Taj Mahal.
Indians from six to sixty became very intimate with my rear-end that day. Poking, prodding, and even rubbing up against my derriere didn't seem to be a big deal to anyone other than me. My hands remained firmly planted on our valuables (cash, camera, and identification) my nether regions were just going to have to deal with a little roughing-up. I'm glad I didn't let my fists fly in a fury because I'm sure the locals wouldn't have understood what was wrong with 'that crazy whitey'. Keeping your cool is advisable whenever traveling abroad. Powering through the crowds was well worth it though and the experiences Megan and I shared with our hosts are the kinds of experiences you never forget. I hope that all of you will get the chance to see the Taj Mahal for yourselves someday. If you do, wear some protection under your shorts.
Goodbye for now,
Bo