The Daily Diary of a Wandering Restaurateur
January 28 - The (Rail)Road to Agra
Our first exposure to rail travel in India was eye-opening. The same organized confusion that rules the roads also seems alive and well on the train tracks. I'm sure some of it is just because everything is a new experience -- and that's a good thing. Margene struck up a conversation with a recently-married couple from Atlanta. She is originally from Calcutta and this was the trip to meet the rest of the family. We had the compartment all to ourselves and while it wasn't posh by any means, it was reasonably comfortable ... and very inexpensive!
We are staying at the Trident Agra Hotel, a sleekly modern property very close to the entrance to the Taj Mahal. I have been impressed with the place but our driver tells us that the global economy has hit Agra hard and the hotel, which is usually full around this time of year, only has a few dozen rooms occupied. Certainly we have not had to fight any crowds to get into the dining room. When times get tough, I suspect that restaurants have more options than hotels when it comes to drumming up business. The grounds were well-tended although it was a good thing we were't planning on a swim. The best part though, as always, is the warmth and hospitality of the people. Lalit was our driver during our brief visit and KC always had a smile and a helping hand for us ... not to mention a cool turban and an awesome moustache!
© 2009 Restaurant Doctor
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