Storytime…………………
On a recent trip to the Taj Mahal, I met the most amazing tour guide. He was Muslim but really he was everything. I don’t think I have ever met a person with such an open heart and kind spirit. Really. His perspective on everything was open minded and cheerful. He prayed to Allah on our behalf in the dome of the Taj Mahal, he told us Hindu stories, he simply embraced all that is good in the world.
One of my friends asked him how Indians feel about the British – how they ruled – the after effects of their leaving – just in general.
He said that some people were probably resentful. And then he held up a bottle of water and said, “But if you give me a bottle of water, then take back a capful of water, I am still left with a very full bottle of water.”
This is my new perspective. I still have a very full bottle of water – and, yes, you can remind me of that if you see the need to! 😉
And if you need a tour guide the next time you are in Agra – Ali is the guy!
Ali
+91 93585 06021
ali_alltime@hotmail.com
furqan_agra@yahoo.com
401, Bibhab Residency
Near Hotel Amar
Fatehabad road
Agra 282 001
OMG! I am almost positive that that is the same guide we had. Did he tell you he is also a pharmacist and works at his brother’s shop once a week?
Thanks! Just want to ask also how much is the range of fee for a tour guide in agra?
Hi again – we hired him through a travel agent – so I am not really sure – but I don’t think it’s too expensive. I know the recommended tip for the day was 750 rupees (which is about $15 USD). I am sure if you email him, he will give you a price quote.
Hi! just came across with your blog while searching for a tour guide in agra coz nim planning to visit india this May.. thanks for the information! 🙂
He is really great! Have a wonderful trip. And if you get the chance to read a book before you go – I highly recommend “Beneath a Marble Sky” by John Shors – it will really make the history of the Taj make sense. It is historical fiction – so the writer used his imagination – but the story line follows the history pretty closely!
@Ann LOL
“he simply embraced all that is good in the world.” What a beautiful way to be described. He must have made quite an impression. And he looks the part. Great smile. Gotta remember that water thing too. (Though I’m not sure exactly what it means) )-:
He was a beautiful person – he had absolutely nothing negative to say about anything at all. And it just means look at what people give you not what they take away – most of the time you are still way ahead. 😎
I think he was so cheery because he was with “3 beautiful women” on a sunny, beautiful morning! And he liked our camera!
Oh I am quite sure he wrote on his blog about how fantastic and upbeat we were too! 😉
My sentiments exactly. 🙂
😎