SabreDriver

Ahhhh, the "Law of Gross Tonnage" it's a wonderful thing

SNIZ

Albie had his chance and the position reporting intimidated him. Now he's doing SFOs in Central Florida.

LivingInMEM

Heard on the radio that even the Taj has stopped accepting US dollars.

Albief15

...tis true. I thought I had about 18 months and at least 2 more bids to figure out which big jet I wanted to fly as an F/O if I couldn't get to the left seat of the boeing.

Lesson learned is that camping to protect seniority a bit longer can have some negative consequences. I'll probably bit a bit more spring loaded to jump if I get another shot.

On the other hand--its time to realize if I'm lucky I'll be a 50 year old captain flying the crappiest trips and/or sitting reserve. So that means diving into some other passions and interests for a while. That's okay...this isn't a gripe or a request for a pity party. It is just the recognition that Dec 13 has career implications like a furlough or 9/11 type event for a lot of folks. It won't kick us to the curb (thankfully) but it will certainly stagnate some careers for a while.

bifff15

Tell him not to forget to call high key (a position report)...

md11phlyer

Highly recommend taking this tour. I recommend using the hotel desk tour as well. You can get your own car if you want, but I think you'll miss out on a lot of the history. Our guide was extremely knowledgeable about all world history, not just the Mughal Empire.

And if you don't speak redneck, you actually visit Akbar's Tomb and Agra Fort (Not Maharaj's Tomb and the Red Fort).

I put together a slide show with a historical narrative that I've got some great feedback on. PM me your email if you want to see what's out there before you go. That said, go ahead and do it before it's too late. With the amount of religious extremism in this world the Taj may not be around much longer.

highflyer

Talked with a guy who knew a guy who... (this is not first hand info, so fwiw)

A long layover, set up a hotel in Agra beforehand, checked out of the Sheraton the day prior and arrived Agra in the evening. The Holiday Inn (I think) was very accomodating and since he was the only guest that night the owner invited him to dine with his family. Got up early the next morning and saw the Taj at sunrise, well before the crowds arrived. Had a pleasant ride back to the Sheraton and all totalled spent about $300. Worth it, I think! Anybody have similar stories?

SuperMario

Concur. MUCH easier trip in a hired car, and very cost effective (I believe the whole day, including the myriad tips, was only about $80). In fact, we were back at the hotel in time for the afternoon free food/booze gig - a big bonus. Unfortunately, I don't know how the trip was set up, as I was a late addition, but I believe the concierge set it up (with his bro as driver, no doubt!). The driver spoke very good English, and he had a Taj tour guide all set up for our arrival. The tour guide did both the Taj and the Red Fort with us. We did, however, make the requisite stops at a carpet joint and a marble shop (owned by the other brother Daryl, I'm sure), but it was interesting nonetheless.

Bottom line, if you dig group tours and a 14-hour investment, ride the bus. If you want a more personalized experience (and a much more expedient one), get a car.

fr8dog11

PurpleTail,

Ditto what SuperMario said, we used a driver one of the mechanics recommended: Sanjeev Kumar, Cell #9811135995. Real interesting day, the drive itself is an adventure. Think it was about $75 a piece, included a private guide at the Taj, and the requisite stops at the carpet and marble shops afterward. Have fun.

PurpleTail

Thanks for all the great info guys, I really appreciate it!