Next stop was Goa. A number of people had asked why we wanted to go there .. the reason was to see Old Goa with its Portuguese architecture, and its mediterranean cuisine. North Goa has a reputation as being a hippy destination, but despite this we went to South Goa, where we found tranquility and some lovely mansions, cathedrals and food.

Cradoc wanted to show you around our rather wonderful old Portuguese hotel, but I am afraid that he did nothing but show off -

We spent a relaxing few hours on the beach, drinking lime sodas at on of these shacks, then, with a great deal of originality, went for a curry. Goa has many old houses, still inhabited, mainly by the poor relations who were left behind when in the 17th century, Goa was abandoned due to cholera and malaria epidemics.

Next we took a trip to Old Goa, largely overgrown, but some churches remain:

And finally to the present-day capital of the region, Panjim, a thriving city ..

And then we flew to Agra, where we hired a motorised trishaw and were taken here and there .. you can guess where this is -

- and there were many more interesting sights around the city - Cradoc insisted on having his photo taken; we tried to be discreet!

The next day our trishaw driver persuaded us to allow his brother to take us in his taxi to Fatepur Sikri, an abandoned town, and en route to visit a war cemetery. We weren't too sure what interest the cemetery would hold, but agreed anyway. We were surprised when we stopped at a wildlife sanctuary but obediently allowed oursleves to be taken round (by another brother, probably). Half way round we realised that we had misheard - this was it. But it was a great experience, with lots of water birds to be seen.

Eventually we got to Fatepur Sikri, which was most interesting .. here are some shots of the architectural detail:

Finally, Delhi .. which made us glad to get home:

.. and here is Cradoc breathing a sigh of relief at the thought that the next airport will be Heathrow ..