I'll admit I was a bit nervous about traveling to Delhi. Several people had given me the impression that the city is dirty and unsafe. However, my personal experience in the city of Delhi was a positive one. We visited the India Gate, the president's house, the Qutab Minar, and a few other landmarks before setting out for Agra, home to the world renowned Taj Mahal. 

Agra itself is actually a fairly run-down city. We drove through may neighborhoods, the likes of which many people may never be confronted with in their lifetime. It's difficult to see naked children covered in dirt begging for food and money on the streets. Our class has learned a lot about the government's struggle to fight poverty and provide education for its youngest generation. "Shack" doesn't accurately describe the flimsy structures many of the poor in this country call home. And with the population growing at an incredible rate, the slums in India are going to expand as well, along with the middle and upper classes. 

Seeing so much poverty in this country really puts into perspective how fortunate I have been in this life. My dad made an interesting point when we reached the Taj Mahal after traveling through so many slums. Standing before the enormously large, undeniably priceless landmark he said, "imagine if all the money that was spent on palaces, forts, and tombs had been spent on the welfare of the people." Makes you think. Regardless, the Taj was certainly incredible and even surpassed my expectations in terms of its beauty. I'm convinced it is impossible to take a bad photo of it!

Jaipur was the final city on our itinerary. We visited a few more forts and palaces, rode elephants and camels, and spent our final afternoon relaxing in the sun by our hotel pool.

Even though I can't help but cringe at the thought of spending extra money on travel in addition to the money I'm spending for this program and all the expenses that come with studying abroad, it is an absolute necessity for anyone who really wants to gain the maximum exposure to Indian culture and all it has to offer. I have no doubt I am better off for it.