Birthday Surprises and the Taj Mahal

Can you tell I was really overworked and exhausted by this point in the trip?

On the actual day of birthday, I had 2 amazing birthday surprises. The first was from my Mom, Rohit and sisters...they sent me a beautiful bouquet of flowers! I was completely surprised because I never expected to receive flowers all the way in Rajasthan. Also, Mary and Brenda surprised me with a carved fruit bowl that they carved themselves! They took half of a papaya and carved it into a bowl and then put chopped fruit inside. So nice! They knew me too well...I think a carved fruit bowl is my ideal birthday breakfast. They also bought me a bar of good quality chocolate, which was a luxury. Good chocolate is available in Jaipur but not that common.

Brenda, Mary and I in front of the Taj Mahal

After breakfast, we went to the Taj Mahal. I had been to the Taj twice before, but I figured that they had to see it while they were in India and it would be fun to do something touristy with them. It was a much needed break from all of the work we had been doing.

Brenda, Mary and I on a ledge at the Taj Mahal.

Another nice thing that Mary and Brenda did for my birthday was buy AppyFizz (in lieu of champagne) for us to drink on the roof of our hotel. In Rajasthan, people seem to spend a lot of time on their roofs, especially in the hot summer months. Our hotel's roof was really cool and comfortable and had a great view of the city.

As a side note, I want to say that Matt is the greatest boyfriend in the world. While I was in India he sent me a giant care package filled with books, magazines, peanut butter, and peanut m&ms and some clothes. He is so nice! The best part was that is was not for my birthday, it was just because he missed me. I was so happy!