AGRA VISIT

my agra visit..

..

Being the most important fort during the 
Mughal Empire and historically recorded many 
significant events that occurred centuries ago, 
we chose Agra Fort aka Red Fort of Agra to 
be our first destination in the city of
 Taj. In fact, this was our first visit to a 
heritage site for this trip. Located by the
 River Yamuna, built by King Akbar around 
1570 A.D. and about 1 km from the Taj Mahal East gate, 
Agra Fort can be easily reached from the town center. 
We got to its south entrance (the only entrance) 
by auto-rickshaw for Rs.50 from our hotel.

From outside the fortress, the most obvious 
criteria of the monument was the red 
sandstone structure and the Mughal-style 
Amar Singh Gate (Akbar Darwaza). This is
 the only gate that opened to public access.

Right under Amar Singh Gate

Previously known as Akbari gate, it was later 
changed to Amar Singh Gate by Shah Jahan.
 Another gate, the Delhi Gate used to be the 
entrance specially for kings and it leads to
 another section called Hathi Pol (Elephant Gate).
Founded by King Akbar the Great, son of Humayun,
 Agra Fort was the greatest fortress of all. It is the
 greatest because all great Mughal kings used to reside 
here and some governed their kingdoms from here, the 
capital of Mughal Empire.

There were plenty of street sellers trying to make
 a living by selling variety of souvenir items, books, and 
postcards just outside the Amar Singh Gate. There 
were also a few guys who introduced themselves as 
guides and they would show their authority cards to 
confirm that. I heard some offered Rs.50 per hour and some other for Rs.200 per 
visit. We didn't need no guide as we can always
 check the fact of any monuments from the Net or guidebooks. One guy 
even came with a very ridiculous approach by telling us
 that it will be a waste of time without hiring any of them. Ciitt (spit).

Get a ticket before you enter

Each visitor should buy a ticket from the ticket 
counter located to the left after passing Amar
 Singh Gate. The ticket cost Rs.300 per person,
 for foreigners. Locals only pay Rs.20 each.
 That's a huge difference huh. If you look like an Indian, 
try to speak Hindi to the ticket guy. You might be paying 
the local fare. As we walked through the fortress 
entrance towards the ticket checking post, several 
men still offering their guide services. Only after 
our tickets checked, none of those people could get 
pass this point and we were finally free.

Approaching Jehangiri Mahal

Jehangiri Mahal

Without further delay, we ventured deeper into the
 fort before we reached at Jehangiri Mahal, a 
big palace-like building with Mughal architecture. 
This palace is made mostly of red sandstone 
and was the most significant building during Akbar's reign. 

One of Jehangiri's towers

Right in front of Jehangiri Mahal was a big bath 
vat (Jahangir's Hauz) which was built in 1610 A.D. 
This mobile circular bath tank measured 5 feet high and
 8 feet in diameter.

I first thought it was a big cooking pot when first 
looked at it but quickly my question was answered 
(I heard a guide telling a group of tourists)it was a bath tub 
of jehangir gifted to him by his brother in law..
 On both sides of the palace stood an octagonal tower. 
We walked passed its gateway into a courtyard where 
we could see the Taj Mahal from a distance. The view was 
breathtaking even in a hazy afternoon.

Jehangiri on Yamuna side

Dance India dance?

Khas Mahal & Anguri Bagh

Exited Jehangiri Mahal into a white marble
 building. It was Khas Mahal, a gift from 
Shah Jahan to his two daughters. Khas 
Mahal consists of two pavilions on each 
side separated by a central hall and marble wall.
 In fact the building was entirely built of white marble
 up to the ceiling. It was then painted in gold and blue,
 the royal colors. But I saw only white and some 
brownish stains (of water or sands) on most parts.

Door to somewhere?

There's also a water pond right in front of the central hall.
 The open space facing Khas Mahal is the 
Anguri Bagh (Garden of grapes) which was an 
idea of Shah Jahan as a private garden for his royal ladies.

Anguri Bagh with Khas Mahal on the background

Musamman Burj

We walked westward to an area where quite a 
number of tourists were busy taking pictures. As
 a result of poor signage, I had no idea what the
 place was at the moment and almost skipped it completely. 
That particular structure was where Emperor Shah Jahan
 had lived for years, imprisoned by his own son,
Aurangzeb before he died. This place is a double storey pavilion with an octagonal dome called Musamman Burj (Jasmine Tower). 
The walls and pillars of this pavilion were decorated
 with colorful arts including pietra dura, which
 can also be found inside Taj Mahal. However, public
 were not allowed into the tower building.

Famous pietra dura

Shish Mahal

So we walked past a few tightly closed doors. 
From the map, I guessed those were 
Shish Mahal (Glass Palace) and perhaps 
Diwan-i-Khas (Hall of Private audience) as well. When 
I peek inside Shish Mahal, it's actually a bathing room or
 hammam. I could see some glowing glasses or mirrors
 which were used as part of the structure, especially
 on its door. According to some, those mirrors
 were imported from Aleppo, Syria. 

Diwan-i-Am

We followed the pathway to another section
 of the fort and saw the Diwan-i-Am 
(Hall of public audience) on our right. 
This piece of structure was built by Shah 
Jahan too and it was used as a place where the
 emperor addressed the public. This hall is easy to
 spot as it has plenty of unique arches and pillars
 (40 of them). There is a tomb of someone 
right in front of this hall but I don't remember exactly the detail.

Almost empty hall

From a distant we could see Nagina Masjid's
 (Gem Mosque) domes on the other side 
which entry was prohibited. Maybe some 
renovations were in progress or something. 
Nevermind, we were then delighted by some
 cute squirrel-like (I guess they're squirrel) creatures who
 were hungry for food.

Come to papa

Not long after that, we walked out of Agra Fort
 as time did not permit us for further
 exploration inside this old, greatest fortification structure
 of old India.

HEY GUYS HELP ME ON THIS

SO I'VE BEEN THINKING ON CHANGING MY BLOG NAME. I'VE SET UP A POLL SIDE TO MY POSTS. PLZ VOTE.. THANKS :)

THIS IS THE FIRST ELECTION BETWEEN MY BLOG NAMES IN WHICH PEOPLE UNDER 18 CAN VOTE TOO. :D.. SO PLZ VOTE...

HEY GUYS INTRODUCING MY NEW FRIEND-- SHASHA

HOLA GUYS.. HOW R U? I'M PERFECTLY FINE.. HOPE U ALL R FINE TOO.. :)

SO I'VE GOT A NEW  SWEETO FRIENDO SHASHA. SHE IS ALSO VERY SWEET.. SHE ALSO COMMENTS ON MY BLOG. HER BLOG IS AWESOME TOO. U COULD CHECK HERS AT--

shasha-hates-unicorns-and-boys.blogspot.in

meet shasha...

THANK U

HEY GUYS INTRODUCING MY NEW FRIEND BOJO

HELLO GUYS INTRODUCING MY NEW FRIEND BOJO.SHE'S VERY SWEET AND SHE ALEAYS COMMENTS ON MY BLOG. SHE ALSO TELLS ME HOW TO MAKE MY BLOG BETTER. YOU COULD CHECK OT HER BLOG AT-

interestingdaysoflife.blogspot.in.

THANKS BOJO.!! U R VERY SWEET. 

MY DANCE CLASS

my three best students

the best dance teacher-- "ME" :)

 

FRIENDS FOREVER-- TO MY BEST FRIEND PIGLET

My Friend when I think of you.
I think of all that we've been through.
All the times we argue and fight,
I know deep inside that it isn't right.
I, then feel bad and alot of pain.
It feels like I've fallen from the sky like the rain.
I love you dear friend with all of my heart.
But now that you're gone I've fallen apart.
I'm getting better as the days go by.
I wish sometimes this was all a big lie.
I pray to you every night.
It's like you're my fire, a burning light.
My dear friend, I miss you alot.
I still wonder why you were put in that spot.
I know you're in a place much better than here.
Watching and helping me with all of my fear.
Our friendship my dear friend,
we will have to the end.
Friends til the end is what we will be.
Someday we'll be together,
together you and me.

LOVE U PIGLET(FRM WINNIE THE POOH)

FIRST DAY IN NEW CLASS. !!HOW EXCITING :)

HEY GUYS GUESS WHAT?? today was my first day in NEW CLASS. finally the day for which i waited so longgg.....
well it did not go as i had planned.. :( i was late and all because of my stupid auto uncle . and then a sudden class change. i coudnt find my class for 10 long minutes.... !!! but finally reached my goal.. :|  Got my new timetable and teachers. all very nice ones.. my section is THE BEST :D BUT.....

THE BOYS OUTTA THERE.. TOMORROW IS A CHANGE OF SEATS.. I HOPE I DONT GET TO SIT BESIDE A stupid and irritating BOY!! friends will be PARTED
.. :( hope 4 the best and pray 2 GOD !! :)

HOMEMADE GIFTS-- COASTERS ...

 The ceramic tile coasters that I crafted looked great initially, but very quickly got tea and coffee stains on them that wouldn't wipe off. Not being waterproof is a pretty serious problem for a coaster!

I'll share the secret with you on this page so you can learn how to make coasters that are beautiful, durable, and fully waterproof. It's actually pretty simple once you know how.

This is a long page, but don't let that frighten you. Learning how to make tile coasters is actually really easy.

How to Make Coasters: Materials

The first step in learning how to make coasters is to gather up your materials. Here's what you'll need...

Materials for tiles and decorating them

4 tiles each 4" (10 cm) square

Mod Podge or other white craft glue

Paint brush for spreading glue

Scrapbook paper

Pencil

Craft knife

Ruler

Instead of using scrapbooking paper, you could use photos to make your own custom photo coasters.

Materials for varnishing and waterproofing the tiles

Achieving a waterproof and non-tacky finish is the the most critical part of how to make coasters in my opinion. Here's what you'll need

Envirotex Lite Pour-On High Gloss Resin

Two disposable plastic cups

Wooden stirring stick (e.g. popsicle stick)

The Envirotex is the secret of how to make coasters with a beautiful, glass-like, non-tacky, stain-proof finish. It's a two-part epoxy that comes in two bottles which you mix together then pour on your coasters. People use it to coat bar-tops in bars and restaurants so it's designed to be durable. One coat of Envirotex is equivalent to 50 coats of regular varnish. If you want to make a gift that will last for years, then it's worth using.

Before I discovered Envirotex I tried practically every other type of varnish (including acrylic varnish, decoupage varnish, spray-on polyurethane varnish, araldite, egg whites, and mod-podge), and nothing gave as good a finish. The other types of varnish looked OK, but they were tacky, or brittle, or got stained by coffee or tea.

I haven't seen Envirotex in craft stores, but you can get it at Amazon (link above), or on eBay (links below). Click on one of the links for more information about the product. A 8-oz kit (enough for 16 tiles) normally costs around $15, so it comes out at less than $1 / coaster. And obviously it's cheaper per tile if you buy it in bulk.

How to Make Coasters: Decorating

Step 1

Cut out squares of scrapbooking paper (or photos) to decorate your coasters. My tiles are 4" across, so I cut out pieces of scrapbooking paper 3.5" across, to leave a small border around the edge.

Step 2

Make sure your tiles are clean and dry. If they're greasy, then give them a wipe with methylated spirits or rubbing alcohol to clean them.

Completely paint the blank side of a decorative paper square with Mod Podge or white glue. Make sure you go right up to the edges. It's best to work on a piece of scrap paper that you don't mind getting glue on.

Place the glued piece of decorative paper onto a tile. Press on it firmly to remove any air bubbles. I recommend using a glass tumbler as a rolling pin and using a rolling motion from the center to the edge of the paper to work out any bubbles. The first time I did this I just used my fingers and even though I thought I was thorough I still left some bubbles under the paper which I only noticed once the glue was dry.

Repeat the process for the rest of the tiles. Have a cup of tea and a biscuit and wait 15 minutes for the glue to dry before going going on to the next step.

Step 3

Check for any bubbles under the paper. If you see any, pop them with a pin and flatten them out.

Brush a layer of Mod Podge or white glue over the top of the decorative paper. I like to brush all in the same direction.

Wait until the glue dries clear (about 15 minutes), then paint on another layer, this time at right-angles to the first layer. It's really important that you completely seal over the paper with glue, so that later the varnish doesn't soak into the paper and discolor it.

Leave glue to dry overnight, so that it's completely dry before you apply the varnish in the next step.

How to Make Coasters: Waterproofing

I strongly recommend varnishing your tiles to make them waterproof. If you leave them unvarnished then they'll look OK, but they'll always have a slightly tacky (sticky) feel to them, and will stick to a hot cup placed on them. Also they'll stain if tea or coffee gets on them. Varnishing your tiles with Envirotex will give them a glass-like waterproof finish which I think is really worth it.

Mind you, the Envirotex epoxy varnish is going to drip everywhere when you pour it on your coasters, so before you start it's a good idea to:work on a disposable surface like a big piece of cardboard or several layers of newspaper

place each of your coasters on top of a disposable cup, to prevent them getting stuck to your work surface

put on some rubber gloves, because it's unhealthy to get epoxy on your skin

The Envirotex smells a bit so you might want to work in a room with an open window. It not anywhere near as stinky as spray-on varnish though.

Step 1

Mark lines at 1oz and 2oz (30 mL and 60 mL) on one of your disposable plastic cups. That's assuming you're making 4 coasters, each 4" square. If you're making more or less, you'll need to follow the instructions on the Envirotex package for how much you'll need.

The way I marked the lines was to put exact amounts of water into the cup (usingdigital scales) and mark the level with a Sharpie marker. You could also use measuring spoons to measure out the water. Make sure you completely dry the cup afterwards.

Another option is to buy disposable measuring cups that already have measuring lines marked on them, but I figured I could just as easily make my own for cheaper.

Step 2

Put the Envirotex bottles in a bath of warm (not hot) water to heat up.

While the bottles are warming up, cover the edges of the base of your tiles with adhesive tape, and trim any excess. This will make it easy to remove any drips of Envirotex later.

Step 3

Pour 1oz (30 mL) from each Envirotex bottle into your measuring cup. Stir vigorously for 1 minute using a wooden paddle. After 1 minute, pour the mix into your 2nd cup, and stir vigorously for another minute. It's important to use two cups like this, because it leaves behind the unmixed epoxy on the sides of the first cup.

Step 4

As soon as you've finished mixing the Envirotex, pour it onto the center of your coasters. Try to divide it evenly between all four. Notice how each coaster is balanced on top of a disposable cup to prevent it getting glued to the work surface.

The Envirotex will form spreading puddles on each tile and start dripping over the sides. Don't worry about the drips, they're a normal part of the process.

You want the Envirotex to completely cover each tile, so if it doesn't quite reach into the corners then use a scrap of cardboard to help spread it.

Also use a scrap of cardboard to make sure that the Envirotex completely covers the sides of each tile.

Step 5

About 15 minutes after you poured the Envirotex, you will notice tiny bubbles rising to the surface. Breathe gently over the surface of each tile to pop the bubbles. It's the carbon dioxide in your breath that makes them pop. If you're nervous about putting your face too close to the tiles then you can breathe on them through a straw.

Step 6

About 30 minutes after you poured the Envirotex, use a scrap of cardboard to wipe any drips from the bottom of the tiles. Wait another 30 minutes, and wipe away the drips again. By this stage you will have drips of Envirotex epoxy all over your work surface. I hope you protected it with newspaper or cardboard!

Cover your project with something (e.g. big cardboard box) to prevent dust landing on the coasters, and let the Envirotex cure for 24 hours.

Step 7

Once the Envirotex has set, peel the adhesive tape (which will be covered in drips of Envirotex) off the bottom of the coasters.

If it's hard to remove the tape, you might need to first file the bottom edges of the tile with a nail file or sandpaper.

Step 8

As a final touch, attach felt squares to the bottom of your coasters with glue or double sided tape. You could also use cork-board instead of felt.

Finished!

Here are the finished coasters, ready to be given as a gift! The Envirotex coating cures to full strength and toughness about 72 hours (3 days) after pouring, at 70 degrees F (21 °C). After this time the coasters are ready to use. The cure time is slower at lower temperatures.

I hope you enjoyed learning how to make coasters and that you found my instructions clear. If you have any questions or comments, or just want to say hi, then please kindly leave a comment!! :)

RIDDLE 2

HELLO FRIENDS... I GOT ANOTHER RIDDLE TO SOLVE. CHECK THIS OUT--

"I SAY MY NAME AND DISAPPEAR !"

SO THE FIRST PERSON TO ANSWER THIS BY A COMMENT AT MY BLOG POST IS PRETTY INTELLIGENT... IS THAT PERSON YOU ?? WELL THEN LET ME KNOW  TOO..

NOTE: commenting on my blog is free and will always be......

HELP ME FRIENDS... PLZ.....

HELP ME FRIENDS....
 hello friends , please help me solve this riddle.. this would be very very helpful for me.


 Each morning I appear
To lie at your feet,
All day I will follow
No matter how fast you run,
Yet I nearly perish
In the midday sun.

anyone who knows its answer please comment....

thanks. i'm waiting for your answers....... 

THANK YOU....


note: commenting on my blog will not cost you a single penny.. its true..

POP CARDS..

Pop-up greeting cards are a great twist on the ordinary greeting card. They are enormously fun to create, and the recipient of your cardwill be delighted! Most people don't expect to see something pop out at them when they open a homemade card, so surprise that person you care about with a little skill and a lot of fun! So get your supplies ready and begin to have some fun!

THINGS YOU'LL NEED

• stiff, firm colored/plain paper; card-sized (choose the preferred size yourself but make sure it is big enough to hold the pop-up design)
• colored/plain tag
• glue
• pencil
• pen
• scissors
• markers, crayons or colored pencils
• envelope
• ruler
• a design to glue on your pop up

GETTING STARTED (STEPS)--

1.Cut out a rectangular piece of the colored paper. Make it card-sized.

2.Fold it in half, short sides together.

3.Make two cuts. Make these about 1 inch (3 cm) long. The cut should be made in from the folded edge of the card in order to make a flap.

4.Fold the flap over on to the front. Then fold it on to the back of the card. Open the card and push the flap up toward you. Pinch the middle to crease it.

5.Decide what you want to pop up. It could be a picture of a gift, or a name, or a heart, or anything that takes your fancy. Cut out your pop-up shape and glue it on to the flap.

6.Get ready to give your card. It is now complete. Write your message, put it inside the envelope and give to your intended recipient.

Tips

TIPS

• Use trimming scissors to trim borders and designs around your card.
• Use glitter glue to make your cards sparkly.
• Gel pens can make your words stand out.
• For best results, make sure the actual card is twice the height of the envelope and the pop up shape one half the height of it.
• Stickers, small shells, and beads are a great way to accent your card.
• Get All Your Stuff Ready BEFORE You Start Making The Product.
• Try covering up the hole in your paper with another colorful sheet of construction paper.
• The possibilities are endless!
• If using glue, allow to dry thoroughly.
• PVA glue is better than glue sticks

Warnings

• Watch out for papercuts.
• Be careful with the scissors.

SO HAPPY CARD MAKING.... NOW YOU CAN SURPRISE YOUR FRIEND WITH BEUTIFUL AND AFORDABLE CARDS....... 

HOW TO MAKE A BOOKMARK...

Hello my bookworm friends.. do you all like reading books and novels just like me?and do you often forget which page were you reading?

So let’s get started….

Things you’ll need:

     Some papers (colorful or white)

     Scissors

     Glue

     Pencils

     Pens

     Colors

     Thread

     Decorative elements (e.g. Beads, sparkle etc.)

Steps

     first take a paper and cut it into small strips.(approx. 15 cm long and 6 cm wide)

 

     Next draw some pictures on 
it or you could even cut cool 
pictures from a magazine and
 stick them on it.

     You could even write some quotes or something else on it.(optional)

     Well now your bookmark looks cool. Now attach a string to your book mark.

Decorate it with beads sparkle and whatever you like. NOTE-don’t overdo it try to keep it simple… and your book mark is complete…

Now you will not forget the page while reading. And guess what you could even gift a good book with your handmade bookmark to your mom on Mother’s Day...

So happy reading....

Don’t forget to visit my blog soon for more crafty ideas and lots more and yes please leave a comment before closing this tab.

J J J