A Winter in India

This is Rob Baker, complete with Bates hat, at Fatephur Sikri, near Agra. This enormous complex was built between 1571 and 1585 by the Mughal Emperor Akbar to honor a Sufi mystic. Akbar had no male heirs. Two of his wives prayed to this mystic and their offspring were boys. The four layered structure in the background was built so Akbar could sit on the top layer and watch the activities in the courtyard below. There is a separate, screened area where the wives could watch from.

We four are about to go off to the Intercontinental Hotel to celebrate New Year's Eve. For us 2005 has been an amazing year! And even more special to have Kate and Rob here to ring in the new year.

We wish all of you the best in 2006.