Taj Mahal

On Saturday morning we rolled out of bed and into the only available rickshaw at 6am. We went to Ross and Kerrys new place, called the Anchorage Hotel. There we met the driver who Ross had arranged. We piled into the minivan and settled into our seats. I arranged my neck pillow, put on my headphones and eye mask, and slept for the first two hours.
I woke up surrounded by monkeys. The driver had pulled over to get a pass to enter the next state. Clearly this stopping point was well known to vendors and street performers. On our left were a number of men with light brown monkeys wearing collars. We all made the mistake of gawking and pointing at the monkeys, causing the men to approach the car. Monkeys jumped on the car and clung to the windows. The men gestured "picture" but would clearly ask for money afterwards. By now we were wondering if the driver was coming back, or if he received commission from these men for bringing tourists. After about 15 minutes, by which time the car was getting hot, he returned and we continued our journey to agra. The driver then casually told us that we would have a free guide at the Taj Mahal. We were skeptical at first but double checked that there was -no cost-and he repeated -no cost-. Just to be sure, Ross called the office where he booked the driver. There was no guide included. We now realized this driver was one of the usual scammers, even though we had used a travel company recommended by the Lonely Planet. Later in the day he took us to a restaurant, which we had not asked to go to, and nearly parked at a crafts store, which we also did not ask about and had to emphasize that we did not want to shop at.
We drove into Agra and the city was rather run down. We passed a grungy motel boasting the "best views of the taj mahal' although the palace was nowhere in site. We were eagerly anticipating the view, but first encountered Agra Fort.