The Taj

This is a gem, people. You may have seen photos of the Taj Mahal, or seen it in Slumdog Millionaire. Doesn't compare. Especially at sunrise (or at a full moon, I imagine!) If you get any chance to see it, do so. And if you don't get a chance, make a chance.

Why do I like it? Well, for starters its a zillion tons of pure white marble. That is going to shimmer like nobody's business, regardless. But then it is so finely crafted, from the huge curves of the dome, to little fine flower carvings on the walls. And it's not just marble. You think the marble chunks are held together with black mortar. But then you get close and realize it's perfectly carved onyx. Everywhere. And then there are the semi-precious stone inlays. They look like they are painted on, but no, they are pain-stakingly arranged stones. Lapis luzali, mother of pearl, and even  stones that glow like fire under light. Fantastic. The reflecting pool is perfect too. It doubles the tajy goodness in a very serene way.

But there is also the love story behind its creation. It is your typical love-at-first sight  deal. She bore him fourteen kids, but alas giving birth to the last one cost her her life.  er dying wish was for him to take care of their children and to build a monument where she was buried. Well, he sure took that to heart. He bankrupted himself building what be the greatest monument to love ever. It reverberates. You can't help but think of the one you love while there. It is a happy place.

Now, how did he do on the other half of his wife's wish? Well...only fours sons and two daughters survived to adulthood. And one of those sons killed the other three and imprisoned Dad in the Agra Fort (I visited there too, not a bad place to be trapped.) He lived out his last eight years under house arrest while his son took power. Oops.

Still, Taj Mahal, he got that right. Go see it.