Taj

We traveled to Agra, the home of the Taj Mahal as well as many other impressive sights that seem to get lost in the shuffle because they are in the same city as a Wonder of the World. We arrived to our hotel and after dealing with a lizard (s) debacle we were ready for the much anticipated Agra. We decided to see some of the less impressive things in Agra first, saving the best for the next day. We checked out the Baby Taj, the Red Fort, the Itmad and some local Indian goods - jewelry, rugs, amazing stone work (both Mary and I sent something home for our respective parental units). If you are furnishing a house or have some cash to spend come to India and buy some of the most amazing pieces with flawless craftsmanship for a fraction of what you would pay in the States.

Later in the day we had one of our best experiences in India when we were invited to our tour guide's house to have his sisters put henna on us - we jumped at the chance. Mary and I have been waiting to be covered in henna - arms, hands, legs and feet. We went to pick up his sisters and they had their little cousins with them. Everyone was so excited to have us come to their home, and we were just as excited. Besides just getting tattooed with henna we had an amazing experience just being in the family home talking to all the girls. The young cousins, 5 and 8, both were learning to speak English in school and were eager to practice with us. I asked them to get me their English books from school and read something to me. The girls were so eager to share and learn - asking us questions about our lives in the States, our families, our homes, our education. Before we knew it we had an audience in the room watching - a group of about 10 people, neighbors, cousins, and aunts. The two hours flew by and before we knew it we had to go. As we left the house we noticed all the neighbors looking out their windows at us, as we waved they all waved back. We continued to wave until our car disappeared onto the busy street. The experience is one I will always cherish as it really gave me a better insight into the lives of the people in Agra as well as their perceptions and curiosity about us.

The next day we got to the Taj Mahal at dawn (recommended). Since it was early there were considerable less people which enabled us to get some pretty bitchin pictures. The Taj Mahal is as impressive as you would expect. Amazing. All the detail that went into the work, the unique stone engravings etched with bright red flowers or the calligraphy seen along the exterior walls. The white domed marble and columns are a perfect white color with a green lawn guiding you to the structure. This mausoleum was built under Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his favorite wife. Her tomb is located inside the structure. It took about 22 years to build with 20,000 people working on it. The Taj is considered the finest example of Mughal architecture. I could have sat and starred at the Taj all day just taking in its beauty.