Family time at the Taj Mahal

Trip Start Dec 10, 2006

Trip End Jan 07, 2007

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Flag of India Agra, India
Tuesday, December 26, 2006

The day following Christmas, Adam, Miriam, Andy, and their friend Nicky (from Italy) took a three-hour tour bus ride to Agra to see the Taj Mahal.  We would highly suggest that other travelers take the express train or hire a driver. I've traveled quite a bit and the bus we took was one of the worst bus rides I've experienced. Everyone agreed that an alternate mode of transport would have been preferred - it almost took away a bit from the excitement of seeing the Taj.
BUT most importantly we got to see the Taj Mahal!!!!! And words can't express its grandeur. It looks exactly as it does in postcards, pictures etc. but to really see its beauty you must see it in person. Adam and I were speechless as it towered over us. It is a mass of beautifully symmetrical white marble with inlaid gems that reflect the sun differently at various times of the day.
After the Taj we toured the Agra fort in which the Mogul Emperor which built the Taj, Shah Jahan, was house arrested by his own son. From the fort, Shah Jahan was was forced to view the Taj, which he built for his most beautiful and loved wife, until his death. Quite a story. It too was beautiful.
After a lovely tour (be had a tour guide who was top notch) it was back on the bus and I found myself gripping the seat with white knuckles. Finally we all fell asleep out of pure exhaustion, despite the constant horn blares, rough road, lack of shocks on the bus, and crazy driving. We were sad to say goodbye to Miriam and Andy - it was fun to travel with them.