The Taj Mahal
Trip Start
May 11, 2005
1
244
261
Trip End
Ongoing
Agra,
Uttar Pradesh,
India
Thursday, April 30, 2009
There is something surreal about the Taj Mahal. I know that sounds cheesy but after a lifetime of hearing about the Wonders of the World, finally standing in front of the crown jewel of India is pretty moving. The place is built with only a blue sky for a back drop and every angle presents a better photo. Even though tourists are gouged by the entry fee, it is still totally worth it.... worth the three hour general boarding train ride.. worth the hefty entry fee... worth suffering through the heat of India... even worth waiting over a quarter of a century to see.
After the initial shock fades, the Taj (which is a memorial to a lost Bride) still commands respect. We even had to wear covers on our feet, kinda like shoe condoms...or shondoms... no ipods are allowed... no Frisbee either...even my journal was taken away at the entrance. We simply spent the morning slowly taking in the Taj from all sides while simultaneously hiding from the sun... oh yeah, Dan was also complimented by the most eccentric boy in all of India. (he was gay and wanted a piece of Dan)
After searching the town for cold beer we caught a five hour train to Jaipur to meet up with the Wikings and check out the monkey temple....
