The Taj Mahal

The trip to India was amazing and surreal all at the same time. And, I don't think I can really express how much I learned, about myself and about India. Some day after I've had a chance to process the whole thing I'll try to put into words what I learned about myself on this trip. Until then, let's have a look at the Taj Mahal or as I say, "The Taj". 

 Here is the Taj from across the river. The same river that the people wash their clothes in and the water buffalo hang out. It's a quaint and sort of disgusting thing. To tell you the truth the whole country is quaint and disgusting and very very seductive. 

To get to the actual tomb you drive through the streets of Agra. This is an experience that will have you thanking your lucky stars that you were born in the United States because no matter how bad you think it is here just go to India to get some perspective. There is no safety net in India. To be poor is to be uneducated, dirty, and hungry. It is to live in squalor. It is to beg for food. Okay, that's enough of that. 

Your first thought when you look at the gate is Wow!, it can't get any more impressive. Those Muslims sure go all out.  

Seriously, it can. 

This is slaps you in the face when you walk out the other side. Folks, pictures do not do it justice. All that just to bury one guy. 

Here I am wearing the Taj like a hat.

Up close...just as stunning.

Still cool. 

 The carvings. Impressive 600 years later.

The inlaid work. Crazy!

Just to give you fair warning I will probably be posting nothing but India pictures for another couple of weeks. And, not because I'm boring (I am) but because I have so much to share. 

Peace out

Michele