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Tuesday, January 8, 2013

The Taj Mahal

On a mental list of places I had seen in photos but always really wanted to see in person, (i.e. Eiffel Tower, Machu Picchu, Stonehenge, Great Wall of China, Angkor Wat, Grand Canyon) lies the Taj Mahal. I was chomping at the bit about a month into our India adventure as the day finally approached. By coincidence, our arrival to Agra, the city where the Taj Mahal is located, fell on New Year's Eve. It seemed fitting to be at such a momentous place on such a significant day.
It did not disappoint. We had perfect weather. We had ample photo-taking opportunities. We had cute outfits. I couldn't believe I was really there, and, like when I saw the Eiffel Tower just three months ago, I teared up. What a nerd. We took jump-shots. Double nerd.
The interior was slightly disappointing. It was as disappointing as the exterior was mind-blowing. Does that make sense? We stood in line for too long to go inside, where all I could see was the shoulders of the person in front of me, and all I could smell was bad B.O. and smelly feet (they make you take your shoes off). The marble inlay of flowers and inscription was really gorgeous, but I think the way they make you wait in line, you get your hopes up for something amazing and then you go inside, walk around a circle and then it's time to go outside again, but you have to wait again. Note to the people in charge: just let the traffic free-flow, so people can be inside for a long time or a short time, what's with the queuing up? Dumb.
Had to try a nerdy touristy jump shot. Behind that bench is the Taj Majal, I promise.
Of course there were some photo mishaps.
 
I can finally check this one off my list of things I'm dying to see in person. Mount Everest and Kyoto, Japan will get checked off in the next two weeks. And, someday: Mount Kilamanjaro, the Egyptian Pyramids, those Moscow buildings, and my own baby's face.

4 comments:

  1. Trivia: The Earl of Highclere's great grandfather opened King Tut's tomb. He had artifacts from there hidden in the basement of the castle. You can see them with me when we tour it after I win the sweepstakes.

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  2. Sounds like Mom has a list of things to cross off too. Fun to see the dud pictures!

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  3. It is so beautiful from the outside, you're right. Worth it!

    Kyoto will be amazing and also about 300000000 times more expensive. Nobody will try steal your wallet there.

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  4. How big of a nerd am I that I teared up when I read the part where you list someday looking into your own baby's face? Mount Everest ain't got nothing on your baby!

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