Friday, December 11, 2009

The Taj Mahal

Nov 16

We knew it was a trap, but there was no avoiding it. The Taj Mahal has to be the most enchanting structure of our time and Agra (where the Taj is located), perhaps the largest tourist trap in India. Still, the balance, simplicity, beauty and scale are just perfect. The story of its genesis doesn't hurt either, built as a symbol of the Emperor's love for his wife who died bearing their 14th child. "Agra is the city of love" proclaimed the rickshaw driver, the chai walla, and the money changer tout.


As much as travelers complain about Agra, we found the city to be quite welcoming and charming. We spent almost five hours taking in the Taj, and enjoyed the spectacular people watching and interacting with tourist from all over India, who seemed to find us as fascinating as we found them. Hanging out on the cooler river-side of the central mausoleum we admired the colorful saris and acquiesced to picture requests.


http://picasaweb.google.com/MarkSNewell/DhammasotaAndAgra#

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