Taj Mahal - the Ultimate Expression of Love

For as long as I can remember, I have been dreaming of a visit to the Taj Mahal, one of the 7 Great Wonders of the World. Today was the day I realized that lifelong wish!

The Taj Mahal gates open 30 minutes before sunrise. You can get tickets starting an hour before sunrise.  Having been there hundreds of times, my guide had a different plan than to be first in line. It was dark so I was unaware of my surroundings, but I was probably 100th in the slow-moving women's-only line. Once the gates opened, there was no men's line - they moved so quickly through security. Very few things are allowed in, like a camera, medications, and bottle of water. 

Inside one of the gates (east, south, or west), you are in the large courtyard just outside the main entrance. Our guide wanted to loiter and talk about the masterpiece of the great entrance to the Taj, Darwaza-e-rauza, but I was just dying to get inside. It was super hard to maintain patience. He pointed out the dividing line that runs all the way through the site - everything on one side of the line is an exact mirror of the other. 

The Taj Mahal changes colors throughout the day.  In the low light at dawn, it appears gray.

The Taj Mahal's ethereal beauty in the foggy morning pulls you in, literally. Using optical illusion, as you walk through the great entrance towards the immense wonder, it feels like it is pulling away from you, drawing you even more. 

Laying eyes on the Taj Mahal, I was mesmerized by the beauty of its impeccable symmetry.

Seeing the Taj Mahal is a dream come true!

The Taj Mahal is widely considered the most beautiful building in the world. Its creator, Emperor Shah Jahan, said it made 'the sun and the moon shed tears from their eyes.'

Under the arch of the Red Mosque just as the sun is rising.

On her deathbed, Mumtaz asked Shah Jahan to build her a monument so great that people would visit and understand their extraordinary love for each other. Its perfection, grand scale, and extravagance exemplify the message of their love. I turned to Greg, "Can I ask you for such nice things?"  Our guide quickly responded, "Then he gets three wives."  And being Greg's first, under the same circumstances, I wouldn't rank - it's his 3rd wife who he would truly love. Huh, nevermind. We don't have billions of dollars anyways. 

Our guide was a master with my camera, knew all the great picture spots, and was great at making it look like we were the only visitors. Although it is difficult to leave, I knew we couldn't stay here all day. Our three hours flew by!  

Next up was Agra Fort, one of the finest Mughal forts in India. It is immense and 2/3rds of it is still actively in use. I'm glad we could only visit the remaining vast 1/3 - to appreciate what Shah Jahan transformed into his luxurious palace. 

Agra Fort

I bought this beautiful, custom-made sari in Jaipur for only $30.

Shah Jahan's only surviving son imprisoned him for 8 years in a room at the fort with this view to the Taj Mahal across the river.

This group of girls ran up to me saying hello with big smiles. After the picture they ran to the camera to see it. They were so sweet and innocent. The kids here are my favorite thing about India and make my heart fill with joy. 

For today's sunset we stayed nearby on this side of the river - to be up close and see the Taj Mahal one last time. 

Enjoying our usual travel pastime, sitting along a river with a refreshing drink.

Local woman feeding the birds.

Sunset along the Yamuna River

As we were walking back to the hotel along the wall of the Taj Mahal, a group of at least 50 school kids (elementary to middle school) passed us, all waving and saying hello, and excitedly posing for pictures with us.  Their simple joy is adorable and contagious!