...and the Taj Mahal

Of course I had to visit the Taj Mahal

west gate

west gate detail

that photo

cutest family at the Taj

built on the bank of the Jamuna river

Taj marblework detail. The best inlay designs were inside where photography is prohibited

The Taj Mahal was built by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan beginning in 1632. It is a memorial and tomb for his third wife Mumtaz Mahal who died giving birth to their 14th (!!) child. A symbol of love and grief, beauty and sadness.

I loved being in its presence. Loved that moment when the postcard picture became a reality and I was standing right there. And even though I felt a little silly surrounded by all those people snapping the exact same photo we've seen a trillion times, there was something wonderful about taking it for myself. Some places are like that I guess. There is a reason why so many tourists flock to see and feel this jewel.