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.

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