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Hi Family and Friends!
I had one of my most awesome travel experiences in life today!
It was seeing the most beautiful building in the world: The Taj Mahal, The Monument to Love.
It took my breath away!
The Story
When King Shah Jahan’s Queen was pregnant with his 14th child, she foresaw her death and asked her husband to build a monument in her honor—symbolizing his love for her. She died that year (1631) and he began construction on memorial to his beloved.
He collected white marble and semi-precious stones from all over the world and assembled a team of the finest architects to undertake the project. It took 20, 000 laborers 22 years to complete the project.
This white marble structure with its perfect classical proportions, qualifies as one of the 7 wonders of the modern world.
The King decided to build a Black Marble monument across the river.
Sadly, one of the kings sons, out of greed, sought to prevent his father from spending his inheritance on another $$multilmillion$$ project. To this end, he imprisoned his father in a room inside the Agra Fort. The room had balconies with unobstructed views of the beloved Taj Mahal.
He died, 8 years later, still imprisoned, on the balcony, staring at the Taj.
By The Way, Taj Mahal means Crown Palace.
I took many photos and a professional photographer took photos of me. I purchased 5 8X10s for $10.
The Wedding Ceremony
Father Leo arranged to perform a wedding ceremony for Marty and Rosie in front of the Taj Mahal. We found a spot just to the left of the entrance to the park. Eight other couples also lined up to join them in a “commitment ceremony”. He read beautiful poetry and commitment verses to the couples. We were all moved to tears. Anita, our tour guide, says she had never, in all her years, seen such a “show”.
Marty and Rosie both have long gray hair and blue eyes. They had clothing made in Jaipur. They were a radiant couple. Everyone wanted to photograph them.
Rest of Day
4 of us (Margie, Sharon, Shannon, and I) later toured the Agra Fort with Anita (the others returned to the hotel) We took two pedicabs there, thru the bustling streets. We were up close and personal with Agra life. (Just like the Rickshaw rides in Delhi, Hanoi, and Beijing)
Tonight we had a commitment ceremony dinner. Peisha (mother of Kathryn Mc Fee (IDOL winner) sang.
Tomorrow, we will drive to Delhi; take a train to Haridwar, and a bus to Rishikesh. (worldwide home of yoga). We will spend the next 4 nights in Rishikesh.
Only 5 more nights in India, sadly.
There we will experience night time ceremonies on the Ganges River and visit ashrams. Our hotel is situated right on the river. Our pace will slow down considerably.
Namaste!
Karla in India
