Can't Pass it By

We weren't about to rearrange our route or plans to hit one of the new wonders of the world. But since our journey was to pass pretty close, it seemed a ridiculous notion not to stop in the fairly barren city of Agra for the Taj Mahal. Even with the nearly $20 foreign entry fee, (usually outlandish for anything to cost so much in this country), it was worth every penny. Not being much for tourist sites, I wasn't surprised to find myself slightly annoyed with the enormous gaggling crowds. And yet, it truly is architectural perfection in nearly every way. Symmetry, texture, the always-changing color. You don't need to be a guru of design to marvel with your jaw on the ground. Especially in the fleeting minutes of dusk, as the mist rolls in and the last light just barely shimmers...it's ghostly and surreal and eerily magical.

The majesty of it wasn't without some typical head-banging Indian flavor. Waiting in a line of more than 100 people for more than 40 minutes for instance, only to arrive at the gate and learn that no bags over 5-inch money pouches are allowed into the premises. Tons of armed guards watching everyone move through the line like cattle and not a word. Not to the mention the complete absence of signs. "How are we supposed to know?" was greeted with a shrug of complete unconcern. I wasn't alone in my disgruntled-ness.

Is there an original shot to be had of the Taj Mahal? I really don't know. We looked for some the next day from the opposite river bank. Those can be found below...we searched out some unexplored areas and discovered a few gems.



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