The Taj Mahal Deserves its own Post, Don't You Think?

We crawled out of our beds in New Delhi at 4:45 am and took a taxi to the train station.  If we were not awake before arriving at the station, we soon were WIDE awake and clutching our bags.  People came from everywhere trying to "help" us with our bags.  We kept walking and repeating the word "no" all the while trying not to trip over the hundreds of people sleeping on the train station's floor.  It was really cold, so they were covered in blankets, flattened out cardboard boxes, and pashminas.  It was easy to misstep in the chaos of it all and inadvertently step on someone.  We were unsure exactly how to get on to the platform, but as two savvy city girls we knew that we could not look as if we were unsure.  

We made it on the train and settled in for our 2 hour train ride.  We called the hotel and asked them for an early check in.  Arriving in Agra at 8 am would be perfect!  We would have time to eat breakfast, shower, and check out the town.  Well, 5 hours later we were still on the train and did not have the faintest idea why we kept stopping.  We later found out it was due to fog, but 5 hours is a long time to avoid using the train toilets!  We finally arrived 6 hours after our departure time and we were excited to get off the train and stretch our legs.  Since we were so late, the driver we had hired was nowhere to be seen.  Once again, we were surrounded by men who wanted to show us the town for a "very cheap price".  Luckily, Beth had a cell phone and called the company we booked with.  Shortly after, we connected with our driver, Mr. Khan, and were on our way to explore AGRA!

We went to the Taj Mahal and could only drive so far.  They no longer allow cars (or anything with exhaust fumes) near the building.  Once close enough, we took an electric car and walked the remainder of the way.  We ended up spending a few hours just walking around the grounds, sitting on benches, and just enjoying the Taj Mahal's quiet beauty.  It ended up being a great day.

This is called The Great Gate (gateway into the Taj Mahal)

This is the mosque on the grounds of the Taj Mahal.

And....finally, the structure that was built as a symbol of eternal love.

They are working hard to preserve the grounds.  All non-Indian guests had to wear little red booties (they charged us a lot more for these little booties!).  Indian visitors went bare foot...and it was freezing!  Can you see Beth's booties?

Having only seen pictures of the Taj Mahal, I had no idea about the intricate details.  It was stunning, breathtaking, and amazing all rolled into one.  I am not sure the pictures do it justice.  So many gemstones that reflect in the light, calligraphy from the Koran, and geometric designs that I wasn't sure what to admire first.

It was foggy the day we visited, but this is the view from the back of the Taj Mahal.  I love the man in the boat.  Can you imagine if the Taj Mahal was your scenery each day?

This was a view from another building on the grounds.

We were told that it was not safe to go out in Agra past 7:30 p.m., so after our day of exploring we headed back to our hotel and hung out there for the rest of the night.  With such an amazing attraction, one would think they would build up Agra a bit and benefit from its many visitors.  Besides the Taj Mahal, I am sad to say I was disappointed with this city.