| December
21st Log |
Dec 21st Pics |
| Amazing day! For breakfast, I had
a 2 egg omelet and water. My stomach is a little upset, but
there has been a big change in diet and water, so I'm not
surprised. I have plenty of Imodium A-D with me. I meet my guide
at 9 AM and we headed to Agra Fort. There is a heavy fog in the
area, so we will go there before the Taj Mahal.
The Agra Fort is huge. It's amazing they could build such
large structures. Plenty of peddlers here, too.
From Eyewitness Travel Guides India
Situated on the west bank of the Yamuna River, Agra Fort
was built by Emperor Akbar between 1565 and 1573. Its imposing
red sandstone ramparts form a crescent along the river front,
and encompass an enormous complex of courtly buildings,
ranging in style from the early eclecticism of Akbar to the
sublime elegance of Shan Jahan (builder of the Taj Mahal). A
deep moat, once filled with water from the Yumuna, surrounds
the fort.
Agra Fort |
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| I wasn't sure which batteries where
charged, so I didn't charge any last night. Just to make sure
that I had some, we stopped at a shop and got some. 175 rupees
please. Also, another stop at the ATM. Everybody wants a tip.
We parked at a car park away from the Taj Mahal and took an
electric bus. Lots of peddlers. And persistent little buggers.
After getting off the bus, we got our tickets and went inside.
The Taj Mahal is inside a larger complex, most made of red
sandstone. It was very big. There are many men asking if you
want them to take pictures of you. Only 100 rupees. BUT, the
take many photographs, which you must pay for all! Sneaky little
....
Preface |
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| Then, the Taj Mahal. One of the
greatest sites in the world. I'm a very lucky person. The
craftsmanship is beyond compare and just a beautiful site.
Before we go in, we have to put slippers on our shoes. 20
rupees, thank you sir. You are not allowed to take pictures
inside, but the work is incredible. I hope the pictures, even
with the fog, do it justice. From Eyewitness Travel Guides
India
One of the world's most famous buildings, the Taj Mahal was
built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his
favorite wife, Mumtaz Mahal, who died in 1631. Its perfect
proportions and exquisite craftsmanship have been described as
"a vision, a dream, a poem, a wonder". This sublime
garden-tomb, an image of the Islamic garden of paradise, cost
nearly 41 million rupees and 500 kilo (1,102 lbs) of gold.
About 20,000 workers labored for 12 years to complete it in
1643.
Marble Screen. The filigree screen, daintily carved from a
single block of marble, was meant to veil area around the
royal tombs.
Four minarets, each 40 m (131 ft) high and crowned by an
open octagonal pavilion or chhatri, frame the tomb
highlighting the perfect symmetry of the complex.
Tomb Chamber. Mumtaz Mahal's cenotaph, raised on a platform
is placed next to Shah Jahans's. The actual graves, in a dark
crypt below, are closed to the public.
Calligraphic Panels. The size of the Koranic verses
increases as the arch gets higher, creating the subtle optical
illusion of a uniformly flowing script.
The Taj Mahal |
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| Simply incredible! I am then taking
to a place where the inlay semi-precious stones into the marble.
Very impressive work, very impressive price. Then, back to the
hotel and time for Mr. Singh to leave and return to Delhi. I'll
miss him.
Another amazing day! (I glad I
tipped Mr. Signh generously. About an hour after he dropped me
off, he returned with my map, which I had left in his car. Good
guy!) |
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