The Taj Mahal

Up at six this morning. Managed to get about an hours sleep. We were off to Agra. This is the home of the Wonder of the world, that is the Taj Mahal. Quite a long journey (about three hours). However the further we got from Delhi, the less Western influence we saw. It again felt like I was visiting this place for the first time. We saw Bears performing in the street and monkeys everywhere.
We got to the Taj at about nine. As soon as the car pulled up we were surrounded by locals. Peddlars were selling there wares, and guides were offering their expert advice. Luckily Andi had been before, and got the same guide. His name was Shammy. A young lad who was really helpful and full of interesting facts.
The security is really tight at the Taj. You are not allowed to bring in mobile phones, or any other electrical equipment. This is a security threat, but cameras are fine. When you first see the Taj it looks almost unreal. It has a shimmering quality to it, and is very overwhelming.
History Lesson
The King of Agra had three wives. Upon the death of his 3rd wife he wanted to build her a Palace. This was done as she had been the only wife to provide him with a son. The construction of the Taj took 22 years. Over 20,000 people worked on it's construction. His wife was buried in the centre and upon his death, 8 years later, the king was laid to rest next to her.
Before his death however the King wished to build a second Taj (or Crown Palace as it is known). He did however wish to build a black one across the river from the Taj. His son was concerned about the expenditure, as the Taj itself had cost billions. Due to this the son imprisoned his father in the Agra Fort, some miles from the Taj. The father was locked away, but the fort was positioned in such a way that he could always gaze at his beloved Taj....
The Taj itself is stunning. The craftsmanship is in such detail. The words of the Koran are around each entrance. The words are bigger at the top, to ensure the words look the same size. This skill coupled with the marble inlay, of jewels,onyx, plus many other precious jewels is fantastic. I sat on the 'Diana' bench and soaked up the magnificence of this true wonder of the world.