Romance at the Taj Mahal

[LadyJeanne]

I tried to think suitably romantic thoughts as I strolled around the terrace of the Taj Mahal, but I kept thinking about Princess Di. It wasn't entirely my fault. Our guide had just been telling us that the stairs leading into the tomb were opened only for notable visitors like the Princess.

Poor Di. The media made a big deal about how she ended up visiting the Taj alone instead of with her Prince as they had once planned. I remembered seeing a picture of her with her head bowed, hair covered by a shawl, and the Taj in the distance behind her, poor Di...

Looking out onto the Yamuna River as Diana must have done, I imagined she knew that a bench at the bus stop could be exceedingly romantic if you're sitting next to your lover, and that the Taj is just cold, pretty marble unless you are in love.

 

[carsonshepherd]

Ohhh! ladyJ you're back! i missed you so cool you got to see the Taj Mahal...

 

[LadyJeanne]

Thanks, sweets!



Yeah, I never considered that I might one day see the Taj Mahal. I guess you never really know what's coming down the road.

I'm still dealing with some jet lag, but otherwise it's good to be back.

 

[McKenna]

Lovely photo.

Welcome back.

 

[LadyJeanne]

Thanks, McKenna!


Hunayum's Tomb in Delhi is considered the precursor to the Taj, and more intricately crafted.

 

[McKenna]

Wow.

The architecture is amazing and beautiful. It's almost soothing just to let the eye follow the curve of the dome and arches.

Did you take these photos yourself?!

 

[LadyJeanne]

Wow.

The architecture is amazing and beautiful. It's almost soothing just to let the eye follow the curve of the dome and arches.

Did you take these photos yourself?!

I took these and lots more. I figured I'd want to remember it all...

...like this little treasure in the courtyard of the tomb.

 

[LadyJeanne]

The architecture was really cool, but I think I found more romance in the people than I did in the buildings.

 

[McKenna]

Jady J, these are fabulous!

I especially loved the last one of the little girls.

Please, keep 'em coming!

 

[LadyJeanne]

Jady J, these are fabulous!

I especially loved the last one of the little girls.

Please, keep 'em coming!

Then here's another just for you!

 

[minsue]

Your initial post was truly beautiful, Lady J. As are the pictures.

 

[McKenna]

Then here's another just for you!

Awww! They are just so beautiful!

 

[LadyJeanne]

They say there are two kinds of people: those who have seen the Taj Mahal, and those who haven't.


These people haven't yet seen it. But, they're on their way.

 

[LadyJeanne]

Your initial post was truly beautiful, Lady J. As are the pictures.

Thank you, dearest.

I'm glad you're enjoying the pics. I wanted to spread a little romance around tonight.

 

[LadyJeanne]

Awww! They are just so beautiful!

They were very sweet. They pleaded with me to take their picture, and then giggled madly when I showed them the photo in the viewer. Made me wish I'd also had a polaroid for them.

 

[ABSTRUSE]

Lady J, wonderful for you to see and be at a place where so many of us can only dream to go to and then share what you've seen, thank you.

 

[LadyJeanne]

Lady J, wonderful for you to see and be at a place where so many of us can only dream to go to and then share what you've seen, thank you.

Sweet - it's entirely my pleasure!


And now for your pleasure...

 

[ABSTRUSE]

Fabulous!
Thank you.

 

[impressive]

The architecture was really cool, but I think I found more romance in the people than I did in the buildings.

The expression on the one little girl's face (3rd picture, girl on the right) is just so grown up!


Welcome back, LJ! Lovely pictures!

 

[LadyJeanne]

The expression on the one little girl's face (3rd picture, girl on the right) is just so grown up!


Welcome back, LJ! Lovely pictures!

Thanks, Imp! It really is good to be back.


She does look like she's seen more than her years would allow, doesn't she? I'm not surprised, though. India is a land of extremes, and of contrasts. There's a lot of poverty co-existing along with some incredible wealth, and girls out there typically get the short end of the stick. Boys are revered and treasured; girls, not so much, until they've given birth to a son.

 

[NoJo]

Wonderful pics, lady. My fave is the two women by the riverbank.

I'm not sure why you named the phallic tower taj_subtle_tribute.jpg though... ( I have an idea, but that's probably just the way my mind works)

I guess I'll have to send some pics of the Bay of Naples next week...

 

[LadyJeanne]

Wonderful pics, lady. My fave is the two women by the riverbank.

I'm not sure why you named the phallic tower taj_subtle_tribute.jpg though... ( I have an idea, but that's probably just the way my mind works)

I guess I'll have to send some pics of the Bay of Naples next week...

They say the Taj is a subtle tribute to a beautiful woman and a monument for enduring love. The base of Taj is symbolic of the different sides from which to view a woman. The main gate is like a veil to a woman's face which should be lifted delicately, gently and without haste on the wedding night.

My naming of the phallic tower as a subtle tribute was done with irony. Some tributes to a beautiful woman aren't so subtle.

I'd love to see the Bay of Naples!