The Taj Mahal

Waking in up at 5 o’clock in the morning in my opinion is pointless. But it can have a point, when you want to get a picture of the Taj Mahal with no people in it. That is how hardcore we are (not really). So I got woken up at 4:30 and I think somewhere along the line i fell back asleep because  i opened my eyes again and my dad was tell me that we were leaving in 5 minutes. When we arrived at the east gate there was already a bus load of French tourists in line. At that time it was about 5:30 (crazy Frenchies) and someone told us that the actual gate opens at sunrise for religious reasons or 6:37 . As the gates finally opened at 6:37  everyone rushed in and through security, or  metal detectors that aren’t even turned on. As my family and I walked out of security, the fastest of the Frenchies ripped out of security in a mini jog with their cameras at the ready, to get that perfect shot/selfie of the hall before the crowds arrive. After spending about 20 minutes of just taking pictures of the hall with and without people in it we started to explore the  actual hall itself. In most pictures you see on tv it doesn’t seem that big but once you get close to it, it is massive. The bronze piece that is on top of the main dome doesn’t seem that big from far away but it is actually 6 meters long. Overall, with all of its symmetrical temples and mosques if you ever go to India you have to see this. It is truly awesome.

Historical facts of the day: The Taj Mahal was built by a Mogul that at the time ruled a large portion of India today. The hall itself was built a grave for the Mogul’s dying wife. According to my mother the conversation went something like this:

Mogul’s wife: “Honey I know I am dying and all but can you make me a massive mausoleum for me.”

Mogul: “I don’t know honey it could take twenty years and the doctor said you only have 3 days left to live.”

Mogul’s wife: “Please honey It will be fun I promise you can make everything symmetrical if you want.”

Mogul: “Oh ok I guess honey.”

Monkeys!!