India Taj Mahal

“I had wanted to see the Taj ever since I was about 10 years old and now that I was really there, I did not want to see it until I was standing right in front of it. [...] I did not look up at the building and actually closed my eyes part of the way, until Rich had me standing directly in front of this most amazing building. I had seen hundreds of photos of this building but absolutely none of them, even the national geographic photographers do this place justice, so beautiful, and so perfect [...] Both Rich and I just sat down and stared in ooh! at the Taj.”

“You approach the Taj Mahal and get your first glimpse through a massive archway. It’s clear that it was all designed purposefully. There was a deep haze hanging over everything — part fog, part smog. The structure looked two-dimensional from a distance; almost like a ghost that will vanish if you turn away just for a moment. Then comes a large garden. This is the area where you typically see pictures taken, with the long fountain in front. Only a handful of people were ahead of me. They’d all stopped to pose for photos. No one else was here except one man running a lawnmower. I walked around to the right side, and no one was there. I mean, no one. It was completely empty, except for a a flock of chirping birds fluttering about. I took a few pictures, then just sat on the ground.”

“Although I had seen pictures of the Taj before, but I was certainly not prepared for how big the building was. No wonder it’s known as the biggest proof of love in the world. The reflecting water and the tall trees completed postcard scenery I’ll never forget. I did a big mistake and got there on a really hot day and during the afternoon, so there were a LOT of people and you have to fight your way to take a picture.”

“So, I returned with some concern to my country as a tourist to take my partner Ziko to the Taj Mahal. My first experience of seeing the Taj almost a decade ago was special. We arrived early on a misty winter’s morning and caught it almost empty. There it was in white marble, rising into the mist. The solitude of the morning only made the moment more profound. I hoped this would be as special.”

“I’m not a fan of overused clichés, but there’s no other way to say this: when I first saw the Taj Mahal, it quite literally took my breath away. I’m not sure I was capable of blinking. [...] As you walk into the Main Gate, you’ll get your first view of the Taj Mahal in all its glory. Take a second here. In this modern era of rushed moments and instant gratification, I urge you just to envelop yourself in the experience – the first time you’ll see the Taj Mahal in person. Even as a writer, I have enough humility to suggest that it’s an indescribable moment. [...] Walking through the Main Gate, and witnessing the gardens and waterbeds before you, with the Taj Mahal in the distance, is something special.”

“I spent hours just sitting by the river, soaking in the view and watching people walk by, chatting with each other. It was one of the most peaceful moments I had in India, a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of the cities.”