Taj Mahal. Take 2!

Bryan insisted we go back to the Taj. I'm glad we did. This morning it was with a clear blue sky, sunshine and together. And maybe it's worth spending a little bit extra time at one of the seven wonders of the modern world.
It is both beautiful and impressive and not just in size. The intricate designs and detail are made from semi precious stones inlaid in pure white marble. Onyx, mountain coral, lapiz,malacite,carnellian,jasper, tiger's eye and blackstar - I knew that research I did on rocks in Nepal would come in handy. The light dances across the walls and makes everything sparkle. It must have been incredible when the precious stones were still there (stolen by the British).
We followed up with a visit to the workshops where they practice the art of marble mozaics today. Beautiful. There is also skilled carpet weavers in Agra due to invasion from Persian moghuls centuries ago so we visited those workshops as well. Good fun shopping with our favourite tuktuk driver leading the way.
Another thing the moghuls left behind was massive forts. We visited the Agra red fort where the king who commissioned the Taj was imprisoned. He was lucky enough to still be able to see the tomb of his beloved wife across the river from his prison window.
I was making note of the diversity of transport whilst out shopping. The usual cars, buses, taxis but in India you also get camel, ox cart, horse and carriage, horse and cart with some urchin standing on deck, donkey with a side saddle kid, a bejewelled white horse and rider, tuktuks, bicycle tuktuks, tractors, all mixing and mingling in a busy city street.
Matt is off to Turkey today. I'm almost jealous. I would love to go to Istanbul and cross the Bophorus where Asia meets Europe. But India is starting to get to me. If you can get past the pollution and poverty it's an incredibly rich country full of diverse cultures and amazing sights.
And in a country of 1.3 billion there is always something to see.
(I'm still thinking on the poverty. I will deal with that question later).
We're heading into the hot winds of the desert( taking your advice Al). It's the hottest season so it will have a Smaug like intensity. Should be fun. And I want to ride camels.

Namaste Sandy