The Taj Mahal

I had the opportunity to visit one of the World's most famous and dare I say most beautiful buildings...The Taj Mahal.  It was absolutely breathtaking!!!! It's perfect proportions and exquisite craftsmanship have been described as a "vision, a dream, a poem, and a wonder...".  Someone can not travel to India six times and not go (you know who you are .....  )

My colleague Pat and I drove 4.5 hours on Saturday night and woke up for the sunrise viewing.  The light, colors, crowds and also the heat were very accomodating and it was a perfect time to visit.

The Taj is located is on the East Bank of the River Yamunna.  Not the most picturesque river and on the day we visited it was very low and filled with roaming animals.

You had to put on slippers when walking around the tomb....this is Kerry in front of a mosaic marble rug...which there are many on the inside and outside of the building.

Not exactly the famous "Princess Diana" photo, but here I am in front of the Taj...at about 6:30 am.

Look at the right glass.....share my view with me.  ;-)

We also went to other tourist spots, including the Agra Fort and met some school children.  Beautiful colors and smiles.

Some more friends.....3 generations of Sikhs....one has to love the colors of their turbons and they were very kind to allow me to take their photo.

Trip to Kinari Bazaar and Jami Masjid

Kerry, in  her robe supplied by the mosque workers (I was wearing shorts), in front of Jami Masjid...India's largest mosque.  At anytime, up to 20,000 muslims can gather and pray in the square.  This mosque is in "Old Delhi", with a Hindi temple right down the street. I did try to smile, but it was very  hot!

The Mosque is absolutely beautiful - built in 1656 - it took 5,000 people to construct. Balwant and I listened as the prayers were being said.

Old Delhi bazaars are legendary for their spice, silver and gold, cashmere, carpets and of course fabric.  I needed a Indian suit for the Diwali celebration (India's biggest holiday), which is happening next Saturday.  Of course they tried to sell me about six saris and suits, along with the shawls but I restrained myself to two. Good news - I have something to wear on Christmas day in New York. ;-)

Just a few fun masks in preperation for Diwali.

Balwant (my driver in the Khaki) and I travelled the street of Old Delhi in bicycle rickshaws.  He likes being driven for a change!!

This is  typical bazaar street.  Lots of people and decorations, specifically at this time of year.  It was very very busy, but fun to go through.  Many christmas presents were bought!

The photo is not great...but many of the residents near the bazaar take their families and clean in the local shower. The mother is currently bathing an infant....I know that he was a boy because the mother came up to me later for some drink...which I gave willingly (this time / not all the time).  I still continue to be humbled and feel blessed everyday!.