Visiting the Taj Mahal

So I'm a little biased in saying that the Taj Mahal is the first monument you should visit. Oh well.

Look at this. Not only is this a great architectural feat, but it's also a symbol of a powerful love.

During the Mughal reign of India, trade was flourishing, culture and ideas were moving, and life was good. Many of the leaders during this time were benevolent and good (at least in the beginning). Many of them also had several wives. One such king, Shah Jahan, had a wife named Mumtaz Mahal (she was also known as Arjumand Banu). They were very close, and he loved her very much. While her husband was fighting in a war, she died giving birth. While it's sad, it's kinda Shah Jahan's fault cause this was her fourteenth child and I don't think anybody can survive for fifteen. The Taj Mahal was built as a monument and tomb to her. 

Now, this marble structure houses both Shah Jahan and Mumtaz Mahal. It is visited by thousands of tourists every year.

If you decide to go to India, make sure to visit some of the other popular attractions, such as the magnificent temples, the national parks, and the Himalayas.

(*also go to Cafe Coffee Day and order their paneer sandwich or cake*)

Since I have no idea how to end, here's a poem by Shah Jahan:

"Should guilty seek asylum here,
Like one pardoned, he becomes free from sin.
Should a sinner make his way to this mansion,
All his past sins are to be washed away.
The sight of this mansion creates sorrowing sighs;
And the sun and the moon shed tears from their eyes.
In this world this edifice has been made;
To display thereby the creator's glory."

{btw for non desis, "himalayas" is pronounced like 'him' followed by 'aah' NOT AN 'UH' then 'l' and then sort of an 'uh' with an 'eee' which compunds to a sort of 'ai' sound NOT AN 'AY' and finally 'yaaz'. I know it's weird, but it bother me when people say it with that american accent.}