Celebrity Status Achieved at ताज महल

That is Hindi for:

aka. Taj Mahal

I went there my first day in India.  After a two hour taxi "tour" to find the actual tour bus, I rode as the only white tourist on a bus for 5 1/2 hours from Delhi to Agra.  Most interesting part about the Taj?  Apparently I was the main attraction.  First of all, it was VERY crowded, because it was a Sunday - day off for Muslims, Hindus and Christians.  Everywhere I went, people wanted to take their picture with me.  I saw two other white people and they were an old french couple.  Seriously - boys, girls, all ages, wanted ME in their picture.  Some were too shy to ask me, so they would just follow me for a little bit.  Flattering at first, slightly annoying after awhile.  But I did take pictures of them too, so maybe its equal (but not really).

Aside from that though, it was totally awesome.  You can read more about the Taj Mahal here, but I will tell you that it does have quite an interesting story.  It was built in the 1600s and has AMAZING craftsmanship.  The most recognizable part is the big dome, which is actually a mausoleum.

But it is actually a huge complex with several buildings (including a mosque), fountains, gardens, and surrounding walls.  The other structures were equally as cool as the main building.  So here's a how it goes:

Enter through here.  This is inside the outer walls.

 Then you will pass through here:

Which, once you enter, is lined like this on either side:

Then you will see the "Taj Mahal", the actual mausoleum and as you head forward on either side you will see this (which I think is supposed to have water running down the middle): 

 
On both sides of the Taj you have these mosques, which are huge.  See that little dude in the picture?

 The mosques were as ornate and very cool inside and out.

Inside the big white domed mausoleum is the tomb.  Seeing the stonework in there, I can see why people say this is so amazing.  It is really indescribable.

 All the colors in the pattern are individual inlaid stones.

Some more of the detail around the complex: 

And then it's back out.

And on the way out to the outer gates, I saw these women.  They're carrying bundles of the grass they just cut from the manicured lawns.

That's it.  Wha'dya think?