India-Agra

We hired a driver and took a daytrip from Delhi to Agra (~8hrs return) which included the typical tourist stop at a restaurant/souvenir shop that we insisted we didn't want to go to. Although we only had 1 day we were able to see the two main sights in Agra: Agra Fort and the Taj Mahal.

 Street kids were prevalent everywhere we went. Even at a stoplight in the middle of nowhere between Delhi and Agra.

The central gateway to the Taj Mahal.

The Taj Mahal, built by Shah Jahan as a memorial for his wife who died in childbirth (giving birth to her 14th child). It was apparently built by around 20,000 people between 1631-1653.

Locals coming to view the Taj, and trying to make some money off foreigners for pictures.

The central dome made of white marble.

One of the 4 minarets.

Red sandstone floors and carved white marble.

Side view.

Flowers and verses from the Quran carved into the central structure. Some of the flower carvings have been inlaid with semiprecious stones.

Note Jeff on the right to show some perspective of how huge the central building was.

Engagement shot with my first "ring".

Finally, Agra Fort made of red sandstone. Used by Emperor Akbar (as a military structure), his grandson Shah Jahan (as a palace), and his great grandson Aurangzeb (as a prison).

 Inside the palace portion of the Red Fort.

Doorway.

View of the Taj Mahal from Musamman Burj, the tower where Shah Jahan was imprisoned by his son for 8 years until he died in 1666.