TAJ MAHAL

 

Well that's it then.

I've seen the TAJ👌😀

It's absolutely sublime and attacks the senses!

The TAJ MAHAL is one of the 7 wonders of the present world and much of its attraction revolves around the absolutely symmetrical  architecture from all angles,as well as the play of light on the inlaid marble which changes constantly through the day .

One pays around R230 as an entry fee and undertakes probably the heaviest security measures I've yet experienced at a monument.

So it's sort of cheating somewhat when the entire right wing is surrounded by scaffolding to carry out restoration work on the building.

Absolutely no indication from anyone beforehand?

I'd decided to go very early to avoid the huge crowds during the rest of the day, particularly i.l.o. the extensive security  measures.Also to get better light which is almost futile with this shitty camera focus on the 5S!

I purchased my ticket and was then told that my small backpack was to be stored at a place some 400 metres away.

After paying 1000 rupees as an entry fee one still has to pay a small amount to store bags/day packs etc.???

Joined the growing queue where one is scanned,body searched and they even asked to check inside each zipper in my money belt, which I wasn't a damn leaving in some storage facility .

I always carry a small teaspoon in one of the zippers.

It comes in handy when I need to have some sort of eating utensil for yoghurt or likewise when travelling .

Well,at this last security hurdle,where they carry out the anal inspection ( just kidding),the inspecting soldier ( armed with sub-machine gun an all) looks suspiciously at this "lethal weapon" and starts waving it around at the other military personnel.

I kinda half expected them to hit the dirt and assume the position?

I mean for $&&$ sake guys........it's a $&&&ing teaspoon.

I really thought he was going to confiscate it till a more senior oke nodded to say it was ok and unlikely to be a nuclear warhead.😁

A bit like the ..defending yourself against a piece of fruit .....skit on MONTY PYTHON.

.......PINEAPPLE!!!!!.....where,where?.........OMG .......thought my number was up!😜Anyway I got through eventually and it's a very special building and place,and located in an oasis of peace in the constant cacophony of India.

But sorry guys,it's not in the same realm as MACCHU PICHU etc. (as mentioned previously)which are truly momentous.