Taj Mahal

Wow!  The Taj Mahal was built by Shah Jahan for his third wife who died during the birth of their 14th child.  It took 22 years to build.  There is a story that Shah Jahan and his wife met at a jewelry market.  She presented him with a diamond for purchase.  When he inquired as to the cost she quoted an astronomical price.  He quickly paid in gold coin.  When she told him he was mistaken and it was a sugar crystal he simply replied that she was the one who was mistaken and he was very clear as to what was a diamond and what was a sugar crystal.  The Finial located at the top of the Taj Mahal was originally made of 300kg of gold and stands 10m high.  It was later replaced with brass.  The Taj Mahal clean about every three years.  It is cleaned in small sections so that tourists are disappointed by the scaffolding around the building. The clean it very simply using soap and water!  Daniel told me today that when I kick the bucket he plans to build me a similar tomb! :)  I am not sure if he knows what he is getting himself into!

Puppies playing at the Taj Mahal.... why not!

Dan and I at the Taj Mahal.

The Finial... now made of brass.

The Taj Mahal is made of marble and precious stones.  The colors seen here (and all through the Taj) are not painted.  They are inlaid by hand.

Taj Mahal

The hooks seen here are used for cleaning the Taj Mahal.  They clean the building every three years using....
SOAP and WATER!!