Day 9 – Amazon Learns the Difference Between a Donkey and a Horse, and Starts to Rethink Her Funeral

On the way to the Taj Mahal, Amazon spotted several beasts of burden carrying loads in the roadway.   “Look at the little horses”, she exclaimed.  I corrected her as we passed by them pointing out the features which clearly defined them as donkeys.  I cautioned her against jumping to conclusions based on a rear view of the animal, but did say that I understood her error completely.  She has been married to a horse’s ass for over 40 years and his physical attributes bore little resemblance to a horse.

Next stop the Taj, is probably the most famous tourist location in India.  Construction of the Taj began in 1632 by Emperor Shah Jahan after his beloved third wife died while giving birth to their 14^th child.   Her death left the emperor completely heartbroken, and his hair is said to have turned grey overnight.  Upon completion of the Mausoleum 8 years later the Empress Mumtaz body was moved here.

We entered through the south gate which is a sandstone arch aligned perfectly with the Taj Mahal.  Amazon and I have visited many World Heritage sites and have seen photos before hand but in spite of this Amazon said she was breathless when she saw the magnificent marble structure.  Considering when the Taj was built the symmetry and mathematical accuracy are astounding.  The closer one gets the bigger it is. 

Sadly, construction of the entire complex which took 20 years almost bankrupted the Mughal Empire.  The Emperor was placed under house arrest by his son and could only gaze at this magnificent structure through the palace window.  The Emperor was buried next to his wife in 1666 although he never intended to be buried in the mausoleum. 

When Amazon asked about what I had in store for her, I pointed out the following:

·       She had already turned my hair grey,

·       She only bore me two children,

·       She would have to die first and be sure I’d blow the family inheritance on a monument (not wine women and song),

·       Our son would not be able to place me under house arrest, and

·       The condo board would be unlikely to permit a monument construction to contain her remains.

Next, we visited the fort, from which the dynasty had exerted it’s power for a long time.  The previous king had lived a more regal life.  His wife lived several hundred km away and he passed his time with his concubines and wine (ah the good old days).  His son, once smitten with wife #3, lived only for her (and 14 children).

Finally, we visited the garden across the river from the Taj.  Not much of a garden, according to Amazon and I agree.  It is apparently under reconstruction by the government.

Back at the hotel, we tried to get an early night so we would be fresh for Ranthambhore Tiger preserve tomorrow,