Note: I am splitting this post into two parts — the first detailing the events before entering the Taj Mahal and the second detailing the events after entering it.
I am beyond fortunate to have witnessed incredible beauty both natural and human-made around the world and I am proud to say that I have yet to become jaded in the slightest bit. As my eyes first laid sight upon the beloved white palace, they immediately teared up with excitement, awe, and gratitude.
The Taj Mahal is without a doubt stunning, but it is so much more than that; it is the ultimate memorial to love, it is one of the Seven Wonders of the World that has inspired travelers to cross continents to visit, and it is an architectural gem. In the 17th Century, the ruler Shahjahan decided to build a memorial to his Queen in honor of his love for her. He wanted the world to never forget her, and well, he certainly succeeded.
As I stood on the first platform after walking through the arches, I was in a state of bliss. I did not know whether to take photos or to continue gazing at the monument. Within minutes, however, my bliss was interrupted by hoards of people asking to have their picture taken with me. I am not quite sure why these people thought I was a celebrity, but I am not exaggerating when I say that during my time at the Taj Mahal I was stopped by at least several hundred people. It was almost to the point of absurdity, as I could not walk about five steps without being asked. Because I am too nice, I would always agree. Though one photo would turn into two photos which would turn into ten photos.
Finally my guide came and rescued me, so that I could continue walking closer to the Taj Mahal. Between the intense heat and my personal space being invaded, I was starting to feel a little sick.
Just when I thought I was safe, another crowd gathered around me!
My friend, Kristen, made a joke and said, “I wonder how many Christmas cards you are going to be on this year?” I laughed and while I was frustrated that I could not enjoy the Taj Mahal to the fullest, I had to admit to myself that it was a pretty humorous situation.
Once we made it to the final platform before entering the Taj Mahal, we were required to either take off our shoes or to put slippers over them. I chose the latter. . .
Shah (King) Jahan called it the Taj (arabic for crown) Mahal (the last name of his beloved Mumtaz Mahal) to crown her in honor for generations to come, by building the Ultimate Mausoleum. His heart was broken by her passing and he found the best minds and hands to express his love for her.
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Haha, we felt like rock stars in India as well. In Jodhpur, when we were visiting the Meherangarh Fort, women were giving their babies to my wife and snapping pictures. We posed with every single member of a 10 person family, individually, for pictures. Hilarious. India is a crazy place; it can be so overwhelming at times, then you experience the kindness and friendliness. A place of extremes for sure. Have fun!!
That also happened to us in India.We were in Manali&they wanted to have a photo with us together.I made a photo how they did it
That’s hilarious! All of those people will go home and show the photos to everyone they know, describing you as their American friend. There’s status involved with having foreign friends and the photo, even though that’s the only interaction involved, is the proof they needed!!
Good for you for accommodating their photo requests, as it can be a little much when you want to experience the Taj Mahal and end up being the center of attention yourself.
Nice photos!
Thank you so much!
Andi, hilarious. Guess that’s what happens with a popular tourist site.
Well done for being nice and agreeing to all the pictures, it’s a hard life being so popular eh?
It is always my pleasure to have photos with local folks, it will remain part of your memory.
Gorgeous photos! How funny that everyone wanted a picture with you! That was awful nice of you to agree. I have only had that happen once and I’m pretty sure the guy went home and put it on his facebook with a caption I was his girlfriend or something ha.
Great blog! This blogs explores about the scenic beauty and cultural heritage of Taj Mahal. No doubt, it is an architectural gem that inspires travelers to cross continents just to have a look of this. Keep sharing this kind of blogs.
In Asia, everybody loves a blonde!!
This happened to my sister and I when we were in China, but mostly when we were in smaller towns outside of Beijing and Shanghai…and while we thought it happened a lot, it was nowhere as much as you describe. We felt a bit overwhelmed, I can only imagine how it must have been with hundreds of people at once!
Hilarious! I guess it was probably rather trying at the time but you got a great story and some amazing photos out of it!
What an experience! A friend who was recently in India had the same (he was sporting a pink mohawk at the time, I’m sure that helped him stand out).
Oh Andi, I know exactly what you’re talking about! My friends and I had to pose for photos for 2 solid hours at the Golden Temple in Amritsar. It was hilarious, but quite overwhelming too. India is insane… I love it!
We had a similar experience in India – it has a funny way of making you an instant movie star! The people are so cute about it to
Haha, I want to confess a little here. I was born and raised in Indonesia, and when I was small, I rarely see foreigners. When I was about 7 years old, I went to Bali with family. I was one of those people that asking people to take picture with me, hahaha. From Swedish with light skin and blonde hair that is very different with us, to Japanese that looked quite similar to us. I never do this anymore when I’m older, but yeah! I did when I was 7!
Wow, it is amazingly beautiful!
third shot is stunning!!! xo
Awesome post!
Wonderful writing like always!
You rock!!!
tremendous blog!!!!!
That was kind of humorous experience for you. You must not have expected that coming !! Btw, nice shots and nice blog.
Pretty thought invoking post! I just stumbled upon your blog this morning and wanted to say that I have really liked browsing some of the posts.
What a fabulous post!
Definitely, what a fantastic website and educative posts!
I hope you never stop! This is one of the best blogs Ive ever read.
Nice post!
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Gorgeous photos! How funny that everyone wanted a picture with you! That was awful nice of you to agree. I have only had that happen once and I’m pretty sure the guy went home and put it on his facebook with a caption…
Thank you!!! Hahaha, it was fun to be considered a celebrity for a second! 🙂
I have read your post and I want to confess a little here. I was born and raised in Indonesia, and when I was small, I rarely see foreigners. When I was about 7 years old, I went to Bali with family. I was one of those people that asking people to take picture with me, hahahahahhaha.