Our visit to Delhi, India started and ended with travel issues. It was bound to happen, right? Upon arrival, Steve's luggage didn't make it and on the way out the airlines claimed we didn't have tickets, but that's a whole other story.

Taj Mahal

No matter, on we went to Agra, home of the Taj Mahal. The Taj is actually a mausoleum built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in the 1600's as a tomb for his third (and favorite) wife. Don't know about you, but I wondered what the first and second wives thought about that! I knew we'd be impressed with the Taj Mahal, but we were blown away. It's presence is powerful, emanating elegance and calm, perfect in detail and proportion. It's almost as if it's alive, a queen sitting in her garden.

detailed mosaics cover the taj mahal

Snake Charmers

One day at lunch we chanced upon a snake charmer outside the restaurant. Couldn't resist. Our guide said they're illegal now and will be arrested if caught by the police.

Snake Charmer with python and cobra. Our guide assured us they remove the cobra's fangs which eventually grow back.

Stunning Beauty

My favorite photo from India was of a young woman walking through what's referred to as the "Baby Taj," or Humayun's Tomb, in Delhi. I asked to take her photo, but she didn't understand what I was asking, and then, once she understood via her companion's translation, seemed surprised that I had asked. Are you kidding? She was gorgeous! Her companion graciously agreed to let me take the photo. Many thanks to him (and her).

Street Scenes

Walking through the bazaar

so long india!

Onto the Maldives