Taj Mahal Mania

To tell you the truth, Monica and I had decided that we would not visit the Taj Mahal. This outstanding mausoleum is perhaps the quintessential tourist attraction. It is India's most popular destination (and deservedly so) which made both Monica and myself want to boycott the whole thing. Thankfully we relented.

While I won't even try to describe how fantastic this place is, I will give it my complete endorsement--with one proviso. Go first thing in the morning. Get there by sunrise if possible. This is for two very good reasons. Firstly, the mobs of tourists who show up at eight or nine must be avoided. Secondly, the Taj is made of white marble. To gaze upon it bathed in early morning sunshine is divine; to be blinded by the glare of mid-day sun bouncing off its every surface would be downright painful.