By Amanpreet Singh
Hey, Cloggers! We have explored the most insane places in India, however, there are those times when the most spectacular things to do are those that bring you back to the most familiar, the most recognizable locations in the world. Our latest mission? Sharing the ideal, grandeur beauty of the Taj Mahal with the whole crew of Rahul, Simran, Vikram and me.
It was not a peaceful and individual walk to a tomb, but a running match with the crowd and a joyful undertaking to get the magic of the monument collectively.
Chapter 1: The Pre-Dawn Race (The Epic Start)
The only means of really enjoying the Taj Mahal without the thousands of other tourists is to be there at the time the gates open. This was our Epic challenge. We woke people up at 4:00 AM, argued about who would have the first cup of coffee, and ran in the dawn cold Agra streets.
It was like waiting in line and shivering yet buzzing like the bee, and this is the kind of camaraderie we had; that knowing how to suffer together. As soon as the gates were opened we ran to the chief view point. And then, we stopped.
The view of the Taj Mahal, half-buried in the early morning fog, gradually changing its gray into the warm pearl as the sun was about to come up, was astounding. It is the best balanced building that ever existed. This is an overwhelming experience and the silence and awe at the moment of the collective silence and awe were worth the 4:00 PM start immediately.
Chapter 2: The Perfect Photoshoot Fun
There is no way to get to the Taj and not do some of the typical tourist photography and that is where the fun with friends really came to a head. Hours we spent to master the conventional shots: the thumb-holding-the-dome-photo, the jump shot with maximum accuracy, the comical attempts to reproduce historical, serious poses.
Rahul, who felt that he was a world-class photographer, had us spend twenty minutes to ensure that we got the lighting perfect on the reflecting pool. Simran almost stumbles in an attempt to shoot a moving panorama. It was pure nonsense, and it was all around pure perfection. We made a year long supply of blooper reels, and that proves that even at a place where people fall in love, we could make a year long supply of pure, undulterated fun of friendship.
Chapter 3: The Lovely Marble Majesty
It was the Beautiful Moment which could be felt in the main mausoleum. As one enters this cool marble-lined hall the light comes in softly, and it lights up the elaborate pietra dura (inlaid stone work) detailing. The symmetry, the fine floral carvings and the flawless echoes were enchanting.
We were just enjoying the workmanship and talking about the logistics of how such a marvel could be created without the modern equipment. By being there, in the midst of the silence of time, we made an awareness of the real heritage of the Taj not as a tale of love, but as a tale of human potential.
We were thankful later as we sat on the lawns drinking hot tea and enjoying the street food. The Taj Mahal is a master work and it is really memorable to witness its excellence and grandeur coupled with the shattered, untidy and noisy crew. The Taj may not be as much about couples as you may think. Invite your friends and leave an epic legacy of laughing together!
What’s your favorite wonder of the world to visit? Let me know below!
Stay monumental, Amanpreet Singh clogtheblog.com
