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Inlay Band on the Dome
We figure this inlaid band of linked flowers is probably about as tall as Krissa, given the scale of the central dome. We figure this inlaid band of linked flowers is probably about as tall as Krissa,...
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Luis on the Lower Plaza
The Taj itself is between two mirror-image buildings, one a mosque, the other just a match, both built mostly of red sandstone. Between them, and around the Taj, is a beautifully geometric plaza of...
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Marble Plaza
The Taj is built on a raised marble platform, above a sandstone plaza. The contrasting colors were enchanting, and the smooth, cool marble felt lovely to bare feet. The Taj is built on a raised marble...
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Luis Heads Towards Sikri
The Sikri portion of Fatepur Sikri was the mosque with it's huge courtyard and wall. It is still used as a Friday mosque for the nearby village. The main entrance is around to the left, where the...
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From Our Room
Yes, our hotel room had a view of the Taj. Don't ask how much it cost. It was one of two serious splurges on the trip. Yes, our hotel room had a view of the Taj. Don't ask how much it cost. It was one...
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Children at Play
It turns out that kids are kids everywhere. They get tired of all the marble and figure out other ways to have fun. It turns out that kids are kids everywhere. They get tired of all the marble and...
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A Matched Pair
This tourist couple brought great delight to us, both with their SLRs, taking the same pictures. Granted, we took many of the same pictures as well, so we can't laugh too hard. This tourist couple...
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The Classic
Everyone takes this picture. But still, you take it, because it really is stunning. And now you have your version, however clichéd it may be. Everyone takes this picture. But still, you take it,...
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Decorative Script Inlay
There is real Arabic script in their, between all the embellishments. More awe at the incredibly detailed workmanship. There is real Arabic script in their, between all the embellishments. More awe at...
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Dawn breaks
on the setting not quite so full moon, and lends a rosy glow to the marble. on the setting not quite so full moon, and lends a rosy glow to the marble.
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Stone Inlay Work
It's not very visible from a distance, but the entire Taj is covered by this incredibly delicate semi-precious stone inlay. Floral designs cover the walls, band below the domes, create borders...
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Built-in rugs
The floor of the mosque to the Taj's west has been inlaid with rug-like patterns, indicating the direction of Mecca, and giving each person their space to pray. The floor of the mosque to the Taj's...
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Reflected
There are so many angles and views to be admired in the water. And so many people, all engaged in the admiring. There are so many angles and views to be admired in the water. And so many people, all...
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