I went to the Taj Mahal today...three hours there, four hours back...it was built nearly 400 years ago by the prince for his deceased wife (her tomb)...she died at age 38 or so, after bearing 14 children! It's an exquisite monument and neat to see in person. The drives were equally fascinating. Outside of a war zone, this has got to be the most chaotic place on earth. It is wild and wonderful. In some ways, I drive by all these people wondering how they can live in such poverty (minimum wage in India is ~$20 USD / week...though many get away with paying people less - especially the laborers) and then I see that for the most part they're smiling and laughing and working just like the rest of us. The hotels, restaurants are amazing - as they are everywhere in SE Asia - part of it is that labor cost is so low, they can afford to have 20 people greet you at the door and stand by your table. When I arrived at my hotel yesterday, they waved a plate of incense & flower petals in my face, and painted a red dot on my forehead. They're also VERY security-conscious since the November attacks in Mumbai last year. We flew over Iran & Pakistan coming into India and it was grim thinking about wars in the midst of such huge populations and broad poverty. Bright spots are that people seem quite kind, quite generous, there are missionaries & congregations here (though I couldn't find one to attend).
8 comments:
Awesome! Frankly, I'm a little jealous too. Did you get to go inside? Travel safely and hopefully we'll see you here in Portland soon.
Yeah, you can go inside - it's basically kind of a cavernous room with all this inlay in the marble; there are some separate rooms for the women (who, at the time, weren't allowed into the main chamber). The carving is truly amazing. The Prince was going to build a second 'Taj Mahal' across the river - I think for himself - but one of his sons persuaded him that it would bankrupt the government if he did; so instead, he elected to be buried next to his wife.
incredible. I would love to go there someday. Sounds like a really interesting trip. Can't wait to hear about it next time you are in portland!
I've been considering building a tomb for Linda myself, so this really helps with the planning. "7th wonder of the world" proportions, of course - maybe carved into the side of a mountain or suspended above crater lake. Nothing too over the top, just something that'll really let her know I care. You know, something to occupy my spare time for the next 20 years or so.
Seriously cool Mark. As for Christias, perhaps you should team up with Mic who (with love) has told me he would like to be buried in one of those pillar buildings you sometimes see for European royalty.
Talk to me Mic. We can call it 'Darbyman' or maybe 'Woodby'.
Anyone else want in on this before we close the circle of death?
Since I will probably be first on the other "scene" I guess I will start my project in the back yard. The jack hammers will be here to tear up the basketball court--wait until you see my creation.
Frankly, I thought that creepy room behind your laundry room was what you'd had planned for your tomb.
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