There are those iconic landmarks that can leave you with a feeling if disappointment when you make a physical visit. The Taj Mahal is certainly NOT one of those places. The whole complex is striking and takes up 60 acres. The white mausoleum is breathtaking. The detail in the artistry, the gorgeous inlay of precious stones, symmetry, the placement ... it is simply architectural and artistic perfection. I can honestly say that I could very comfortably return again someday and remain awestruck.

After returning to the hotel for breakfast, we went to the Red Fort of Agra. Another amazing stop. We were able to visit three areas of the fort that were built by three generations of Moghul emperors (who at their peak were the wealthiest leaders on Earth and controlled,more than 25% of the total wealth ... same time period roughly as Elizabeth I). The newer section was for the same emperor that built the Taj Mahal.

We returned to Delhi and got to drive by the Bahai Lotus temple, a Hindi temple, giant sculpture to the monkey god, and an enormous tower built by the Moghuls, and then off to Chennai to begin the "work" side if the trip!

Ty Thayer