Where in the World?: The Taj Mahal!

The Taj Mahal - the 7th Wonder of the World. Built in early 17th century by the Shah Jahan as a mausoleum for his 2nd wife, Mumtaz Mahal, who died giving birth to their 14th child. Between 1631-1653, over 20,000 worked to complete what has been called "the largest monument ever built for love." The Taj is considered by many to be the most beautiful building in the world. "A teardrop on the face of eternity" according to Indian poet Tagore, and "the embodiment of all things pure" according to Rudyard Kipling. I agree with their assessment, although if it was up to me I might add a coat of paint. Or some wallpaper. I kid.

The Gandhi museum. Besides the expected history and photos, etc., they had a surprising amount of Gandhi-inspired art. I took lots of photos of the Gandhi-art, of which I'll post some later. Exhibits included Gandhi's cane, a reconstruction of his room, the bloody robe he was killed in, and one of the actual bullets that did him in.

India Gate, on the Rajpath - the capital boulevard that runs from the President's residence past the Senate chambers to the Gate. The gate was built after WWI, and the names of the 90,000 Indian soldiers who died in that war are carved on it. Picture taken at the Indian Republic Day parade, held every Jan. 26th. Over a million people in attendance, including India's president and Russia's president, Vladimir Putin.