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Published: January 2nd 2006
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Taj Mahal on New Year's Day
Here is the Taj, reflected beautifully in its pool. Bill Clinton said (on his trip to India after the tsunami), there are two types of people, those who have seen the Taj Hahal and those who have not." I think that's true, not because either is better...just because being there changes you. Hi Again,
Whew...I'm relieved the technology is still working. On New Year's Day, we awoke to a wonderful breakfast, including a traditional dish for new year's day made with almonds, wheat and thick butter...oh my god was it ever decadent and wonderful! I'm really enjoying the food here...and everyone on our team in too. Maggie says she's ready for pizza already tho...the food is pretty similar every day at every meal...after four weeks, I think we're going to be ready for a change, but I'm still loving it and there are new delictable discoveries at each meal, along with what I can already tell are the staples.
Ok...onto the Taj Mahal. It is breathtaking and amazing! I can't wait to share the photos, but they don't do it justice. I feel so honored to be here, and to be a guest of both Rotary and the Indians. And, you know, every minute I grow more present to how unbelieveably blessed we are in America...I so often take things for granted...like hot running water, toliets that flush, toliet paper, trash collection and unlimted internet access! Oh, and roads that are safe and managed...wow...and I feel like I don't have any control
Team at the Taj
This is our whole Rotary GSE team at the Taj. at home...I really don't here! What a great lesson in trusting and letting-go.
Back to the Taj...I always thought it was a church or something spiritual, but it isn't. It is a symbol of a king's love to his third wife who died giving birth to their 14th child. He promised not to marry again and to build a symbol of his love to her. This is some symbol of love...and truly a wonder of the world. I don't feel the same after having been there.
Both the King and Queen are buried in the Taj Mahal. It took 22 years to build and is phenominal. Huge pieces of marble carved by one artisan over years and years...every little intricate detail is incredible. I've got great pictures to share when I return.
And oh the people! So friendly and soulful. The weirdest thing for me was that men were walking up to ask to have their photos taken with me. The first time it happened, I thought that two men wanted me to take their photo together in front of the Taj Mahal, but they wanted to pose with me in front of the Taj. And their
Taj Mahal Gate
This is one of four gates into the Taj Mahal complex-the one we entered through. I found the gate to be almost as stunning as the Taj itself. friend took our photo. This happended over and over again. I didn't say no because it made them happy, but I don't understand why they want a photo with an Amercian chick who is a stranger. At one point, the crowd got so thick that Mike and our guide had to step in and pull me out...so weird and likely the closest I'll ever get to know what it feels like to be a celebrity.
I was so reved up last night after our adventures that I didn't sleep at all (I should have taken one of my miracle pills). I finally gave up and got up and journaled on the couch. I'm kind of glad I couldn't sleep because at about 5:00 am, music & chanting started outside...I forgot to ask our hosts what it was and we've been gone all day seeing sites today (which I hope to get to tell you about later), but I'll ask tonight. It was beautiful and went on for about an hour before sunrise...maybe some kind of prayer ritual...I'll let you know later.
Tonight we're having mustard oil massages...I can't wait! I really feel like I've been through the ringer
Up Close at the Taj
This photo is looking up at the Taj dome. It is hard to describe and the pic doesn't do it justice. It is composed of huge blocks of marble, hand-carved by individual artisans and jewels are in-laid. It truly is stunning. and we're only just beginning. This is amazing and colorful...and I feel like I'm not even doing it justice...I can't wait to share photos.
I'll write more later...there is so much to tell. Oh, one more thing...we had a great conversation with our host on new year's morning. He is a wonderfully generous man who hosts people from all over the world who come to see the Taj. He told us to say YES as often as possible and watch how our lives transform...he says no as rarely as possible. And we talked about how generosity bears fruit...the more you give away, the more you get back. What a great message for the New Year.
Until I write again....I wish you many yes's! I love you all! We travel to Southern India tomorrow...it is much more rural so I don't know about internet access, but I'm hoping to get to share with you soon. I miss you all already!
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Patty Dimitriou
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Say YES
you have no idea how present i am to that way of being! YES!! :-) It is a New Year with amazing possibilities.. my friend Catherine was treated the way you were (pic's etc) in the Caribean. she's 6'1" and platinum blonde... hmmm. :-) can't wait to see the pictures!