No other structure could silence a bus full of teens. . .

I saw the Taj for the first time, and I pray not the last, in 1985. I was a 16-year old Rotary youth exchange student traveling with other exchange students. We took a bus from our hotel to Agra, and I have a flash memory of that first glimpse of the Taj in the distance. Every voice on the bus became instantaneously silent, as there, still miles away, rose the Taj Mahal. Who hadn't seen a million photos of it? What was it that, even from miles away, inspired such awe? I'm not sure, but the best way I can express it is that the Taj Mahal itself has a soul. It is impossible to describe the wonder and peace one experiences while staring, not caring that you look like a gormless prat with your mouth wide open, straight up into the air at the amazing mosaics that cover its walls, and the megalithic pillars that flank it. This is no tourist trap. This is the real thing, a genuine wonder. So if you ever have the opportunity and wonder if it's worth the effort, don't think twice -- you will never regret it, and never forget it.