exhausted and behind on the blog, running to catch up
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OBEROI at The Taj
And another beautiful OBEROI hotel. The Oberoi group-started in 1934- owns 18 luxury hotels. Talk about a family business- the son of the founder is the President. I can see why they are rated as one of the top resorts/hotels in the world. Not only spectacular brick and mortar but the service is outstanding making each of feel like Mughal royalty. And you know Bocahita can take it to the next level.
This is the view from our room-yep looking straight at the Taj Mahal. Bubba is hoping the greatest monument to love will get Boca in that romantic mode. Keep that dream alive Bubs-I'll let you know after we visit some of those gem stores.
And after our touring I will be sure to pull out the string bikini anticipating Annie will be green with envy.
Built in a style inspired by Moorish and Mughal architects- lots of terraced laws, fountains, reflection pools and pavilions have me feeling like a Marhaja. This place looks like Bubs could just hose it down for a clean sweep. Will consider copying for the next hacienda. And hey which way is breakfast?
It's always fun to sample the local fair. Bubs and Annie stick to the basics while Bocahita has a declicious and spicy Indian breakfast every morning. Am I smelling like curry Annie?
Come on Bocahita- let's get on the "electric" bus for a ride to the Taj. But its only down the street, aren't we walking? No siree bob- too many hawkers, you'll never get there. What a town. AGRA was the imperial capital of the Mughal court during the 16th and 17th centuries before it shifted to Delhi. The mighty Mughals loved to build and nowhere is it more evident than the river region along the Yamuna which is the backdrop for its palaces, tombs, forts and gardens. Three of these, the Taj Mahal, the Agra Fort and Akhars abandoned capital of Fatehpur Sikri, have been declared World Heritage sites by UNESCO.
TAJ MAHAL
Here it is Honey, the place you have wanted to see for years. Almost sureal as the early morning fog starts to burn off. One of the world's most famous buildings- THE TAJ- commemorating both the Mughal emperor Shah Hahan, and Mumtaz Mahal, his "favorite" wife. Oy Buddha Bubs take note. Described as a "prayer, a vision, a dream, a poem a wonder" this exquisite craftsmanship is amazing, The garden tomb, an image of the Islamic garden of paradise, cost nearly 41 million rupees and 500 kilos of gold and took 20,000 workers almost 22 years to finish. Dear neighbor Marci S- making your building project look like a breeze!
Bubba how did she get in my camera???!!
Now this is some marble work...wonder how they keep this place polished? Those Indians are cleaver having us wear booties to help get those floors shiny. It is widely believed that the Taj was designed to represent an earthly replica of one of the houses of paradise. Does Paradise look like the Boca Mall? It's impeccable marble facing, embellished by a remarkable use of exquisite surface design is a showcase for those Mughal's who ruled this area. Bocahita always loves a good political commentary on a building.
Check out the inlaid calligraphy in black marble used as a form of ornamentation on the undecorated surfaces around the entry. The detailed panels of inscribed Koranic passages, that line the recessed arches look like banners. Obama take note.
Yeah, glad it's not me worrying about polishing all this marble mumbled Bubs. It's called Pietra Dura, inspired by that dang paradise garden, intricately caved floral designs inlaid with precious stones embellish the austere white marble surface to give it the look of a bejeweled casket. The decorative panels of flowering plants, foliage and vases are realistically carved on the lower portions of the walls while the Pietra adds a little bling. Yes Bubs take note. No simple tomb stone for Bocahita. Start planning now my dear hubby.
The Taj Mahal is one of the Seven Wonders of the World, for reasons more than just looking magnificent it depicts loss, remorse and love again. The Emperor lost his beloved wife while she was giving birth to their 14th child. And here they lay together for ever. Bubs, will you be next to me? Or will we spread your "ashes" around the farm?
Hey Abdul, you did have something like this in mind for me, right?
AGRA FORT
Next stop.....
It was only during the reign of Akbar's grandson, Shah Jahan, that the site took on its current state. The legend is that Shah Jahan built the beautiful Taj Mahal for his wife, Mumtaz Mahal. Unlike his grandfather, Shah Jahan tended to have buildings made from white marble, often inlaid with gold or semi-precious gems. He destroyed some of the earlier buildings inside the fort in order to make his own.
At the end of his life, Shah Jahan was imprisoned by his son, Aurangzeb, in the fort. It is rumored that Shah Jahan died in Musamman Burj, a tower with a marble balcony with a view of the Taj Mahal.
Bubbs checks out the view.
Get down from there Pleep. He had a blast climbing all over this place with his new found Indian cousins.
Bubbs finally remembered to bring the binocs and still looking for the Pleep.
FATEHPUR SIKRI
Bubbs was templed out so we passed on the tour for this walled city. And Bocahita busied herself at the spa...those pesky roots giving her fits.
COCKTAIL HOUR GAZING AT THE TAJ
Our fellow Tuaktorians-Lutz and GG- from Berlin, enjoy a libation with us.
While we watch some interesting entertaining on top of the pool house and no Bubs I am not going to dance for you with a fire on my head tonight.
Annie has been a pure joy to have along with us. Def. a good influence on Bubs not getting so cranky. Thank you Annie- we love you! Ending the magical day with an Indian meal. Bocahita is really enjoying the Indian food and all of those spices. No heartburn for her or Annie. Bubs is almost out of Zantac and some other things......
xxxx
OBEROI at The Taj
And another beautiful OBEROI hotel. The Oberoi group-started in 1934- owns 18 luxury hotels. Talk about a family business- the son of the founder is the President. I can see why they are rated as one of the top resorts/hotels in the world. Not only spectacular brick and mortar but the service is outstanding making each of feel like Mughal royalty. And you know Bocahita can take it to the next level.
This is the view from our room-yep looking straight at the Taj Mahal. Bubba is hoping the greatest monument to love will get Boca in that romantic mode. Keep that dream alive Bubs-I'll let you know after we visit some of those gem stores.
It's always fun to sample the local fair. Bubs and Annie stick to the basics while Bocahita has a declicious and spicy Indian breakfast every morning. Am I smelling like curry Annie?
Come on Bocahita- let's get on the "electric" bus for a ride to the Taj. But its only down the street, aren't we walking? No siree bob- too many hawkers, you'll never get there. What a town. AGRA was the imperial capital of the Mughal court during the 16th and 17th centuries before it shifted to Delhi. The mighty Mughals loved to build and nowhere is it more evident than the river region along the Yamuna which is the backdrop for its palaces, tombs, forts and gardens. Three of these, the Taj Mahal, the Agra Fort and Akhars abandoned capital of Fatehpur Sikri, have been declared World Heritage sites by UNESCO.
TAJ MAHAL
Here it is Honey, the place you have wanted to see for years. Almost sureal as the early morning fog starts to burn off. One of the world's most famous buildings- THE TAJ- commemorating both the Mughal emperor Shah Hahan, and Mumtaz Mahal, his "favorite" wife. Oy Buddha Bubs take note. Described as a "prayer, a vision, a dream, a poem a wonder" this exquisite craftsmanship is amazing, The garden tomb, an image of the Islamic garden of paradise, cost nearly 41 million rupees and 500 kilos of gold and took 20,000 workers almost 22 years to finish. Dear neighbor Marci S- making your building project look like a breeze!
Now this is some marble work...wonder how they keep this place polished? Those Indians are cleaver having us wear booties to help get those floors shiny. It is widely believed that the Taj was designed to represent an earthly replica of one of the houses of paradise. Does Paradise look like the Boca Mall? It's impeccable marble facing, embellished by a remarkable use of exquisite surface design is a showcase for those Mughal's who ruled this area. Bocahita always loves a good political commentary on a building.
Check out the inlaid calligraphy in black marble used as a form of ornamentation on the undecorated surfaces around the entry. The detailed panels of inscribed Koranic passages, that line the recessed arches look like banners. Obama take note.
The Taj Mahal is one of the Seven Wonders of the World, for reasons more than just looking magnificent it depicts loss, remorse and love again. The Emperor lost his beloved wife while she was giving birth to their 14th child. And here they lay together for ever. Bubs, will you be next to me? Or will we spread your "ashes" around the farm?
Hey Abdul, you did have something like this in mind for me, right?
AGRA FORT
Agra Fort, is a monument, (Hindi: आगरा का किला, Urdu: آگرہ قلعہ) is a UNESCO World Heritage site located in Agra, Uttar Pradesh, India. It is about 2.5 km northwest of its more famous sister monument, the Taj Mahal. The fort can be more accurately described as a walled city. After Panipat, Mughals captured the fort and a vast treasure - which included a diamond that was later named as the Koh-i-Noor diamond - was seized. Babur stayed in the fort in the palace of Ibrahim. He built a baoli (step well) in it. Humayun was crowned here in 1530. Humayun was defeated in Bilgram in 1540. Sher Shah held the fort for five years. The Mughals defeated the Hindu King Hemu finally at the Second Battle of Panipat in 1556. Wiki Source.
Realizing the importance of its central situation, Akbar made it his capital and arrived in Agra in 1558. His historian, Abdul Fazal, recorded that this was a brick fort known as 'Badalgarh' . It was in a ruined condition and Akbar had it rebuilt with red sandstone from Barauli area in Rajasthan. Architects laid the foundation and it was built with bricks in the inner core with sandstone on external surfaces. Builders worked on it for eight years, completing it in 1573.
It was only during the reign of Akbar's grandson, Shah Jahan, that the site took on its current state. The legend is that Shah Jahan built the beautiful Taj Mahal for his wife, Mumtaz Mahal. Unlike his grandfather, Shah Jahan tended to have buildings made from white marble, often inlaid with gold or semi-precious gems. He destroyed some of the earlier buildings inside the fort in order to make his own.
At the end of his life, Shah Jahan was imprisoned by his son, Aurangzeb, in the fort. It is rumored that Shah Jahan died in Musamman Burj, a tower with a marble balcony with a view of the Taj Mahal.The fort was the site of a battle during the Indian rebellion of 1857, which caused the end of the British East India Company's rule in India, and led to a century of direct rule of India by Britain.
The detail is phenomenal. Today 90% of the Fort is occupied by the Indian Military.
Bocahita asks if Bubs could modify her bedroom door more like this...
Bubbs finally remembered to bring the binocs and still looking for the Pleep.
FATEHPUR SIKRI
Bubbs was templed out so we passed on the tour for this walled city. And Bocahita busied herself at the spa...those pesky roots giving her fits.
COCKTAIL HOUR GAZING AT THE TAJOur fellow Tuaktorians-Lutz and GG- from Berlin, enjoy a libation with us.
While we watch some interesting entertaining on top of the pool house and no Bubs I am not going to dance for you with a fire on my head tonight.
