Hauling ourselves up at 530am for a 6am pickup, is not easy. But, to see the Taj Mahal as the sun is coming up, is an absolute....so out of bed we went.   

 Lemon our guide was waiting for us in the lobby and we joined the Driver for the 10 minute drive to the walkway to the Taj. Two years ago, there was a small road with lots of vendors that we walked down, but since then they created nice 1/2 mile walkway, free of shops that leads to the entrance. 

Karen and I got in the women's line, while Ken and Lemon got in the men's line. At one point two women lines joined together and we had to muscle our way into the local line. Not easy when the local women are intent on not letting you in. But, after watching the drivers here for 3 weeks, I had no problem pushing my way into the line.  

Ken had heard from a colleague that it is best to hire a photographer to take pictures. I wasn't sure that was necessary, but went with it. We found Raj the photo guy and he started taking pics of us from different angles. As we entered through the gates, the majestic Taj was in full glory. It is truly an amazing structure.  

For those that aren't aware of the story, it was built by Shah Jahan, the Moghul of this state in 1643 in honor of his favorite wife, Mumtaz Mahal. She had died giving birth to their 14th child at age 39, and he was so devastated he wanted to build a beautiful place to bury her. So the Taj is known as the Monument of Love.   

As we were getting pictures taken, I was unaware of activities going on around me. I was busy watching people, seeing the beautiful Taj and taking in the surroundings. At one point, the photographer is shooing people away from a small bridge in front of the reflecting pool...and positioning Ken and I for more pictures. That is when I received the surprise of my life.....

Ken got down on one knee and proposed!! I was stunned and started crying, while he could hardly get the words out as we were both a bit emotional. I am not sure I even said YES or as Karen later suggested  "what took you so long!!", but no matter it was a resounding yes!! We got a standing ovation from the onlookers and a South African couple came over and said "well done! we got engaged here 40 years ago and wish you as much happiness as we have had!" After just short of 5 wonderful years together, it feels very right to take that next step. We have three amazing kids, a beautiful home, great family and friends and just love being together with all of them.  

So, the most romantic place on earth, was certainly that on April 8, 2017...a day that we won't forget. I did find out that the only people that knew in advance were Karen and Paige (Ken's daughter) and for those who want a picture of the ring....it is in a safe place back home. He decided to not chance it by bringing it to India, so I have very nice knock-off from Nordstrom until we get home. I will definitely take a picture when I get it! And, for those wondering where/when/etc...we have no clue yet. Stay tuned.

Now that the big event was over, we tried to calm down and actually see the rest of the Taj. And while that wasn't easy, we did go in the mausoleum and wander the grounds. After lots of pictures, we headed back to the hotel for breakfast and to pack up for our 6 hour drive to Ranthambore National Park.  

Before we got on the road, we did a visit to the Agra Fort, built in 1526 and where Shah Jahan and his family lived while the Taj was being built. It is quite impressive, but unlike the Taj is built in red sandstone. With Shah Jahan's preference for marble, he did many upgrades to the Fort with marble and inlaid gemstones, similar to the Taj. His living quarters had a direct view across the fields to the Taj, so he could view and remember his wife every day.

Now, it was time to hit the road. And I mean that literally. About 4 hours was spent on highways, while not as good as the Delhi-Agra highway it was not bad. Then, all changed. We took the road to Madhopur, where our hotel, The Tigress was located. It was full of potholes, large grain tractors coming at us and of course the crazy traffic (the usual). Karen was in the front and admitted she started to think whether her will and life insurance were in order! Between our bodies getting a workout in with the potholes and closing our eyes in total fright due to our passing other cars or trucks coming straight at us...it was NOT a fun 2 hours. 

When we finally arrived in Madhopur our driver had to stop and ask for directions several times before finding a dirt road that eventually brought us to the Tigress. With wobbly knees and racing hearts, we were VERY thankful to have arrived safe and sound. The hotel was beautiful and we dumped our stuff and enjoyed a very well deserved bottle of wine by the pool.  
Dinner was served on the rooftop with some Indian musicians and dancers. As with a lot of music from other countries, it was hard to tell the first song from any other. But, it was entertaining and being under the stars in a beautiful hotel is not a bad way to end a wonderful day (except for the driving :) )