And to think these days men get away with giving flowers

and chocolates to their wives.

The Taj Mahal a monument of love built by inconsolable emperor, Shah Jehan in memory of his beloved Mumtaz, the Taj Mahal is perhaps best expierenced in moonlight.  Arguably the world's most photographed monument, the Taj is one of India's twenty-six World Heritage Sites.

Here bathed in the early morning mist of fog if you listen closely perhaps you will hear the cries of Shah Jahan for his beloved Mumtaz.

The first time I visted the Taj Mahal I was there before sunrise and as I wandered about gazing at this amazing structure I was captivated by the magnitude of Shah Jahan for his beloved Mumtaz.  To imagine a man could love so deeply especially in light of the fact he had two other wives was compelling and magical as I gazed at the changing lights and shawdows as the sun began to kiss the rooftop of th Taj Mahal.

Here you can "feel" and "hear" the magnitude of silence and solitude before the thongs of eager tourists flock in to the grounds of this very special place.

Sitting at the end of the gazing pool looking at the mirrowed image of the Taj Mahal one can only image such love.............however my second vist to the Taj Mahal was to take my husband to this magical place.  We both felt the amazing love tribute of a man, Shah Jahan for his wife, Mumtaz.  It is indeed a very special place.  Everyone should visit the Taj Mahal in their lifetime.

This is inside the Taj Mahal and everything is constructed of solid  marble and semi-precious stones.  The light shines through various carvings and inlays showing the intricate designs of flowers.

One of the first things that struck me is how large the Taj Mahal really is, as I always thought it was not so big.

Shah Jahan andhis beloved Mumtaz

The Taj is amazing at various times of the day.  It changes the hues and mood depending on the light.

Here in the early morning hours the reflection in the pool takes on a mystical aura and you feel lost somewhere in time.

Taken from the fort at sunset the miracle of pastels is like the strokes of a gifted artist.......but is the brush strokes of God on this place of amazing love.

Perhaps in some ways time has stood still in that moment of great love.

So guys that Valentine's Day token gift of love being some chocolates and or flowers doesn't seem so mounting afterall - does it?