A-Z Story: E is for Ethereal

On the first morning of our trip to India we were taken to the Taj Mahal just before dawn. Our guide told us the story of a great love and loss. The “Crown of Palaces” was built as a mausoleum by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in the memory of his third wife, who died during the birth of their 14th child. Shah Jahan is also buried in the tomb within the great domed structure. His grief has become the stuff of legend, and the world has a white marble mausoleum and beautiful complex of buildings fine enough to be included on the UNESCO World Heritage list.

As we watched through the morning gloom the white marble began to appear, at first ghostly, then misty, subdued, then finally glowing as light touched it. This photo was taken just as the early morning sunlight illuminated the building. A reflection floats ethereally in the pool, the whole complex appearing other-worldly. The dawn sky is faintly pink, then puffy white, and finally blue. Just to be there at that time was something we will remember all our lives, so Shah Jahan has his wish that his lost beloved is remembered long after her death.

You can join in Frizztext’s A-Z Story challenge here.

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