I was reminded of this image by my recent emailing with Chris, an old friend from McLeod who I’ve kept in touch with. When his friend came to visit him in 2003, I took away Chris’ obligation to trek out to Agra to see the Taj for possibly his 100th time. It was only my 3rd trip, which is insignificant compared to how stunning and inspiring that building is. It’s one of the few buildings that is actually more impressive in the flesh – once you’ve gt past the daylight robbery of charging tourists 750 rupees compared to the local fee of 20 rupees!!
Initially this appears to be the standard shot of the Taj Mahal, but what are those tourists looking at??? To get a clear shot of the building from this position, you need to stand in line for a spot at the bench that Princess Diana sat. David waited with me online and then when it was our turn, we counted to 3 and I dropped to the ground for his clear view of the building. I don’t think either of us thought that the tourists would remain in the frame, but it definitely makes a way more interesting picture, and a good idea for more tourist pictures!!! (I guess they shut the place down for royalty!)
And here is proof that Chris is the ’size of two men’ for those of you who I’ve talked to about this fine fellow.
David Hughes | 09-Feb-09 at 6:11 am | Permalink
Haha!
That is my favourite Taj photo for just that reason. What also surprised me was that I expected you to merely duck, but instead your threw yourself bodily to the floor! I love that the tourists are looking down at the crazy 6ft white guy lying on the ground.
Then there was the trip back but that’s another story…
Nikolay | 18-Jun-09 at 3:01 pm | Permalink
Wow, and to think I can say “I knew him when . . .”