Yesterday I made a childhood dream a reality. There aren't many sights that my limited childhood knowledge knew to get excited about, but the Taj Mahal is one that plays on the mind of all children and adults alike. Like the Pyramids of Giza, the Taj Mahal was a far off idea that I never thought would be a reality. Travel was not something my family indulged in, rather we spent our time in hard work just to keep afloat. I'd imagined the day in a not quite real future when I'd lay my eyes on one of the world's most photographed structures and then die happy at achieving such a a miracle. Even as I started to travel 6 years ago I still had a fear that I wouldn't make it to India and see the Taj Mahal. It still all seemed like a distant idea, the last unconquered territory that may or may not happen.
Yesterday it did happen. With my thirtieth year looming, I headed out with an early start, I felt the years of anticipation build up into a chaotic mess of nerves as I waited in line to get in. I don't think there has been a time I've felt so nervous to visit a structure. It was as if I was to make the acquaintance of the Queen of England, a moment to be practiced and rehearsed until perfection. The Taj Mahal was a moment I rehearsed and researched until perfection. I read about the spots to take photographs, I read about going early morning to see the sunrise throw pinks and oranges against the cool white marble. I thought about what I'd wear in photographs and how I'd throw out my normal etiquette of politeness to get my moment with my childhood dream.
By the time the moment came I was more than surprised to have the Taj Mahal live up to all my expectations and more. I actually felt goosebumps as I walked around without a moment to look away as my dream transitioned into a reality. My heart still races at the very thought.
Yesterday it did happen. With my thirtieth year looming, I headed out with an early start, I felt the years of anticipation build up into a chaotic mess of nerves as I waited in line to get in. I don't think there has been a time I've felt so nervous to visit a structure. It was as if I was to make the acquaintance of the Queen of England, a moment to be practiced and rehearsed until perfection. The Taj Mahal was a moment I rehearsed and researched until perfection. I read about the spots to take photographs, I read about going early morning to see the sunrise throw pinks and oranges against the cool white marble. I thought about what I'd wear in photographs and how I'd throw out my normal etiquette of politeness to get my moment with my childhood dream.
By the time the moment came I was more than surprised to have the Taj Mahal live up to all my expectations and more. I actually felt goosebumps as I walked around without a moment to look away as my dream transitioned into a reality. My heart still races at the very thought.
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