A country rich with colors

There isn’t one day of the year that women in India don’t look beautiful. I’ve started my trip in Delhi, visiting government buildings, the Birla house, where Mohandas Gandhi spent his last days, and the jewelry and spice markets of Old Delhi. Despite all of these incredible scenes, my eyes and attention are drawn to any marigold sari that passes. I can’t think of one thing in my closet that even competes with the vibrant colors that swirl around here every day.

It is impossible to ignore the poverty, but even in the most rural landscapes there are women working the land with perfectly draped neon saris, the only bright spots for miles.

(L) Perfectly draped neon sari, (R) Jeweled dome in the Taj Mahal

Taj Mahal

I continued on to Agra for a sunrise tour of the Taj Mahal. The glow of the white marble at dawn was breathtaking. I can’t imagine what it was like when the doors and walls were adorned with jewels. When you approach the Taj, all of the locals and tourists mix together, and the differences are quite easy to spot. The insides of the domes are carved like diamonds, creating depth and dimension that play tricks on the eyes. I tried to pay attention to my guide when he explained the complete history of the Taj, but once again my attention drifts away…

I’m now on my way to Mysore for the TEDIndia conference, otherwise known as Nerd Central. Stay tuned.

(L – R) Jewelry market in Old Delhi, locals and tourists at Taj Mahal, local woman at Taj Mahal