O Romeo, Romeo! Wherefore art thou, Romeo?

Today I was able to strike another "life hope" off my list by visiting the Taj Mahal. It is as beautiful as all pictures depict it to be and more. The extraordinary, overwhelming love Shah Jahan felt for his beloved Mumtaz is definitely palpable through the scope, detail of craftmanship, and sheer beauty of the entire complex. It is easy to see why the romantically melancholic picture of the late Princess Diana sitting on one of the marble benches, gazing wistfully at the Taj, has struck a chord in many people, evoking deep emotions and remaining in their memories as one of the most appealing photograph ever viewed. In fact, it would be safe to state that that picture has created another tourist attraction feature at the Taj. I have witnessed many women stare at the aforementioned marble bench in awe while asking, "Is this where she sat?" I have even seen one Aussie lass rub her bum on said bench.

Silly as this might seem, it is quite understandable for how many of us - not just women - hope ardently to find that one true beloved that affords us safe harbor from all trials and tribulations of the world? To have someone understand and hold carefully in their hands our fears, dreams, and hopes? To be connected to another in such fashion where hand-holding in the late years of our lives is still as important as that first time?

To have the love of some other that is so deep, true and steadfast - almost limitless - that construction of such a seemingly everlasting monument is needed as a small token of homage? Amazing...