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I was attracted to India's state of Rajasthan initially when I came across this history book about thriving Maharajas are the empires that they have built in this North western state, hundreds of years ago. I didn't know that such a place existed in any part of the world.

India was like heaven, hell all bundled into one. It was LIFE that I experienced. Something I never did felt for like 27 years? I am not kidding. I guess since I come from a traditional family where everything is arranged properly, and decided upon, I naturally stuck to my comfort zone for 20 odd years, studying very hard, coming home straight after school, stick to good company only, do well in O's and A's and then enter University as though its the only ticket to Life.

But the trip really opened my eyes. For first time, I felt like I was thrown into But that trip sort of opened a window in me. There was like the touts, the cheaters, the beauty, the grandeur, the scented air, the cow shit, the dont-think-of-the-kitchen-when-u-eat, the ever so friendly and bonded backpackers from all over the world, the great friends u made and left very reluctantly along the way, and most importantly, the decisions I have to make By myself...it was one hell of a ride for me, but its a heaven of experience too. It really, really opened up my soul.

Our first stop was Agra. Well, we faithfully visited the spectacular Taj Mahal, and well, it has its beauty, and they told us the only way to truly appreciate its beauty is to see its 6 shades of color, from sandstone to golden in the early morning, and to shimmering ivory in the noon, then to the reddish glow, pinkish hue to magenta as the sun sets, everyday. Well, wish we had the time to, and wished they hadn't confiscated our goodie apples and Sultana biscuits as sort of an additional tax disguised so 'cleverly' as the Entrance fee. Nevertheless, Taj is truly beautiful!