For my more “literal” friends,

let me clear something up first. The title of this blog “Thai tanic” is a play on words and is not a metaphor for the Big Ship that went down off the coast of Nova Scotia at the turn of the century.

The title is simply a play on words encompassing the country that I will be traveling to; coupled with the true meaning of “Titanic”.

Titanic adj. a very great size or power.

Mention of Icebergs will be limited to the little ones found in my glass. There will be no frigid waters, over capacity lifeboats, violins or Leonardo Di Caprio.

The problem is that the play on words was best suited for the journey to Thailand…but that chapter closed last year and it’s time for another.

The fact is that creating another blog site just doesn’t make sense to me and I rather like the title of this one.

So once again I address my more “literal” friends and say that I realize that all my entries do not relate to adventures in Thailand and yes the play on words may now be moot.


I’m going to ask you to take a deep breath and deal with it. I know you can.

Now that we have the disclaimer out of the way….Starting February 10th I will be traveling to and experiencing the wonder and mystery of India.

Like last year, I embark to lend a hand and sample the culture. Over the next few weeks I will chronicle my journey for my friends.

Hope you enjoy the pics and words. Let the adventure begin!

Thursday, February 24, 2011

The Romantic Icon

So the story goes that the Taj Mahal was build by Persian Emperor Shah Jahan in 1653 as a memorial to his second wife Mumtaz Mahal. Mumtaz had died giving birth to their 14th Child. They were married for 16 years, do the math.

On her death bed Mumtaz made Jahan promise her 3 things. First that Jahan never re-marry. Whaaaaaaa? Second, that he protect their 6 remaining children ( keep in mind that slaughtering heirs to the throne was in fashion during these times). The last request was to have Jahan build something to immortalize her.

My guess was that the last request was designed as an extra insurance policy to request number one.

Jahan was good on his word on all three requests; single, kids intact and 50 Million Rupees later ( quite a some considering an ounce of gold was 2 rupees during the17th Century ) The Taj Mahal stands as a testimonial for his love for Mumtaz.

Crappy thing is that if he had reneged on promise number 2 he probably wouldn’t have spent the last 8 years of his life staring at his creation under house arrest, ordered by his Son, from the Agra Fort.

Had an awesome day but way too much driving and running from monument to monument.

Got the money shot today “Yayyyyyy” zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz.

I’m “nackered”. Enjoy the pic and drive (see YouTube links)

http://www.youtube.com/user/MSheffer1962#p/a/u/0/mGDn-M6QLUc

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