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The Guardian, the watchdog.

(7 Sep 2002, 28mm, F2.8 A-mode)

The Guardians, the watchmen?

(7 Sep 2002, 28mm, F2.8 A-mode)

The first courtyard inside the gate.

(7 Sep 2002, 85mm, F1.4 A-mode)

Working on an inner courtyard at the Agra Fort.

(7 Sep 2002, 70mm?, F2.8 A-mode)

Built in the 16th century, the wall of this chamber has lots of small mirrors to reflect candle lights.

This chamber is normally closed to the public due to vandalism. However the guard offered us visit to the chamber, if we would contribute to his "retirement fund".

Once inside and clear of view from people outside, he lit up two candles, waved in circular motions to demonstrate the effect of the mirrors.

Grateful of his demonstration, we contributed 100 Rupees (HK$17 or US$2) to the "fund" on our way out.

(7 Sep 2002, 85mm, F1.4 A-mode)

At an inner courtyard of Agra Fort.

(7 Sep 2002, 85mm, F1.4 A-mode)

The Hall of Public Audience at the Agra Fort.

All the forts we visited has at least one hall of public audience. (Or was it public hall of audience?)

(7 Sep 2002, 200mm, F2.8 A-mode)

Agra is supposed to be well known for stone and marble crafting, as knowledge for building and maintaining Agra Fort, Taj Mahal passed down for generations.

Pictured here is the process of stone inlay in marble. The marble would be first colored red so the craftsman can see chipping easier. He then will chisel out part of the marble according to design. Then inlay the color stones with secret glue to make the design. At the end the red color on the white marble would be washed away.

(7 Sep 2002, 85mm, F1.4 A-mode)

Taj Mahal, resting place for the queens, dead or alive.

(7 Sep 2002, 28mm, F2.8 A-mode)

The ultimate tourist trap of India. What a king could do if he loved the queen.

My friend Pindar told me a story. He was visiting the Taj Mahal few months before me. At a popular photo spot, a couple was arguing. The girl was mad because they ran out of film. She was complaining that she would not be able to take a picture at this Place of Love. Out of altruism, Pindar gave them his last roll of film.

I hope that film saved the couple's love, and that it would last like the Taj Mahal.

(7 Sep 2002, 200mm, F2.8 A-mode.)