In response to The Daily Post’s weekly photo challenge: “Intricate.”

Intricately stitched wall hanging of the Taj Mahal.

The Taj Mahal is known for intricate design, inlays, and details.  But this stitched version seen in a tapestry shop in India caught our tour group’s attention: fine detail executed in tiny stitches in an exquisite wall hanging.  Not surprisingly, there was no price on this piece!

For more intricate details, head to WordPress Weekly Photo Challenge: Intricate.

Arches at Amer Fort near Jaipur, India

Creamy, aged arches greeted us at Amer Fort (also known as Amber Fort) near Jaipur, India.  In the section known as Sattais Kacheri, the carefully outlined, exquisitely beautiful arches with scalloped shapes become even more interesting as we moved around them, noticing what seemed to be an endless maze.

A graduated view of the arches in Amer Fort.

The columns stand soldier-like in just-so order.  But with sunlight streaming into the area at various times of day, the ivory marbled columns take on a movement of sorts that invites lingering.  After all, you really do want to see the next series of patterns on the floor.

Peerig out through an arch at Amer Fort at the city below, Amer, India.

Beautiful arches of Amer Fort frame the view of the city below in a grand manner all their own.

For more entries into the Travel theme: Arches challenge brought to us by Ailsa of Where’s My Backpack, click here.

For more information:

YouTube video:  Jaipur, India Amber Fort: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bjb7nfrBJlM

We snapped a photo of the long lines waiting to snake around and up and around again on the plaza level, despairing as we noted the time remaining for our visit and how long it would take for a view from above.  Then we made the inevitable decision based upon a statement we say frequently:  Oh, well.  Can’t do it all.  And, camera in hand, we snapped away at those fortunate enough to view the setting sun from one of the world’s most famous structures.  The result for us down below?  A couple of unexpected silhouettes and great memories of an oh-too-short-but-fabulous-anyway visit.

Taj Mahal at sundown

Silhouette at sunset, Taj Mahal, India

For more entries into the WordPress Weekly Photo Challenge: Silhouette, click here.

Detail of relief at Amber Fort, Jaipur, India

Although constructed in the 16th century, Amer Palace (also pronounced and spelled Amber Fort) near Jaipur, India, is awash in colorful, well-preserved decoration — even today.  Incredible facades and niches bear intricately painted frescoes, panels of marble inlay, and reliefs like this flowered one in the Hall of Mirrors.

Ganesh Pol (or Ganesh Gate) named after the Hindu god Lord Ganesh (who removes all obstacles in life) leads you to the inner chambers of the royal family — or what remains of that space.  Typified by symmetry in architecture and detailed reliefs, the Gate is a popular gathering spot at Amber Fort and known for its detailed, decorative facade.

Decoration on the entryway known as Ganesh Pol at Amber Fort, Jaipur, India.

Inside, the Hall of Mirrors (Sheesh Mahal), embellished with tiny mirror tiles and mosaics, glows even in the daytime, but at night with candles lit, becomes a “glittering jewel box.” (Wikipedia)

Mirrored wall in Sheesh Majal (mirrored palace) at Amber Fort, Jaipur.

Visit Amber Fort for the structure, history, and even an elephant ride.  But get your camera ready.  This oldest surviving palace in India has some of the most elegant, historic decorations anywhere.

Mirrored wall, black and cream mosaics, relief: Sheesh Majal, Amber Fort, Jaipur

For more on Travel theme: Decoration, visit Ailsa’s blog, Where’s My Backpack.

Nothing we saw on our trip to India was more grand than the grandest site of all — the Taj Mahal!

Perhaps it was the anticipation as people funneled themselves through the opening in anticipation of that first view that could only be seen on tiptoe.

Or perhaps it was not the massive structure that was so grand as it was the sum of its tiniest parts, the details that made us all wonder how this was conceived, built, and perfected.

Whatever it was and whatever it is, the grandness of the Taj draws thousands of people per day from all over the world to see it for themselves.

Finally making it through the entrance to take first pictures of the Taj Mahal!

After all, it’s simply grand!

For more interpretations of the WordPress Weekly Photo Challenge: Grand, click here.

Amer Fort is truly remarkable for its timeless beauty enhanced by lines and patterns.

To see more entries in this week’s challenge, click here.

Weekly Word Challenge: From Lines to Patterns

]]> https://ohtheplaceswesee.com/2013/09/21/weekly-photo-challenge-from-lines-to-patterns/feed/ 17 2764 0 0 0 0 https://ohtheplaceswesee.com/2013/09/19/a-word-a-week-challenge-arch/ https://ohtheplaceswesee.com/2013/09/19/a-word-a-week-challenge-arch/#comments Thu, 19 Sep 2013 22:32:59 +0000 http://ohtheplaceswesee.com/?p=2758 This week’s A Word a Week Challenge brings up the word Arch which, in turn, brings to mind two buildings flanking the Taj Mahal that held us spellbound. These two red sandstone buildings, identical in structure, open to the Taj Mahal and allow glimpses of the iconic structure through the arched openings.  We found much to admire about the buildings themselves from the commanding height to the intricate designs on the floors and the arched walls.  An absolutely thrilling experience to see these prime examples of Mughal architecture!

Wide hallways, tall ceilings, and detailed walls in this example of Mughal architecture.

A detail of an archway facing the Taj Mahal reveals bas relief and inlaid decorations.

A unique view of one of the minarets at the Taj Mahal.

Framing the view of the Taj Mahal.