The Taj Mahal and Other Wonders.

"Someone should do something about all the poverty. They need to somehow redistribute the wealth or something." - Al (A wealthy Republican businessman we met on the bus to the Taj. Cool enough guy all in all.)

Stanley here.

I was stunned by the above statement. I tried to explain to Al that a) this is easier said then done, and b) that this sentiment is exactly the type of thing that the Communist Party of India might have on their business cards. He seemed confused. Al is an MD, a businessman, and apparently a millionaire, i.e. I don't think he's a complete idiot. He's here on business and he just figured he'd stop at the Taj Mahal on his way out of town. I still don't know what to make of this exchange. SOMEONE SHOULD DO SOMETHING ABOUT ALL THE POVERTY! Stated like the man came up with the idea, and now it just needs to be implemented. Then there was a list of social programs and the statement "These people are destitute and it's not even their fault!" It made me want to kill him or hug him. And yet, good for him right? To realize that? And what have I done for anyone lately?

The Taj Mahal was by far the most breathtaking building I've ever seen. We're in Darjeeling now and it's a wonderful place to be. Mellow, misty, and not a jacker in sight.