India / 2015

We reluctantly left the rooftop, a hideaway from the swarm of persistent shop sellers and tuk tuk drivers below on the streets of Agra. We had bartered for goods that made the stock market look bear and now our bellies were full.

King fisher and bits of tikka masala were the only remnants that remained in our enchanted bodies. I made my way down the marble stairs and was captured by the glory of the Taj Mahal. It’s always that one last look that steals your memory later when you're at home tucked away from the world (needing an adventure.)

As our feet made way past drivers hailing us for rides, rather tempting in this nagging humidity for a westerner, our eyes fastened on this old woman crouched in a corner just shy of the South gate of the Taj Mahal.

A gentle wave of my hand gathers an endless smile from her, a shadow of her youthful self
would steal anyone away.

Her wrinkles and the Taj Mahal are like a jewel, how beauty echoes through the ages of a life long lived. Appealing to the young that dread them, as if they are deep ripples into a worldly-unbound future I cannot wait to live.

The Taj Mahal was built in Agra between 1631-1648 by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan who was heart broken over his wife’s passing.

The Taj Mahal is a piece of art in India standing out amongst all other buildings near it. With its white stoned walls, an oasis in the midst of a hot dry summer, and memory of love entombed.

Our No. 048 Taj Chai tea was inspired from our visit to India. Where there are literally thousands of different chai variations from province to province. Our version has Organic Black tea, cardamom, ginger, turmeric, black pepper and Indian spices. 

Whenever we drink it we think of rooftops overlooking busy city streets with the Taj Mahal and all its glory standing out amongst all the chaos and business around it. Reminds me us to live for something deeper. Seeing beauty in the world reminds us there is hope. And hope does not disappoint.