Taj Mahal

I feel the warm sun on my shiny white stone. I am very big and bright. I have a giant, round dome on my head that looks like a big pearl. In front of me is a long, quiet pool of water. When I look into the water, I can see myself smiling back. Green gardens with pretty flowers are all around me. They tickle my sides. Do you know who I am? I am a special building made of love. I am the Taj Mahal.

A long, long time ago, a kind emperor named Shah Jahan lived here. He loved his wife, Queen Mumtaz Mahal, so very much. They loved to laugh and play in the gardens. But one day, the queen became very sick and went to sleep forever. The emperor was very, very sad. In the year 1631, he made a big promise. He promised to build the most beautiful place in the whole world to remember his wonderful queen. Many, many helpers came. They brought shiny white stones, like big sugar cubes. They brought colorful jewels that sparkled like stars. They worked together to build me, piece by piece, just for her.

Now, I stand tall and proud for everyone to see. I am here to remind people of a great big love. Friends and families from all over the world come to visit me. I love to see their happy, smiling faces as they walk through my gardens. When the sun wakes up, I glow like a pink flower. When the sun goes to sleep, I shine like the silver moon. I am a happy place, a beautiful place. I am here to show everyone that love can build amazing things that last forever and ever.