It's like plastic surgery for a mummy

Today, I made a list. First, wake up in time for the new dryer to arrive. Failed. Second, have a healthy breakfast. Success! Third through whatever, get out of the house and do something. But as I find my new blogging endeavor important, items three-? will wait. (However, the farmer's market starts at 2pm, so I'm on a deadline!)

While eating my breakfast of banana-nut Cheerios and coffee, I read the news. I came across an article, more of a commentary by the reporter, in London's Telegraph. He wrote of newly released proposals to add 'enhancements' to India's biggest tourist attraction, the Taj Mahal. A development company thinks that by adding ropewalks, a suspension bridge, cable cars and a Ferris wheel, not only will more tourists come -- but just in case they were bored looking at a 300-year-old monument to love that three million people visit a year, a Ferris wheel will cure them!

I thought this a ridiculous notion, that I can only hope some historical commission or the World Heritage people can put a stop to it. However, included in the article was a reference to another ridiculous plan to 'enhance' the experience of tourists at the Grand Canyon. Not even a plan, it was done! They actually added a suspension walkway to the Grand Canyon for better viewing! Complete with a cafe and gift shop. How did I not know about this!? Completed in 2007, the glass-viewing walkway is in Arizona, and provides panoramic views of the canyon. Since when did the Grand Canyon not provide panoramic views? Why was this blight on such a fragile environment allowed? I am amazed at some people's ideas to 'improve' upon nature; or in the Taj Mahal's case, upon 300-year-old celebrated architecture.

Leave historical monuments and achievements and natural phenomenon to their eternal tenaciousness. Otherwise next we'll see an artificial island created to hold a hotel/resort so visitors can better view the Great Barrier Reef.

the original article: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/destinations/asia/india/5976407/Taj-Mahal-doesnt-need-a-theme-park-India.html