“Henceforth,” declared Edward Lear, world traveler and humorist after an in-depth visit to India in 1878, “let the inhabitants of the world be divided into two classes — them ‘as has seen the Taj Mahal and them ‘as hasn’t.” Shortly after my arrival at the hotel, I told my guide Lal to book me a round-trip ticket to the Taj Mahal. While Agra celebrated a love that lasts forever, Varanasi showed the human ability to let go with dignity and grace. Located along the banks of the sacred Ganges River, Varanasi embraces the truth that death is the inevitable ending of life. I shall never forget the image of Lakshmi slowly making her way through the streets of Agra toward the shining Taj Mahal.