In the height of winter, a day of milder temperatures is indeed a gift. It's easier to get out and about and so much nicer. What a reward! Not having to wear a woolen coat, over and above all the thermal wear, gets so burdensome. For this, and how the day progressed, I am very thankful.
Specifically, since my last trip to Leicester was on a cold, wet, windy, sullen day, with my coat insisting on wanting to fly away and me struggling to hold on to it. This in the midst of a solid stubborn shower, raining in a perfectly orchestrated manner, dancing with the wind, in stoic surrender. Could I but do otherwise, mere mortal?
Ever since my arrival here, I have wanted to visit the Jain Center, located in the heart of downtown Leicester. This center serves as the European headquarters of the Jain Samaj. When the opportunity arose for a guided tour of the center, I gratefully accepted.
A few logistics needed to be resolved, such as finding parking as close as possible. On my last visit, I had bravely prodded along the wet pavements of The Golden Mile, which preferred shades of gray that day.
Fortunately, today, the weather held. We even found parking nearby. I spent about 45 minutes, which I felt, was not enough. There was so much to see; I forgot to sit down!
Someone once told me that we should always sit for a few minutes when we visit a temple. Whenever we go to a friend's house, we always sit and have a conversation with them. Yet when we go to a God's house, we barely stay a few minutes, making the motions and leaving. Since that day, I have made it a point to sit, even for a few minutes.
So, I guess I will have to go back to the Jain Center, which I will do gladly! There was so much more to see. We hadn't expected to be allowed to stay as long as we did, so it was a huge bonus—one more thing to be thankful for.
Lunch was Dosa in great company, at a place on Belgrade Road. A welcome break after some personal errands.
A few other stops, all good. Grateful to have a productive day!
Veenu Banga
01/11/2022
11:56 pm.
1 comment:
Awesomeness. Very glad you were able to connect and enjoy alt the Jain center. Glad you had great weather today.
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