Splorin’ in the North End of Boston … old, Italian, European, lovely.

Hanover Street is full of restaurants that are open to the world.  Huge spaces that sometimes are windows … and life from the street flows in.  This photo is from the Internet:

Here’s one from my real life, on nearby Salem Street.  Minutes earlier the two tables were full of happy people but I didn’t ask to take their photo.

The restaurant is Mood, run by Fatima and her husband.  She grew up in Saudi Arabia.  Her smile filled the dining room.  It rubbed off on Dave and me, and all the diners surrounding us.  The group of us had a fine old time.

And the flavours!  Tagliatelle, sea bass and asparagus.  Subtle and remarkable.

***

Then there was St. Leonard Church.  I sat in a pew twice … meditating and watching people.  It was a miracle of pastel colours and curves.  I felt at home.

In a somewhat less spiritual vein, as I gazed at the beauty I felt food stuck in my teeth.  Being an organized human being, I was carrying my floss.  But you don’t do that in church, Bruce! 

I supposed I was right.  But then an inspiration … I’ll wait till the church is empty and then I’ll do my thing. 

12, 9, 7, 10, 4, 1, 3 …

It was never empty.  So I soldiered on with tight teeth.

Outside was the St. Leonard’s Peace Garden.  Twice I gazed upon the Virgin Mary.  She glowed.

It’s the next day.  I’m sitting in Logan Airport, about to meet three of my fellow yogis.  We’ve arranged to share a van to the Insight Meditation Society two hours away.

Before the retreat starts, I’ll include a couple of pics of IMS.  After that, it’s radio silence for nine days.  No TV, Internet, music or reading.  And I’m fine with that.

See you on the other side