So I’ve been here in New York City for two weeks now. In this time the weather has transformed from dreary grey to startling blue skies and sunshine, making me feel I’ve passed much more than a season here already.
It’s been an adventure so far – living at Radha Govinda Mandir in Brooklyn – a cavernous old building that used to be a church, but has been a Hare Krishna temple for the past couple of decades. It’s the first time I’ve ever stayed in an ashram setting for so long, and though it’s quiet here, it’s great to be able to take advantage of the temple program. Getting up early and having the day begin with prayers, sweet smells and beautiful sights is always a wonderful thing. I’m not a city girl so it’s been interesting getting used to the rhythms of the environment here. Noise of some kind is ever present – whether wailing sirens, juddering trucks, petty fights on street corners or the startlingly sweet song of the birds that alight on the rooftop where I go to chant and see the sun rise.
There’s been so much to digest, record, share and reflect upon – I’m struggling to keep track of it all, but I do hope to write more and more whilst I’m here. For now, just a quick note to say I’m alive and well, despite tumbling headfirst down a dark staircase this morning! Never a dull moment in the big city…
The Little Conch 