The gentleman in the apartment complex across from our living room is a tailor. I find this intriguing, maybe because I used to sew my own clothes when I was a teenager.
I was initially curious because of the equipment and supplies on his balcony; it looked like a complete outdoor studio, with a sewing machine and rolls of what looked like fabric.
And then I looked out and saw him sewing different pieces of cutout fabric together and all became clear. I don’t know why but everything about this is fascinating to me. I just wish I could know his full story.
We had lunch with all the members of Ramesha’s family who currently live in Switzerland (father, brother, sister and brother-in-law, niece and boyfriend) at a pizzeria in Lugano Centro.
Silvio with Nicole, his granddaughter
We very much enjoyed our first “official” pizza of this year’s trip…and boy was it good!
Then in the evening we had dinner with the Lo Menzo family — Dudo, Karin, Samuele, and Lia. They’re some of my favorite people on the planet; unfortunately, we laugh so much when we’re together that I almost always forget to take any pictures. 😂
Swami Kriyananda left his body on April 21, 2013 — eleven years ago today.
I didn’t respond well when we learned that he had died. We were living in the Ananda LA ashram and it was late on Saturday night when the email arrived from Lakshman. Ramesha read it aloud and I immediately replied: “NO!” — then repeated it emphatically again and again.
I just couldn’t believe it was true.
I still miss him very much, but at the same time I have moments of knowing that he’s with me just as much — or even more — than before.
The challenge is to be more aware of his presence from moment to moment, especially when I’m feeling confused or struggling to understand my next steps. Because when I consciously tune in, he’s right there…guiding me.
In fact, as we celebrate his life on the anniversary of his passing, I’m reminded that one of my intentions while we’re in Lugano is to find (or more accurately, take) the time to get still and ask Swamiji to help me find clarity about the top priorities for Ananda’s music ministry.
I’m definitely feeling an increasing sense of urgency to understand and then accomplish that which is truly mine to do in support of this gift to the world with which we’ve been entrusted — Ananda Music.
Monte San Salvatore viewed from the village of Castagnola.
Right now we’re temporary residents of Castagnola, a village just north of Lugano. It’s not so high up Monte Bre, making it much more convenient than Aldesago, where we stayed in 2019 and again last year. The view from Aldesago was amazing, but driving up and down the mountain every day got a little old.
This year we’re on the second floor (out of six) of the apartment building, facing the mountain instead of the lake. So no view, but we got a lot more space for the money (which makes a huge difference when you’re staying someplace for a month).
These photos that I took on the way to caffè and brioche this morning will give you an idea of the neighborhood.
Leaving our apartment building…
…and walking down the street in search of cappuccino..
Well, it’s almost time to board our flight. We’re flying Turkish Air to Istanbul and from there to Milano.
I got a bunch of my Italiano Automatico recordings transferred from laptop to phone so I can spend time on the plane making the mental shift to Italian (finally!).
Now I’m posting today’s blog, before heading into the twilight zone of jet lag. ✈️
It felt a little crazy but this morning — in the midst of packing; dropping off recycling and garbage; and learning we had to get the car smog checked today — we actually took a few minutes to visit Crystal Hermitage Gardens and witness the beauty of the tulips before heading off to Europe for four weeks.
The truth is, I was feeling a little crazy, but as I stepped into the lower gardens and literally drank in the view you see in the above photo, with its incredible beauty and palpable peace, I was able to stop. To be still. And to simply appreciate the blessing that Crystal Hermitage Gardens is to each of us and to the world.
To be honest, it made it that much harder to leave. But we’ll be back soon.
I’m almost mostly ready. Suitcase is packed but there are still a lot of little details to handle early tomorrow morning. Unfortunately, it’s taken until after midnight to get this far. Arrgghhh!
