One of the things we planned to do in Lugano today was visit the spots where we had spent time with Swamiji — especially Hotel Dante, where the above photo was taken.
Swami loved coming to Lugano on vacation and always stayed at Hotel Dante. We have a number of precious memories with him there; we even got to have breakfast with him on my birthday in 2005.
We had thought it would be nice to take a picture by the chair where Swamiji had sat, as a way of remembering our time with him. You can imagine our dismay when we arrived and discovered the room had been remodeled and is completely different!
It’s still Hotel Dante, but the lobby where Swami would sit and receive visitors is now a very modern looking restaurant. It wasn’t just disappointing, it actually felt like a loss.
But then I remembered that I can feel Swamiji close to me by tuning into him inwardly. An important and reassuring reminder.
Change !
Hi, know what you mean by it being a loss when a lovely memory like that is altered. Your reassurance by Swamiji’s presence there still – is a bit like – my (his) body touched that sod! I’m so glad your both are getting some rejuvenation in body, mind and soul! Love, K