Einsideln

I have had these photos waiting to be posted from
a day in Einsiedeln.  This is a small village in 
Switzerland, not far from Zurich, with an enormous
cathedral, in which is a smaller chapel dedicated
to the Black Madonna.  She is literally a black
Madonna, with a black child in her arms.  There 
are many stories about why and how she is black,
but she is truly worshipped here.  It is a Benedictine
Abbey, and has been a sacred site of worship since
the 10th century, with a long history.  We arrived in
time for vespers and for the Salve Regina, when the
old monks process to the small chapel and light the
candles to the Madonna, and they sing to her.  It is
very beautiful, and deeply moving, to see these old
men singing to the Divine Feminine, with what 
feels to be genuine love and devotion.

I didn't take photos in the church, but some from 
outside, and from the walk which we took to the
centre where we taught for three consecutive years
with Marion.  

Here we are, Vernessa, me, Dale and Ursula.  

On our way home from Einsiedeln, we stopped at a 
hotel/spa/restaurant up high on the hill, and had a
drink.  On the way into the place, this is what we 
saw at the entrance….

I love the shiny redness of these apples, greeting you at the door!

This is what we faced, as we had our tea….just below we had a wedding party going
on, with beautiful people all dressed up and a Swiss accordion player, and we didn't feel
we could leave until the bride and groom showed up…and no, I didn't take a photo of them!

And just to finish off, and as an immediate Here I am,
this is what I'm looking at as I sit here, this very moment.

OK, I have so many photos to share!  More to follow, 
on another day.  But today is my day off, and I am
going on a hike further up into the mountains, to get
some exercise and take a break from the concentration
of the past week, and to refresh myself before we head
into another intense week tomorrow.
I am learning so much, and it's great to be back in
lectures and seminars, with like-minded people, and 
friends who I have shared time with over the last two
years.  And now….the sun is shining and off I go!!