Our retreat weekend came just in time after yesterday's day of grasping and over indulgence. We're here in London to attend a dharma talk event supported by my fav monk Ahjan Brahm from Perth, Australia to help raise funds for a new nun monastery in the UK. The talks (or no talking) are held in a beautifully renovated Arts and Crafts building in Bloomsbury, London. Built in 1898 financed by a philanthropist and named after the novelist Mary Ward as a learning centre for the less fortunate in society.
The Mary Ward house has a library named after Charles Dickens with extraordinary preserved woodwork cabinetry with his portrait above the original fireplace mantle.
Two full days of keeping quiet for me is challenging as most of you know....... Lucky during the breaks we are permitted to go outside and do walking meditation. My mindfulness seem to have directed us straight to street food stalls. Unfortately we did not get to taste any but through a other senses it all felt delicious.
After obtaining enlightenment that evening, we went pub hopping. The Black Friar on Queen Victoria street is London's only true remaining Art Nouveau public house that remains in operation. Saved from the wrecking ball in the 60's by public outcry, it is amazing that it still exists dating back to 1902 when most London pub faced bankruptcies. The finishes are incredible with over 50 different types of marbles used throughout the building. There are great examples of Art Nouveau furniture, lighting fixtures and wood carving in perfect museum quality once inside.
Finding true British Sunday night roast in the centre of London is just good karma.
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