Thomas Gleed executive assistant of the Mayor of Buffalo welcomes us to Buffalo.

Many days and states we have seen and run through in the last three months. So many harmony loving people we have met. They all held the torch we are carrying the whole way. They sent us along with beautiful wishes, hopes and dreams.

While I was running today, I felt quite tired. My legs didn’t really want to run fast, so I was dragging myself somehow along the road in the early morning hours. I thought about how to survive these miles. Suddenly the thought about all those wonderful people we met came to my mind, how they held the torch with smiling faces and shining eyes. All the hundreds of children, many other great people and old and new friends. It felt like this was all in the torch and I hold all this in my hand, their strength and joy and happiness. My miles along the forest and the river passed by so quickly while bringing back my memories. A wonderful rest of the day was still in front of us.

On the steps of Buffalo City Hall.

As we entered Buffalo we found ourselves in front of the unique and very beautiful City Hall, where we were greeted by the executive assistant of the Mayor of Buffalo, Thomas E. Gleed. After reading out the proclamation the Mayor of Buffalo had sent to us, the two TV stations who came out to meet us asked us some more questions.

The Vezina and Vinal family who were visiting from Colorado just came down from the City Hall tower from sightseeing as we had finished our ceremony. They got to hold the torch with all their little children.

After saying goodbye to everybody we drove through the beautiful down town area to our accommodation for tonight.

Elise and Jam, two wonderful hosts, we are still swimming in your hospitality.

We stayed at the beautiful house of Elise and Jam, daughter and son-in law of our good friend Snehashila Alaimo. Staying at private homes is always a highlight for us as you really get to know people and there is a real sharing of friendship and good will.

Jam prepares dinner while we eagerly watch.

Elise and Jam provided us with a wonderful meal before we had to head off to the drum festival in downtown Buffalo. This was a competition between high school bands. They had us run around the stadium to enthusiastic cheers from the audience.

Nothing like a home cooked meal.

We also picked up Natabara and Damon who arrived by train from NYC.

Anja and a cute little pig.

Upon return to Elise and Jam’s place we were treated to a beautiful piano recital by their daughter Ana, an extremely talented musician. We stayed up late into the evening enjoying the company of new friends. So ends another day.

Anja

The Krolikowski family – a chance meeting by the side of the road.

Today Sunabin and I had just begun our miles when a van stopped with Allan Dale Krolikowski and his son Alex inside. Allan was so excited about the run that he literally insisted they we stop by his house and have some refreshments.

About 1 mile up the road we turned into the Krolikowski residence and were treated to some lovely snacks and refreshments. We shared a little about the run and took a few photos and were generally inundated with kindness.

Allan really established himself in the top ten list of most enthusiastic people we have met on the run so far and we’ll definitely make sure to meet him and his family next time around.

After a few minutes more we were back on the road and heading to Buffalo.

Salil

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