Today marks the 70th Anniversary of the opening of the Golden Gate Bridge. It is auspiciously perfect timing that we were scheduled to run with the World Harmony Torch over this incredible landmark and masterpiece of technical engineering. The fog and mist were quite prevalent everywhere as we started our Torch run from Ananda Fuara Restaurant in downtown San Francisco towards the bridge.

Being led by two police escorts who closed off the intersections for us, we wove our way up to the north part of town where we could see the Golden Gate Bridge looming high above us shrouded in the fog, a typical scene on a San Francisco morning. The two police motorcycle escorts led us carefully and enthusiastically to the start of the bridge where many tourists were gathering as well.

At first it seemed as though we would not be able to run over the bridge with a flaming Torch or the official flag we usually carry as well. But after a few phone calls by one of the very helpful officers who escorted us, we were given permission to run with the lit Torch on the pedestrian walkway. Those of us driving cars waited at the parking lot on the other side of the bridge in Marin County. It was very exciting and dramatic to see this small group of runners appear out of the fog on this huge orange colored bridge in the distance with a glowing flame in the lead. After a short break for photo opportunities next to the bridge, the runners were off again, this time to downtown Sausalito.

After the scenic run to Sausalito some of us were able to move on to Mill Valley where we visited the Redwoods Retirement Center. Pujari's mom, Kay Scheaffer who is in her 90's, has been living there for a few years. We were invited by the Linda, a staff member, and Tanya, the activities coordinator, to visit some of the residents there during their lunch time. It was a wonderful experience bringing the Torch to this group of octogenarians and beyond. They received us warmly and enjoyed our presentation and song as they clapped along with the rhythm. After a session of questions and answers and a bit of mingling and photos, they had to eat lunch and we reluctantly had to leave there. It was a memorable and uplifting experience for all, especially meaningful to Pujari and his mom.

Pujari then kindly treated us all to a wonderful meal at D'Angelo's Italian Restaurant Mill Valley. The skies were a bit clearer on this side of the bridge as the sun shone through the trees during our short hike in the woods near by. After a brief visit to the Cascades, a beautiful little waterfall nestled amongst a grove of Redwoods, we made our way back to the foggy city again.

Our good friend and one of the local coordinators, Ahelee, invited us to a special recital of a young Sarod player, Alam Khan. He is one of the sons of the Indian Sarod Master, Ali Akbar Khan. The concert took place at the Ali Akbar School of Music in nearby San Rafael. We arrived a bit early so we had time to meet Mary, the wife of the Master they sometimes refer to as Baba. To our joy and surprise Baba also came to watch the recital of his son. He has been ill lately and has not been able to travel too much. They told us that he does not usually come to the performances here lately so we were all quite honored to have him amongst us.

After a brilliant performance of a long Indian Raga, there was an intermission. We had the opportunity to meet Baba (Ali Akbar Khan) and some of his friends and have them hold the Torch with us to give us their blessings and goodwill. The second half of the recital was even more enjoyable and riveting as this young 24 year old musician seemed to have the experience and confidence of a far more experienced master musician.

Afterwards we were honored to meet Alam and his brothers Manik and Ashish as well as their youngest sister Madina, again sharing the Torch with them, their friends, their mother Mary and of course, Baba.

We are extremely grateful to everyone there, especially Baba who started this school over 40 years ago, and for such a wonderful opportunity to enjoy this very unique and meaningful music and sharing the Torch of Harmony and Goodwill with everyone.

Arpan and the World Harmony Lovers of Harmonious Music

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