Ella, I Don't Think We're in Kansas Anymore

Dear Reader,

Hope you didn't get too worried since it has been a few days since my last post, but I have been spending time visiting family and exploring Kansas City. Today is more of a laid back day; my Aunt is at work while my mom and I are dog-sitting her two boston terriers, Ella and Billie. Ella and I have bonded over the last couple days and she follows me around the house, particularly when I go to the kitchen (probably because I give her too many treats). Right now the two pups are taking a nap on the couch while my mom finishes reading her second book this week.

I wouldn't say Kansas City is unlike any other city I have visited, but it has not been exactly what I expected. When I think Kansas City, the only thing that really comes to mind is tornadoes and the Wizard of Oz. Luckily I have not experienced the former, yet I have been surprised at what I have found so far. 

 One day we spent shopping at "The Plaza" in the downtown area; It is about fifteen blocks of different stores and restaurants. While I feel Chicago's magnificent mile still wins the prize for best shops, the Plaza is definitely a lot prettier to look at. The walkways are all done in brick, there are fountains and statues scattered all over, and most of the architecture seems to have a Spanish influence. At times I felt like I was at a theme park since you would see all these buildings that look like they are out of a movie and then all of sudden there is a McDonald's in the middle of it all.

 Later in the day as I was exiting a store, I heard some chanting accompanied with what I later discovered to be an accordion.  Looking around, I found the source to be three men dressed in orange and white. They kind of reminded me of the Buddhists monks that are down the street from my house, except none of them were Chinese. After I took a few shots of them, one of the men handed me a card for the Rupanuga Vedic College in Kansas City. The Vedic religion is a predecessor to Hinduism, but that's the end of my knowledge on that subject. I checked out the website though and if you are interested you could take classes like " Elementary Sanskrit" or "Elevation to Krsna Consciousness/Perfection of Yoga." Just be warned that there is a strict dress code and you will have to participate in a two-hour meditation each morning.

Hmmm.....

- Gonzalo

The Plaza

 

Walkway

There you are

Well orange is in this season...