Another gloomy, cold, grey day in San Francisco. Today we took a taxi to the Holy Virgin (The Joy of All Who Sorrow) Cathedral in Geary Boulevard. The Church has been erected in the sixties, but once you step inside, you are instantly transported two or three centuries back in time. The church is lavishly decorated with murals on every surface; the King’s gates separating the altar from the floor are carved and gilded, bearing most beautiful images. The church contains personal belongings of the Tsar-martyr Nicholas II. But most importantly, the church contains the holy relics of St. John of Shanghais.
Here, at the church, we met a very pleasant Russian lady Irina, who insisted on being our guide. She took us for a walk in Richmond – Little Russia – and then through the Golden Gate Park. We walked through wild-looking alleys with colossal eucalyptus trees, past man-made lakes with men launching miniature boats, past a vast padlock with grazing buffalo, amid lavish local flowers… In the end of the trail we stopped by the North Dutch Wind Mill. This historic landmark stands here since 1902. It was restored on public money in the 80ies, and now is a most delightful place to view.
From the mill we walked along the ocean shore. The mists still roiled over the leaden waves, but there were dozens of surfers nevertheless braving these churning waters! We made it to the top of the cliff and just watched the seagulls and the tide…
No comments:
Post a Comment