Off the Beaten Path: Baha'i Temple

On a recent post, Travel Tips for Women, I recommend getting out and exploring the area.  When I travel for business or fun, I like to visit places that are off the beaten path and today's travel photos certainly fit that category.  A recent business trip took me to Chicago, so when I had a little time one evening, I took a trip to visit the Baha'i House of Worship in Wilmette, IL.  I had never heard of the Baha'i faith until I read CNN's article about 8 Religious Wonders to See in the U.S., but thought I would visit this beautiful building.

The temple is found in a suburban lake town of Wilmette, IL.  It is situated a block away from the lake front in a quiet neighborhood.

On of the many beautiful fountains on the temple's grounds.  There were some areas that were under construction, but most of the garden walkways are usable.

The temple is built in a circular fashion and the gardens surrounding it reflect the circular pattern.  There were many people sitting on low walls, reading or just thinking.

The spires of the temple are detailed beautifully.  There are various symbols of all religions carved into the spires and sides of the temple.  This is supposed to represent the brining together of all religions into the Baha'i faith.

Planning a trip:  

I do recommend visiting the Baha'i temple.  It is a very beautiful building. Stop by the Welcome Center and look at the exhibits, it tells how Baha'i got its start and why Chicago.

Do visit inside the temple.  I was not allowed to take pictures inside the temple, but the ceiling is amazing!  

Take some time to walk around the gardens.  It is a good place to take some time for yourself to sit, read, and think.  

The temple is not overly huge and will not take hours of your time.  So pack a picnic, walk over to the Lake Michigan and enjoy the view.  The town of Wilmette, IL is very charming and has many things to offer.  The public library has story time for kids, there are many parks and many restaurants to choose from.

Trip to England

I was lucky enough to visit England for business and pleasure.  Some snaps from my trip.

Bracknell, Berkshire

Windsor Castle

Windsor Castle

Yummy Sangria after a day of touring

My first time EVER driving in England, was a harrowing experience....Driving on the "wrong" side was the road wasn't that bad, driving a manual transmission wasn't bad (I drive one at home), however those ROUNDABOUTS nearly gave me a heart attack!  We don't really have roundabouts in America so we never really learn how to drive on them, but after a couple of days in England, I'm proud to say, I was navigating them like a pro...err well almost :)

My little VW Golf...Driving on the "wrong" side of the road was an EXPERIENCE

Honestly it was raining so much it didn't really matter what else I packed, I was wearing my rain coat every single day...if I was out touring then I was wearing it ALL DAY :)

The rain coat was the BEST thing I packed

A famous English bread commercial was filmed here in the 1970's, here is the You Tube link, its wonderful to see how some beautiful things remain untouched even after so many years.  I spent some time here with a friend and his wife, they took me to a pub that built in the 16th century.

Shaftesbury, Dorset

Fovant Badges, Witlshire

Fovant Badges, Wiltshire

Itialian Fountain, Kensington Gardens, London

Kensington Palace, London

Tower of London, London

Tower of London Bridge, London

A lifelong dream come true, visiting the British Museum

mmm...Starbucks

You could travel the world and see artifacts from every ancient civilization from the British Museum.

Buckingham Palace

Great underground system, I used it daily

Big Ben, House of Parliament, London Eye

Street Performer, Covent Gardens, London