It is always a special event for the Peace Run team to visit a statue of Peace Run founder Sri Chinmoy. There are several statues around the world, all positioned in magnificent settings. They offer people inspiration to reflect on peace and perhaps hold the bronze peace flame that Sri Chinmoy offers here in Vaasa.
An early morning visit to the statue in Vaasa. The runners always find energy from remembering the hopeful optimism and enthusiasm that Sri Chinmoy had for humanity and for world peace.
This flourishing tree was planted by the Peace Run team on their visit to Vaasa in 2010. It joins thousands of peace trees planted all over the world. They stand as a reminder that peace is a living reality, and with just a little input by us all, will bloom and blossom eventually.
The peace tree plaque.
On the road again.
Harita taking a moment before running to offer gratitude for the amazing opportunity to run throughout the world.
Palash and Harita -are they square dancing or passing the torch? We can't really tell!
Iiris from Finland leads the team to visit Soile Yli-Mäyry at her art gallery in Mäyry.
Soile Yli-Mäyry's artwork is exhibited and sought-after all over the world.
Soile Yli-Mäyry welcomed us with her vibrant hospitality.
A very interesting explanation of the artist's background and the exhibition on display.
We appreciated this beautiful solid glass sculpture that was on display.
We were energized by the stunning color schemes.
The team banner seems at home amidst the sea of color in the gallery.
Soile Yli-Mäyry generously presented each runner with a beautiful pin of her design.
We were treated to some delicious ice cream and treats as well as coffee and tea at the Gallery Cafe.
The cafe was housed in a fascinating building that contained many antique artifacts from its previous use as country barn and farmhouse.
What a gorgeous setting for an art gallery and cafe!
Our next stop was a HUGE shopping center in Tuuri. We were met by local TV and our team was lead by a young Finnish moto GP champion Patrik Pulkkinen!
Here we are running into the horseshoe shaped entrance to the shopping center!
We were greeted by the shopping center owner, Vesa Keskinen.
Vesa Keskinen proudly holds the Peace Torch.
We spoke to the shoppers who congregated for our arrival.
Iiris's cousin, Göta, Patrik's younger brother, Alex and their mother, Pia joined the team for the afternoon.
The TV crew also enjoyed holding the Peace Torch!
Two awesome Peace Runners!!! We were so grateful they were able to join us and were impressed with their polite and humble manner.
Oh my God. Is this even real?
Palash's new best friend.
Martina is a real asset to our Peace Run team with her enthusiasm for every aspect of the run! Believe it or not, it's her first time as a part of the team -we hope she joins us again (and again)!
Puruvaj making sure he knows EXACTLY where he's going! Losing a runner is not an option on our team!
Sara looking pleased as punch to be running with the torch!
On our way to our accommodation we were thrilled that we saw this beautiful rainbow,
what a perfect end to the day!
