Just home after a somewhat chaotic day at work (a co-worker is leaving on Friday and we’re nowhere near ready to take over his duties) and a fun evening of pizza and TV with American friend Milo and his family (SYTYCD, NCIS and Doctor Who).

A few weeks ago, on my way home from work, I came out of the underpass to where there’s normally groups of people sitting on the benches drinking/sleeping. What I saw this time, however, was different: A monk, in brown robes and sandals, laying a hand on a young black girl’s head, obviously praying for her. I halfway expected there to be commotion, stupid comments or resentment from the drinking onlookers, maybe embarrassment from the girl, but instead the scene was peaceful, and the girl was smiling.