It was only a short run from Ananda Fuara Restaurant to the Tenderloin Children's Center in San Francisco, but we had five runners from the restaurant who were enthusiastically ready to carry the Torch there. Some of the restaurant workers were coming to the event during their break and soon had to go back to work after the event.

Today's event at the Tenderloin Children's Center was organized by our good friend Ahelee in cooperation with the Center's Dan Yee, Bart and Diana. It is a well equipped and organized facility where school age children can gather and take part in fun activities during the day or after school. Many groups and children organizations send children there. We carried the Torch into a large gym where about 50 kids and staff members were waiting for us. It was an exciting program with children of a large age range. Keeping them all interested and focused was a challenge as there were other activities going on just outside the gym in the playground.

Most of the children really seemed to get into the spirit of our visit there though. By the end of our presentation as we performed some skits and sang our theme song with them the kids were charged up and ready to run with us outdoors. At the signal of 'All aboard!” and the sound of my

harmonica train , we all went outside following Dan as he carried the Torch around the playground. Even though some children were playing basketball and other games, the Torch seemed to be the main center of attraction as many of children wanted to get a chance to carry it and the banner we brought as well. Some children could not seem to get enough and the playground Harmony Run went on for at least 15 minutes.

After a few photos with children individually and in groups, we ran from the Center back to Ananda Fuara, our own center of activity and sustenance as well. We are very grateful to Dan and the rest of the staff and all the beautiful children at the Tenderloin Center. Ahelee and all the local runners who made this event not only possible but truly international all deserve our gratitude once more as we have new experiences every day in unique and fulfilling ways.

Harmoniously, Arpan, Banshidhar and Francesco

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