Minneapolis and St. Paul are the Twin Cities on the eastern bank of the Mississippi. On 21st Nov.1893 Swamiji reached Minneapolis from Madison after travelling 250 miles. Till 24th He didn't have any lecture in the city. Some friends unknown to us till date showed Him the lake, the river transformed by snow and ice into wonderland and all the beauties of the city. On 23rd He saw the Minnehaha Falls(i love the sound of this name) which is more beautiful in winter as it becomes a 'Solid mass of rugged ice fifty feet high and glistening in the bright sunlight' and also had His first ever sleigh ride behind the steaming horses.
Swamiji thoroughly enjoyed the sub-zero weather in Minneapolis as now He had warm clothes and shoes to face it. His letter to Mrs. Hale is very beautiful and we cannot avoid it ----
Minneapolis
24th Nov'93
Dear Mother -
I am still in Minneapolis. I am to lecture this afternoon and day after tomorrow go to Des Moines
The day I came here they had their first snow and it snowed all through the day and night and I had great use For the arctics.* I went to see the frozen Minihaha falls. They are very beautiful. The temperature today is 21. below zero but I had been out sleighing and enjoyed it immensely though. I am not the least afraid of losing the tips of my ears or nose.
The snow scenery here has pleased me more than any other sight in this country.
I saw people skating on a frozen lake yesterday.
I am doing well hoping this will find you all the same I remain
Yours obediently
Vivekananda
Are you all not visualising Swamiji sleighing behind the horses and then writing with a smile on face about not losing his ears or nose due to snow? I get totally lost in the snow watching Him enjoying it all and feel happy from within for the little happiness He got over there.
I am in Bidasar, Rajasthan and with Swamiji thinking all the while about Khetri. Don't think even this time i can make it to go to Khetri. Well it's His wish after all.
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