Bahá’í House of Worship

 

Called "The Dawning Place", this Bahá'í Temple, is now considered a tourist destination because of its intricate lace-like design and beautiful architecture.

The picture from the guide-book enticed me to see it personally. Located in Wilmette in Illinois, the visit turned out to be all worth it. I got to see a one-of-a kind structure and got to know an entirely new religion. Before the trip, I never even heard of Bahá'í. To think that a small community is alleged to exist in the Philippines.

 

 

Faith

Bahá'ís believe that everyone is part of one human race and every revealed religion is a gift to humankind from the one Eternal God. They believe that humanity is one family created by God and promote the unity of mankind and the establishment of peace in the world.

History

It all started in Persia (now Iran) by Mírza Husayn-'Alí in the 1800s during the Ottoman Empire. In the United States, the Bahá'í Faith was first mentioned in 1893 by a Presbyterian Missionary at the Word Parliament of Religions held during the Columbian Exposition in Chicago until it eventually spread across the country.

Temple

Planning started in 1903, but construction began only in 1920 and was not completed until 1953. The domed structure has nine sides. The lacy pattern of the temple is made out of special concrete consisting of quartz and white cement. The auditorium is open to the public for free. It seats 1,191 and stands 138 feet from the floor to the apex of the inside dome. Other Houses of Worship are located at Frankfurt-am-Main, Germany; Kampala, Uganda; Sidney, Australia; Panama City, Panama; New Delhi, India; and Apia, Western Samoa.

 

 

There are nine inscriptions carved above the entrance and nine more appearing in the alcoves. One inscription made an impression on me the most and that is: "The earth is but one country, and mankind its citizens." Bottomline: World peace. They say travel is one great way to learn, well that was one great lesson. A lesson that we all should learn and live by.

 

 

The Bahá'í House of Worship
100 Linden Avenue
Wilmette, Illinois 60091
www.bahaiitemple.org

Visiting Hours:
10:00 am - 5:00 pm (between Oct. 1 and Apr. 30)
10:00 am - 8:00 pm (between May 1 and Sept 30)

 

 

** Out of respect, I did not take pictures inside the temple.

 

The Best of Chicago: Museums and more

Enjoy Chicago  without having to line up for tickets with City Pass. You can get it online or at the first attraction you visit. Ideal for weekend travelers who wish to see the best of Chicago in a short span of time. For those who has a week to spare, there is no need to rush getting from one attraction to another as the tickets are valid for nine days from the date bought. It includes general admission plus a few perks to five wonderful Chicago attractions.

 

Shedd Aquarium

Enjoy VIP treatment to all the exhibits plus a 4-D experience in Fantasea. Experience an Amazon flooded forest in Amazon Rising, a 360-degree tour of the reef in Carribean Reef, meet dapper-looking penguins and lots of fishes in the Ocenarium and do a face-off with sharks with the Philippine coral reef in the background in Wild Reef. All of this is possible in Shedd Aquarium.

 

 

 

The Field Museum

Meet Sue, the largest, most complete, and best preserved Tyrannosaurus rex ever found. Get access to an Underground Adventure, and get to know the secrets of mummies.

 

 

 

Adler Planetarium

Be a star and travel across space. Watch not one but two theater shows. Ad Astra Per Aspera.. reach for the stars!

 

 

Museum of Science & Industry

Learn science hands-on from this expansive 14-acre museum. Fly an airplane - try a flight stimulator inside a real plane inside the museum. Experience the unique Omnimax show. There is always something new to see and do at the Museum of Science and Industry. After covering the whole museum, go outside. There is a beautiful pond with a great view.

 

 

 

Skydeck Chicago or John Hancock Observatory

Indulge in the picturesque Chicago skyline tour and free coffee in the John Hancock Observatory. You may choose between Skydeck Chicago and the John Hancock Observatory.

 

 

Surely, there is more to Chicago than these five attractions. But then again, it provides a great list to add to ones itinerary. Plus, you can always sight-see in between. City Pass tickets are available at $69 for adults and $59 for children ages 3 to 11. Verdict: Good deal. Check out the Chicago Skyline from different vantage points, here.

 

 

 

Note: This is not a paid advertisement.

 

 

Photo Wednesday: Rush

I apologize for being remiss in posting any entry on this blog for the past month. Been busy with work and a bit of family r & r. Work will still be busy for the next few months, so I apologize in advance.

 

 

(Photo: Roxas Boulevard, Manila, 2009)