To say the least our visit to the Mosque today was not what I thought it would be like. I think that because apart from Christianity these religions are so foreign to me I am expecting there places of worship to be more shocking. (not the best of words but it'll have to do.) I have never been in a Mosque before and I really thought that there would be more to it. The whole time we were listening to our guide talk I was inpatient because I wanted to have time to see the worship space. The fact that the worship space was simply a large room with a really comfy carpet was very surprising to me. However, looking back I realize that this really shouldn't have been such a shocking thing - prayer and worship for Muslims seems to be a very simple thing. It kind of makes sense that something they have to do so often and occasionally not in the best of locations would be simple.
The other thing about the Mosque that surprised me, apart from the size and simplicity of it, was the community aspects apart from the prayer room. Learning about this religion is showing me how little I knew! Again why I didn't picture there being any type of community features, like a kitchen and a recreation/ social room I don't know, but they have them. The center also features classrooms and a library. Our guide mentioned that part of the building is newer so it is apparent that the size of the community is growing.
Although I have to admit that the Mosque was a little disappointing in terms of what I was expecting I am very glad we were able to go. I learned so much more about the religion as well as about my own preconceptions and misunderstandings that it was a very beneficial trip!