Pilgrimages are my new-found passion! I've already gone to Lourdes (just for the hell of it!), want to do the Santiago di Compostela one (on foot) and any other pilgrimage out there...
This is all post witness - when I was in, I did a trip to the New York Bethel because I was visiting some folks there at the time and decided to add a visit to the 'headquarters' while there - one of the most B O R I N G printing facilities tour ever - zero memorable moments...something to be endured rather than enjoyed. Felt like touring a prison but at least I could say I'd been and seen it.
I liked your take on it and have since heard others talk about their visit as if they had been in the 'Most Holy' - seriously going on about being in the same physical space as some of the 'anointed' blah blah, blah. I knew other witnesses (pioneers) who would visit the Bethels on an almost monthly basis and take every Bible study there like it was some amazing tourist spot.
The reason I love pilgrimages now is just to visit these amazing spots (architecture/art/history/landscape). At most of these sites, (and I know this sounds crazy), I feel like I am between worlds - especially anywhere in the south of France (Rennes-le-Chateau), north Spain...marvellous places. There's amazing books that set out the many sacred sites around the world, all so much more worthy of visits and contemplation than a printing facility IMHO.
Sorry for the ramble.
