The Spiritual Side of Tea, Tofu, and Togas

When coming to Italy, I never dreamed I would land myself in Tibet. Yet, I somehow managed to do so. Ok, so not exactly Tibet, but a Tibet ran Buddhist monastery.  Having hipsters for friends, and being a bit of one myself, we decided to roadtrip it to southern Tuscany to see the world renowned monastery.

We knew we arrived when we saw hundreds of prayer flags hanging from the trees.  These colorful pieces of fabric decked out with words of a prayer does not exactly feel Italian.

We explored the area, finding tombs of monks in togas, a prayer wheel (which we were sure to spin), a temple, a tea garden, prayer rocks, many images of Buddha, and shoes left outside.

It was a neat experience that I have to admit felt less holy and more peaceful. I don't think I will make Buddhism my religion, but I will practice some of the wonderful routines such as yoga, nonviolence towards animals, the drinking of tea, and the eating of tofu. Yum. Om.

Entrance

Tomb

I want one for my room.

At the prayer wheel.

Buddha

A lucky ladybug landed on me. Is it a sign...?

Friends

Arianna's photography.

Inside the temple.

Lunch at the beach.

Si. Sea.