ARCH ACADEMY GLOBAL TRIP 2016 - DAY 10

May 10

COOPER:

Cucumbers, Reading, Table Tennis

Either I'm getting used to the Plum Village lifestyle or farming today was a little easier than a few days ago. Either way, I had a lot of fun working on Happy Farm today! I spent my two hour session planting cucumbers and pumpkins with Taylor and Heather, while the rest of the group completed an assortment of other tasks. After that we shared what we learned and experienced in a group setting which was very cool. Between breakfast and lunch, we spent some time learning about the 5 precepts of Buddhism. It was very interesting to dive into the theory behind their practice rather than just meditate and sing, although these are of course important as well.  CJ volunteered to read a part that was about avoiding distracting oneself from life with video games and other such activities, which he pointed out was fitting.

Cheryl has been sick pretty much since we got to Plum Village, but fortunately John located a Spanish doctor who stays here from time to time. Shout out to Eric for packing a ton of Imodium and other such remedies. The doctor had some concentrated electrolytes on hand, so that has been a big help in getting her back in good health. John biked into town today to get some more medicine for her, and now she's back at the tea house eating dinner. We're all very happy to see her out and about again.

I believe we're hosting one of the other hamlets here for a meal later in the week, and it looks like we'll be staying in Bordeaux Friday night so we can make our flight early Saturday morning.

Ping pong, basketball, and hiking continue to be driving factors in our activities this week. The farmers and monks all love the kids, and I'm sure they all wish they'd been exposed to a more mindful way of thinking a little earlier in life. While none of us are planning on shaving our heads and donning brown robes, I think we'll all come back with a greater appreciation for the simpler things in life and a more positive outlook.