🍇🇫🇷 A Rest Day in the Countryside 🇫🇷🌻

2:18 / 28 miles / 2,000ft. During our visit to the Upper Hamlet of Plum Village, we were immersed in the peaceful atmosphere Thich Nhat Hanh created. We strolled through the tranquil bamboo garden, where the golden fall leaves fluttered gently to the ground. We stopped for a few moments on the wooden benches to enjoy the peacefulness. At the lotus pond, we were captivated by the graceful koi and a curious muskrat, who seemed to enjoy our quiet presence. We also visited the giant bell tower and meditation hall, feeling a deep sense of connection to the teachings of Thich Nhat Hanh. I briefly helped a resident fix a flat tire on their bicycle, adding a moment of mindfulness to the day. Despite the cloudy weather, the skies were beautiful, and we could feel Thich Nhat Hanh's spirit all around us. From Upper Hamlet we set off on our bikes to Thénac, pedaling through the picturesque French countryside towards Saussignac and Sigoulès. Along the way, we soaked in the peaceful scenery of vineyards and rolling hills. In Sigoulès, we stopped to pick up groceries for a pasta dinner, and our supplies for breakfast before continuing our journey to Lower Hamlet, the nunnery of Plum Village. The visit to Lower Hamlet was serene and meaningful. We explored the grounds, appreciating the quiet beauty and the spirit of mindfulness. We bought a couple of writings featuring Thich Nhat Hanh’s quotes, a small souvenir for Sebastian, and a jar of homemade plum jam to help support the nunnery. During our visit to lower hamlet, we were lucky enough to witness one of the nuns inviting the bell. When the bell was struck, everyone stopped what they were doing, and took a moment to take some breaths and enjoy the silence. After our visit, we cycled back toward our Airbnb, and along the way we met two men from the Czech Republic, who were biking from Prague to Lisbon. Upon returning to our Airbnb we enjoyed cooking a cozy pasta dinner together, reflecting on another great day together. After dinner, we took a brief walk up the hill to enjoy the colors of the sunset. ❤️Read more