Not far from my mom's place between Phoenix and Tucson is a Greek Orthodox Monastery called St. Anthony's. I recently visited this place which was built 10 years ago and covers about 7 acres. I was given a long, dark skirt, a white blouse and a scarf before I was permitted to enter. It was amazing! Every square inch was a work of art; a gift to God. They are totally into icons. Encouraged me to take pictures.

I know nothing about this religion. I conversed with two of the monks and they offered me the most delicious peanut butter cookies I have ever eaten in my whole life. I think I must have stood a little too close at one point because one of the monks literally jumped backwards. Maybe it was peanut butter breath but I think it was because I flipped my braids over my shoulder when I noticed they were peaking out from under the scarf.

A wonderfully strange experience.

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