A Desert, A Monastery, and Me

Okay, an olive grove amidst Saguaro cactus.  Where are you?

Arizona.  Arizona desert.  Smack in the middle of the desert is an unlikely oasis, or, more likely, Shangri-La.  St. Anthony Monastery.  Yes, there is a Greek Orthodox Monastery in the Arizona desert.

Visitors are welcome and may take a self-guided tour of the lovely grounds and chapels.  Aroma.  Did I mention aroma?  Each chapel has a distinct fragrance.  Even the gardens emitted the sweet aroma of orange blossoms. 

Very quiet (it is a monastery) and the St. Anthony Church and other chapels inspire a quiet moment of mediation.

Who knew?  Certainly visuals and impressions that induce thoughts that go bump in the night.