Visiting the old capital city of Japan, Nara, we were greeted by free roaming deer who are considered gods. Never before have I had the experience of interacting with deer so closely. We were given 'deer biscuits' to offer them (which made them almost overly friendly) and they ate from our hands, allowing for an occasional scratch behind the ears. It truly was a special experience.

Past the parade of deer, we beheld the oldest wooden building in the world, Todaiji, dating around 1300 years old. Inside was a beautiful bronze buddha with 28 lotus petals around the base which individually each signified a separate universe. The petals are meant to represent the vastness of 'being' that we may not even comprehend- separate from other forms of life and galaxies, yet all still connected as one. Deep thoughts and wisdom were conveyed by our special host, a priest from the historic temple.