Mark Pontius and Phil Danyew from Foster the People are in Colombia to perform at the famous Festival Estereo Picnic along with other big names like Jack White and Damian Marley. Mark and Phil dropped by Juliana’s Animal Sanctuary to meet with the rescued animals and enjoy a vegan lunch.

I made a Quinoa vegetable curry, baked potatoes, cauliflower buffalo wings with hot sauce, and delicious mango, spinach, avocado salad. The boys relished the lunch as we talked about the work of Food for Life and Juliana’s Sanctuary. They were interested to learn about my experience as a monk and what it means to be a food yogi. Mark and Phil shared their musical journey and how they go to where they are now and then walked around the farm to meet all the animals here. Mark and Phil were amazed at how big Balarama, our resident ox is and yet also how peaceful and gentle he is.

They both fed the horse and the cow and ox and then we visited all the dogs who loved the new visitors. A highlight of their visit was the new bunny. They both melted to see such a lovely and cute little animal snuggle up to them. Phil was particularly taken by the bunny and we got some great photos of him with the bunny. Mark and Phil then made a short endorsement video for the sanctuary, encouraging people to visit and support the project. We are so appreciative of this.

Next, we went inside and enjoyed a vegan tiramisu made by my wife, Juliana. Mark and Phil invited me, Juliana and her sister, Dana to their concert tomorrow, so we look forward to seeing them again. I then presented Mark and Phil with copies of my books, Food Yoga, and The 5 Noble Truths.

Mark is a new vegan and has been interested in animal welfare and meditation for a long time. He was genuinely touched by the charity work, my wife and I are doing and look forward to visiting again.