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Merigar
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We are also providing you with a map of Merigar indicating all the permanent and temporary structures available to you during the retreat (see below or download it here).
RETREAT REGISTRATION
To participate in the retreat, you must first confirm your registration at the Welcome stand, located in the Longsal area, which you will find as soon as you arrive at Merigar. You can also register ahead of time with the secretary in the previous days. At registration, we will provide you with informational material and give you a colored wristband pass, which you should keep and show to staff each time you access the Teachings. When registering, you can also make your donation to Merigar if you wish.
Registration will be open during the following times:
Tuesday, July 1
9:00 AM - 1:00 PM - Welcome stand (Longsal area)
3:00 PM - 6:00 PM – Welcome stand (Longsal area)
Wednesday, July 2
8:30 AM - 3:30 PM – Welcome stand (Longsal area)
Thursday, July 3, to Sunday, July 6
8:00 AM - 9:30 AM – Welcome stand (Longsal area)
2:00 PM - 5:00 PM - Welcome stand (Longsal area)
Monday, July 7, to Tuesday, July 8
8:00 AM - 9:30 AM – Welcome stand (Longsal area)
You are encouraged to arrive with enough time to complete the registration process and take your seats at least 40 minutes before the Teachings begin.
Since not everyone will be able to be seated in the Gönpa, we have set up two covered outdoor spaces. For each Teaching session you will be able to sit in the spaces indicated by the color of the wristband given to you at the registration. This way everyone will be able to sit inside the Gönpa for at least one session.
SHOES
Shoes cannot be worn in the Gönpa; at the time of registration you will be given a bag where you can put your footwear. Please keep the bag with you. For hygiene reasons, we ask that you wear your socks when inside the Gönpa.
PARKING AND MOVING AROUND MERIGAR
All retreat participants can park their cars at Merigar. A dedicated team will provide all necessary directions when you arrive. If you have mobility issues please notify the secretary’s office well in advance (segreteria@merigar.it) and we will provide you with a dedicated shuttle service.
Please note: if it rains the parking field will be accessible to four-wheel-drive vehicles only; in that case you will be notified in advance with instructions on how to reach Merigar.
Some areas at Merigar are closed to access for security reasons. These areas are clearly marked: please respect these signs for your own and others’ safety. Young children should always be accompanied by their parents.
TOILETS
Merigar has toilets in its permanent structures (Gönpa, Yellow House/Serkhang, Mandala Hall/Zikhang). Temporary toilets will also be available during the retreat (please see map).
WEATHER AND CLOTHING
The weather in the Amiata region can often be unpredictable. We recommend that you dress in layers and bring suitable clothing for rain and cooler temperatures.
MEALS
In the morning, between 8:00 AM and 9:30 AM, tea, coffee, and some simple sweet and savory snacks will be served at the cafeteria of the Yellow House (Serkhang, see map).
Given the large number of participants expected, we encourage people to make their own arrangements for lunch, using local restaurants and cafes, or bring a packed lunch. Merigar will provide only a limited number of hot meals and sandwiches. A small food truck will also be available for simple meals, with options suitable for vegetarians and celiacs.
CAMPING
Camping and campfires are not permitted at Merigar, nor is parking with campers and caravans.
SMOKING
Smoking is not permitted in and around most of Merigar’s facilities; you will find dedicated outdoor smoking areas.
PETS
Merigar loves animals, but when there are many people attending retreats, for reasons of security and organization it is not possible to accommodate them.
DRINKING WATER AND RECYCLING WASTE
We encourage you to limit the use of plastic as much as possible. Merigar has several drinking fountains with excellent drinkable water, which you can use to fill your water bottles (see map). If you don't have one and want to get one, you'll find one for sale with the Merigar logo at various points around Merigar.
At Merigar we recycle our waste. We invite you to do the same by using the dedicated containers (see map).
BABYSITTING
A babysitting service for children between the ages of 4 and 11 will be available during Teaching hours (by free donation) . Interested parents should contact the secretary’s office to make arrangements in advance (segreteria@merigar.it).
GETTING TO MERIGAR
Merigar is located in southern Tuscany, in the municipality of Arcidosso, in the Province of Grosseto. It is about two and a half hours from the airports of Rome, Florence, and Pisa. To get there by car, google “Merigar West, 58031, GR” or follow the link https://goo.gl/maps/36KarDJQp6jUAiDA7.
For information on how to reach Merigar by public transportation from the three airports mentioned above, visit https://www.merigar.it/en/visit/getting-to-merigar/
GENERAL INFORMATION AND QUESTIONS
For further information or assistance, don’t hesitate to contact the secretary’s office; we’ll do our best to answer your questions: segreteria@merigar.it, +39 0564 966837.
