Ready to step into a world of global beauty and connection across borders, without leaving Colorado? The Global Village Museum invites you to join us for two unforgettable day trips this summer.

These aren’t your average day trips - they are immersive cultural adventures led by Sam Hensley, our amazing Collections and Volunteer Manager! With a master’s degree in Art History from CU Boulder and a passion for East Asian and Central Asian traditions, Sam brings a unique global lens to every stop along the way. He will share stories connecting art, architecture, and rituals in ways that will change how you see the world. His deep curiosity and love for global culture make these experiences not only educational but truly memorable.

Step into a vibrant story of international friendship at the Boulder Dushanbe Teahouse, a hand-carved architectural masterpiece gifted from Tajikistan to Boulder. Marvel at the intricate cedar columns, dazzling ceramic tiles, and painted Persian ceilings, and uncover the symbolism behind every detail.

On this tour, you can enjoy a leisurely visit to the Boulder Museum of Contemporary Art, followed by an Afternoon Tea service featuring a three-tiered tray of sweet and savory delights. Through Sam’s guidance, you'll explore the surprising connections between Tajik, Japanese, and British tea traditions, gaining a deeper appreciation for tea as ritual, art, and diplomacy.

For this excursion, you will:

• Enjoy an elegant British-style Afternoon Tea under painted Persian ceilings
• Visit the Boulder Museum of Contemporary Art for a surprise dose of modern creativity
• Learn about Asian tea traditions and symbolism from an expert on global art

Itinerary:

• Meet at 9:30 AM | Depart Fort Collins at 10:00 AM
• Explore Boulder + Museum from 12:00 PM – 2:30 PM
• Afternoon Tea from 3:00 – 5:00 PM
• Return to Fort Collins by 6:30–7:00 PM

Cost: $90 per person | $70 for Museum Members

Includes round-trip transportation, museum visit, tea service, taxes, and tips.

Register by July 17 at the link below.

Journey to the Colorado Rockies for a contemplative retreat at the Drala Mountain Center, home to the awe-inspiring Great Stupa of Dharmakaya. Nestled among 600 acres of pine forest, the Stupa is one of the most significant examples of Tibetan Buddhist architecture in North America.

This quiet and sacred space reveals new depths as Sam illuminates its sacred geometry and spiritual intent, which draws on his deep knowledge of East Asian art and Buddhist iconography. As you walk beneath the towering Stupa and listen to the stories woven into its form, you’ll begin to feel the architecture breathe, the stillness speak, and the landscape shimmer with quiet meaning. Once there, the site transforms into more than a destination…it becomes a living expression of devotion and cross-cultural wisdom.

On this tour, you will:

• Explore themes of Tibetan Buddhist architecture, pilgrimage, and iconography with Sam
• Share a delicious, soul-nourishing lunch prepared on-site
• Reflect in nature and community, guided by Sam and our wonderful world-traveling hosts, Daniel and Alice Owen

$70 per person includes lunch, transportation, and a scenic walk.

Register by August 9 at the link below.

Whether it’s over a cup of tea or in the stillness of the mountains, we are very excited to share these meaningful moments with you. So come along for the journey, bring your curiosity, and let’s explore the beauty of global traditions together.

See you on the road,

The Global Village Museum Team

To learn more about our programs, please visit globalvillagemuseum.org.

Celebrating World Cultures, One Adventure at a Time