Towering at the center of the serene oasis of Upper Buena Vista, a lush sanctuary with tons of local independent shops, is a sprawling 120-year-old Banyan tree known as the Bodhi ‘Wishtree.’ Adorned in colorful ribbons right next to a giant Pinocchio sculpture, the tree not only provides natural shade from its branches — it is also said to have special magnetic and spiritual values.
Upper Buena Vista was actually built around centenary trees that were preserved during development, including the magical Wishtree. An ancestral Asian tradition suggests that writing a wish on a ribbon and tying it to the tree could lead to eternal blessings. If you look closely at the ribbons, you’ll find that each one carries a special wish!
In fact, for every wish made, a beautiful new tree is lovingly planted around the world. Upper Buena Vista partners with non-profit One Tree Planted, which plants trees in North America, Latin America, Africa, Asia, Europe and the Pacific to support reforestation and preservation of nature.
All you need to do is stop by the JoRocco Jewelry kiosk, purchase a $1 ribbon (a donation to the nonprofit) and get to writing! Perhaps you’ll even wish to spend more time at the Bohemian oasis.
While you’re there, Upper Buena Vista is full of colorful shops and eateries waiting to be explored. Whether you’re grabbing a bite to eat at Vista’s rooftop or getting an aura reading at Aura Portal, the Bodhi Wishtree is still front and center of it all! Find Upper Buena Vista at 184 NE 50th Terrace, Miami, FL 33137.