I just got back from a Galveston trip with a group of yoginis for a wonderful weekend of yoga organized by our teacher, Rhonda. This was the first yoga retreat for me and best bud Ann Marie, as various factors (uh, time and money!) had kept us from taking advantage of earlier trips with Rhonda's group. Our expectations were high, and we were not disappointed!
We stayed downtown at the lovely Tremont House, within easy walking distance of the yoga studio, shops on the Strand, and Harborside Restaurants.
Here's a view of our room, which was comfortable, functional, and nicely decorated. My favorite features were the high ceilings, snuggly bathrobes, and the iPod dock.
Our two hour yoga classes on Friday evening, Saturday afternoon, and Sunday morning were held at The Yoga Haven, a great space at 2507 Market Street.
Kathleen, the studio director, is warm and welcoming, and taught our Friday night restorative class which was just what the doctor ordered for the end of a busy week, and to unstiffen from a long drive.
The entryway is an appealing area featuring all sorts of clothing, props, books, etc. that any yoga student would want to own. Looks like Nicole is shopping, but I'm not sure what she bought.
Upon entering the studio you're treated to a large room with bamboo floors, exposed brick, and natural light that is truly an inspirational space for yoga.
Rhonda taught the Saturday and Sunday classes, and crafted a perfect blend of meditation, inspirational readings, and asanas; everything from delicious relaxation with props to handstands. Go Betty!
The props weren't always used to relax -- here's Rhonda demonstrating how to use a metal chair to do a backbend.
I might send this photo to Ghost Hunters. There seems to be an apparition of Rhonda just behind Ann Marie! Most of my pictures of people in class didn't turn out very well, and I was mostly doing yoga and not taking pictures of other people doing yoga, so this isn't a comprehensive record by any means. (If you were on the trip and want to see more pictures, I'm going to post all of them, good and bad, in a photo album on my facebook page, so check there. Cynthia Reid.)
On Saturday morning we had an awesome meditation on the roof of the Tremont House.
The weather was spectacular; cool and breezy, and it was a great way to start the day!
So we didn't do yoga 24/7. There was time to squeeze in some great walks, a little bit of shopping, and a nighttime drum circle. And, oh yeah, the food!
On Friday night after yoga Kathleen was our hostess at the Oasis Juice Bar and Market, right around the corner from the studio. (Check out the link to their facebook page, and make it a destination on your next Galveston trip!) OMG what a meal! We had Spinach and Rice Casserole, Scarlet Quinoa with Beets and Cranberries, Velvety Carrot and Ginger Soup, and a Spring Mix salad. Adding to the enjoyment -- we were permitted to bring our own wine! I had 2 ginger snaps for dessert which were not Nabisco ginger snaps (thankfully), and macaroons were also available. A wonderful, delicious evening -- thank you Kathleen and all of your friendly helpers!
On Saturday night the meal wasn't near as healthy, and the service a little lacking, but a good time was had by all at Fisherman's Wharf, where I took many out of focus pictures like this that I won't bother sharing.
I managed to focus on Nelda and her husband Bob, but they were sitting across from me and it was my fourth try. Bob was the only male at our table of about twenty, and he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying himself!
I'm not crazy about this pic that Rhonda took of Ann Marie and me, but at least she knows how to focus! And, it does prove I was there.
The yoga and food and Galveston were all great, but equally fun was getting to meet, or know better, the other women on the trip. Here are Sharon and Cynthia, lookin' good! Wish I had taken non-blurry pictures of everyone. Such a treat to spend time with all of you -- thank you for making the weekend so memorable!
Everything was perfect! ;-D Thank you Rhonda!!! Namaste, everyone!
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