I had a great week in Vanuatu - for me it really was a tropical island paradise! When I woke on the Sunday morning after arriving late on Saturday night I thought I had arrived in heaven. The sun streaming through the shutters, the sound of the waves, the calls of tropical birds (not sure what they are called but they looked like vibrant green pigeons!), the warm, humid air surrounding me - very different from the chilly Melbourne I'd left behind!I had few expectations and knew little about Vanuatu when I was asked if I'd like to go over to teach a week long yoga workshop to a small group of dedicated students at Port Vila yoga school. I still don't know much, but I had such a lovely time that I hope to return sometime! A few things that helped me enjoy the week: the beautiful, friendly locals, the ideal snorkeling and warm water temperature, the tropical fresh organic fruits at the market, the divine french pastries(!), the daytime temp - 30 degrees, 20 degrees overnight, the very relaxed laid back atmosphere and of course the lovely group of yoga students!
I taught class every day from 5-7pm to fit in with the Vanuatu working day which begins at 7.30am. We did a mix of led and Mysore-style classes and had time for discussions/questions about the practice, philosophy, how to make the ashtanga practice sustainable and balance it with everyday life. Such a great group of students, keen to practice! At the beginning a few were a bit fearful of 6 day practice week, but by the end of the week they were still smiling and said they felt great, the practice had given them energy - always a good thing to hear.
Below are a few snaps I took during the week....
My perfect morning practice place, although rather challenging to maintain my drishti! There was great snorkeling just out the front of where we were staying. It was so amazing to see the amount of activity and beauty that was going on beneath the water's surface.
Morning coconut water, fresh from the market.
Cascade waterfalls, a magical place. Luminous fresh water, beautiful bathing pools.
Locals at the main market in Port Vila. People from surrounding islands bring in their fruit and veg to sell. Everything is organic.
Wild raspberries at the market. We spotted (and ate) these raspberries across the road on beautiful fresh pastries at the french patisserie. Yum!!
All kinds of things at the market.
Nuts strung together ready for eating. Tasted good, but unlike any nuts I've tasted before.
Beautiful, wild Tamanu Beach. Vast sky, vast ocean.
Locals playing boule in Port Vila. The French influence endures....there was great citron sorbet at the super marche.
So stay tuned... hopefully I will be returning to the island paradise next year.
Maybe you'd like to come along.
