We're excited to announce two new trips to India. The first is our signature trip with Megan DeAinza, from Santa Barbara, as the yoga teacher. This trip is awesome and such a great way to see the spiritual side of India. A week in Rishikesh at the Yoga Festival says it all. If you've always been curious about an ashram in India, Parmarth is amazing and the week of yoga will surely get your prana flowing. Dates for this trip are Feb 26 - March 14th!
The second trip is still over a year away but is sure to be an incredible adventure. Desiree Rumbaugh will be teaching from the Anusara tradition. We are so excited for her to be with us! The group will be small and classes intense. Like India isn't intense enough as it is, right? This trip is called "The Many Faces of India" and is so titled because we'll visit a variety of places. You'll really get a feel for how many different types of Indians there are and how different their culture is depending on the region. This trip will be spectacular so don't miss out on the fun!
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Saturday, March 21, 2009
And That's That...India Trip Wrap-Up
For those used to my usual India writings, this year's trip proved to be a different story for me. Three days into the trip and 1 day after the first clients had arrived, Ryan learned that his wife had her baby 6 weeks early! He had to return to the US leaving me as the sole leader. With Kerala as a new region for Redback, this new line-up was slightly nerve wracking but with no other options, I was forced to step up and lead without my 6'5" safety blanket!
Needless to say, I had very little time to spend on the computer. What I also discovered is that the things that used to be so interesting, mostly because life in India is so different, seem normal to me now. Chaos is bliss! What I most enjoy as leader now is seeing India through those same virgin eyes that I once possessed.
So this year, rather than write lengthy descriptions of Indian culture...I am sharing the highlights of our trip through the lens of my camera. This time, I made sure it stayed on my hip at all times and was able to come home with a gallery of new imagery.
Overall, there were no major disasters and only a few bouts of diarrhea. Our groups got along great and it was a nice mix of people from all over the US including New York, Texas, Oregon, Idaho and Alaska. Our age range was from 21-61 and this year we added two men...yeah!
I can't help but think about the amazing activities that filled each day. Many things I had done before but many activities were new to me also. Each time I learn a little more in hopes of making the next trip that much better. The most valuable lesson though is understanding how blessed we are to have the quality of life we do. No matter how much money you've lost recently or how little work there is, it could be so much worse. Removing ourselves from the economy talk and immersing ourselves into a culture with so much less financially, yet so much more spiritually, is an uplifting phenomenon that can only be understood by being there.
Anyway, enjoy the photos...Til next time...namaste.
Cochin:
Kerala:
Yoga Festival, Rishikesh:
Agra:
Dharamsala:
Needless to say, I had very little time to spend on the computer. What I also discovered is that the things that used to be so interesting, mostly because life in India is so different, seem normal to me now. Chaos is bliss! What I most enjoy as leader now is seeing India through those same virgin eyes that I once possessed.
So this year, rather than write lengthy descriptions of Indian culture...I am sharing the highlights of our trip through the lens of my camera. This time, I made sure it stayed on my hip at all times and was able to come home with a gallery of new imagery.
Overall, there were no major disasters and only a few bouts of diarrhea. Our groups got along great and it was a nice mix of people from all over the US including New York, Texas, Oregon, Idaho and Alaska. Our age range was from 21-61 and this year we added two men...yeah!
I can't help but think about the amazing activities that filled each day. Many things I had done before but many activities were new to me also. Each time I learn a little more in hopes of making the next trip that much better. The most valuable lesson though is understanding how blessed we are to have the quality of life we do. No matter how much money you've lost recently or how little work there is, it could be so much worse. Removing ourselves from the economy talk and immersing ourselves into a culture with so much less financially, yet so much more spiritually, is an uplifting phenomenon that can only be understood by being there.
Anyway, enjoy the photos...Til next time...namaste.
Cochin:
Kerala:
Yoga Festival, Rishikesh:
Agra:
Dharamsala:
Monday, December 8, 2008
Adventures in Peru
With its ideal combination of outdoor activities, spirituality rooted in the ancient Andean religion, a safe and friendly culture, and unbelievable mountain scenery, Peru lived up to my expectations. The first couple of days I stayed in Cusco scouting out hotels and restaurants and getting a feel for this small magical city stationed at 11,000 feet. I was so happy to have given myself 2 days to acclimatize before my epic mountain bike ride and 4 day trek began because I definitely could feel it.
At first, I found myself struggling with comparisons of India…Cusco is easy to navigate, relatively calm and clean. In fact, I almost wanted to call it boring! No beggars. No chaos. Normal driving. The most unique thing I saw were the little Quechuan ladies wearing their colorful blankets filled with child on their backs and walking llamas through the center of town. I seized the opportunity for a photo opp only to come to learn that they dressed that way so tourists would take their photos for money. Hey, at least they were working! Soon enough, I settled into the Peruvian culture and came to the conclusion that “boring” is the new cool.
Before my husband Adam arrived, my goal was to do as much mountain adventure “scoping” as I could. My first adventure was a mountain bike ride with my awesome guide Duillio and an ex-BMX racer from Atlanta. I rarely travel with Americans but it was fun to be with a Southerner (borderline redneck complete with jeans and a hoody). From the Sacred Valley we drove an hour up a dirt road. By the time we got the top it was totally hailing. Needless to say, none of us were that fired up. Luckily, it stopped hailing but the dusting of ice made for some interesting travel, especially since the trail started off with a steep downhill and big rocks. I got a monster adrenaline rush straight out of the gate and did my best to hang on. The technical trail on a new bike definitely tested my nerves.
I’m not sure which was more ridiculous..the super drunk potato farmers who insisted I drink their homemade Chicha (local moonshine) or the Quechuan woman who wanted me to hold a dead hummingbird?
The next day I headed off on my next adventure with a new guide Huber and a couple from St. Louis. This 4-day trek headed to a pass below the massive Salkantay Mountain (20,574ft). Our first campsite located in the valley floor near the mountain was spectacular (and cold). Day 2 we climbed a pass reaching 15,000+ feet. According to Huber, we crushed the record for climbing the pass by over an hour…Good work team!
Surprisingly, just over the pass the scenery quickly turned lush and tropical. We must have seen 15 types of orchids, brommalids living on tree branches and all sorts of crazy flora and fauna. Huber carefully explained each plant’s uses as we scampered down the valley floor. After that long, hard day of hiking, we were stoked to wake up the next morning and immediately hit a hot springs pool in the middle of the forest. Best $1 I’d spent yet!
The trek ended at a train that took us to Aguas Calientes, the closest town to Machu Picchu. I had arranged transport for Adam who was traveling from the US to meet our group. So many things could have gone wrong with him coming from the States and me being in the middle of nowhere. Luckily, his travels went smoothly and I arrived at his train just in time. Phew!
We woke up at 5am to catch the bus for Machu Picchu. The misty weather wasn’t in our favor but we went anyway and lucky we did because when we left, the rain started and didn’t stop for hours. Nonetheless, Machu Picchu is deservedly one of the Wonders of the World and something everyone should see once in their lifetime! It totally lived up to the hype (although I could have done without the dorky tourists in yellow and red ponchos) and we enjoyed Huber’s guidance through its history.
From Machu Picchu we spent the next several days in the Sacred Valley, an incredibly scenic area dotted with historic ruins, corn farms and surrounded by the Andes Mountains. We splurged on a beautiful yoga retreat center for 2 nights. The only drawbacks were its location just off the main road and there wasn’t a ton of stuff to do in the immediate vecinity. One day we cruised around the main town of Urubamba, which was a pleasant place with a fantastic restaurant and interesting pottery studio by the famous artist Seminario. The other day we hiked to a salt mine where salt literally poured out of a mountainside…Very unusual and cool.
Our guide Duillio had suggested we stay next door to him at a hotel that just opened. He said we’d like it. His recommendations were so good that we went for it and traveled to the other end of the Valley to stay there. A nice British guy answered the gate and brought us in to this newfound paradise. Nestled at the base of some amazing peaks, the stunning views from the glass reception area immediately felt right. With hiking trails galore, a yoga camp just 20 minutes away, and Duillio’s guiding facilities next door, this was the spot. The energy was right, the service good, and it’s a brand new hotel so not many people know about it. Jackpot! Strange how life turns…
The next morning we shipped off for our mountain bike ride. Adam warned me about 10 times that if we were mountain biking and if he fell, we’d be sleeping in different hotels that night. I was a bit nervous but Duillio said he’d be fine so we went. The ride was spectacular and easy enough for Adam but also presented us with some challenging technical sections. He did great and actually “caught the buzz.” Welcome to my world! In between navigating singletrack and an ancient trade road used by the Spanish, we stopped at the Moray Ruins and again at the salt mine which not only broke up the ride, but also were interesting historical features. After the ride, Duillio and his wife Andrea had us over for a long, delicious lunch. A young couple with a 2-year old daughter and western ways, we hit it off immediately and talked for hours. They invited us to stay at their house, which we did for the night. We now had real Peruvian friends ☺
On our way back to Cusco, we made a quick stop in Pisaq to visit the famous ruins, which were now looking all the same, and the touristy market, which had the same stuff we had seen everywhere. The best part by far was the “Choclo con Queso” the women sold in the market. This corn on the cob had huge kernels which and was with 2 pieces of cheese (that squishy, rubbery white kind that every other country has but ours) and a green pesto sauce. Delicious!
We spent the last 2 nights and one full day back in Cusco. I felt like a regular at this point and we shopped a little and ate at more amazing restaurants per Duillio’s recommendations. We were even able to find a crepe shop with WiFi for Adam to do a little work. We also randomly found a great jazz band that played in an intimate, funky bar. Aside from the cigarette smoke, it was cool to be listening to a funky, younga band in a bar where at least 5 languages were spoken.
Getting home was a long, drawn out process that involves an afternoon in Lima and a late flight home…Not worth writing about.
So that’s it. Once again, another amazing international adventure. It was so nice to not read the paper, not talk or hear about the economy and meet new people. What a treat to wake up to an Obama victory and the world giving us a thumb’s up for making a good decision (we hope!). When we won, we were staying at a hotel with a French Canadian couple, a Dutch couple, an Argentinian, a Brit and us. It was interesting how involved they were in our election. But I guess everyone was watching, huh?
I’m officially awesome at traveling abroad. I love that I am able to write and photograph my experience so others can vicariously enjoy the experience. We Americans are blessed with creativity and energy and freedom. It is my desire to use these gifts as a way to better my life as well as the lives of those around me. Stepping outside the comfort box and into someone else’s world is so liberating. It’s always reassuring to see that no matter where you are, life is about filling it with family, friends, good food and a warm bed.
‘Til the next adventure….Ciao!
At first, I found myself struggling with comparisons of India…Cusco is easy to navigate, relatively calm and clean. In fact, I almost wanted to call it boring! No beggars. No chaos. Normal driving. The most unique thing I saw were the little Quechuan ladies wearing their colorful blankets filled with child on their backs and walking llamas through the center of town. I seized the opportunity for a photo opp only to come to learn that they dressed that way so tourists would take their photos for money. Hey, at least they were working! Soon enough, I settled into the Peruvian culture and came to the conclusion that “boring” is the new cool.
Before my husband Adam arrived, my goal was to do as much mountain adventure “scoping” as I could. My first adventure was a mountain bike ride with my awesome guide Duillio and an ex-BMX racer from Atlanta. I rarely travel with Americans but it was fun to be with a Southerner (borderline redneck complete with jeans and a hoody). From the Sacred Valley we drove an hour up a dirt road. By the time we got the top it was totally hailing. Needless to say, none of us were that fired up. Luckily, it stopped hailing but the dusting of ice made for some interesting travel, especially since the trail started off with a steep downhill and big rocks. I got a monster adrenaline rush straight out of the gate and did my best to hang on. The technical trail on a new bike definitely tested my nerves.
I’m not sure which was more ridiculous..the super drunk potato farmers who insisted I drink their homemade Chicha (local moonshine) or the Quechuan woman who wanted me to hold a dead hummingbird?
The next day I headed off on my next adventure with a new guide Huber and a couple from St. Louis. This 4-day trek headed to a pass below the massive Salkantay Mountain (20,574ft). Our first campsite located in the valley floor near the mountain was spectacular (and cold). Day 2 we climbed a pass reaching 15,000+ feet. According to Huber, we crushed the record for climbing the pass by over an hour…Good work team!
Surprisingly, just over the pass the scenery quickly turned lush and tropical. We must have seen 15 types of orchids, brommalids living on tree branches and all sorts of crazy flora and fauna. Huber carefully explained each plant’s uses as we scampered down the valley floor. After that long, hard day of hiking, we were stoked to wake up the next morning and immediately hit a hot springs pool in the middle of the forest. Best $1 I’d spent yet!
The trek ended at a train that took us to Aguas Calientes, the closest town to Machu Picchu. I had arranged transport for Adam who was traveling from the US to meet our group. So many things could have gone wrong with him coming from the States and me being in the middle of nowhere. Luckily, his travels went smoothly and I arrived at his train just in time. Phew!
We woke up at 5am to catch the bus for Machu Picchu. The misty weather wasn’t in our favor but we went anyway and lucky we did because when we left, the rain started and didn’t stop for hours. Nonetheless, Machu Picchu is deservedly one of the Wonders of the World and something everyone should see once in their lifetime! It totally lived up to the hype (although I could have done without the dorky tourists in yellow and red ponchos) and we enjoyed Huber’s guidance through its history.
From Machu Picchu we spent the next several days in the Sacred Valley, an incredibly scenic area dotted with historic ruins, corn farms and surrounded by the Andes Mountains. We splurged on a beautiful yoga retreat center for 2 nights. The only drawbacks were its location just off the main road and there wasn’t a ton of stuff to do in the immediate vecinity. One day we cruised around the main town of Urubamba, which was a pleasant place with a fantastic restaurant and interesting pottery studio by the famous artist Seminario. The other day we hiked to a salt mine where salt literally poured out of a mountainside…Very unusual and cool.
Our guide Duillio had suggested we stay next door to him at a hotel that just opened. He said we’d like it. His recommendations were so good that we went for it and traveled to the other end of the Valley to stay there. A nice British guy answered the gate and brought us in to this newfound paradise. Nestled at the base of some amazing peaks, the stunning views from the glass reception area immediately felt right. With hiking trails galore, a yoga camp just 20 minutes away, and Duillio’s guiding facilities next door, this was the spot. The energy was right, the service good, and it’s a brand new hotel so not many people know about it. Jackpot! Strange how life turns…
The next morning we shipped off for our mountain bike ride. Adam warned me about 10 times that if we were mountain biking and if he fell, we’d be sleeping in different hotels that night. I was a bit nervous but Duillio said he’d be fine so we went. The ride was spectacular and easy enough for Adam but also presented us with some challenging technical sections. He did great and actually “caught the buzz.” Welcome to my world! In between navigating singletrack and an ancient trade road used by the Spanish, we stopped at the Moray Ruins and again at the salt mine which not only broke up the ride, but also were interesting historical features. After the ride, Duillio and his wife Andrea had us over for a long, delicious lunch. A young couple with a 2-year old daughter and western ways, we hit it off immediately and talked for hours. They invited us to stay at their house, which we did for the night. We now had real Peruvian friends ☺
On our way back to Cusco, we made a quick stop in Pisaq to visit the famous ruins, which were now looking all the same, and the touristy market, which had the same stuff we had seen everywhere. The best part by far was the “Choclo con Queso” the women sold in the market. This corn on the cob had huge kernels which and was with 2 pieces of cheese (that squishy, rubbery white kind that every other country has but ours) and a green pesto sauce. Delicious!
We spent the last 2 nights and one full day back in Cusco. I felt like a regular at this point and we shopped a little and ate at more amazing restaurants per Duillio’s recommendations. We were even able to find a crepe shop with WiFi for Adam to do a little work. We also randomly found a great jazz band that played in an intimate, funky bar. Aside from the cigarette smoke, it was cool to be listening to a funky, younga band in a bar where at least 5 languages were spoken.
Getting home was a long, drawn out process that involves an afternoon in Lima and a late flight home…Not worth writing about.
So that’s it. Once again, another amazing international adventure. It was so nice to not read the paper, not talk or hear about the economy and meet new people. What a treat to wake up to an Obama victory and the world giving us a thumb’s up for making a good decision (we hope!). When we won, we were staying at a hotel with a French Canadian couple, a Dutch couple, an Argentinian, a Brit and us. It was interesting how involved they were in our election. But I guess everyone was watching, huh?
I’m officially awesome at traveling abroad. I love that I am able to write and photograph my experience so others can vicariously enjoy the experience. We Americans are blessed with creativity and energy and freedom. It is my desire to use these gifts as a way to better my life as well as the lives of those around me. Stepping outside the comfort box and into someone else’s world is so liberating. It’s always reassuring to see that no matter where you are, life is about filling it with family, friends, good food and a warm bed.
‘Til the next adventure….Ciao!
Thursday, October 2, 2008
A Little Help from Our Friends
Redback Travels takes groups to India to explore its spiritual core, which to me, is the heart and soul of this crazy country. We have a team of people helping whom all have extensive knowledge of India, its culture, religions, and environment, as well as yoga and spirituality.
We have an exciting schedule planned for next year that is sure to get you at least thinking about stepping outside your comfort zone and into the fascinating world of one of the oldest and most dynamic cultures on earth.
More details on our other trips will follow in the coming weeks but for now, we are focusing our efforts on getting people signed up for our annual pilgrimage this February. The South India section is filling fast, the Yoga Festival is always a big draw and the North section, well, the Dalai Lama’s health isn’t great these days and to have the honor of being in his presence is not something to take for granted!
Obviously, we are in troubled times. But as my friend Dave Romanelli so graciously wrote me last night, it is during times like these that we must support our friends and their endeavors. Group energy will pull us out of this mess to become stronger than ever.
I am counting down the days to be on the airplane transported to another world where I can focus on my own internal exploration while at the same time, serving as a catalyst to open doors for the entire group in their own development. The thing about India is that when you go, you never come back the same person. You are guaranteed to have a shift in your perspective and in how you see yourself in the world.
I ask that you send this along to anyone you might know you would have an interest in traveling to India (or Costa Rica or Peru). This year we have 3 (out of 12) people returning to India which makes me feel like we are doing something right!
Just a reminder, the early bird special is ending soon…If you sign up by Oct 15, you save $200!
For all trip details visit www.redbacktravels.com
Love and light,
ashley
Friday, September 19, 2008
Yoga Festival Lineup Posted!
It's interesting how as we get older, our priorities change. It happens without it us even realizing or doing it intentionally. One day, you love this. 8 years later, you love that. I guess we all evolve and grow. I remember when I used to frantically check Widespread Panic's website to see if Summer or Fall Tour had been posted. Come February, I'd look for the Jazzfest Lineup. This summer I really noticed this when I went to a mountain bike festival. The whole time I kept thinking how familiar it seemed due to the countless concert festivals I'd been to...only this time people were there to exercise and be in the mountains. Sure there was some beer but that was hardly the focus. It was an incredible weekend and one of those times I realized that yes, I guess I'm officially older and seeing an epic version of "Chilly Water" just doesn't hold a candle to the inagural "Heckletooth" ride I experienced with a bunch of strangers.
So here I find myself thinking the same thing....Yesterday I learned that the Yoga Festival Lineup was posted! Last year's fest was so amazingly fantastic that I've been waiting for this announcement ever since. This year doesn't disappoint. The line-up is amazing.
See for yourself:
www.internationalyogafestival.com
For those new to yoga, these names probably look like gibberish. Take it from me, after listening to these people talk, taking their classes and just "feelin' the vibe," you'll never look back on your decision to have yoga be a part of your life.
For those seasoned veterans of yoga, there is so much variety and expertise in the teachers that you are sure to learn something from everyone. I know our group did last year! In fact, 3 women from last year are joining us again this year. That's how good it was!
The energy of Rishikesh is like no other place on earth. I encourage you to join Redback Travels and attend this festival. You won't find anything like it in the States.
So here I find myself thinking the same thing....Yesterday I learned that the Yoga Festival Lineup was posted! Last year's fest was so amazingly fantastic that I've been waiting for this announcement ever since. This year doesn't disappoint. The line-up is amazing.
See for yourself:
www.internationalyogafestival.com
For those new to yoga, these names probably look like gibberish. Take it from me, after listening to these people talk, taking their classes and just "feelin' the vibe," you'll never look back on your decision to have yoga be a part of your life.
For those seasoned veterans of yoga, there is so much variety and expertise in the teachers that you are sure to learn something from everyone. I know our group did last year! In fact, 3 women from last year are joining us again this year. That's how good it was!
The energy of Rishikesh is like no other place on earth. I encourage you to join Redback Travels and attend this festival. You won't find anything like it in the States.
Friday, August 8, 2008
Club India
Recently I found myself at a cocktail party talking in the corner with another person about our experiences in India. This has happened to me enough times that it's actually worth writing about. Anyone who's been to India knows what it's like...the smells, the chaos, the people. We've all been cheated out of an extra rupee a million times. We've all seen the head bob and can actually use it where needed. There's always a train station story or a rickshaw tale. While each person has such a unique experience, the gist is the same...what a country! Nobody would claim it to be the most beautiful (although the Himalayan mountains could be argued as such) or the most relaxing (quite the contrary). But all would agree that's there a certain "something" about it that is so different that it changes all who visit.
I hardly have times where I find myself talking and talking about say, Bhutan, or Chile, or Hawaii. I mean, sure, maybe a story here or there, but certainly not so many stories that you are practically fighting your friend to tell about the craziest thing that happened to you in India!
It's the kind of place that changes you forever. Your stories dwell in your memory for years and years. The experiences are ones that you will never find anywhere else.
For those who have been, you know what I'm talking about.
For those who haven't, what are you waiting for? It's time to see for yourself. If you find cocktail parties to be dull then why not spice things up a bit and add some India stories to your repertoire? You'll be the life of the party and when you meet someone else in "The Club," you'll have a new friend for the rest of the night and maybe even for life!
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Need help posting fliers
We're busy gearing up for the India trip in February. If anyone is interested in posting fliers in their town or at their yoga studio, please contact us. We are looking to branch out of our box and get some people signed up from new cities around the States.
We know that the economy and gas prices are anything but helping us right now. But we hope that with enough time, you can save your money and plan for a life moving adventure. Staying home is sometimes the most realistic way of dealing with forces outside our control. But branching out and meeting new people and learning about a new culture is way more enlightening in the long run. The economy will pick up eventually. In the meantime, how cool would it be to use this crazy time as a soul searching adventure where you never know what's around the corner? Where each day is a new beginning. Where each place you go is a totally new sight to behold.
With this down time comes an up time for personal growth. Or maybe it's time for a break from your family, your job and your regular routine? Life is full of twists and turns. Traveling in India makes you think each day about something you have never even considered. India teaches you to react quickly, to be always on your toes. The decisions you make could have a transformational outcome that often times changes the course of your trip. It's these surprises that make it so special. One second a person is trying to cheat you out of a rickshaw, the next second you meet someone who wants to discuss the meaning of life and totally transforms your entire outlook on Indian culture.
You'll never know until you try....lucky for you, we'll deal with all the logistics to make your experience one to remember for a lifetime.
We know that the economy and gas prices are anything but helping us right now. But we hope that with enough time, you can save your money and plan for a life moving adventure. Staying home is sometimes the most realistic way of dealing with forces outside our control. But branching out and meeting new people and learning about a new culture is way more enlightening in the long run. The economy will pick up eventually. In the meantime, how cool would it be to use this crazy time as a soul searching adventure where you never know what's around the corner? Where each day is a new beginning. Where each place you go is a totally new sight to behold.
With this down time comes an up time for personal growth. Or maybe it's time for a break from your family, your job and your regular routine? Life is full of twists and turns. Traveling in India makes you think each day about something you have never even considered. India teaches you to react quickly, to be always on your toes. The decisions you make could have a transformational outcome that often times changes the course of your trip. It's these surprises that make it so special. One second a person is trying to cheat you out of a rickshaw, the next second you meet someone who wants to discuss the meaning of life and totally transforms your entire outlook on Indian culture.
You'll never know until you try....lucky for you, we'll deal with all the logistics to make your experience one to remember for a lifetime.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
