Yoga etc.

BlogPostSaturday22Aug09
Well, today is Saturday, and things are settling into a routine for me. Walked to yoga class at the Actons Hotel health center down by the harbor this morning for an hour and a half of good stuff! One thing new is the notion of allowing students to “do their own thing” for 10 minute periods – specifically some form of sun salutations – after having being led through several repetitions. I’ve not seen this done before. As a matter of fact, every yoga class I’ve attended I’ve learned something new! This was my fourth yoga session since arriving, third teacher. A novel thing I saw Rose do in my first class with her was simply touching the lower back to encourage taller straighter torso when doing the seated forward bend.
This morning I paid 20 euros for a yoga mat – to give you some idea of the difference in monetary values – One euro equals about $1.50. So, instead of $10 at Wal-Mart in Greenwood, I paid about $30. I’m not really complaining, just explaining. I might have gotten one cheaper in Cork – a larger city – but I wanted one NOW – not a bus trip away. And, frankly I was surprised that the small sporting goods store here even had one! I don’t really need it this week – the studios all supply mats – but I will want it when I go to the spa the first part of September –to use on the beach!
At 4:00 I’ll walk back down to the Visitor’s Center and join a guide for a walking tour of the town. It’s about time I learned some of the mysteries of this oldest city in Ireland from someone who has been doing tours for more than 40 years! I’ve spent several hours so far listening to CD’s entitled “How the Irish Saved Civilization” a delightful set of lectures – all the while knitting away, of course. My existence here is so delightful it feels almost sinful! It’s such a wonderful gift and blessing to be here doing whatever pops into my head at the moment. I am becoming very comfortable in this environment. It’s a joy to be able to walk everywhere I want to go! Two large grocery stores – Londis and SuperValu – and numerous specialty food shops from Thai to local produce are all within very short walks. And, the same for post office, internet café, pharmacy, bank, clothing stores, yoga classes, harbor cruises, etc. You get the picture.
21.00 pm: Wow! What a day. I’m feeling some new muscles I hadn’t felt before – from the different yoga asanas this morning – and the town walk tour tonight was truly enlightening. Lots of stuff to go photograph tomorrow!