Check them outt! http://vinablue.net/Gallery/Esalen

Some of you know that I went on a 5-day retreat last month. http://www.prince.org/msg/15/98412



The food was AMAZING! It was buffet-style, fresh salads everyday from the garden, and they always had a vegetarian option for the main entree. We had things like turkey tacos, turkey chili, tuna melts, tofu avocado melts, curry dahl, omelets, pancakes, granola, potato caserole, chicken curry, mediterranean pasta, pesto pasta salad, grilled salmon, and sooooo much more. Basically there was something different at every meal, every day.

It was a small hike to the classes. From our rooms (which were near the cafeteria) we walked through the garden (which was really big), down a trail, over a foot bridge/stream and back down around to the Big House which had a great view of the ocean.

The mediation walk was cool. We didn't speak and spent about 20 minutes in different areas of the campus, just listening to the sounds of nature. (The lawn, the garden, the stream, the redwood forest, the beach and then ended in the meditaion room for 30 minutes.) I practiced breathing techniques and meditated most of the time... but I also took some pictures. I should have taken more.

For final ceremony, I sang Naked (the song, lol) since I had my demo with the instrumental version that you can listen to on Soundclick. http://www.soundclick.com...emusic.htm I was so nervous, but I got good feedback.

This vacation was the best vacation I EVER had. I drove up on my own, and stopped about halfway in San Luis Obispo to visit some old friends. It was everything a vacation should be, peaceful, restful, adventurous, mind-expanding, rejuvenating and best of all, it was a gift I gave to myself. It was really hard to come back to reality.


The daily schedule was:

(Sunday)
5pm Check in
6:30pm Dinner
7:30pm Orientation
8-10pm Class

(Monday, Tuesday, Thursday)
8:30am Breakfast
10am-12pm Class
12:30 Lunch
4-6pm Class
6:30pm Dinner
8-10pm Class

(Wednesday)
8:30am Breakfast
10am-2pm Silent Meditation/Walk
2pm Lunch
6:30 Dinner

(Friday)
8:30am Breakfast
9:30-11:30 Closing Ceremonies

Sounds like you had a great time

Question: What is Curry Dahl?

Smooches;)

Dahl = Lentils

The pictures are breathtaking! (I really love the garden goddess!)

I'm glad you had a wonderful time!

the photographs are great.

namepeace said:

Thanks!

Curry lentils....sounds pretty good

Smooches;)

AzureStarr said:

Thank you! She RULES!!!



I took more pictures of her, but that was the best one.

I can so appreciate these retreats...

The pictures are beautiful, and so your soul must feel the same after this.

BEAUTIFUL!!!!!

The pics are lovely, Vina. I'm glad you had such a great time.

Ugh, I bet there were bugs everywhere.

What a hole.

2the9s said:

How Awesome!!! I need to do something like that

Glad you had a good time Vina

Wow that looks like a paradise to me! Great to hear you had such a wonderfull holiday




Love this sunset with the long shadows and dark clouds. It's a strong composition




This is my favorite. The colors, composition and textures are a pleasure to look at

Wonderfull pictures Vina. Hope you're doin fine!
How's you're music going?

Love Eva
[This message was edited Mon Jul 26 12:33:10 2004 by Whateva]

Whateva said:

Thanks! I thought that was the best sunset pic as well. The music? Well, that was what the seminar was about. I'm going to apply all the vocal techniques I learned and get to work very soon. I have to spend a little $ on better equipment.

SupaFunkyOrgangrinderSexy said:

sag10 said:

Thanks, Sag.

OdysseyMiles said:

You know, after spending a week surrounded by nature like that... I could really relate to Bjork better.


we live on a mountain
right at the top
there's a beautiful view
from the top of the mountain
every morning I walk towards the edge
and throw little things off
like: car-parts, bottles and cutlery
or whatever I find lying around

it's become a habit
a way
to start the day


This mountain was right outside our door. EVERY morning, I would put my shoes on and go outside and stare at it for a few minutes.


Oh, and those are the hot tubs in the bottom left corner.


I WANNA GO BACK!!!

sag10 said:

I was so like namaste when I got back... then reality sunk in again.

I have to bring back that feeling.

WOW! How beautiful!! It looks like you had a lovely time! I really need a vacation...I haven't had one in years

VinaBlue said:

Best of luck with it, looking forward to hearing the results!!!

applekisses said:

You HAVE to take a vacation!!! It's the best thing I did for myself in this transitional time.

they're absolutely fantastic pics!!!!! thank you for sharing

That's really beautiful!/peace Manki