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Tantalized by Taiwan
Dear Soul Adventurers,
Just one month ago I was sitting at City Star restaurant in Taipei with a new group of friends I had met less than 24-hours earlier in the LAX airport. We were selected to travel together around Taiwan to explore its cycling routes (riding them, of course!) and participate in a couple of "Let's Bike Taiwan 2009" events. As we sat in City Star becoming accustomed to our new surroundings, the 13-hour time difference (it is kind of fascinating to skip forward in time!) and order some dinner, our adventure had already begun. None of us spoke Mandarin or Taiwanese, so we just started pointing to things on the menu and tried to figure out what they were as they arrived on the table. Our attempt to order beverages was more exciting (since there are no pictures for this)... it was either Coca-Cola or tea that arrived successfully. As I sat there, I was reminded of how amazing it is to be in such a vulnerable position and environment outside of one's norm... you have to just go for it and laugh, and you'll be sure to have way too much fun! This week-long journey quickly became another trip for my "record books." The Taiwanese community was as nice and as accommodating as can be; the food was unbelievably delicious (yes, even the shrimp with 'cake frosting' & rainbow sprinkles;) the cycling routes were a dream; and the overall invitation of the majestic mountains meeting the turquoise ocean waters and abundant cultural experiences was not to be surpassed. To top it off, our group fit together like pieces of a puzzle - inseparable, and rather colorful (in who we are as individuals!) We were enjoying ourselves beyond belief and everything happening around us brought laughter and joy... the dream representation of group travel. I am left tantalized by Taiwan. The routes we cycled during our journey were very unique from each other: including a 21km loop around Sun Moon Lake (a two-lane, winding road along the lake side and through a small rice farming village); a 15km, 2500ft climb up and over the mountain in Yangmingshan National Park from Taipei City (riding from city to nature, and descending 10km down to the mecca of hot springs on the backside,) and a tunnel-lined descent through Taroko Gorge (with natural marble walls towering us on each side,) were beyond spectacular. Each ride offered a different experience with the local landscape and a chance to appreciate the diversity of environment comprising this island. We additionally had the unique opportunity to participate in a couple of the "Let's Bike Taiwan 2009" events in two different regions of the country, cycle along new bike paths on the East coast, and visit a number of bike shops - it's a bike / cafe culture here, where most bike shops are decked out with wood floors, a small seating lounge of some sort and an espresso bar (lined with enough bike and tri magazines to keep you there until you finally purchase one of everything!) The enthusiasm that stands behind the opportunities to cycle and be out enjoying nature around the country will be contagious to anyone who chooses to travel there someday. ...And if you wish to go with Global Soul Adventures... of course we will take you there, as we are left wanting to return soon! Wishing you continued FUN, sunshine-filled, and soulFULL travels ahead! Live it up TODAY,  Kate LaCroix, Founder & Director |
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Our Soul Adventures.... 2010 TRIPS to Consider
 Rio de Janeiro, Brazil - Mar 5-11, 2010Bahia, Brazil - late March 2010 Costa Rica - April 2010Colorado, USA - June 2010Adirondacks Mountains, NY, USA - July 2010Thailand - October 2010 Taiwan - Nov 2010
Circular Dance & Yoga Retreat - Rio de Janeiro & Buzios, Brazil
with reknowned Dance Instructor Lucia Cordeiro, of Rio de Janerio
Where the beach meets the rainforest-covered mountains, sunscreen and umbrellas dominate the sand, and music and dance fill all those who surround you. Brazil is a country that is filled with some of the most joyful people you'll ever meet, and Rio de Janeiro is filled with one of the most incredible landscapes you'll ever see with your own eyes. Join us for a week of dancing and yoga (we will teach you.... these daily sessions are for all levels!) in two amazing areas.... the famous city and beaches of Rio, as well as the quaint, gorgeous beach village and coves of Buzios (about 3 hours from Rio.)
Island Hopping Yoga & Eco-Adventure Retreat - Bahia, Brazil
Join us and Leanne Hall, of True Yoga, as we lead you on an
island-hopping trip to Bahia, Brazil in late March 2010... if you have a
serious interest in exploring tropical islands by jeeps, boats, and
hiking... swimming, snorkeling, surfing & sunbathing... and are
possibly enticed by coconut water, turquoise waters and bright
sunshine, then this adventure may very well be calling your name!
We will lead you to beaches that stretch for miles without people to be seen, waterfalls you can swim in, and to sand street villages that take you deeper into the Bahian culture as we venture from one place to the next. Our daily yoga practice will take you from studio, to sand, to grass and more...
Costa Rica Yoga Retreat - Montezuma / Malpais, Costa Rica
Join Jo Tastula and Genevieve Fisher (two amazing yoginis from Los Angeles, CA) for a yoga retreat, beachside in the lovely village of Montezuma. Envision yourself practicing yoga with the sea by your side, and all sorts of daily adventures and pristine relaxation time awaiting you. Step outside your bungalow to lay softly in the sand, or venture to islands, waterfalls and forests to explore the nature around you.
Western Mountains of Colorado, USA
A retreat adventure in creation.... we are putting together a mountain biking and yoga adventure in the Western Rockies, during the last week in June (following the Telluride Bluegrass Festival.) For those wanting to attend the music festival beforehand, we'll take you on daily hikes and into nature for yoga. After the festival, we'll enjoy the best of Telluride, Ouray and other areas around the region.
Adirondack Mountains - New York, USA
Join Global Soul Adventures for a 5-day eco-adventure in the high-peaks region of the 6-million acre Adirondack Mountain Reserve. We will take you hiking, sea kayaking, biking, rock climbing, and venturing around Lake Placid and beyond. We will be offering optional yoga sessions each morning for those who would like to join us!
From the tribal hills to the tropical islands - Thailand
We are teaming up with a dear friend and yoga instructor to offer our Soul Adventurers the chance to explore Thailand during a 10-day yoga & eco-adventure that will take you north of Chiang Mai, to the islands in the SE, and give you the opportunity to get to know some of the highlights of the bustling city of Bangkok. We're talking bamboo rafting, elephant riding, hiking to secluded beach coves, more massages than you can count on your hands, Thai cooking lessons, and more!
Taiwan Expedition 2010 - Taiwan
Global Soul Adventures is in the process of creating its first pilot Expedition in the country of Taiwan. We are proposing cycling around the entire island, swimming across the biggest freshwater lake and climbing the highest mountain. Further details of the Expedition will be coming soon...
On each of the above mentioned journeys, you will have the opportunity to relax, sleep and unwind, or take to daily adventures - your choice! The yoga style is Vinyasa Flow, and is open to all levels.
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Something to play with... Movement Meditations
So what are "movement meditations"? Well, I am sure there are many definitions as to what one may consider a movement meditation, so I will do my best to break it into two simple examples:
1) If you are practicing yoga in a studio, solo or with a class, and you run through a series of repetitive movements (these can be subtle or far more evolved)...maintaining them with a clear mind space - so that the repetition becomes automatic... and either maintain this movement silently or with the chanting of Om, a mantra or specific breathing counts / patterns, then this is most definitely a movement meditation.
As I taught my classes in Lake Placid this summer, I always began with
a movement meditation (thanks to learning this from instructor Shiva Rea)... incorporating arm and torso movements (while standing) that would begin to prepare the body for the sequence to follow, or likewise with leg and hip movements if we began on our backs. Each of these movements flowed with our breath.
2) If you are participating in another activity, an extension of your yoga practice as I like to say (such as walking, hiking, bicycling, paddling, etc...) then the enjoyment of this activity alone, at a consistent pace to where you are no longer focused on the motion of the activity itself, but more on the breath and the thoughts passing through your mind consciously.... then you begin to drift into one of the more ultimate movement meditations.
I often find myself being overwhelmed with creative ideas and words to put onto paper when I take off into the desert or woods, on foot or on bike, or even swimming or paddling long-distances across a lake... every movement becomes somewhat automatic and my mind joyfully wanders to wonderful new thoughts (or maybe even addresses the not so wonderful ones, so they can be acknowledged and then pass.)
Why not take this month to play around a little bit with what your body likes as a movement meditation? Whether it be something more subtle (from even a seated or lying position) to something more active, you may be surprised to see what you discover as you go solo into the beautiful monotony of the movement... enjoy yourself!
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Did you know?... Monthly Travel Tip: Wander Around
As you travel to various countries around the world, it is fun to allow yourself to wander... the side streets, the back streets, the little shops and markets within the village, and into the outlying nature. Once you have your bearings and know that you have the ability to wander around a bit on your own - go for it! Put the map away and use it only as back up. Some of the greatest conversations and experiences can arise if you allow your intuition and curiosity to lead you into random places. This is a picture of the "arcades" in Melbourne, Australia... these little side alleys are choc full of cafes filled with locals sipping on coffee and munching on delightful treats... a wander that led to this unique spot in the city.
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May you follow your SOUL to your next adventure....
Happy travels,
Kate LaCroix
Global Soul Adventures |
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Group
Discounts
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If you and your friends, a social group, or an organization are looking to travel to a choice destination together, you can actually team up to custom build a trip with Global Soul Adventures for less money. When traveling with 4 or more people in a group, your costs begin to lessen on an individual basis. So the question is - where do you all want to go?
We look forward to hearing from you and having you travel with us!
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Offers this good are available now!
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