Yoga and sight seeing in Minneapolis....

Dana and I drove back to Minneapolis on Sunday so I could teach a class at noon. We had 4 days of intense yoga, and stayed with Martha, Eric and Joe (aged 4) - thank you so much. I taught 3 more classes, and eventually, got to practice Hunter’s class.....wow, another dynamic teacher from Group 2!!! There must have been something in the water at teacher training, because the classes I have taken by my yoga buddies have all been outstanding.

We managed to do some sightseeing in Minneapolis, went to the Sculpture Garden one day, and to the Old Arch Bridge where we saw the locks and the old mills.

I emailed Carrie Belanger (Group 2) to let her know that I was on my way to Milwaukee after Minneapolis, planning to head off on Monday, 27th. She emailed me back immediately to let me know that Mary Jarvis, a teacher with over 20 years experience, was presenting a seminar on Saturday, and would I like to come earlier. Would I what???? Sadly, I cut my Minneapolis stay short, took the Greyhound bus (the train had sold out), and headed to Milwaukee on Friday. The adventure continues.......

Lake Itasca and the Mississippi River Headwaters

On Saturday, the 18th of July, Dana drove me to Lake Itasca to see the head waters of the Mississippi. The mighty Mississippi starts from this tiny stream which flows from Lake Itasca and eventually becomes an enormous river. It was so interesting, and so beautiful there. We drove through the national park, saw red and white pines, more lakes and breathtaking views. So, here I am, doing Standing Bow Pulling pose at Lake Itasca.

Minneapolis - Monday 13 July - Friday 24 July

I flew from Seattle to Minneapolis, and Dana, my room mate from teacher training, picked me up. We went straight to the Minneapolis Bikram studio and practiced the 7pm class, before driving 2 hours to her house in Spicer. I stayed 2 nights there, then we drove back to Minneapolis on Wednesday so I could teach the noon class. Martha Williams, who is a very senior teacher and owns the studio, was in my class. I was a bit nervous at first, but the Bikram dialogue is so solid. After the class, Martha gave me some very valuable feedback, and I became aware of the little ‘extras’ that I had picked up from other teachers and had included them in my dialogue. They have been removed!

Thursday morning, I taught a class at the St Paul studio. I stayed with Helga and Hunter (from my group at teacher training), and they live about a 20 minute walk away from the studio. I had a very interesting walk there. While I was walking, I heard a loud crash, and across the road, a car had driven head first into a building! There were lots of people around, so I kept walking. A police car with sirens blaring raced to the accident. I continued down the road, and about 3 blocks later, I heard another big crash behind me. I turned and two cars had driven head on into each other!!!

I practiced Trent’s class on Friday morning...wow, what a dynamic teacher. Another Group 2 success! After class, Dana and I headed back to Spicer for the weekend. Here we are, Trent, Margaret, Hunter and Dana

6th July, visiting Heidi at the Renton Studio and teaching a class

Jacque and I were given the opportunity to teach a class each at the Renton Bikram Yoga studio. She taught their 12 noon class (I practiced), and I taught their 4:30 pm class (and she practiced). It was great fun. The Renton studio is very nicely set up, very friendly and has a great bunch of focused yoga practitioners. Of course, it was wonderful to see Heidi, who also went to teacher training with Jacque and I. We’re planning to get back to Renton to practice one of her classes. Trying to get in a much yoga a possible while I’m here in Seattle.

5th July, and being a tourist in Seattle

Jacque was our tour guide for the day. We went to Seattle. First stop was Pike’s Place Market, of course!! Busy, busy, lots of people, lots of tourists. The fish market is a ‘must see’, and the sellers were in fine form, yes, there was some fish throwing. It’s what they’re famous for. We wandered around there for a while, then headed off to Fremont. There is a nice village-like cluster of shops and restaurants. There happened to be an outdoor market happening, so wandered around there before heading to a Greek restaurant for a snack, little dishes of octopus, dolmades and baked feta....all very delicious.

From there we headed off to Capitol Hill, a very established area, older houses, and lots of interesting shops and restaurants. Jacque took us to a Mexican restaurant, however, not your typical Mexican restaurant. It was kind of retro/tattoo/rocker - and the food was great.

4th of July

Yep, it’s huge! The Kiwi contingent decided that the 4th of July celebration was rather like New Year’s celebration in New Zealand. There is the same kind of energy, ‘buzz’ in the air. Houses are decorated, flags flying and there was a parade in the town of Steilacoom. Families were picnicking, there was a band playing at the local pub, dancing in the street, all helped by it being a beautiful, sunny day. The Aboubakr family are very hospitable, and invited family and friends to join them, to share a wonderful meal, then later in the evening, around 10:30 pm, to watch an enormous fireworks display from their property. There was a large barge anchored in the bay, pretty much in front of the house, and we were treated to a half hour display of fireworks.

Steilacoom

Jacque’s parents, Connie and Karim Aboubakr, live in Steilacoom, the oldest incorporated town in Washington State. It’s very picturesque, and is right on Puget Sound. I am staying with them for most of my visit here. Jacque, Jonnie and I have been visiting different yoga studios to practice. Coming from Wellington, where everything is in walking distance or you can take a bus if you want to, you become very aware of how the car rules here. You end up spending a huge amount of time in a car.