I don’t even know where to begin. I’ll start with expressing my gratitude to pachamama seeing as it’s earth day. (I obviously wrote this on April 22nd). The experiences that I have embraced so far on this journey to Peru have been outstanding. Prior to meeting up with the retreat group, I had the opportunity to explore the city of Cusco. Which has now made it to my favourite city in the world list, besides Vancouver and San Francisco. I was drawn in by the cobblestone narrow streets, temples, colourful vibes and open hearted people. Not to mention I managed to find a cute little restaurant that serves vegan and raw foods called The Green Point. If you have the chance to spend time in Cusco please go visit this restaurant, you will not be disappointed.

From the markets, fabrics, the local art work and jewellery your eyes would never be bored.
Some of my favourites were viewing the Incan Museum, the churches and people watching from cultures of all types. My ears were happy to be taking in all the Spanish and traditional Andean music. My eyes and heart were bright to feel and observe the live performances on the street as the people danced to the marching bands.

The first couple of nights I stayed at a bed and breakfast hosted by a sweet young couple with 4 children. They are all from the United States but had been living in Cusco for 8 years. It was very homey and they were very helpful in recommendations and directions. I ended up walking around the streets of Cusco with 3 wonderful Men from Portland Maine, who just happen to be on my flight from Lima to Cusco, they were great company and were as in awe with Cusco as I was.

The retreat hadn’t even started and I was soaking up so much already. My spirit is sipping the juices of life and I can only think to myself my Mom would have loved to hear these stories if she were still alive, because she once wanted to visit this place.

It was finally time to meet up with the group to begin the sacred journey retreat. This is the biggest retreat yet that Stephanie Cullen and I have both ran. 22 people were joining us at Willka T’ika which is about an hour away from Cusco. Before travelling to Willka T’ika we stayed 2 nights in Cusco to venture to some of the local Incan ruins with the most fabulous local guide I have ever met named Silvario. We all had a room at a lovely hotel in the heart of the city. The first day we went to Saksaywaman ruins which were just above the city so when we got to the top it over looked all of Cusco. The rooftops exposed a brown colonial colour that were dispersed along the valley and up into the hillside.

We arrived to Willka T’ika last Saturday. I immediately fell in love with the place. The aroma from the various flowers kept me smiling. The peaceful quiet environment was soothing for the soul. Carol Cumes founded the place 20 years ago and is the warmest most loving person. I was immediately drawn into her nurturing free spirit. The Chakra garden is her baby and pride of Willka Tika being as it was the only Chakra garden that exists in the world at that time. I took the opportunity and spent about 15 min in meditation in each chakra. I felt revived and rebalanced at the end. Followed with a solar bath at night, the bath was filled with rose petals and eucalyptus leaves as well as salt as it rejuvenated every cell in my body I was harmonizing with the moon and grateful for every single moment.

Rewinding the story to earlier throughout the week, we ventured away from the retreat center to go to Machu Pichu for 2 days. I was very impressed with the chosen hotels and the organization of the itinerary. We rode on a very entertaining train ride with clowns and baby alpaca fashion shows. The hotel we stayed at was right above the most wild and energetic river. As I peered over the balcony I received shivers up my spine not to mention a huge mountain right in front of it, contributed to the wow of this place. The next day we went to see the Machu Pichu ruins which for me was 20 years in the making. After my Mom gave me The Celestine Prophecy I have always wanted to visit the ruins. It was truly fascinating. The hike up the mountain was exhilarating to say the least. I made it to the top and sat there and absorbed the energy of the sacred valley. Dreams come true if you remain faithful to what you want and honour the integrity of who you are and how you move through this world. If you have always wanted to go I suggest you listen to that inner voice, who knows how long you will be on this earth.

Continuing to drive along the country side back to Willka T’ika, I already felt at home.
Observing out the window the different patches of green and brown pieces of land. Farming and agriculture is abundant within this valley and all of Peru. The most popular would be potatoes, corn and of course Quinoa. However the Quinoa is getting expensive for even the locals to get because it is becoming so popular in North America. The main industries are mining, refining of jewels, they have lots of silver for a pretty inexpensive price. Of course clothing and textiles. Peru is one of the worlds fastest growing economies with a 2012 GDP growth rate of 6.3%. The main exports are copper ore and petroleum. I was overwhelmed with the endless markets and selling of baby alpaca clothing. Every time you turned a corner there would be more markets of the same selection of sweaters, blankets, jewelry and bags. Surprisingly enough I am still managing to travel light.

The staff at Willka T’ika were very accommodating and made you feel so comfortable. The Yoga classes flowed so nicely. Steph and I provided the group with a variety of styles from Sattva, Vinyasa Flow, Partner Yoga, Yin, Restorative, Gentle Hatha and Meditation. The guests left feeling grateful, inspired and whole. The emotions that were released were very touching and such an appropriate place for releases, a very supporting and loving environment to feel cared for and healed. Trusting the process of transformation I was blessed that I could be the guide for this beautiful experience.

As I sit at a funky little cafe just off the street of the main plaza en el centro de la ciudad, reminiscing about my last week in Peru. So many different thoughts, memories and emotions are forming. It’s amazing to me what travelling can do to a persons soul.
From the languages to different foods and strangers it all feels like home when you are content within your heart. I get the concept of the universe providing you with the right people in the appropriate time for that moment but you don’t truly understand it until you remain open to receive them as a lesson or understand that, that is the divine path that is needed for your growth and contribution of who you are on this planet.
I absolutely love that I have made this choice to live my life the way I do. All I want is for others to join me on this experience and live life to the fullest. This is my reason for becoming a leader in Yoga retreats besides the fact that I love Yoga and love to teach, my passion also involves travel and photography, as well as interacting with different cultures and meeting new people. As a writer you get to experience these moments and it comes alive again as you tell the story. It makes a much more juicy and colourful life. 

The most profound experience I have had thus far, was the time we spent up in the highlands with the Quechuan children. Which was definitely the highlight of my trip and teaching career. Not to mention the venture up there was interesting in itself. We had to cross several rivers with a big shuttle bus filled with 23 people.

The last river crossing we had to get out of the bus because the back end got stuck none the less it gave some people a chance to go to the washroom. When we arrived we were greeted with hugs and music. As we walked down the trail into the school where the children were, the young boys around 7 yrs of age, were playing the drums and the flute as the young girls sang songs. My eyes immediately teared up as I looked into their innocent eyes. They don’t have any idea of the world around them most of them haven’t even had a chance to go down the mountain into the other towns. This makes it so beautiful and real to me. This is their world that we are stepping into and they have open arms and love. 
After that I taught them a yoga class that melted my heart into a big puddle of butter.
Especially when they all did the lions pose, such precious memories. It was one of those times you want to pause and hold that moment forever. Seeing their curious eyes, innocent hearts and playful energy it really clarified that this is why I do what I do.
Please check out the Wilka T’ika children’s foundation. Contributing to this organization helps the children get proper education and clothing. As the gov’t does not fund the school whatsoever.

My time here is coming to an end and I plan to take in all that I can and one day return for perhaps a whole other journey of experiencing different traditional medicine plants.

So thank you once again for taking the time to read. Please check out the other travel stories I have posted. If you have the opportunity please visit this wonderful country, it will leave you with a full open heart and many stories to tell.