Fitness In The Falls - 30April to 02May

Follow the action as the Womens Travel Network takes part in Fitness In The Falls.
http://www.fitnessinthefalls.com/

Posts will begin on Sat. May 1st.

Poas Volcano

Today we begin with another early morning yoga to wake our bodies. The morning classes seem to be getting smaller and smaller as people become more relaxed. Once again we have Leonardo as our teacher. Today he has decided to work us a little harder and moves us through more advanced poses. After the dance class last night I find my legs are not up to the challenge but I persevere. I love a good challenge!
Today we are off to the Paos Volcanoe. Even though it has not erupted in years, it is still a live volcanoe which could go at anytime. The Cost Rican government works hard at preserving the natural beauty of the country and has turned many of these forests and volcanoe areas into national parks.
From the entrance we hike along a roadway up to the main crater. Unfortunately the clouds are low so the visibility is zero. We waited patiently for it to clear but the weather wasn't cooperating today. We continue our hike on a path through the forest up to the next crater. Fortunately it was perfectly clear. We had a birds eye view of the water filled crater. However, up in the cloud forest the weather can change in an instant. The clouds move in quickly and the lake is no longer visible. The crater is about 7000 feet above sea level and the air is crisp, cool and fresh. It's so nice to breath in smog free air.
Our hikeback down takes about 45 minutes and winds through the lush forest. I's amazing to see how the plants intertwine and thrive together as one. As we descend the clouds move in. We all feel very fortunate that we were able to see the crater as those coming after us were only going to see clouds. The air is beginning to get quite cool now so we are happy to be returning to a lower altitude where the air is warm. Everyone is looking forward to another great lunch at Pura Vida and we are more than ready for it after our hike.
This afternoon the rain has moved in. Some people head to their rooms for a nap while others gather in the lounge to check email, share photos and chat.
This evening is the last night for most. Our journey has been amazing.
I look forward to my next trip to Costa Rica, land of incredible beauty.

Pura Vida life continues

Afternoon yoga with Nati was challenging. I wasn't prepared for the high level of yoga but I did my best to keep up. She moved quickly through strong poses that challenged your mind and body. I must have sweated away at least 10 pounds. Nati is also the therapist at the Watsu program which is a free flow massage performed under water. Lori decided to give it a try. She found it very relaxing and felt as though she was a fish in the waters and at times like she left this earth plane and was dancing in the clouds. There must be a strong trust between the therapist and the person taking the treatment. Nati spins you around, flowing, rolling under water. Bringing you up for air when she feels your body change. Certainly a unique experience.
The evening was relaxing and once again the food amazing. Many new friendships have been formed throughout the week and some are already talking about meeting somewhere next year.
After dinner we took part in a dance class. The instructor was patient with us and slowly walked us through various steps: merenge, cha cha cha, salsa and more. It was great fun. In one day I had enough exercise to last a week, two yoga classes and a dance class.

Living the good life at Pura Vida in Costa Rica

Another early morning rise for a 630am yoga class. At Pura Vida it's easy to wake up early with the sun. Our yoga studio is open air with a spectacular view of the valley and is surrounded by beautiful plants and flowers. The energy in the room is wonderful and every one is eager to learn. Leonardo is a patient teacher and takes the time to show everyone how to properly move through the sun salutation. This morning he has started with a nice meditation, breathing exercises and gai dong (I hope I spelled that correctly). Gai dong opens up your energy centre which allows you to go deeper into your practice. Slowly my strength and flexibility is returning. After class there is always a healthy meal waiting. Fresh fruits, juices, eggs, fish and more. We are all wondering how we are going to survive at home without these great meals prepared for us. They have an amazing juice bar offering healthy vegetable juices and excellent fruit smoothies.
Eduardo has offered to lead us on a walking tour through the coffee plantation. Throughout the walk he explains the history of coffee in Costa Rica, the life span of the coffee plants and the process of harvesting the beans from start to finish. Costa Rican coffee is one of the best in the world. The volcanic earth is rich and fertile and perfect for growing crops such as coffee, pineapples and bananas. He also explains that the mountain ranges which run from north to south are all volcanic. Costa Rica is a very fragile country which experiences tremors regularly and earth quakes. Just before I started writing this blog we had few tremors which gently shook my chair. The staff assured us there was nothing to worry about.
Today is a day for rest and relaxation. A day for lazing around the pool or enjoying a treatment from one of the exceptional therapists. I had the pleasure of receiving a healing massage from Oman. He has a very spiritual energy which flows through your body as he works out all the kinks. He has a way of finding the smallest knots and working you through them. Sometimes painful but very rewarding. When the massage was over I felt relaxed and rejuvenated. The whole experience was quite electrifying and healing.
Everyone seems happy with their treatments and it shows as they all have peaceful looks on their faces. Later today Lori is going for a Watsu treatment. This is all done under water in the watsu pool. I am curious to see how it is done. I will report on this tomorrow and hopefully post some photos.
Tonight we are going to enjoy salsa dance lessons. This should be fun.
Tomorrow we are going for a tour of the Paos Volcano. Stay tuned for more!