In September of 2011 we headed to Lykia Seminar House in Adrasan, Turkey (near Antalya) for a fantastic week-long retreat with a wonderful gang in the mountains on the sea. Each morning I taught yoga assisted by Handan Karadag, and we delved into meditation, kriyas, asana and some gentle pranayama. Afternoons were free for digesting brunch by the pool or on the beach, getting massage, going out to explore neighboring towns, hiking, or taking field trips, such as our outing to a fiery mountain for sunset and our fun boating adventure. A good time was had by all and we are hoping to do something like this again soon… (Click any photo to see larger version with caption.)
This beach was waiting for us anytime, visible from Lykia and just a few minutes away by foot through a charming farming town.
This was my bungalow. Well, half of it was mine 🙂
Here is our lovely yoga shala.
Chakra Man grew in complexity over the week…
Each day began with a sitting practice. Photo by Handan Karadag
We then chanted something related to the theme for that particular class… Photo by Handan Karadag
After all, our retreat was called ‘Detox & Renew’ so we had to do some kriyas! Photo by Handan Karadag
Oh wobbly! Finding muscles we never knew existed! Photo by Handan Karadag
A room full of stately trees. Photo by Handan Karadag
There were lots of happy chickens and roosters about.
We learn how to make and enjoy a local crepe variety.
Pomegranates busting out all over the place!
Another delicious brunch buffet!
Half moons pinned on the wall 🙂
Helping each other into pincha mayurasana.
Oh man, time for a break! Photo by Handan Karadag
Han and I are enjoying noodlacious pool time!
Hanging out by the pool and gearing up for our field trip.
We hiked up a mountain to a place where natural gas leaks out causing this peculiar phenomenon.
Some interesting ruins at the top of the mountain.
A spectacular sunset from up on the fiery mountain.
On the way home, we had a lively dinner at the River Cafe.
So relaxing to dine right on the water.
Back to work, and tricky work today! Photo by Handan Karadag
Some fine back bending. Photo by Handan Karadag
Stepping out towards the boat for our big tour!
Quite a comfortable boat for lounging!
There’s only one thing to do when you see some rocks jutting out of the water…
Eeeeeek! No fail fun!
Swim fest in this beautiful little inlet that we had all to ourselves.
Katrin put them up to this… I mean taught us all this impressive energetic superpower!
Lots of time for laughing as well…
Catching a bit more late afternoon sun…
Then we pulled into another gorgeous bay for some sunset shenanigans.
Handan shows her Turkish pride side 🙂
Whoa anchor time!
We’ve come to the shore of skin-detoxing mud for an unusual evening activity!
It seems some plants have washed up towards the boat…
A bunch of eagles on retreat. Photo by Handan Karadag
A bunch of sweaty crows! Photo by Handan Karadag
I guess I was talking too much in this class 🙂 Actually it’s the bumble bee pranayama… Photo by Handan Karadag
Hermes is hanging out with us at the pool.
Hermes was 2 years old and petrified of water until I started running into the pool on all fours. He then flopped in after me and became a fan!
A brief excursion to a nearby town before saying goodbye to Turkey for now…
We took a last trip to the River Cafe in the afternoon, such a pretty spot.
We had a cozy outdoor kirtan under the stars by the pool on our last evening.
The last supper…
Handan and I sit by the pool, grateful for a wonderful week.