Photo Credit: Iris Cienfuegos
The hottest ticket in town each March in San Pancho are the live shows put on by Circo de los Ninos. 5 sold-out nights of acrobatic amazement from an incredibly brave group of children, who've trained for months to showcase their skills and tricks. It all began 5 years ago when the founders of Ciruqe de Soleil came to live in San Pancho and started a circus school for kids, ranging in age from 8 to 18 years old. You'll see a mix of local, Mexican children working along side kids from Canada and the U.S., as they train to master the trapeze, trampoline, hula hoops, tight rope, and more. I was lucky to attend last year and it was easily the highlight of the season; such a magnificent, professional and fun show that rivaled any previous Cirque de Soleil show I've seen live. I was lucky to score a ticket again this year to witness these 52 kids from all backgrounds performing together. It's hard to wrap your head around the fact they aren't professionals, touring around selling out shows, but rather a group of dedicated, big-hearted kids living in a tiny town in Mexico. With the support of their families, community and hardworking volunteers they can learn the importance of focus, dedication, teamwork, and courage while having fun with friends. New to this year's show was live music performed by the impressive Youth Orchestra from Puerto Vallarta. The dozen or so kids mastered their instruments, and even sang, clapped, snapped and laughed along to create a beautiful, fun and catchy live score to the 20 or different acts in the show. At one point, I was reminded of the ignorant rhetoric the 45th President so infamously spewed during election season, and all I could do was shake my head and hope that the word continues to spread about the beautiful communities that are found in Mexico. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise, there are so many beautiful people here in Mexico and I'm grateful, yet again, to be able to experience such pure joy, brought straight to my heart by these kids and volunteers. Gracias Cirquo de los Ninos, hats off to each of you!
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Last fall, my friend and student, Kari, invited me to teach out at her friend's ranch in Eureka, Montana, located 7 miles south of the Canadian border. Having visited the Missoula area many times, I was excited to explore new territory with old friends from our Nicaragua retreat last Winter and new friends from her job. Our first night we were whisked away in a horse drawn carriage to the neighboring ranch, called Bear 10. We had no idea what a feast awaited us. More than 40 horses roamed the fields while the cattle was up munching in the mountains, and dogs ran around keeping us on task as we made our way to the main log cabin, built by their Amish friends. They had made a beautiful spread of food and drinks to welcome us and were such gracious, generous hosts. Montana suffered greatly the last few years from wildfires that lasted well into September, and the friends of the owners that served us dinner, had just finished evacuating their barns and homes, yet still managed to smile, laugh and treat us like honored guests. We toasted together and I vowed to return. I chose to come in June to celebrate the Summer Solstice there, as well as it's high season for wildflowers, which are thick and colorful making hikes majestic and memorable. If you like yoga and the outdoors, this might be the trip for you. Details in the ADVENTURE tab, and go dig those cowboy boots out of the back of your closet!
We had a lovely group of 10 yogis from NYC and 1 from Seattle join me and Jess Weiss at the beautiful hotel on the San Pancho beach, Paraiso Escondido. We filled our days with several styles of yoga and meditation, as well as traditional Mexican Temazcal ceremony, a healing Sound Bath, horseback riding on the beach, surfing and boogie boarding at secret beaches, open mic night in town and plenty of delicous, healthy and fresh food from our chefs and at local restaurants. Several yogis were able to squeeze in appointments with one of my healers, Nico, who blends Tunia, acupuncture and moxi bustian which has you in another realm afterwards. It was such a good vibe all week and we've added a week in March for 2019 if you weren't able to make it this time. See dates and info under the ADVENTURE tab. If you're someone who came along and wants new adventure, we'll be planning a European escape in Summer of 2019.
Last season, when I first visited San Pancho, I was told about a gifted healer and masseuse, Monika. I tried in vain to secure an appointment, but she was just too busy. This season, I was able to secure time and after receiving her delicious therapeutic thai massage, I was hooked. I generally prefer deep tissue but am often left underwhelmed. This was the answer my body was looking for. I feel a deep release from the intense pressure points and stretches, and made sure to book every few weeks. Lucky for me, Monika was putting together another training to teach the massage as she is certified through the ChiangMai School of Massage in Thailand. I signed up, completed my hands-on training and am now actively practicing on eager bodies every week. If you've enjoyed my hands-on assists in class, I have no doubt you'll enjoy a longer, personalized session with me. I look forward to helping you heal in the comfort of your own home. Contact me to schedule an appointment!
Hola from San Pancho!
It's been a wonderful 4 months South of the Border, with just about a month remaining before I venture back to NY. I've managed to stay quite busy with teaching and leading retreats, receiving my certification in Therapeutic Thai Massage, as well as taking care of my new rescue pup, Rosita. We met on a sunny, Sunday morning when she followed me on a beach walk. Fast forward a few weeks of longing to see her again, when her owners chose to give her up and I jumped at the chance to be with my friend again. My Grandmother always referred to my cat in New York City as my 'charge', always by my side looking after me. After she passed I was able to travel more and would foster pets here in Mexico. But they tell me now that I'm a failed foster parent since I fell madly, deeply in love with this gentle soul and adopted her. I feel much more grounded with her by my side and she's already been on several adventures with me; we've hiked the jungles and faced tejones together, she battled sea sickness to see mama whales teaching their babies how to jump in Punta de Mita, and she's made so many new friends at my retreats and around town. Soon, we'll head to back to Brooklyn where many new surprises await her. Thanks to San Pancho Animals and the woman who runs it, Karen Razza, an East-Coaster herself, who spends so much time and energy to make sure all the beings here in Mexico are well-taken care of. They spay and nueter hundreds of animals at their annual clinic and you see the difference it makes with barely any strays left in our town as well as neighboring pueblas. I hope you meet Rosita soon! |
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