Here's the Chao Phraya River as seen from my room on a solo trip to Thailand in 2008. Chao Phraya is a river with a rich history - like when the navy staged a coup in 1950 they landed from the river at the Grand Palace and took the prime minister hostage on a boat anchored in the middle of the river. The story then got really interesting after that with bombings and sinkings and rallying and and and..... Today visitors can take water taxis through the deep klongs, the 'side streets' of Bangkok in water ways.
I’ve taken groups to Thailand with www.spirit.tours to study meditation, Buddhism, and to enjoy the unique Thai culture. What a beautiful people.
The next spiritual pilgrimage I’m leading is to Costa Rica, to explore the Spirituality of Happiness. I’d love to take you on a journey of renewal to reimagine your life. Yoga, nature, meditation, and spiritual study.
Reimagine your life on a Spiritual Retreat in the pristine beauty of Costa Rica with Dr. Edward Viljoen. Explore generosity, acceptance and the power of happiness. Get quiet enough through daily gentle yoga with William Abel to pay attention to your heart's yearning, and your soul's wisdom. And..... soak in Tabacon Hot Springs, walk the spectacular hanging bridges above the rainforest, and snorkel in the magnificent ocean. For the adventurous, soar above the rainforest on Mount Arenal's famous zip line..
Day 1: Tour begins at a boutique hotel located in Bahia Papagayo in Northern Costa Rica. Welcome dinner at the hotel over looking the Pacific Ocean
Day 2: Start the morning William’s gentle yoga class. After breakfast, our morning meeting with Dr. Edward begins our spiritual exploration of mental focus, unexamined expectation, and happiness. The rest of the day is free to spend at the beach and resort or visit the quaint local town of Playa del Coco for local shopping, restaurants and bars.
Day 3: Start the morning William’s gentle yoga class. At 10:00 a.m. we offer an optional snorkel trip to a nearby reef and isolated beach. Even if you don’t snorkel the boat ride out on the waters of the Gulf of Papagayo is beautiful. There is something for everyone. The group will meet in the afternoon when Dr. Edward will explore generosity and happiness as attitudes to nurture, and not outcomes to achieve. The evening is free to choose a restaurant in town or dine at the hotel.
Day 4: Start the morning William’s gentle yoga class. After breakfast, we will meet with Dr. Edward Viljoen to explore slowing down, changing what you can, and accepting what you can’t. Transfer via private coach on a 4-hour scenic ride to Volcano Arenal National Park. The exceptionally rich biodiversity is unlike anywhere in the world. Stop for lunch at Rincon Corobici, a beautiful restaurant that overlooks a flowing river. The destination will be a 4-star hotel in the Costa Rican Rain Forest. Every room looks out to the active volcano Arenal.
Day 5: Start the morning William’s gentle yoga class. After breakfast, we will meet with Dr. Edward Viljoen to explore mindfulness and the role of significance. Visit Tabacon Hot Springs. The Tabacon River begins inside the Arenal Volcano and is surrounded by acres of tropical gardens. Relax in one of the many rivers of soothing hot water. This is one of the most beautiful places you will ever experience.
Day 6: Silent meditative walk through the Hanging Bridges National Park. Hanging Bridges consists of fixed bridges, ranging in length between 8 and 22 meters. You will be able to experience the rain forest from three different perspectives: from the ground like a jaguar, from the midst of the canopy like a white-faced monkey, and from the air like an eagle.+
Day 7: Start the morning William’s gentle yoga class. After breakfast, we will meet with Dr. Edward Viljoen to discuss the role forgiveness, attitude, and right speech play in happiness. Morning time to enjoy the Lost Iguana Resort, hike the trails, visit the spa, or swim in the pool. After lunch, we will take a beautiful short drive along the base of Arenal Volcano to the Sky Tram. Here you will board one of the open gondolas and quietly ascend through the canopies of the rainforest with the Arenal Volcano in the background. From the platform above, you can zip line down the mountain side.
Day 8: Our last morning in Costa Rica, we will rise early for our breakfast and take the 2½ hour scenic journey to San Jose for our return flight back to the USA.
Oh, yes, I remember it well. And when I was there everyone who was getting off of the water bus was wearing yellow in celebration of the King's birthday. And then of course there was the Thai massage...
ReplyDeleteI am remembering the breakfast buffet with the swiss museli made with whipped cream...mmmmmm. The beautiful dancers. Enjoy!!! and Love to all the travelers.
Diane T.