Our first (and we hope annual) U/Y Yoga Vacation was absolutely everything we had hoped it would be and more! We were on the beautiful island of Kauai from March 25th through the 30th. The weather was perfect, the place was perfect, and the people were a perfectly wonderful blend.

Each morning we awoke to the soft roar of the ocean and the crowing of the ubiquitous roosters that roam all over Kauai since hurricane Iniki set them free. We drank our tea or Kona coffee on the steps outside the lanai, as we watched the stars dim and daylight breaking over the ocean.

Our yoga practice began at 6:00 AM (remember, that's 11:00 AM Michigan time!) building on the prior day's lessons. Breakfast at 8:30 AM was always lively, with lots of conversation about each of our adventuresome plans for the day. Our group was small enough so that we really got to know one another. It was easy to find someone to play with.

With a tasty sack lunch in hand, by mid-morning we were off to experience Kauai. There's so much to do: hike the Waimea Canyon or the Napali Coastal Trail, snorkel at any of the beaches (a favorite for fabulous fish-watching is at Poi Pu on the south end), walk the miles of white sand beach at Barking Sands, discover a hidden waterfall, shop for souvenirs, or visit a historical sight or botanical garden. We saw whales, dolphins, sea turtles and bizarre fish that look like something from The Simpsons- and a couple of us even saw a shark!

We met back at Mahina Kai for yoga from 4:30-6:30 PM. By the end of the week, after 4-5 hours of yoga a day, we were all experiencing a whole new way of being in the world. We were so inspired, not one person missed a class (and since leaving Hawaii, we hear most have continued on a pretty regular basis).

Some days we had time for a quick swim in the pool and a hot tub before supper. Speaking of food, it was delicious, varied, and vegetarian, including scrumptious Hawaiian treats such as fresh pineapple, mango and papaya. Our favorite meal was the mahi-mahi served at a party hosted by Joe and Rob, our hosts at Mahina Kai. Mixing with and meeting their colorful friends was a delight.

After supper we walked on the beach, swam, read, or talked. It was heavenly. Each day seemed both expansively long and slowed down to minute-by-minute-magic.

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