yoga in the forest

I find that trees are calming.  Rooted deep into the earth, they show strength and beauty.  One of my favorite places in all of Europe is a forest outside of Karben, Germany.  There is something about being outdoors with nature that sets my mind at ease.  I find the woods rather peaceful. 

I continually see how life has a way of bringing things back around/full circle.  The first time I was in this particular forest (over 4 years ago) I remember thinking that I would return someday.  And as the story goes, I did return more than once. 

Here is a picture of me doing tree pose among the trees.  I love it.  I'm grateful for these woods... for the peace and joy they have given me.  Until the next time I return...
Shanti, Shanti, Shanti
Peace, Peace, Peace

Teaching Yoga in Vienna

I love yoga - I really do!  Teaching yoga makes me happy.  I come from a family of teachers, and while they do not teach yoga - teaching has been instilled in me from my early days.  I love to see people learn, try new things, and grow along the way.  It's great to help others - being a yoga teacher is perfect for me.  Today I taught a Vinyasa Flow Yoga class at a new gym in Vienna.  The pics are from the studio  www.beers.at
It was fun.  I left smiling.

Yoga is helpful on so many levels.  It fosters peace, relaxes the mind, helps the body... and anyone can do it.   I can't believe that I am actually living in Europe - teaching yoga.  This is a dream come true.  I am grateful.  As I ended my yoga class this morning, I shared this mantra with the students... "Appreciate other.  Be generous.  Tell them.  Don't keep it all to yourself."  So friends, family, and blog followers - I appreciate you.  Thanks for being a part of my life.  You add to it and you are important to me. Namaste!

London calling

Bond,  Katie Bond. 
Yes, that is me. 
Bond, James Bond.  007. 
The actual name of my father...

I am England Bound.
A girls weekend in the UK.
Fly out of Vienna tomorrow for a long weekend in old Britain.  
As I start to pack, I am really excited to see girlfriends.  I will be staying with my good friend Gemma in Leicester... She has been to my house several times in Laguna Beach and now for the first time I will see her hometown. 

I will also be meeting friends Elina, Kirsty, and Eve in London.  Friends from yoga and life - I am excited to take some yoga classes where I can understand what they are saying.  The German yoga classes I've been taking have been a little challenging.  Love the connection and bond of yoga teachers... 

So, here is to a good weekend.  I've been so busy moving, working, and adjusting to the culture of Europe that I have not let myself just have some fun girl time.  It's finally here.  I can't wait!!!
What should I pack?  What to wear?  What sites should I see?

I hear London calling...

Today I was facebook chatting with my friend Sylvester from Kenya. I met him on a trip in December 08. He was one of the leaders working with the Tumaini orphans. As I sit in Vienna today, not feeling at home but feeling a peace about my future… I once again am reminded of what is important to me.

In a society who puts so much importance on wealth and technology… that is not where true happiness is found. Joy is within… it’s in the spirit of the person. I’m in a place that is lacking joy. It has so much on the material side but something is missing... there is a heaviness to the culture.

Sylvester and I talked about the African spirit. People with so little on the material side of life but with a joy and love and passion that is unyielding. I miss that. People who smile and are happy and show love. While in Kenya, taking bucket showers, I felt more happiness and love from locals than I ever have while traveling. And now, sitting in a posh flat in Vienna – I am lonely. Craving smiles and laughter. I am grateful for this experience as I can clearly see what my priorities are.

I am here in Vienna for a season. I’m teaching yoga, living in Europe, and working. Living a part of my dream. It is a learning experience. A place I will be for a short season, doing what I have set out to do and growing so much in the process.

I hope to return to Africa again some day soon. My heart is wired to help others, love people, and laugh along the way…

visitor in Vienna

I had my first official visitor in Vienna.
My friend Dan came after finishing some graduate work in Prague.  He stopped in for the weekend before his flight back to the states.  
We walked the city, took over 250 photos, and saw most of the major sites.

The day was perfect.  Great weather for a Saturday in the country's capital.
While strolling the streets of Wien, we randomly walked right into a festival.  A farmer's festival with all the traditional Austrian flair. 
Beer, singing, beer - felt like a mini Oktoberfest.  Fun!
Tonight we are going to a film festival outside of city hall.
It's great to have a friend here.  Someone to speak English with, laugh, and laugh some more.  Amanda... we wish you were with us.  You're missed on this trip.  Fun day in Vienna.  I like showing my friends this wonderful city  :-)

Germany Top 10

Had a great weekend in Germany!  Stayed with some friends in Karben, outside of Frankfurt.  

Every day was full.  For the first time in a couple of weeks, I felt at home.  The days were filled with good food, drinks, seeing some beautiful places, and much laughter.

Since Germany is so big (16 regions) there is no way one can possibly see it all in one weekend.  So, I am going to list my favorite things from this particular trip.  In no specific order:

10 - Visiting the annual wine festival in Frankfurt.

9 - The town of Bad Homburg, a beautiful place with shopping, parks, a castle, and churches.

8 - Sitting in old-style coffee shops.

7 - Getting invited to dinner by people who are from a royal family... eating at their home was quite the experience.

6 - Visiting Hessenpark (a beautiful Germany town).

5 - Sitting at the Haufe house, laughing around the table...

4 - Going to the Pflanzenmarkt (a festival) at Hessenpark.

3 - Walking in the forest with Ilona.

2 - Shopping!

1 - Running and yoga in the forest with my I-pod = happy times.

I love visiting Germany.  Maybe it's because I have family roots here or maybe it's because I feel at home with friends.  It was a good weekend.

Thank you Ilona and Bernd for a wonderful time!!! :)

weekend in Germany

I'm packing for a weekend in Germany.
Visiting old friends. 
My flight leaves first thing in the morning.
I love traveling. 
It's a rush. 
An adventure.

Looking forward to spending some quality time with Ilona... she is like my adopted European mom.   Stay tuned for pics and updates from Frankfurt.  I'm excited that I get to go walking in one of my favorite places.  It's out in the country, truly beautiful and peaceful... I love this forest... ahh. 
Can't wait!  :-) :-) :-)

Skyping with Grandma

My Grandma is 81.  Her name is Reva... Grandma Reva.  She is funny.  She is ornery.  And Skyping with her is one of my favorite things.  Love it!   She can't believe that we can talk and see each other via computer.  I spoke with her just this week and she was telling me she was invited to an Open House for a funeral home.  Said they remodeled the place and invited the old people in town... She was going but thought it was stupid.  "Who has drinks and appetizers at a funeral home and invites old people!", she commented...  

We talk and I ask her advice on life.  She shares with me her wisdom and makes me laugh.  I am grateful to her and my mom for their sense of humor.  They laugh a lot.  We laugh a lot.  :-)