Thanks for popping by! Suitably Cool is away for two weeks. Check back next Wednesday (May 19th) for the regular weekly post.

The market.

Last weekend I found myself in Kitchener-Waterloo at the Bloomin Arts Festival with Diana and a touch of vintage. We were there alongside 60 other artisans on the steps of the Kitchener Farmer’s Market.

Almost set up...

After set up I had a chance to wander around the farmers market and was wowed by the hustle and bustle taking place under this roof all well before 9am.

A view from the top floor.

The indoor part of the market boasted permanent stalls selling baked goods, flowers, meats and cheeses and outdoors, underneath an enormous car port, there were vendors selling gorgeous fruit and veggies.

So vibrant.

Whenever I travel, I visit the markets as soon as I can. There is always such vitality and life in local markets with people going about their shopping, conversing, bartering, laughing, relaxing and enjoying the bounty around them. Markets make me feel alive and a part of things.

The flower market.

This specific trip reminded me of a couple of things. First, that farmer’s markets all over the GTA (and no doubt close to where you live) will be opening in the next month or two. It’s a great opportunity to get out there and support your local farmers! I can think of no better way to spend a Saturday morning than filling up my bike basket full of locally made/grown goodies for a beautiful meal at home that night.

My favorite destination.

This trip also reminded me the St. Lawrence market in Toronto is a wonderful place to visit year round and I never seem to find time to get there. We have friends coming to visit from Calgary on the weekend and I know they would totally dig it! (Having friends come to visit is the perfect time play tourist in your own city!)

Delightful!

Thanks Kitchener- Waterloo!

For a list of opening markets in the GTA go to the Toronto Farmers Market Network.

As a person who lives to learn, I am constantly on the look out for interesting things to do that can be combined with my love for a change of scenery. This time, I decided to shake things up a bit and trade in my usual mode of transport – two wings, for a more earthy set of four wheels and voila…a road trip!

Road trip!

Destination: Kripalu – Centre for Yoga and Health in the beautiful Berkshires of Western Massachusetts.

Trip Distance: ~ 700 km.

Purpose: Restorative Yoga Teacher Training.

What is Kripalu? Well…their website says it better than I can…

Kripalu (kri-PAH-loo) provides a sanctuary for your body and soul. A stay at Kripalu immerses you in an experiential curriculum designed to bring vitality to your life from the inside out. While you are here, we invite you to enjoy daily yoga classes, our world-class natural-foods cuisine, massage and healing arts, hiking and walking trails, a lakefront beach area, indoor whirlpool and sauna, a labyrinth, extraordinary views—all in the natural beauty of the Berkshire Mountains of western Massachusetts.

Hmmm…I was sold!!

Monday morning, 7:30 am: I lugged my baggage for the month…oops…I mean week…into my car (I was really enthused about not having a weight restriction on my luggage). Armed with Map Quest, Google and Yahoo maps printouts (just in case), my Mom’s GPS for backup and a mug of coffee, I selected my “Feeling Good” playlist, reset the trip odometer and off I went.

Coffee…not a great plan, and my first stop turned out not be at the border crossing but a Tim Hortons in Burlington!

On the road again…about to enter another country!

I don’t remember ever having made a car trip across the border, so this was a rather exciting moment!

Deep breaths at the border…but of course I had nothing to hide. After all, I was going to a Yoga retreat!!

The hours flew by despite my four wheels and miles and miles of highway. I was pleasantly surprised that I could occupy myself with my thoughts and not get bored!!  I strove to be present for the journey – I really wanted to experience this fully. The logistics were made simple with lots of signage and the ubiquitous Interstate roadside rest stations every 45 minutes or so, complete with fast food, washrooms and gas station. Feeling rather virtuous (did I mention I was going to a yoga retreat?), I decided to bypass the anti-foods and ate my packed lunch instead! Yup, nothing like eating clean!!

mmmm lunch!

I was thrilled to cross the border into Massachusetts. There is a particular energy in the Berkshires that permeates right to the core of my being – a sense that words don’t adequately describe, but which feels a bit like coming home (except that I got lost coming off the I-90…due to a plethora of unclear directions and a GPS that lost her voice). I drove around the side roads for awhile and eventually came upon a sight that warmed my weary traveler’s heart…

Don’t be alarmed…that was not my accommodation for the week!!

Almost there...

Ahhhh…home sweet away from home…

At Kripalu, you have the option of staying in a dormitory, a standard room (with hall bathroom) or standard plus (private bath) accommodations. I stayed in the dorm on my first visit a couple of years ago, but since this was my “birthday week”, I opted to treat myself to my own room. Very simple, but perfect (check out the view)! Near the treatment rooms, the aromas of essential oils linger in the halls, which triggered my limbic system and unearthed deep emotions for investigation.

My room.

Meals are served buffet style in the huge dining room and the Kripalu Kitchen is second to none…an absolute dream. One thing (among many) that I love about being part of a Kripalu program is the transition one makes around meal times. On the first evening, you may find yourself sitting alone if you came alone, but once you meet the other people in your class, you start to dine with them and by the end of the week, you’ve got not only a table full of people to eat with, but a table full of new friends as well. Breakfast is a silent meal, which at times I found challenging and found myself wishing I had brought a roll of duct tape to assist with the process! I more than made up for it at lunch and dinner.

Kripalu is set on acres of lovely grounds. I took a few walks while I was there, immersing myself in the tranquil surroundings…

A beautiful sundial…

…sits outside of a labyrinth where I wandered on the snow packed path among the trees.

What do you think of this? I called it Buddha on a Christmas Cake!

There were 17 people in my program…mostly certified yoga teachers, looking to expand their knowledge base, their own practice and in turn offer more to their students.

The classes were held in a beautiful space called the Sunset Room.

Tools of the trade…

Restorative yoga uses props like bolsters, blocks, blankets, straps, chairs and walls that support and stabilize the body. The postures are designed to promote relaxation, gently open the body and release deeply held tension.

Kripalu features world-class presenters who are subject matter experts in the areas of yoga, self-discovery and holistic health. Sudha was one of the finest teachers I have ever had the pleasure of studying with. Along with her extraordinary ability to be completely present with her students, her thorough knowledge of restorative yoga, she also had a great sense of humour and an interesting way of getting right down to the bare bones of the subject matter!

Supta Badha Konasana

The scene above greeted us on our last night of class and I will never think of “Supta Badha Konasana” in the same way again!

I am happy, filled full and looking forward to applying what I have learned this week.

…AND checking out the calendar for my next visit! Have a look…www.kripalu.org

Namaste

What's that in the distance?

Every winter while I was living in the downtown west end I would look forward to the day when the majestic giant tiger would appear of the corner of Bloor and Christie streets in Korea Town.

So proud!

Even though I am now an East-ender I knew I couldn’t go through the winter without taking in my favorite huge orange and white cat, glowing on the busy street corner. So two nights ago Mike and I made the cross-town pilgrimage. The funny thing is, I had no idea why this mysterious, proud and elegant tiger appeared every year. But this year, the mystery was solved, rather simply, with a sign from The Korea Town BIA.

Mystery solved.

The tiger is there as “a symbol of well being and prosperity for the community”. It represents…”the four legendary beasts who are guarding the four corners of the earth.” I love it when city mysteries reveal themselves.

It's freezing out. Let's have ice cream!

We celebrated our visit at the ice cream place on the corner.  Unfortunately they were out of  Tiger ice cream!

Are there mysteries in your city you want to share?

Flyball booth.

I spent the last few days helping out at the Flyball Bags booth at the Toronto One of a Kind Show.

The new clutch.

Diana’s clutches, shoulder bags, journals, change purses, and her new exquisitely tailored jackets were flying out of the booth!

So many to choose from!

It was wonderful to see months worth of sewing and preparation come together for her.

Angora and cashmere change purses made from recycled sweaters. So soft.

If you haven’t been to the show, and you are in the Toronto area, it’s a great way to spend an afternoon and get some holiday shopping done. Even if you are not there to shop, go for the inspiration!

Grey shoulder bag with lace.

There are hundreds of vendors there from across Canada selling one of a kind/ handmade items including clothing, paintings, cookies, ceramics, jewelry, jams, footwear, pajamas, birdhouses, pillows, cards…well the list is endless.

Hundreds of handmade headbands.

This is the time of year to be on the lookout in your city for art and craft sales. It is a great way to support local artists and to give a gift that is handmade or that comes with a story about the maker and where you found it.

The tailored jacket.

Pop in at Flyball for a visit if you are One of a Kind in Toronto and say hi to Di. She is at W-03.

Vintage barkcloth journals.

The sun is out! Happy Monday.

On our last day- My first high tea at the Peninsula Hotel in Kowloon.

I will be away until next Monday. I need some time to adjust to the time change and to write up some great new stories for my regular posts. Have a great week and thanks for all your comments while I have been in Hong Kong!

From a distance...

We went to visit the Tian Tan Buddha this morning on the island of Lantau. It is the world’s largest seated outdoor bronze Buddha.

A little closer...

It was very foggy on our approach but as the day wore on, the fog dissipated and the skies turned blue.

Detail.

This visit was a trip of a lifetime.

The fog clears.

A beautiful day.

Stunning!

Have a great weekend. It is our last one in Hong Kong!

Construction in Kowloon.

Bamboo scaffolding is everywhere in Hong Kong. It is so intricate, strong and beautiful!

In the middle of the hustle and bustle of Central Hong Kong there is a beautiful park, which is quickly becoming my favorite place in the city.

Hong Kong Park is a place to get away from honking horns and to enjoy a few minutes watching parrots in the trees or fish and turtles in the vast ponds.

I love to watch people practice Tai Chi on a morning in the gardens or to have a cup of tea at the tea house. (We took a tea appreciation class there this afternoon! Very cool!)

I know I only said 1 picture a day while I am away, but it is so pretty  I wanted to share!

Happy Tuesday!

We spent the day in Macau today.

This is a little church in the city center.

And these are two of the 28 (or thereabouts) gigantic casinos.

This is a lovely custard tart that beckons your name from every street corner. So delicious!

We had a lovely lunch and did a bit of site seeing in the city before taking the ferry back to Hong Kong for dinner. Thought we would have the energy for a night on the town, but we are happily exhausted.