Farm to Fork Tour
My sister, Mom and I toured Guachinche Vina Cantera. We toured the farm where grapes and all sorts of organic fruit and vegetables are grown. The farm grown food is served in Vina Cantera's restaurant. It's tucked away in the hillside mountainous area of the Canary Islands. The tour guide had us pick and smell everything from fresh guavas, avocados and oranges. Once the walking tour ended, we nibbled on a plate of olives, guavas, cheese, fresh olive oil and bread paired with wine. 30 Euros for all 3 of us. What a deal and what a lovely day trip on la isla de Gran Canaria.

Soul Sunday Yoga
These amazing yogis came to my first international vinyasa flow class in San Augustin Beach, Canary Islands, Spain. We placed our mats in the sand and moved our bodies while the meditative movement of waves crashed near us. It was a great class and the group asked for more yoga! More classes, retreats and workshops coming soon. Indeed!

A Day Trek to the Dunes

"Las Dunas de Maspalomas ". Spanish translation... The Dunes of Maspalomas. I came to know these dunes nearly 10 years ago during my first trip to the Canary Islands.

Breathtaking, Jaw-dropping, dreamy are a few words that come to mind when describing the dunes. What's so fascinating by the enormous piles of sand is where it originated. Let's go back to the beginning, shall we? The Canary Islands were colonized by Spaniardsback in 1402. In fact, before the Spanish conquistadors made their way to Cuba, and Puerto Rico, theirfirst stop was the Canary Islands. Truth be known, the volcanic chain of islands were part of the African continent. In fact, the islands are closer to Africa and Morocco than Spain. So how did these enormous mounds of sand end up across the Atlantic? Well the sand itself comes from the Sahara Desert in Africa. During the divide, the sand drifted with the islands.

On a recent January day, my sister and I made a trek back to the Dunes. We passed several Scandinavian families with children. Each of them running, falling , laughing , playing. Maybe it's a throwback to one's childhood obsession with playing in dirt or building things in a sandbox. Whatever it maybe, the dunes have a way ofbringing a smile to ones face and awakening a sense of wonder and appreciation for this big world. The dunes stand as reminder of the big bouncing ball that connects us all.

The second visit was quite a workout. Even more challenging this time around, part of my mission was to take a few yoga shots from atop the beautiful golden sand. Not an easy task, balance was incredibly hard. The photos were so great, even with a smartphone. We managed to do it. The small team that is. My sister/photographer and myself. What I learned this time around was a bit disheartening about the dunes. The fact of the matter they are shrinking. As man would have it,
visitors flocking tothem have left their lasting impression. Instead of venturing off to the ocean, to release shall I say their business.Tourists are instead are leaving a mark. That mark without getting to graphic ( acidicbodily fluid resembling apple juice) is killing the plants. The plants that thrive on the sand are dying. The sand is shrinking at the rate of 40,000 cubic meters of sand per year . In fact, the highest dunes have shrunk from 15 meters in the 1970's tp 6 meters today. Development has been great for the economy but not so good for the dunes. At one time, sand that bloew off the dunes was replaced by new sand washing and blowing in from the ocean. However, once the hotels and building went up, the natural sand cycle stopped. The tall structures have interferred with the flow of new sand. Insteaof going in a circle, sand from the dunes blows out into the ocean. Scientists say the dunes are losing more sand than they gain every year. Hence. the dunes are shrinking. So if you are planning to make a trek to this natural wonder, put it on the calendar in the future. I am not sharing this to bum you out. Just a reminder tobe mindful and respectful to our planet. What we do to it has longterm consequences. I can assure you the trip does not disappoint.

Dreamy, exotic , beautiful.. well worth the trip.. Even just as magnificent, Playa de Ingles is right below them. So after walking through the hot sand.. The pay off is perhaps taking a dip in the Ocean below. Las Dunas de Maspalomas are one of natures wonders.

Living off the Grid in Cave Country

There is lots to be said about living a life off the grid. I am a self-confessed travel channel junkie who is always moved by this kind of lifestyle without certain luxuries. So , when a family friend offered to drive us to the "Caves" of the Canary Islands, I eagerly accepted her generous offer. The drive itself is as fascinating as the cave villages. As you cruise along the winding rows, you see cacti, agave plants, almond trees, palms and all sorts of cool rocks. The valley near the caves in pre-historic times was the most populated on the island. Today, you've find a pretty cool museum called Museo De Guayadeque that provides archaeological finds and literature about the rich history there. Once you reach the cave villages, you've actually find numbered caves with some people still living there.

During our drive, the first stop along the road lead us to Pepe's house in a town called Aguimes. My sister and I hopped from the car then walked up this steep cobble stone road, then around a winding corner to Pepe's home. Pepe is an elderly Canarian man who still calls one modest cave his casa. By modest, imagine the size of a closet with low ceilings in most American homes. In one corner sat a small sitting area, another area his bed and another corner was used for a few pots and pans. We did notice an outside grill for cooking. Now, this particular cave did have electricity. I was delighted and amused by the fact that Pepe had a small flat screen tv in his home. When we arrived, it was playing the local news. I even joked with Pepe in Spanish about the importance of knowing information about the world. He and his friend laughed and nodded in agreement. The thing that really struck me about Pepe is his smile and joy. That day many tourists stoppedby for a tour. When we arrived, I noticed a dish of coins left behind from visitors. When my sister pulled out 20 euros, the look of gratitude on Pepe's face was amazing. After talking to Pepe, I learned he didn't have any family nearby. Just a dog, his best friend/neighbor and his wife died of cancer 9 years ago.

He made sure to point to an authentic dance outfit ensemble worn by locals hanging on his wall. In a few minutes, he grabbed my sister's hand insisting she dance with him. It was so cute, warm and funny. I also noticed the huge role faith played in Pepe's life. He wore a cross around his neck. When it fell to the floor, he quickly picked it up and kissed it.

Those couple of minutes in that hillside cave with Pepe were pretty enlightening. His smile and sense of freedom made me think a lot about living with less. When it's all said and done. What do we really have? I believe its the moments. Those experiences we have with others on this earth. Nothing else really. Mr. Pepe, his cute little dog and best friend/neighbor seem to get that.

EcoTara Canary Islands

If you're looking for some stillness and solitude away from the island's hustle and bustle, you just may find it at Eco Tara Yoga Retreat. Located in the town of Fataga sits a Spanish villa style home with small cottages surrounding it. The landscape and climate is super similar to the Malibu hills in Southern California. What's different aboutit isoffers no pretention at all. The retreat was created with the intention of promoting good health and well being for the mind, body and spirit. It is truly another way of living.

The property is home to an organic farm where much of the produce is home grown for daily meals. The indoor/ outdoor features really lends itself to meditation and yoga practice. The day we toured the place a French guy I think named Maxim took on a tour. He teaches yoga and does massage therapy on the property. The property offers fantastic views of the rustic hills with a pool andjacuzzi available for daily soaks and swims. Another surprising and charming feature about the place is the property mascot. It's a pig. Yes a black yogic dog-like incredibly sweet pig . It lives on the premises and often comes out to mingle during the yoga sessions. So unexpected and so cute.

I didn't have a chance to meet the owner. I heard she was teaching yoga in California. Feeling the need to create a community, she returned to her homeland in the Canary Islands to start Eco Tara. It's a beautiful place. Definitely somewhere I would considerEco Tara for hosting and attendinga yoga retreat. For more information about Eco Tara, you can go to http://ecotararetreat.com

Exploring Las Islas de Gran Canaria