Unfortunately the internet connection at our Hotel in Vilcabamba wasn't good enough for uploading photos or maintaining blogs, so it has had to wait until now, sitting here in the Hacienda Hotel in LA.
We arrived at Hosteria Izchkayluma at around 7:30pm, after a long day of travel. As it was dark we really couldn't see too much of Vilcabamba, except to see that the Hosteria was on a hill above the village. We did however enjoy a lovely meal at the outdoor restuarant, seeing the lights of Vilcabamba glimmering below us in the valley. It is also worth while noting that the most expensive meal on the menu was around $6!
We enjoyed a lovely sleep, and in the morning were greeted with the view of the valley from the restaurant.
The Hosteria had a constant turn around of guests from all over the world. During our first 2 days a large Dutch group were there, to be replaced with many guests who were attending the seminars at Monteseunos and Mike Adam's place in the days to follow.
On our first full day there we wandered down into Vilcabamba, and found a gorgeous town square.
Naturally the National Language in Ecuador is Spanish, however luckily for us many people also speak English. Given the remoteness of Vilcabamba this came as a surprise to me, but as it turns out the town is famous due to the Valley of Longevity in which it resides, and as such has a large and steadily growing community of health-oriented expatriates.
Brian O'Leary's seminar came around fairly quickly, and was held at his B&B / home, Montesuenos. His place is gorgeous, with the most amazing views (as have many places around Vilcabamba). Around 40 people attended his seminar, coming from quite a few different parts of the world. The weather was gorgeous, blue sky and sunshine every day. One of the features of Vilcabamba is year round spring weather, an amazing climate.
Mike Adams and his wife Sheh were at the seminar filming the event, and proved to be lovely, genuine people.
We enjoyed a "rest" day before Mike's seminar, which we spent at the Hosteria talking with the other attendees.
Mike's seminar was held at the yoga pavillion he has on his property, which comfortably held the 25 attendees. The day started with a walk up the hill which is on his property, which has more amazing views out over the valley...
Mike's event was, in a word, amazing. I have never met a group of such well-informed, lovely people as the attendees (and host!). Those attending ranged from health conscious individuals through to manufacturers of reputable health foods and related products. As well as presenting great content, the lunches were vegetarian made from fresh produce, and the most delicious meals I have ever enjoyed!
Mike, Sheh, Janine and I formed a lovely friendship during the course of our stay in Vilcabamba, and luckily too as Janine had a nasty bite from one of the local insects. The bite ended up as a large swollen red area nearly the length of her thigh! Sheh is a TCM practioner, and so was able to give me some needles. Three treatments a day, in conjunction with other medicinals that Mike and some of the attendees gave us managed to heal the wound.
Mike, Sheh, Janine and I enjoyed a nice meal at Izchkayluma before we left, they really are lovely people with some great plans to help the community in Vilcabamba.
Before we left we had a tour around Hacienda San Joaquin, where Mike and Sheh live. Check out the views...
Well, it literally is time to leave for LAX, so I'll pack up the PC, and see those of you back in Melbourne real soon!
We arrived at Hosteria Izchkayluma at around 7:30pm, after a long day of travel. As it was dark we really couldn't see too much of Vilcabamba, except to see that the Hosteria was on a hill above the village. We did however enjoy a lovely meal at the outdoor restuarant, seeing the lights of Vilcabamba glimmering below us in the valley. It is also worth while noting that the most expensive meal on the menu was around $6!
We enjoyed a lovely sleep, and in the morning were greeted with the view of the valley from the restaurant.
The Hosteria had a constant turn around of guests from all over the world. During our first 2 days a large Dutch group were there, to be replaced with many guests who were attending the seminars at Monteseunos and Mike Adam's place in the days to follow.
On our first full day there we wandered down into Vilcabamba, and found a gorgeous town square.
Naturally the National Language in Ecuador is Spanish, however luckily for us many people also speak English. Given the remoteness of Vilcabamba this came as a surprise to me, but as it turns out the town is famous due to the Valley of Longevity in which it resides, and as such has a large and steadily growing community of health-oriented expatriates.
Brian O'Leary's seminar came around fairly quickly, and was held at his B&B / home, Montesuenos. His place is gorgeous, with the most amazing views (as have many places around Vilcabamba). Around 40 people attended his seminar, coming from quite a few different parts of the world. The weather was gorgeous, blue sky and sunshine every day. One of the features of Vilcabamba is year round spring weather, an amazing climate.
Mike Adams and his wife Sheh were at the seminar filming the event, and proved to be lovely, genuine people.
We enjoyed a "rest" day before Mike's seminar, which we spent at the Hosteria talking with the other attendees.
Mike's seminar was held at the yoga pavillion he has on his property, which comfortably held the 25 attendees. The day started with a walk up the hill which is on his property, which has more amazing views out over the valley...
Mike's event was, in a word, amazing. I have never met a group of such well-informed, lovely people as the attendees (and host!). Those attending ranged from health conscious individuals through to manufacturers of reputable health foods and related products. As well as presenting great content, the lunches were vegetarian made from fresh produce, and the most delicious meals I have ever enjoyed!
Mike, Sheh, Janine and I formed a lovely friendship during the course of our stay in Vilcabamba, and luckily too as Janine had a nasty bite from one of the local insects. The bite ended up as a large swollen red area nearly the length of her thigh! Sheh is a TCM practioner, and so was able to give me some needles. Three treatments a day, in conjunction with other medicinals that Mike and some of the attendees gave us managed to heal the wound.
Mike, Sheh, Janine and I enjoyed a nice meal at Izchkayluma before we left, they really are lovely people with some great plans to help the community in Vilcabamba.
Before we left we had a tour around Hacienda San Joaquin, where Mike and Sheh live. Check out the views...
Well, it literally is time to leave for LAX, so I'll pack up the PC, and see those of you back in Melbourne real soon!
