Austria - Yoga on the Mountain
Yoga on the Mountain
Some people collect postcards of the places they've been, others collect shot glasses. I'm not much of a knick-knacks kind of person, so I collect experiences - specifically yoga experiences. I've done yoga all over the US, the Caribbean, and now in Austria as well. If you travel often, consider collecting something non-tangible; it's neat to compare experiences from one place to another.
This experience started with the Gamskogelbahn which is known as a ski lift to the English speakers here. The lift itself is quite the experience. It never stops moving, so for a first time user it was a bit daunting. It goes something like this:
- Wait for the previous lift to leave the platform
- Line up your feet on footprints painted on the ground
- Look over your shoulder for the approaching lift
- Sit down as it bumps the back of your legs
What if you do it wrong? I really don't know. I can only assume you will be dragged in an awkward and uncomfortable position all the way up the mountain. Don't do it wrong.
The Journey
The lift was so quiet it could barely be heard - just a whisper soft whirring in the background. As we began the ascent the mountain opened up on either side of us. Cows grazed in the wild fields and the soft tinkling of their bells could be heard clearly in the still morning.
The fields rolled out before us, a well-maintained mountainside designed for tourists and locals alike. Hikers walked the ridges in the background while children played on the playground and tourists posed with the giant cartoon statue placed just for their benefit.
The Yoga
We reached the top of the mountain, slid quickly off the lift and ducked to the side so it wouldn't hit us as it continued its journey. A red tractor hauling a wagon waited to take us even higher, up a dusty trail and to a lovely little lake (pictured at the top of this post).
Once the yoga began, I didn't pause to take pictures. I was intent on following the nonverbal cues of the people around me as they listened to the instructor's prompts in German. As everyone seemed to be doing each move in a different way, it was difficult to tell what the prompt had been. Fortunately, this variety of yoga included a great deal of laying on the mat and simply breathing.
That I can handle.
Inhaling deeply through my nostrils I listened to the mountain around me. Bees buzzed, lazy in the sunshine, and the cowbells could still be heard faintly. After a while, the sound of children playing entered my awareness then drifted off again. Everyone around me stood, and I followed their lead. We did many rounds of sun salutations in the thin air before returning to our mats to breathe once again.
Afterward
When yoga was finished, our instructor invited us to the restaurant on the mountain for a complimentary brunch. The meal included the most delicious yogurt, filled with fresh blueberries and topped with currents, cantelope, and mint. In true European fashion there was a bread tray to share along with a variety of spreads and jams. Vegetable sticks rounded out the vegetarian feast and were accompanied by a variety of dressings to suit your taste. Juice and water infused with fruits were also available.
We made our way back to the lift, seasoned professionals this time around, and took the long ride down the mountain with a newfound lightness and satisfaction. The town approached, picturesque and so very Austrian, and we looked forward to our adventures ahead.
Thanks for joining me in yoga on the mountain. What do you collect from the places you visit? Let me know in the comments. Find me at Travel Life Services to get started on building your next collection.
Happy Travels!
Jennifer
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Oh I love that! Collecting experiences - especially through something like yoga, in a mountain no less- must be truly magical! I like to, where I can, and can afford, collect art from the places I’ve been- something that is relevant and will braai no that place back to me.. when I cannot afford a nice piece of art, I try to create it with a creative landscape photograph or even sometimes a family or still life photograph.. thanks for the awesome post!
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Collecting art is an excellent idea. I bet you have some truly unique pieces. I try to pick up artwork by local artists when I can, even if I just end up using it as a gift later. I try to support the starving artist, even if it's just a small purchase. Thanks for dropping by!
Wow, loved this very well written post. I could easily visualize your adventure, and love doing yoga too. I am a closet yogi, though. I have never once done group yoga or anywhere outside the safety of my own home lol. But this makes me want to give it a try. Again great post!
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Yes, please try yoga in a group! It's quite different than when you do it at home by yourself. It's as if there is a collective energy that gathers when several people come together for their practice. Some men are uncomfortable doing yoga in a class typically composed of women, but I promise the women don't mind having men join in.
And thank you for your kind words! It's nice to 'see' you again. 😀
The mountains are magnificent!
I agree! Thanks for stopping by!
Wonderfull adventure..
And for the last pic..
Oh yeah! Love is the best ingredient!
Beautiful way of life.. Wow
Thanks for stopping by! 😀
Those mountains are gorgeous! I'm not that into yoga, but I'd love to go up there and just hike around for days!
I agree! They looked soft and lush. I wanted to roll back down the mountain. 😀😀
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Wow what a beautiful post! Looks like a lovely place to visit, though not sure about that lift haha! I've often thought about yoga, it does sound appealing, and a great thing to do for yourself. Those drinks look so delicious, I love fresh fruits and berries, really refreshing :) I like to collect photos, probably too many.. lol! but in years to come I will be able to look back at them and remember things that may have slipped my mind, so I feel (for myself) that this is important and a great way to collect memories! Thanks for sharing! :)
Thanks for reading and commenting! I highly recommend yoga to pretty much everyone. It's ok to start small if you've never done it before, and it's ok if you aren't a yoga type. It's worth trying at least once. :-)
Thanks for dropping by!
oo nice place am not on the yoga but on my bike..:)
I'd love to ride a bike around there too!