Adventure Traveler Stories

Stop the presses--important San Francisco news. According to the Chronicle, the Golden Gate Bridge might be on its way to becoming an even bigger tourist draw, as well as a $9 million boon to SF's struggling economy. Using Sydney's Harbour Bridge as inspiration, the new plan would make the bridge more interactive with tours of the understructure, elevator rides, and even cable climbs.

Sydney's successful BridgeClimb celebrated its 10th anniversary last year. I'm curious, Australian readers, how has the addition of, essentially, a tourist attraction changed the dynamic and character of the bridge, and Sydney at large? San Franciscans, what do you think?:

a. I'll be there, with flowers in my hair.
b. I'm just glad that they're not raising the bridge toll...again.
c. Corporate sellouts. Hiss.
d. I want to go to Australia.

Article available here.

I'm having a bit of an Eat, Pray, Love moment. Actually, one of two, the other being the fact that my idea for a parody book has been usurped and published (and looks like comedic gold). Now, I am unashamed to admit that I have not read the book, despite once having had a woman follow me around Borders trying to get me to buy it (her publisher, maybe?). Anyway, I was talking to one of my friends the other week about wanting to do yoga in some exotic place, like India. Lengthy pause over the line, followed by "You do know that is a third of the plot to Eat, Pray, Love, right?" (I didn't). (OK, are we starting to get the impression that maybe some of my ideas aren't actually all that original?) This got me thinking -- why should I feel the need to go someplace else to delve into my own spiritual practice?

For me, I think the answer itself lies in my surroundings (and this is how you can tell that I have not mastered the control and meditative absorption for which yoga strives). My yoga studio in San Francisco is in the heart of the Mission district, located on a corner that serves as a hub for public transportation, hosts a significant homeless population, and is otherwise loud, kind of dirty, and very, very urban. Yet, by the time you climb the five flights of stairs, you're welcomed into a sanctuary of peace, respite, and utter calm far removed from the city outside. I adore this juxtaposition and the incongruity it creates. In Palo Alto, where I lived for many years, yoga studios have the same components but lack the soul. Instead of floor to ceiling windows gazing out upon a cityscape, you're surrounded by mirrors that scrutinize your every pose. I interpret yoga's goal of mindful awareness as not the act of striving for perfection in your practice, but becoming instead an intelligent thinker, a person conscious of everything around him or her, environment included. I'm attached to the Mission in no small part because of this studio, and I can certainly see how doing yoga in a foreign (or our own) country could create a strong bond with the place. If you're embarking on a similar quest and in search of the appropriate destination, here are my suggestions:

For immediate gratification (or a very generous Christmas gift): Yoga and Wellness in the Caribbean: Christmas - New Year Holiday 2009

The Holy Grail of yoga-abroad trips: Yoga & Meditation Package: 18-Day India Tour

Lastly, if you are me, then you would love: Yoga and Digital Photography One Week Program