Clayton Horton in Kuala Lumpur, 25 to 31 October

Hi Ashtangis in KL. Clayton Horton will be teaching morning mysore classes at Westin hotel next week. Here’s an extract of the email I received recently :

Hi

Clayton Horton will teach at Westin Hotel KL (Studio, 4th Floor Poolside) from Monday 25th to Friday 29th October 2010
Classes will be Mysore-style 6 am to 9.30 am.
(For the benefit of those who may not know, Mysore-style means students practice the Ashtanga sequence at their own pace & Clayton will give the necessary physical adjustments)

Price - RM60 per drop-in class or RM185 for the 5 day practice week

Ample parking is available at Westin's carpark (first 2 hours free if you get your ticket stamped at the gym then endorsed at reception on ground floor) before you leave.

For more details, please email ashtangakl@gmail.com

Namaste,
Ashtanga KL.

In addition to classes at the Westin, according to Ashtanga.com, he will also teach at another studio at a later time slot. Please click here for the Ashtanga.com link.

Ashtanga Updates

Some updates at the studio, where I go to for morning Mysore classes. Door open at 6am, as opposed to 6.30am. In fact, I was told that if one really need to start early, one can turn up at 5.30am. Oh, and they are starting led classes on Sundays, starting this coming Sunday! Anyway, here’s an extract of the email I received from my Mysore teacher:

Hello,

We will be starting an ashtanga led full primary every Sunday 8am at Yoga Dynamics from 26th Sept onwards.
Also, mysore self-practice are now held at both Yoga Dynamics, Bangsar and Cinq Energies, Sri Hartamas. All classes taught by both Ganesh & Iiling.

Schedule is as follows:

Yoga Dynamics http://www.yoga-dynamics.com/index.html
Mysore Self Practice : Mon-Thurs 6.00-9.00am
Full Primary Led : Sundays 8.00am (ganesh will lead the class as taught at KPJAYI)
Ashtanga Level 1 : Sundays 10-11.30am

Cinq Energies http://www.yoga-dynamics.com/index.html
Mysore Self Practice : Mon & Thurs 11.30am-1.30pm

We hope to see you on the mat.

Love and Light,
Ganesh & Iiling Upadhyay
017-5740144
012-9101204

Also, there will be an Ashtanga workshop for those who are thinking of trying Ashtanga or just want to refine their practice. It will be held on Saturday, October 2nd. Please click on this link: http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/event.php?eid=143052935737739&ref=mf

(UPDATE) I forgot to mention this great teacher who is teaching from his home. He teaches Mysore classes on Saturdays. Please click on this link to access his schedule and how to book a class with him.

Backbends Progress

Practice has been going great. Sometimes it is not so regular (resting from mild injuries / discomfort, or from work, or just need a rest!), but in most cases, I'm averaging between 3 to 5 times a week practice.

Backbends - from my upward dog, one can see my hips are extremely tight. So, Urdhva Dhanurasana is definitely one of those asanas where I have to work hard on. First, here's a video taken during February 2009.


What I'm working on now is, in addition to the 3 UD, I would do 3 more - after a rest (and lots of mental psyching / faffing!), I would proceed with UD and then walk my feet in. I struggle with walking my hands in during UD, so the next UD is done with walking the hands in. Here's a video I took recently.

My body collapse when I walk my hands in. More work is needed on the hips, and bringing more weight to the front of the feet, and also keeping the thighs connected.

The last UD is done with walking the feet in again, focusing on standing more on the feet. Although when I look at the video, I hardly see any change!

Vinyasa With Smiles

Came across this video on You Tube - two very cute kids doing amazing things effortlessly.

Empty Nest

Had a bit of a taste of what an empty nest felt like this weekend. Kids were spending the weekend at the in-law’s, whilst the better half is overseas on a work trip. Got restless with the house being so quiet and decided on Thai massage at this place near my home.

Was glad that there were pyjamas like clothes to change into for the massage, for it felt cold with the air cond blasting. Session started with me lying on my back with an eye bag placed over my eyes. While my masseuse went out to get further supplies, it was like being in Savasana. I was just reflecting on my response to the girl at the reception when she asked whether I wanted a hard or soft massage. Medium, my reply came out. The girl then translated my response to my masseuse. Medium .. How wishy washy could I be? I could have said hard, seeing the masseuse was quite petite.

Then, the massage started. O.M.G., is she strong! She was working on my legs with the elbow. Though I could not did not make any sound, tears were coming to my eyes. Boy, was the eye bag a heaven sent. Even the room did not feel cold anymore. In fact, I was even sweating a bit. If this is medium, I shudder to think what hard could be. And I did not have the girl at the reception around to translate my desired change of intensity.

Actually, at the end of it, I felt really relieved good. Parts of it was like having yoga adjustments. I will definitely be back for more. Next time, I’ll try medium soft.

Practice has been good. The studio that offers morning mysore classes now has four morning mysore classes a week, Mondays to Thursdays. This is really good for me. I’m now working on walking my hands in during Urdhva Dhanurasana. I find it easier to walk my feet in. Why is that? Anyway, have started walking my feet in to get a deeper bend. With my last UD, I'll start working on walking my hands in. Still a struggle, but at least it’s feeling looking more possible. Practice, practice.

Pulau Redang

Had a yoga free week last week. Partly due to watching the World Cup, but mostly because I took the family to Pulau Redang for a short holiday. I must add Berjaya does a great holiday package to its resort in Redang. First, Berjaya Air leaves from Subang airport, which is great because of its proximity to our house - took us 20 minutes to the airport. Flight leaves at 8am. After a 10 minute check in, we have choices of places for breakfast at this fabulously renovated Subang airport.










Flight to Redang took slightly less than an hour on this plane.



And then a short 10 minute bus ride to the resort. We were literally in our room by 9.45am. And we have the whole day to do as we please. No waiting - just wake up, left the house at 6.40am, and unpacked at the resort before 10am.

On the last day, flight time is 3.30pm. Bus leaves resort at 2.30pm, so we still have the whole morning to swim or snorkel before checking out. We were home just after 5pm. Logistically, it worked out so well.

The beach at the Resort has white sands and clear water. There are some corals near the beach with a floating pontoon nearby. We had a great time snorkelling to the pontoon. Equipped with a bottle of fish food, it was simply magic to see so many fishes up close. It would have been great to have an underwater camera.










Caught sight of a huge turtle at Turtle Bay. When it raise its head from the sea water, it really has the look of a Loch Ness Monster. I was hesitant to snorkel to where it was. Oh, and the sound your own breath while snorkelling is so similar to ujjayi breathing.

Whilst the holiday has work out so well for us, alas the World Cup has not work out as well for England. This picture sums out the status of the England team.

Make Your Car A No Phone Zone

The Oprah Show. I, for one, would change to another channel should her show be on. It’s not that I dislike her show. I just feel she gets really personal to the point of intrusive. And then, all done in a concerned sounding tone.

But this time, the in law’s were watching the Oprah Show in their house. As I’m the outlaw out numbered, I sat through the show. This time it was on texting while driving. Much as I hate to admit it, Oprah did manage to get the point across in a very compelling manner. Texting is definitely not the thing to do when driving. She came up with stories of families lost in texting related accidents, focused on victims’ families and on the culprits themselves. Aiyo, even I was drawn to the stories. Partly, I must add, out of guilt. I too am guilty of texting and talking on the phone while driving. Just that very day, I was texting during my drive to my in law’s.





If we have managed to cope without mobile phones before, we should be able to cope with completing our journey without the use of mobile phone. One way, I guess, is to put the mobile on silent mode beforehand. Take the temptation away. The other is to only pick up the phone when the car is stationary.

I’m still prone to picking up the phone during driving; but this is something I must really change. And I hope those reading will also not text the next time they drive.

Morning Mysore with M

It was one of those practice, when you are still sweating as you are lying down in Savasana. The studio was packed and it has an international feel to it. Portuguese teacher, a couple of Caucasians, a couple of Latin looking students and, of course, Malaysians. Even the gender is quite mix - 40% male, 60% female (of course 60% female, some would say, but you got to add a category for shemales).

I was one of the later students; so the studio had already generated a lot of heat when I lay my mat down. To give an indication of how hot, I’ve already noticed beads of sweat on my forearms when I raised my arms up during my second sun salutation A.

My normal Mysore practice normally ends either after Marichyasana D or after Bhujapidasana. However today M asked me to do until Upavishtha Konasana. I went to my furthest today during Supta Kurmasana. M managed to bind my hands and even sat on me while he was adjusting my legs. I naturally felt some fear. But somehow, although things felt strange and intense, it did not feel uncomfortable.




All in all, a great practice. So I was glad when I heard that M is extending his stay by another week. So his last class will be on June 19. Last Saturday, he conducted a led class. His counts were very even (minus the times he adjusted someone, during which counts do not exist - counts only resumed after adjustments!).




Well, world cup begins this Friday. Have to see if this will affect my practice. I’m partial towards England - well, the English Premier League is popular in Malaysia so we can all identify with the players. But I’m having serious doubts of how far they can go because Rio Ferdinand is out due to injury. Already, the defence is not at their strongest when Wayne Bridge refused to play because of the idiot John Terry. (Why pick on your team mate’s girl?)

One MONTH of football to look forward to!

And, last but not least, congratulations to G and I on their marriage!

Class This Morning

As I entered the studio at 7.15am this morning, the five students that were there were already at seated poses, some were almost finishing. How early did they start?

It’s rare good to have the option of going to Mysore-styled classes every morning, although M (see previous post) is only here for two weeks.

With a new teacher, or rather one whom I am going to for the first time, I normally hold back go easy with my practice. The studio though, is generating a lot of heat from the energies of the other students’ practices; and with adjustments from M, I found my practice going deeper than expected.

Had a great adjustment in Prasarita Padottanasana C. I had also had help in Utthita Hasta Padangushthasana and Utthita Parshvasahita, which I’m grateful for, as lately I’ve been having dance sessions when I reach this stage.

Have to highlight that M gave me great adjustments in Marichyasana C. On top of giving a nice twist, he also managed to get my shoulders extra width and got my chest to open up at the same time. Very nice!

My fingers found each other in the first side of Marichiyasana D. M came over and got me to find even more of my fingers. Yay! He also got me to bind in the second side of Marichyasana D. Interesting to note that his Marichyasana D adjustments are very similar to those of Saraswathi.

And, for my personal log, I was told to use more of my legs in Urdhva Dhanurasana. I’ve always found it extremely hard to lift my hands off the mat, let alone walk my hands in – maybe I haven't been using my legs properly. He adjusted by pushing my thighs towards each other slightly. Got to remember that feeling in my next practice.

On a totally irrelevant different note, I haven’t seen the naked guy for quite some time. Not that I’m missing him or anything; but just wondering.

It Finally Happened

My first successful Marichyasana D bind on my own this morning. Albeit on the right side only, but I am so so thrilled. Teacher was busy assisting someone at the other end of the room at that time. Did my usual attempt by getting my left arm past my right knee and slipped the left hand under the right foot. That normally constitutes my bind when I’m practicing on my own. Somehow today the left shoulder gave more movement towards the right knee and I thought, “what if I go for it”. Before I know it, the left elbow could hook around the right knee and then, through some frantic breathing, the fingers found each other, and I was BINDING!

If I were not in a class, I would have done a celebratory fist pump after the five breaths were up (they were very quick breaths). I even managed to do Baddha Padmasana, which lately has been more misses than hits.

Practice, practice and all is coming!

More Updates

Received news that an authorised Ashtanga teacher is visiting Kuala Lumpur, and who will be teaching Mysore styled classes at the Westin hotel from 31 May to 12 June. This is so timely. Practice has been interrupted lately by relatives visiting from abroad. The good news was the excuse to indulge in what can only be described as feast of local cuisine for dinners – this included lots of kuih (Malay cakes – really delicious), satay (a must try for visitors to Malaysia), Hokkien noodles (have to be non-halal as the pork cracklings are really something), Cantonese yee mee, durians (one either love them or hate them – I love them!), lots of roti canai, thosai (dosas for those who has been to India) and heaps of curry puffs and pisang goreng (bananas fried in batter). I should have taken photos of the food. But greed has overlooked opportunities to document the food and the excess that we eat.

I have digressed. So, the news included a picture of the teacher and also a picture of his authorisation certificate from KPJAYI (I’m thrilled to see the certificate as I have never seen one before).









And here is the text from the flyer :

AshtangaYogaKL
Visiting Teacher
We welcome a new authorised teacher from Portugal, Manuel Ferreira
from Monday, 31 May – Saturday, 12 June 2010

Daily Mysore Classes : 6:00 – 9:30 a.m.
Course Fees:
12 day package – RM400
6 day package – RM225
Drop-ins – RM60
Where: The Westin Hotel, Poolside Studio, Level 4, Jalan Bukit Bintang, Kuala Lumpur.

Ashtanga Updates In Kuala Lumpur

Some updates on Ashtanga scenes in KL. The teacher that was teaching Mysore style classes at the Westin is now back from Mysore and is teaching at this studio in Bangsar. The schedule can be found here. Beginners absolutely welcomed.

Manasa Yoga is commemorating the first year death anniversary of Shri K Pattabhi Jois, which is on May 18, by conducting Ashtanga classes the whole of next week. Click here for details.

A Post Worth Visiting Again And Again

Like to share this post from a blog I came across because the video gives such a beautiful insight of Shri K Pattabhi Jois (Guruji) and of what it is like being one of his students. Please click on the link to access the post.

Practice Notes - Ujjayi Breaths

Class started with us sitting and getting our ujjayi breaths started. After a while, led class started. But not before the following words “Remember the sound of the ujjayi breaths. Let that be the background of your practice. When the practice starts, the foreground of dristhis will change, but let the background of the ujjayi breaths be constant”. Ok, I’m paraphrasing a bit. But that’s the gist of Manoj’s wonderful message to us that class last Friday evening.

There were of course countless times when I forget his message as I struggle through the asanas I’m working on (oh, so many that I’m not even going to bother naming them). But at least there was something to hang on to when I do remember it. When I do follow it, the practice seems more meditative and less of a struggle. Most times, though, I have to dial back the depth of the asana in the beginning. But more often than not, by the end of the fifth cycle of breath, the depth of the asana is as deep, if not deeper than when one try to muscle into the asana.

Practice has been good. Apart from Baddha Padmasana, there has been no major breakthrough. But the good thing that is happening lately is the regularity of practice, and the acceptance that some days it’s ok to miss a practice. Baddha Padmasana has been more miss than hit. I’ve only managed one more successful attempt after my last post. This practice does give a good lesson in non-attachment!

First Baddha Padmasana

By the time I’ve reached the end of Surya Namaskara A, my palms are starting to slip towards the front of the mat during downward dog. Kuala Lumpur has been super hot of late. Surprisingly, even with the heat and dripping sweat and considering I missed practice on Tuesday because I was not feeling 100%, today’s practice was full of energy.

I just rode on this unexpected wave. I initially planned a softer practice. I even tried to do some straight leg jump through. Unfortunately, it didn’t happen. Each time I ended up in a squat and then kind of shuffle my feet through. Heh, it must have looked pretty funny. Good thing I was alone at the Westin this morning. I wonder whether the straight leg jump through requires a good forward bend.

Anyway, I had a good practice. I don’t know if it was the heat or the energetic practice; I managed to bind in Baddha Padmasana on MY own! Happy happy joy joy! After practice, I treated myself to breakfast at Dome at Pavilion at the risk of being late for work. It may be a small breakthrough but these milestones can give so much joy.

Soya Sauce Flavoured Kit Kat

Received this today as a gift from someone back from Tokyo. What will they think of next? I can't wait to try them, though.

Behind The Wheel

Every country has its own driving peculiarities. In India, it is the honking at the slightest thing - change of lanes, car approaching, honk to greet someone, honk at the change of gears and what not. In Malaysia, the horn is used far less often. What will strike someone most when they first drive in Malaysia is tailgating. At times it is quite unnerving. One minute the rear mirror reveals there is no car behind, the next the sight of a car, inches from your back bumper. Apparently, this is a way to tell you to move out of their way.

And sometimes if you indicate your intention to switch into another lane, the car, which is some way behind in that particular lane, will then inexplicably speed up so that you can’t get to its lane.

I heard in some countries the driving schools teach road courtesy as part of its course. Here they teach you the basic skills and if you pay extra, you are guaranteed a pass in your driving test. Hence, the frequency of road rage incidence.

I guess the older you get, or the longer you drive in Malaysia, you will learn the value of patience on the road and defensive driving. Or so I thought. This morning I was rushing to get my kids to the stadium for their school's annual sports day. There was, of course, a queue to get into the car park and into parking spaces. I saw an empty spot next to this car but was waiting for the man to get out of his car as his door was already half open. The man was taking his time coming out; and with the pressure of other cars behind me, I muttered, “can he come out any slower?”. Turned out my window happened to be opened as I had just paid for parking. My daughter admonished me later, saying that the man heard me and threw me a dirty look. “Well, he was dawdling and anyway, let’s rush and get you guys registered, eh?”, was my quick reply in an effort to silence her. In fact, I felt a bit embarrassed. I have just acted like one of those Malaysian drivers that I was writing about above. Just like I’m trying to practise some mindfulness in my yoga practice, perhaps I should also practise mindfulness in these everyday situations. What kind of an example am I giving my kids if I act rude to random strangers over small trivial situations? As I write this, it’s clear now I need to admit to my daughter later that I had acted badly this morning. Though it is not the easiest of task, it is a small step to righting some of my countless flaws. I hope she doesn’t rub my nose in it.

Anyway, here’s a clip of professional stunt drivers. Malaysian tailgaters have nothing on these guys!

Practice This Week & Qing Ming

My practice for the week:
Monday – self practice at the Westin;
Tuesday – moonday, so no practice (so good, yah? – actually, was lazy, so happy to take a break);
Wednesday – no practice as it was Qing Ming for my family (more details below);
Thursday – self practice at Westin;
Friday – instead of my usual evening class at SS2, did morning self practice at the Westin, as it was Good Friday.

So, all in all, a good practice week in terms of frequency. Also, no nude encounters this week, which always set the tone of a calm practice.

So, a little details on Qing Ming, for those who are interested. It’s held once a year, and it is like All Souls’ Day for Chinese. It’s really more like Ancestors Day. Actually, I’m not sure this is a Buddhist festival. I think the Chinese, in particular the Chinese Buddhists, generally practices it. Can anyone clarify on this?


When I was young, it was a big occasion for the family (I mean bigger occasion as it is still a big event now for us; just a much smaller scale compared to the old days). The family, as in my uncles, aunts and their families would all meet up at my grandmother’s house in the early morning, have a breakfast feast before heading off to the cemetery. Then we would trek and navigate through many other tombstones before finding our ancestors’ graves. As this is a once a year event; first things to clear out are the weeds and the leaves on and around the tombstones. Then food is offered to the ancestors. A couple of two sided wooden objects are thrown on the ground. This is done repeatedly until the objects show a particular combination, which seems to signify the ancestors are done eating. Then the food is repacked into smaller bags and each family gets a portion of the food to take to their house.

Nowadays, it is a much simpler affair for us. Our ancestors’ graves have since been exhumed and cremated and all their ashes are kept in urns, which are now located at the temple. So, no need for gardening and all that stuff. Apparently, one can pre-book space in the temple for one’s final resting place.

I fear this is a dying event (sorry for the pun - can't resist) for my family. The family is now all spread out globally, and unless there is one in my generation willing to organise these events, this annual event will eventually fade away.

Great Start

As I park my car next to this electric blue car this morning, I did a double take and nearly messed up my parking. The man getting out of the blue car was the naked guy from the changing room. (Details from my earlier post). As luck would have it, we ended up sharing the lift up to the gym floor. Actually, the experience did not turn badly at all; in fact, all the irritation that was festering each morning vanished with our first ever verbal greeting. Somehow, having a conversation, however casual, does a lot in terms of tolerance and all that. I guess it's like being on the road when some car cuts you off. If it's a stranger, the incredible hulk in me would start to manifest itself. If I realised it's someone I know (particularly, my sister in law, whose driving always give me nightmares!), then I would just smile and note the occasion and tease her later.

Anyway, no nude scenes this morning. And so I started my practice with a calm state of mind. And had a nice practice, even though I was the only one practicing. No binding yet on Mari D. I've been going back to square one with the twisting asanas in an effort to rid my bad habit of shifting my knee toward the middle of my chest (as opposed to having it in line with my foot and hip) in trying to bind. Even In Mari C, I've been doing that. So, I've stopped reaching for a bind and now focused more on twisting so that I get more weight over the foot on the mat.

I hope going back to basics will pay dividends ...

Backbends

Along with the twists, asanas involving backbends takes a lot out of me. Which is why when one day someone mentioned that he found the Intermediate series very energising because of the backbends, I was amazed. Backbends have the opposite effect on me. I'm completely exhausted by my 3rd Urdhva Dhanurasana.

Here are some clips of my backbends taken early 2009 :



Lately, when I'm doing things like Upward Dog and Warrior 1, I put in extra effort to access a stretch in my hips. My hips are tight, though they have come a long way from before I started yoga. Here are a couple of clips of me dropping back to the wall, taken a few days ago.

The first one was when I decided to walk my hands down and got freaked out and came up immediately.

I then took a mental note to not panic the next time my hands walk down and to take a couple of breaths before coming up.


Slowly, slowly, I hope one day I'll walk my hands all the way down to the floor.

I Was Determined

to put in some practice this week. Due to Monday being a moonday, a planned trip to Foshan, China from Tuesday to Wednesday, and Friday, being a promised day for the kids to have friends over, it looked bleak for practice this week.

Not to be deterred, I packed my new travel yoga mat for my trip to China. Love the mat - it wouldn't fit into my suitcase, rolled up conventionally; but managed to pack it in, folded up like a blanket.


Got into the hotel in Foshan on Tuesday around 3pm. Colleagues planned on a walkabout before we are taken out for dinner at 6.30pm. So bent on getting some practice time, I muttered some lame excuse like needing some rest before dinner. Had a nice quick practice when I found an excellent spot in the room to practice. Happy to note that the mat laid out flat perfectly, even after being folded in four in a suitcase.


Had all the intentions to practice again the next morning. Heard the alarm, but the "bai jiu" (white wine) shots at dinner the night before did me in. Bai jiu is not really white wine; more like some kind of spirits with at least 40% alcohol content. Served in tiny shot glasses, I took a tiny sip for my first taste. Hosts laughed at my reaction to the burning sensation I felt in the lips. The way bai jiu is drunk is to drink it like a shot. Have to admit that it went down easier. So easy, it became hard to keep track of how many shots I had. The glasses are refilled mysteriously as soon as they're empty.

So, no practice on Wednesday. But was determined to put in a practice yesterday (Thursday) morning. No thinking when the alarm went off. Jumped out of bed, quick wash up and I was on the mat 15 minutes later. Had a nice leisurely practice; even managed to get some video clips of my attempts at dropping back to the wall.

Will post them up in my next post, along with some clips I took last year to compare.

Biggest Loser Asia

Last Tuesday saw the conclusion of the very first season of Biggest Loser Asia. I find it so amazing that so much weight could be lost in such a short time. Just goes to show that anything is possible.


The winner was this guy from Indonesia. Although he was the clear winner, there were lots of discussions on how haggard he looked and whether his win projected the right message to the public.


The runner up was this guy from the Philippines. Many said he should be the winner given how good and healthy he looked.

There was big contrast on how these 2 contestants lost their weight in the final months. The guy from the Philippines followed the conventional approach, working and exercising in his free time. He is a fine dining chef, by the way. The Indonesian took a couple of months off, and devoted all his time working out in the gym. Hence, the criticisms, I guess. Many pointed out his approach is not a sustainable one.

But, hey, this is a competition after all. Maybe the winner does look haggard. To be fair, though, people who lose a lot weight in a short time tend to look haggard, even though they are in fact fitter. I had my share of comments when I was doing a lot of rehabilitation exercises after the operation on my shoulder.

Whatever negative or positive message people will take from this result, at least the winner has proven that change is possible. Though extreme, I was in awe of his determination; and I hope his journey of health and fitness continues after this competition.

Changing Room Etiquette

Recently, every time I make my way to the Westin hotel for my morning practice, I drive with a feeling of pensive dread. I get to the changing room around the same time in the morning, and each time there is this same guy who is also finishing off his shower at that time. At first, I thought I was intruding. After all, he is probably there more often than me because he is ALWAYS there when I’m there. But he seems to like walking around in the nude as if he was in his home alone. Not that I mind. But the guy dishing out the locker keys always assign me to the locker next to his, even though there are only the two of us in that changing room. It makes changing a lot awkward, for a start.

I’m actually quite used to nudity in the showers. After all, in my younger days when I was playing football, we have communal showers. But this guy is nude for a long time! I suspect he is a strong believer in air-drying.

Why am I ranting now? When I walk in this morning, this guy had his towel wrapped around his waist. The moment I come in, he dropped his towel right in front of me and proceeded on to whatever he was doing - washing his face, having a shave, every other thing except putting on clothes. WTF?! I tried to change into my yoga gear as fast as I could. However the faster I tried to get ready, the more I fumbled. F’ing zip won’t work. Oh shit, he is coming behind me. Can’t get my legs through my shorts. What’s happening to my coordination? Damn, left my wallet on the bench, etc, etc.

So, by the time I got to the mat, I was already sweating before my first Sun Salutation. Mind was, of course, scattered. But, as the practice went on, I soon forgot about the changing room. Instead, my mind became preoccupied on how all the Chinese New Year feasts have played havoc with my flexibility.

However, I’m back on the mat and it’s good that I’m now less flustered with this morning’s images.

Sundance Film Festival

I would just like to start with a big Thank You to the people who invited us to the Sundance Film Festival. I have never seen (nor even imagine) the level of hospitality accorded to us.

First they put us up at the most excellent Stein Eriksen Lodge. Just an example of the level of service there - you don't even need to put on your ski boots, they offer to put it on for you!


We were spoiled rotten! Our hosts have a dedicated team based in one of the suites and they are out of this world. They worked around the clock and yet they are the coolest, most poised people who can accommodate anything a guest needs - even someone like me, who is a guest of the invited guest, gets undivided attention.

First day was skiing at Deer Valley, followed by a film called the Shock Doctrine. The film was like a cinematic presentation of this book by Naomi Klein. Highlight for me was the Q & A with the directors, author and the presence of Robert Redford.




Robert Redford was so instrumental in the growth of Sundance Film Festival that its name was based on his character in the film, Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. So, seeing him in the flesh made this trip extra special.

Second day, we saw two films, the Romantics and Twelve. By the way, Elijah Wood was on the same flight as me on the way to Utah; and he was in the Romantics. In person, he is so polite and well mannered. I wished I was brash enough to ask for a photo; maybe next time.

At the end of Twelve, the cast and the director went on stage to take Q & A. Joel Schumacher, who is the director, was most excellent and funny as the moderator of the Q & A. Famous actors on stage were Chace Crawford, Emma Roberts and "50 Cent" (who we later saw close up in a restaurant).



Fabulous, fabulous trip. I can only wish and hope for more trips like this. If there is a benchmark of hosting events, our hosts have set the bar way way up there.

That's it for the trip. Before I sign off, happy new year to all Chinese!

Park City

Park City, Utah. There are 3 separate ski resorts in close vicinity to each other - Park City Mountainside, Deer Valley and the Canyons. All operate autonomously to each other and have their own characteristics. The Canyons is said to be the largest, Deer Valley is deem more elitist (no snowboarders allowed) and Park City Mountainside is known for its excellent snow and runs.

Sorry if this is brief and abrupt. Been hectic (!) - what am I saying - days are filled with watching films and skiing and attending dinners, but more on that in my next post on Sundance festival. This post is really to document the 2 days of skiing in Park City before our stint with the Sundance team.

Park City mountainside is skiing / snowboarding paradise, due to the dryness of the snow on the mountain. First observation is that skiers here tend to ski with the skis closer together than that in Whistler. Someone told me once that powder in Utah is really dry and so it is imperative in deep powder to keep the skis together so that it forms a single flat platform. Anyway, all this info is way over my head. Many positives of Park City - many varied runs, no queues as everyone is busy watching films, and the best thing is that the trees are such that if you so wish, one could ski between them. Woo Hoo! Of course, best to get some lessons in because - 1) They will make you ski more in control, and 2) You get to see runs you otherwise would not know of.

Ski instructor took us to this magnificent run through the trees. It is so beautiful that I need to document this for future reference - it is a run called Tenth Mountain.



Great stuff indeed.

Los Angeles

City of angels. Landed at rain soaked LA, which is rare. Apparently, LA had never had a 6 consecutive rain days. Good thing we arrived at the tail end - some would say we brought along the sun.

My first time in LA. All the scenes I see in movies and TV shows is exactly the same as seeing for real. Duh! But amazing to be there. Stayed at Santa Monica. Was jet lagged, which turned out to be a blessing as I got to see the sun rise on Santa Monica beach. "..the sun comes out on the Santa Monica boulevard.." the tune came on to me all that morning.




Santa Monica is beautiful. The beach front is so beautiful and deep. All sorts of activities are on the beach, and there are beautiful people everywhere. Exercise with attitude! That's how it's done. Pictures - Santa Monica beach, the ferris wheel as seen in Hannah Montana movie, the Hollywood sign, and the Zoltar machine (remember the film, "Big"?).



OK. Got to go. In Park City for the Sundance festival. Already caught sight of Elijah Wood and Joan Rivers. Sorry, no pictures. Must pick up courage to go up and ask for a picture or very least, say hello.

Sundance Film Festival

http://festival.sundance.org/2010/

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Got an invite to the above film festival. Well, actually, my wife got the invite and I'm just tagging along. Still, I get to go! Going to the movies is a close one to football. I was a hard core movie junkie, the type who would go alone and sit right at the front, even though the theatre is empty. That was, of course, during my school days. Now, I would have plenty to answer to if ever I go to a movie alone.

The other great thing about going to Sundance Festival is that it is held in Park City, Utah. Apparently, the skiing is great there. It's like killing 2 birds with one stone. If only I could find a Mysore class there, it would be near perfect!

Practice has been great. Slowly, I'm getting back the stamina and focus before the December break. Of course, going off to this festival is going to set my practice back. But, hey, this is one in a lifetime opportunity. I'll be walking with my cameras at the ready in case I see anyone famous. Next posting will be from America!

Happy New Year

OK. So I'm a little late with the new year greetings. Better late than never, right? Except, being late probably does not give a good impression for this very new year. But, many good reasons for my absence and tardiness in blogging.

One of them is having a fantastic holiday in Whistler, Canada. Came back home to KL just before Christmas. So, it was rush, rush, rush to get ready for Christmas; busy, busy, busy from Christmas till new year; and then recovering, recovering, recovering from then on till today!



Back to the holiday - took the family skiing in Whistler. My kids go to Chinese school; and if you have been to one or have children in Chinese school, then you will be aware of the modus operandi of the teachers - rule by FEAR! Well, not quite so extreme, but the teachers are known to raise their voices and the odd use of a ruler as punishment is not uncommon.












Hence the choice of Whistler. Whistler Kids have a fantastic kids program. I can go on forever on how good they are; but, long report short, the ski instructors are, first and foremost, great with kids and will always ensure a fun time for the kids.










The Peak to Peak Gondola is now up and running. It links Whistler mountain to Blackcomb mountain. It is an absolute engineering marvel. As a result, both mountains are now so accessible - it's only an 11 minute ride. I normally stick to skiing on Whistler mountain; but because of this, I explored Blackcomb and had the best run ever. It was on a day after a snow dump the night before and we went on a run called Cloud 9. It was like floating on Cloud 9 (pun absolutely intended) - snow was so great. Good run to keep in mind if you are going there.








Apart from the skiing, Whistler Village is so well designed and run. Hats off, Intrawest! There is great food all around, it is easy to walk around and so many shops to browse through - Lululemon (!), Gap and the supermarket - wow! So many choices - very hard to be vegetarian - Canadian bacon is so yummy, the ham is delicious, the spinach leafs are so fresh, they stay crunchy even after 5 days!











Oh, and Whistler is hosting the Winter Olympics this year. Be sure to watch it. The mascots are so cute, even I can recite their names - Quatchi, Miga, Sumi and Muk Muk.

Ok, enough gushing. I'll end this post with this picture :