Spain week four, day six

Thursday May 22nd, 2008
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Hacienda, Villamartin, Spain

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At last we wake to a day of clear blue skies and sunshine. The owner of the hacienda came visiting yesterday and says it has been the least sunny May for twenty years. But maybe our luck is changing now (though the forecast isn't great for the next few days).

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So yoga this morning is on the front terrace in the early morning sunshine. After our rest day yesterday, everyone is feeling really good and there are some great postures done today. Even Jonathan, who has a very tight back (after years of bending over tables working as a teacher) is moving far more freely. It never fails to amaze me how a few days yoga can begin the transform people's posture and the way they feel. Today's classes were really amazing.

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Ellie, Jonathan and Kate in downward dog

Trikonasana (Triangle)


Three great Warriors (Jonathan's tight back stops him keeping his back straight - but he is improving fast!)
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An intense side angle pose - one of Ellie's best
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Three sturdy trees (one of the few posture that shows Kate's baby bump!)

Ellie's lovely pigeon pose

A nice open twist towards the end of the class. The view is towards Villamartin

We all have brunch outside and decide that a slight change in our usual day's plan is in order so we can all take advantage of the sun. So we are all soon settle out by the pool for several hours of dozing and reading (even a bit of swimming). As a result of taking maximum advantage of the sun, there are a few pink limbs later on but no one is really badly burnt. And Ellie has gone very brown really quickly.

This evening's yoga is slow and restorative on the terrace in the sun. More beautiful postures from everyone and we are all feeling very relaxed.
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Kate had a small craving for steak tonight (so many changes occur when pregnant!) so we have that with a Moroccan dish of vegetable tagine. We are able to sit out on the terrace and watch the sun go down - just like seeing the sunset over the ocean with few clouds in view.
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A lovely day.