Wanderlust 108 - San Diego

A week ago I was lying on the floor in Savasana while the Kundalini teacher, Randy Ueda, at Yoga Tribe in Huntington Beach, rocked out on his gong.

I realize that the phrase "rocked out" is not often applied to corpse pose activities. Trust me on this though, it was both rockin' and relaxing at the same time.

Now instead of floating in a calming state my brain was on hyperdrive thinking back to early in May when I was rocking out with MC Yogi and DJ Drez at Wanderlust 108 in San Diego. Something about the gong was practically giving me a hallucinogenic flashback...so instead of fighting the feeling, I went with it.

Like the original Wizard of Oz, this trip starts in classic black and white...athough the tribal markings on my chest were neon pink in real life!

For those of my peeps who are kind enough to keep reading my blog, you may recall that I had an awesome experience at Wanderlust 108 in Los Angeles. When I had booked the event, I was so excited to be participating that I also booked the San Diego event, not realizing that they were back-to-back weekends. Fortunately the SigO is not only a good sport, but a complete one-man organized entourage, so he didn't even blink twice when he realized that two of his weekends were now circling around yoga-life.

FULL DISCLOSURE: The SigO does not do yoga. Yep, not only is he a confirmed omnivore, but my lovely partner-in-life is also not a yogi. He did take a class once at Innerglow Yoga in Massachusetts with the amazing Tracy Peterson - which he enjoyed - but says that currently yoga and veganism are not his thing...I'm convinced he will change his mind ....eventually... ;) Until then, peace and respect for our differing lifestyles...

Capturing the SigO unawares...

The event in San Diego was held on Mother's Day. The 5k (which my Strava is convinced was more like 2.8 miles) meandered around a park complete with families, people walking puppy doggies, and the occasional jogger looking bewildered at where all those tribal marked people came from. This time, I was flying solo for the event, although the SigO was totally kind enough to wait around to cheer and snap pics of me smiling as I huffed and puffed my way through the run. 

I'm still on the run/walk version of running. BIG GOAL: Getting through a 5k while actually running the whole time. I'll get there! Feel free to send me encouragement and advice to help with this goal.

Yes, I do smile while running!

The yoga session with Chelsey Korus was just as pumped and inspiring as it was a week earlier (thanks Chelsey!), DJ Drez's spins were pumped, MC Yogi was his usual jacked up inspiration, and the meditation was fabulous. This time my bonus class was Slackening with the YogaSlackers. I was terrible (with no pics as proof but really who would lie about being awful?) BUT had so much fun in the short demo class, that I signed up for the two hour class at the YogaJournal Live event in San Diego in June! 

Yep, that's right San Diego, I'll see you next month! And a special shoutout to the SigO's Navy buddies and their wives - it was wonderful finally meeting all of you! Can't wait to hang out again!

A few quick tips for my travel buddies:

• LOCATION LOCATION LOCATION - We stayed at the Courtyard by Marriott San Diego Airport/Liberty Station. We had a beautiful view of the water AND were right across from the park where Wanderlust 108 was held. I was able to run the 5k, go back to my room, take a shower, change, have a snack, and then head back out for the rest of the day's events! Plus there are a ton of restaurants within walking distance of the hotel, and you are only a few minutes from other hot spots in San Diego.

View from our balcony...the park is to the left of the building. San Diego (downtown) is to the right, just across the water...

• VEGAN AWESOME ALERT - Gratitude Cafe San Diego is a MUST VISIT! I splurged a bit on the calories and shared a vegan donut with the SigO and then ordered some kind of crazy looking berry french toast (which defeated me...not used to having so much food in one meal...) If you go early on a Saturday morning, be sure to walk about a block up the road to the Little Italy Farmer's Market - a must see event! Bought some catnip for my furry nephews, and the BEST granola from Farm to Fork based out of La Jolla (which I will definitely be stopping at next time).

• WALK THE CITY - If you are like us, and love to poke around, be sure to make time to walk the various areas. Loved strolling the waterfront at Seacoast Village, headed over to the Gaslamp section (which I discovered was more my cup of tea - or rather booze - a decade ago then now), and spent the morning in Balboa Park. Be sure to wear a good pair of sneakers so you can take in all the sights with comfy tootsies!

• IT's ALL ABOUT THE COASTLINE BABY - Heading out of town, we made a slight detour to walk along Sunset Cliffs. If you want breathtaking views and a romantic spot, this is the place to go!

Sunset Cliffs is breathtaking...

Can't wait for my next yogi-adventure. Drop me a line and let me know about any more fabulous festivals I should attend! Peace and love until next time...May you find your true north...with smiles....

Find your true north...then color outside the lines...