Being a yoga dunce newbie, prior to attending Vincent Tam’s first yoga class at the Chiang Mai Yoga Retreat, I was worried that he expected only serious yoga nuts to come along and would be displeased that the yet-to-be-converted would deign to partake in asanas. But, I would soon discover that Vincent (and his partner Dennis) is as Diva D and Melee repeatedly assured me, affable and easy-going.
Vincent left, Dennis right, looking happy.
Between the both of them, I thought they organised the yoga retreat very well. The package included 4 yoga sessions, 5 days 4 nights stay at The Chedi, (free laundry, minibar, breakfast, cocktails in the evening. Dennis and Vincent also hosted lunches and dinners, and night market excursions throughout your stay in Chiang Mai. Good-natured and warm, they bonded with all of us in true yoga fashion. I am sure it is not easy to care of 30 women's needs, some with an elderly father, husbands, children and mascot tagging along.
Melee et D. You're on holiday if you're drinking out of glasses with orchids, straws and huge smiles.
When we arrived at Chiang Mai airport, Dennis was the welcoming committee with comfortable large vans courtesy of The Chedi, ready and waiting to bring us to the hotel. After driving through the bustling, bijou, happy, crowded streets of Chiang Mai, I found the city rustic and charming. When we arrived at a non-descript building (from the outside) that was The Chedi, Vincent The Yogi was there to greet us (in long board shorts and not appropriate yoga wear I was very glad to observe) and briefed us on the next few days’ itinerary. We sat around low wide couches in the patio-like atmosphere of the lobby for a no-fuss check-in.
The Chedi's facade.
At the Lobby.
Vincent and Dennis then led the way to the Good Village restaurant a 5-minute walk from the hotel. The restaurant, in an old renovated double-story wooden house with a lovely garden, provided a good variety of local food during lunch. Diva D said that after 5 days of Tom Yum-ing in Chiang Mai, she had the best Tom Yam there. During lunch I had a good look at my fellow classmates and found that the yoga crowd consisted mostly of Chinese housewives and some career women, one Chinese man, one European woman of indeterminable age (with her husband and mother-in-law in tow), and a European housewife. A few of the Chinese women had their families with them, so we also had a precocious little two and a half year old Chinese girl with a smile that could light up a room, two blond kids, three husbands, and one elderly father. I was the only Malay carting around a stuffed kitten with diamante eyes as a mascot, and the only one true beginner. Some of the women looked like yoga freaks, some dressed 'yoga chic' and some in a hot pink thong by the pool. Pictures later, I promise.
SiriKitty, on a rather cheeky sign, enroute lunch.
Lunching at The Good View Restaurant.
After a good lunch of appetisers, a variety of main courses and vegetable dishes and the always present Tom Yam and mango with sticky rice, we burned a few calories off during the walk back to the hotel. The girls and I got the keys to our room and were suitably impressed.
There was a yoga class scheduled at 4pm the day we arrived, and to tell you the truth I was scared. After attending one Beginner’s Class of Nora’s, the most perfect move I could do was the ‘Corpse’ position. Basic warrior poses, sun salutations and the downward dog I could attempt fairly well. I am far from being a yogini. My upper body strength is shameful, not to mention the breathing during poses still confuses me. Don't get me started on the toe touching. What if everyone could do that headstand? I know Yoga isn’t a competitive sport but still...
After an initial bout of monging in our suite, we ambled in a few minutes before 4.30 and found the back places filled up. Some were already doing serious warm-ups. We, on the other hand, took pictures. Soon enough, Vincent’s first class began. The first class was held outdoors, just off the beautiful Chedi pool (with its water feature topped with water lilies), under large trees, on a wooden deck, and by the Ping River. Under the cool shade of trees, although slightly cramped, the venue had atmosphere.
The class was made up of women (and one man) who: intermittently attend classes as best as their busy schedule allow them, intermediate yoginis, good yoginis, and there were some very good yoginis and yogi. And then there was me. I had the only Jungle Jane green yoga mat, no yoga bag and no proper yoga top. I would have bolted and headed for the pool had Vincent, in board shorts, not began the class by saying “Now there is no need to push yourselves, just do what you can, and don’t forget you are here to have fun and there is a night market to go to this evening”. Twist your hip hip hooray I say. So I followed the best I could, I sat out on the poses that I couldn’t even attempt, and took more pictures. The class ended just before 6pm and everyone headed to the Chedi Club’s verandah for free cocktails.
I took some breathers and photographs.
SiriKitty and the Yogettes relaxing after some bendy-wendy.
Dinner that evening was at a Chinese Restaurant another 5 minutes walk from the Chedi, and the food was very good. Melee, Diva D and I bonded with the Europeans and an architect we called Suki. After which, to the market we go.
Namaste. Tune in for the next pose, I mean, post.
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