My First Yoga Expo

Sydney yoga community unites

Yogic masters including Simon Borg-Olivier, John Ogilvie, Twee Merrigan and Mark O’Brien gave packed classes and yogic lectures to a full house at the Sydney Yoga Expo last Sunday, October 19. Byron Yoga Centre sponsored this year’s expo in line with the Centre’s philosophy of the benefits of yoga rippling out to advantage wider society, and tied in well with this year’s Expo theme of ‘Come as one, bring two.’ Byron Yoga Centre teachers were kept busy all day, answering questions about yoga teacher training offered in Sydney part-time, at Govinda Valley Spiritual Retreat Centre south of Sydney and at the Yoga Room and Life Centre on Sydney’s north shore. Others were keen to travel to Byron to immerse themselves in a full-time course or yoga retreat, the first of which begins November 1. With more than 50 local and international yoga businesses represented, five venues of back-to-back yoga classes and an entertainment line-up including kung fu and dance demonstrations and live performance by popular new-age ensemble Sacred Earth, Sydneysiders packed into Wharf 8 to stretch, talk, taste and sample. John taught a general class in the morning, starting in down-face warrior and challenging more experienced students into back-bends, handstands and arm balances. Later in the day, John facilitated two forums – the first with long-time teacher Eve Grzybowski of Simply Yoga, Simon Borg-Olivier of Yoga Synergy, Michael de Manincor of Yoga Sanga, Percy Garcia, Director of the Yoga Expo, and Debra McCormick of Soul Inspiration; the second with Katie Manitas of Samadhi Yoga, Mark O’Brien of Qi Yoga, Sevapuri Hurst from Yoga in Daily Life and Suraj from Kundalini Yoga. People were able to put questions to the experts, including what practises to prioritise if your time to practise at home was limited, whether attending class or doing a home practice was more beneficial, and how to keep up inspiration and stamina when undergoing a long teacher training. Many were curious about these senior teachers’ experiences, asking about defining moments in their yoga journeys and how their yoga practice changed during different life stages. The day ended with a rousing kirtan led by the Govinda Valley Kirtan Band, igniting more community spirit as Sydney came together in celebration of all things yoga.

My First Noodle Market in the City

So crowded. The queue to get any food is a mile long. The food is nothing fancy. Drinks are awfully expensive, a tiny bottle of water (mind you it's those one sip and finito). All is good especially with a company of friends. The weather was amazingly warm. Gosh... hearing myself whine is ridiculous. Me of all people where all my life spent in KL is nitpicking about the soaring temperature here... sigh...

My First Journey to Melbourne

It has been over a year and 6 months since I arrived in Aussie land. Looking back this time frame, there wasn't many adventures as I've expected initially. All I could blame on is myself.... "Hello everyone, my name is Lynn. I'm a workaholic". Soon, probably after a couple more years the introduction may change to... "Hello everyone, my name is Lynn. I'm an alcoholic". ;-p Kyle thinks I've been drinking alot more since I've arrived here. Well.... this I can't blame on myself. Aussie wine, bubblies and BEER are just too good too miss... burp! excuse me... :-) (mind I did not ever gotten myself drunk since I came here, just went striaght to bed... hehehehe)

Back to Melbourne, the main reason I found an excuse to travel to VIC is for Melinda's wedding celebration. she looks absolutely stunning. You know those Hong Kong celebreties... we have one here... :)

Marcus, Melinda & Kyle

Kyle was studying in Melbourne during his yoounger days. So we paid a visit to one of his old uni mate. Her kids are adorable (Chinese mom and Indian dad). Her youngest son could pull off as a very handsome Japanese boy... : )

Of course, without any doubt, I need to do the touristsy stuff... here are some pictures.

One thing I really love about this city is the alleyways in between the tall buildings. Hidden are those little unique cafes with the most enjoyable coffees. Oh yeah... one more.... "Hello everyone, my name is Lynn and I'm a caffeine addict."

Melbourne has a different feel to Sydney... I find it here rather artsy-fartsy... don't you think so?

Having just 2 days to explore Melbourne is just not enough... I'm definitely coming here again : ) Now all I need is another reason to get here... anyone interested? : )