Wilmington Yoga Center

Retreats

Kunga Journeys Yoga Service Retreats Presents:

Decorate with Love Yoga Service Retreat
To the enchanted land of Kerala, India
Benefiting Home of Hope Orphanage for Girls

With Kristin Cooper-Gulak, Loren Gulak
& Guest Teachers from Wilmington Yoga Center

December 29, 2008 to January 7, 2009

[Click here] to view a video the Home of Hope Orphanage, the girls, and scenes from the city of Cochin, Kerala

All Ages & Abilities Welcome on this
Retreat-including kids!

- The Setting
- Kerala and Ayurveda
- Accommodations
- Pricing and Payment
- Travel to Kerala, India
- Teacher Bio

Many of you have seen photos of these beautiful Indian orphaned girls plastered on our lobby windows, and many of you have supported the orphanage through purchasing items from our “Conscious Corner” as well as donating during our Yoga Day Fundraisers. Now it’s time to get on a plane and go over and meet the girls!

Please join us as we return to Kerala on the southern coast of India for a very unique yoga and service project at the Home of Hope Orphanage.

We’ve been gearing up all year to take our yoga community back over to an orphanage and locale that is so very special to us. We are very excited to share some of the special experiences from our last trip in January, 2008; serving the girls chai in the morning breakfast line, watching them drum and blow trombones during band practice, being humbled by their ability to speak English along with their native tongue at only 6 years old!

charity work We spent an amazing honeymoon at the Home of Hope Orphanage teaching English and yoga to the girls, experiencing the amazing company of the Nuns, and laughing until our bellies hurt! It was truly the most powerful trip of our lives, and we are obviously bursting to share it with you all! Please check out the blog from our trip at www.wilmingtonyogacenter.com/blog
and read some of our stories!

The intention of this trip is to:

Raise $ for the orphanage (20% of the profits from your trip cost will go to the orphanage.)
Create a unique group yoga experience through “seva” combining yoga, ayurveda, and service work at a very well established orphanage.
Inspire other yoga studios to do the same!

Please join us for the fun and the work!
Kristin & Loren

yoga with kids The Setting
This is a truly unique experience to Kerala India, and the Home of Hope Orphanage. Our Decorate with Love retreat will combine spending our mornings practicing yoga at our beautiful hotel terrace, our afternoons at the orphanage and exploring the magical tropical region of Kerala, on the south west coast of India.

We will help children of the Home Of Hope Orphanage to bring their decorating ideas and talents to life. We will create huge murals to decorate their new dormitory building and classrooms. Right now the walls are bare and just begging for some beauty.

Our murals will look down on the precious girls for years to come. The orphanage is home to 70 girls who have seen the worst life has to offer. Many have been beggars on the street; they have been physically, spiritually and sexually abused.

You can visit with the children by watching their video on www.homeofhopeindia.org. If time allows with the girls schooling schedules, we will be arranging a group field trip to the Kerala beaches with the girls.

kerala Kerala, India
Kerala is a State in the India Union located on the south west coast of the Indian peninsula. We will be staying in the town of Cochin. Cochin is a seaside town on the Arabian Sea with tall swaying palm trees and idyllic back waters. We have reserved 4 star accommodations at the Hotel ABAD Plaza, Cochin.

Cochin is a modern city with every modern amenity and is draped in a rich history. Arabs, Chinese, Dutch, British and Portuguese sea-farers followed the sea route to Cochin and left their impressions on the town. The Chinese fishing nets swaying in the breeze over the backwaters, the Jewish Synagogue, the Dutch Palace, the Bolghatty Palace and Portuguese architecture in Cochin enrich the heritage of Kerala.

Cherai Beach, a lovely beach bordering Vypeen island off Cochin, is ideal for swimming. Dolphins are occasionally seen here. A typical Kerala village with paddy fields and coconut groves nearby is an added attraction.

Culture of Kerala
One aspect of the Kerala's rich cultural heritage is manifest in its varieties of religious architecture: ancient Hindu temples with copper-clad roofs, later Islamic mosques with "Malabar gables," and colonial Portuguese Baroque churches.

Splendid paintings, especially murals, exhibit distinct local traditions and styles. Kerala is a flourishing center of the Kathakali dance form and also a rich theatre tradition. The only surviving Sanskrit drama, Koottiyattam, is still performed by the Chakkiars of Kerala. Some principles of the Natya-Shastra are evident in their presentations.

Festivals of Kerala
10-day annual festival in January at Sreekandeswaram Temple, Thiruvananthapuram. In February, is the week-long Nishagandhi Dance festival; Pooram festival in Thrissur around April-May; Flavor Food Festival, at the Kanakakunnu Palace grounds, Thiruvananthapuram in May.

Onam Week celebrations, the annual harvest festival of Kerala begins in August and lasts for 10 days. Another important festival is the annual Pongala Utsavam, to which only women are allowed at the Attukal Bhagavathy Temple, Thiruvananthapuram. Therayattam festival is held to propitiate the gods and demons recognized by the pantheon of the Malayalis.

Optional tours “On your Own” throughout southern India can be arranged to extend your stay, please inquire for details on travel outside of Kerala. Many have expressed interest in traveling together as a group to some of the other tourist spots of India and this can be arranged upon request.

Kerala Backwaters Tour:
Kerala’s backwaters are the most popular tourist attraction of Kerala. The palm-fringed, tranquil backwaters were once just the State's trade highways. Kerala is her backwaters and lakes. They have dictated her history, shaped her present and promise a future by virtue of offering incomparable beauty and unique experiences.

Kerala’s palm-fringed backwaters are inland lakes connected by a network of canals. With 41 west-flowing rivers, the backwaters stretch to almost 1,900 kilometers. The backwater routes date back over the centuries and have been long used for all transportation needs, in particular trade in coconut, rubber, rice and spices. Today, these waterways link remote villages and islands to the mainland and nerve centers of the coastal area. We will be taking a backwaters tour as our group excursion!

Kerala and Ayurveda
Ayurveda, the science of life, was originated in India and Kerala has been the Mecca for Ayurveda for centuries. Kerala’s perfect climate conditions are excellent for growing rich herbs used in treatments. Our hotel offers an Ayurveda health center and offers a array of ayurvedic treatments to enhance, restore and renew your health.

Our Girls, Our Story-Home of Hope Orphanage
Prathyasha Bhavan (Home of Hope) was started in 1987 by the Salesian Sisters of Don Bosco, an international Catholic Christian order of 14,000 nuns, dedicated to working with the disadvantaged young.

Home of Hope provides a loving, stable home to abandoned, homeless, and neglected girls, from ages 5 to 23. Currently, 70 girls are in residence. No girl in need or crisis is ever refused.

The beautiful girls are often brought to Home of Hope with ragged clothes and much too much sadness in their young eyes. Once at the Home of Hope, many of the girls excel in their schoolwork, they have daily schedules of cleaning, cooking, and study time, and also a balance of free time to play!

We so enjoyed teaching the girls yoga on the beautiful terrace with the sunset and the coconut trees as our view! The girls are very disciplined, very loving, and craving attention and company.

The orphanage of 70 is run by seven Sisters. As you can imagine, the girls are thrilled just to have your attention as you watch them do a cartwheel or to practice their English with you.

Yoga & Mediation
Daily classes with Kristin & guest teachers include extended gentle yoga, vinyasa yoga, pilates and meditation. All yoga classes are non-intimidating, fun and open to all levels and abilities. On all WYC retreats, we work to build “sangha” a light-hearted community atmosphere as we experience these amazing adventures together! Most classes will take place in the morning at our hotel, along with group classes at the orphanage. Families are welcome to attend the group classes. All classes and events are always optional during our retreat.

hotel Accommodations
A fitting complement to the fascinating beauty of Kerala, we have reserved accommodations at the ABAD Plaza Cochin.

Centrally air-conditioned and elegant, the hotel is conveniently located in the heart of Cochin, on M.G. Road. The hotel located near the railway stations, bus station and on direct road to the international airport.

All 80 rooms and suites are well appointed and tastefully decorated to include direct dialing telephones, televisions with satellite channels & attached bath. Visit www.abadhotels.com for detailed hotel information.

Hotel Amenities
Kandamkulathy Ayurveda Health Center
Ayurveda is the ancient Indian system of medicine developed through many centuries of research. Indian medical philosophy approaches the whole body by taking care of physical, mental and spiritual health.

Kandamkulathy upholds a rich ayurvedic tradition in manufacturing ayurvedic medicines, treatment of patients and maintaining high quality standards. This tradition is over 150 years old. Kandamkulathy has grown to an entity with 20 patented products and over 500 product ranges. Ayurveda doctors and masseurs cater to your treatment and rejuvenation needs.

Additional Hotel Amenities

Roof-top Swimming Pool & Health Club with Sauna
Hospitality Desk
Travel Desk
24 hr Room Service
Parking Garage
Individual Safety Deposit boxes
Shopping Arcade
Doctor on call
Laundry service
Currency exchange

Hotel Dining
Regency, the multi-cuisine restaurant is just the place to pamper your palate. Regency offers delectable varieties of Indian, Chinese and Continental dishes and seafood specialties. It offers a buffet breakfast and lunch as well as an Ala Carte menu. Live music on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.

Kadaloram, specialty restaurant featuring the delicacies of the west coast of India offers a Kerala buffet lunch and coastal buffet dinner.

Canopy Coffee Shop, is just the spot to enjoy a range of ice creams, pastries and snacks. Snacks include dosas, vadas, idlis to burger, pizzas, sandwiches, from biryanis to chats.

Staying in touch
The Abad Plaza business center offers photocopying, telefax, E-Mail and secretarial assistance.

Pricing / Payment Schedule:

All rates below are inclusive
Single (limited): $1600
Double (limited): $1400
Suite (limited to 3): $1100

Retreat includes

Accommodations
Daily morning 2-3 hour yoga & mediation classes with Kristin and guest teachers
Daily breakfast
Airport transfer to hotel
Opening ceremonial group dinner
Group excursion boat tour on the Kerala backwaters on a traditional Indian houseboat
Daily afternoon "Decorate with Love" activities at the Home of Hope Orphanage painting/beautifying the girl’s new dormitory
Conversational English with the girls and overall afternoon fun!

Optional Activities:
Ayurvedic treatments & massage at Kandamkulathy Ayurveda Health Center
Daily Sightseeing Excursions

Payment Schedule:
Early bird discount of 10% off if paid in full by September 1, 2008. If not paying in full, a 50% deposit is required by October 15th to GUARANTEE a spot, with full balance due November 15, 2008.

In the event of cancellation
60 days or more prior to the retreat: Your payment will be refunded, less a $250 administration fee.

59 – 30 days prior to the retreat: Payments are not refundable, but are transferable (less $250 administration fee) to a studio credit.

29 days or less: Payments are not refundable

map of india Travel to Kerala, India:
Traveling to India will be an exciting adventure. We have prepared the following travel information to help answer the most frequently asked questions. In the near future we will host an informational travel meeting to answer more detailed questions.

Travel Agent
We highly recommend travel agent Sandi White for bookings and flight information. Sandy can arrange “On Your Own” tour packages to extend your trip in India.

Please contact her directly at (269) 469-1430 or email swhite@corptravelmail.com. When emailing Sandy, please use the subject line: WYC India Retreat

Flights
Cochin International Airport can be reached from most international airports via Delhi International Airport.

Passport
You will need a passport to travel outside of the US and into India. Information on obtaining a passport can me found at www.travel.state.gov. Please allow enough time to have a passport processed.

Visa
You will need a Tourist Visa for entry into India/Kerala. Information on obtaining a Tourist Visa can me found at www.indianembassy.org. Please allow enough time to have a visa processed.

Currency
India's currency is the Rupee, abbreviated as INR or Rs

Banks
Banks are open 10:00am - 2:00pm on weekdays and from 10:00am - 12:00pm on Saturdays. Banks are closed Sundays.

Credit cards
Major hotels, restaurants and shopping centers accept major credit cards.

Time Difference
Eastern USA is ten and half hours behind Indian time.

What to pack
Cotton clothing, hats, sunglasses, light jacket, sunscreen lotion etc.

Food
All standard restaurants offer a variety of cuisines including Continental, Chinese, Indian and typical Kerala fare.

Water
Tap water is purified and quite safe to drink. Bottled water is also available.

Climate
Kerala enjoys balmy weather most of the year. The winter season in Kerala is mid December until February. Winter weather is warm and sunny, 70’s and 80’s with cooler evenings.

For info and to register
please contact Theresé Julo, WYC Studio Manager: therese@wilmingtonyogacenter.com

Resources
www.keralatourism.org
www.kerala.com
www.homeofhopeindia.com
www.travel.state.gov
www.indianembassy.org
www.abadhotels.com

Teacher Bio's

Kristin Cooper Gulak, 500E-RYT is an experienced registered teacher with Yoga Alliance at the 500hr level, teaching since 1999. She works with students with cancer and HIV, and is a member of the International Association of Yoga Therapists (IAYT). Kristin has worked privately with celebrity clients Ashley Judd, Katie Holmes, and the cast of Dawson’s Creek. She is founder and director of Wilmington & Southport Yoga Centers, and travels as a teacher trainer and percussionist for Shiva Rea, working as Mentor for Shiva’s Prana Vinyasa 500hr Teacher Training. Kristin has also assisted the Kripalu Center for Yoga & Health 200hr Teacher Trainings. She is the creator of Rhythmic Flow Yoga w/live drumming and leads workshops and international retreats around the world with her percussionist husband, Loren Gulak- www.rhythmicflowyoga.com. Her personal practice has been inspired and guided by an extraordinary group of human beings to whom she is extremely grateful, including: Loren Gulak, Bryan Kest, Shiva Rea, Teresa Spanos, Yoganand, Beryll Berch, Kevin Simpson, Gurumukh, David Life and Sharon Gannon, and her loving family!