Yogatraveller, Koh Samui, Thailand – 18th October 2008 - By: Aubrey Lampkin

With Ben Lane and Martine Boucher

 

After spending a relaxing week off, including a few breath-taking scuba dives in Koh Tao (as part of my Dive Master training) and a chance encounter with one of my favorite American actors who just happened to be visiting our humble little town of Bophut Beach, I was all geared up to start teaching my next yoga retreat in Koh Samui. I met Martine (a lovely lawyer from Canada) and Ben (a sweet mining engineer from Australia) on Saturday and, after our first sunset yoga class that evening on the beach, I knew we were all off to a strong start.

 

 

Since Koh Samui had just entered a rainy season (mid-October to mid-November) our yoga classes were slightly more damp than usual which no one seemed to mind too much, being a relief from the usual year-round dryness and heat. We met for most of our morning classes in a luscious little private garden in the center town where we practiced our sun salutations and new postures on the grass, amid chirping birds and the occasional curious frog. (Practicing outside always comes with its set of surprises, good for keeping your yoga practice fresh and you on your toes!)

 



 

We spent a relaxing day on nearby Chaengmon Beach where we soaked up some sun, got beach-side Thai massages and facials and snacked on some local green curry in one of the little sand-side restaurants. Eating together most nights, we’d start off the evening with a refreshing cocktail at our favorite local bar/restaurant, Karma Sutra, (facing Bophut pier) and then explore the family-owned Thai restaurants in town. Ben and Martine did a little tour of the east coast of the island one day together, stopping at various points on the way. We also tried to take a local boat ride on a traditional Thai long-tail boat, but our excursion was unfortunately rained out before it even started... so we all went for hot chocolates and enjoyed the shower (practicing our very best 'present moment acceptance').

 

 

As the week progressed, so did the yoga… I have the propensity to (gently) push my students to where I think they can go, and I think Martine and Ben were a bit surprised by the level we were heading to at first (a few jokes were even made about it). However, by the end of the week they were head-standing, hand-standing, back-bending, twisting and balancing like seasoned yogis! So all their hard work really paid-off - check it out:

 

 

We had our last dinner together on Friday night in Koh Samui’s hub town, Chewang, at a Thai restaurant, Chillie’s. Then a drink at the fancy restaurant, Zico’s, where we unsuspectingly walked in on a ‘two-for-one’ happy hour (I swear we didn’t know!). Nothing like finishing a good work out with some local heart-warming food and a cold drink – then to bed.

 



 

Thank you, Martine and Ben, for another memorable week in Koh Samui. Where I am always so humbled by my students and their tenacity.