Almost 18 years ago when I moved to Vermont, I opened a small yoga studio. I was newly separated and making my way in a new community with 5 small children who were undergoing a huge life change, I was also a seriously practicing yogi. I was in the best shape of my life at 38 years old. Many factors resulted in the decisions to close this little gem of a studio two years later. As a single mother I really needed to make more money to support my children, and because I was teaching 11 classes a week my body began to feel the pressure. When I reluctantly closed the studio doors I left yoga behind. I locked the doors for the last time and said goodbye to my yoga practice. (Learn here my friends, do not ever say goodbye to a wonderful yoga practice. It’s hard to get back.). I submerged myself into the role of breadwinner and stopped taking care of myself. Gaining a lot of weight and loosing my flexibility were the side effects.

Fast forward many years and my fabulous friend Kari started her teacher training across the country at Sellwood Yoga in Portland. She and the owner/teacher extraordinaire Savonn are great friends and Kari began joining Savonn on International retreats. The good news is I was invited to be a participant!! Two years ago I joined the Sellwood gang in Lucca, Italy and I was HOOKED. By far the most overweight and out of shape yogi in the group, I was embraced with love and joy by my fellow students. When an invitation arrived to join them again this fall in France, Don and I signed up immediately. My very fit husband has been studying Buddhism and mediation for decades and was thrilled to be invited to join along.

Don and I made it out of Barcelona just as a very sad and emotional political event took place. I am in no way an expert in Catalonia or the politics that surround the relationship with Spain, so I will not even attempt to write about it. We were one of the last trains out of Barcelona before all the transportation shut down and there were huge protests in the streets.

I’ve written about our magical trip through the Pyrenees. These country mice love visiting mountain villages in different countries, submerging ourselves in the culture. Being in a spot where we are one of the only Americans is one of my favorite things to do. We stumble our way through speaking local languages and eat local food. Don is fluent in Spanish which always helpful, even in France!

At the end of our Pyrenees adventure, staying in French castles and gorgeous country inns found by Tina at the amazing Valerie Wilson Travel, we headed to the retreat….only to discover a train strike!! We were able to keep our French rental car for an extra day and get ourselves to Château de Bardouly. We picked up another Sellwood attendee and met up with our group.

Our first impression was “pure bliss”. This magical estate is covered in vines in the way only the French have mastered. The current owners Lisa and Jean Claude, bought the Château twenty years ago from a family who had owned it for 300 years. They painstakingly restored this gorgeous treasure, refinishing the beautiful wood floors, repairing the roof, leaving the bones intact, and embracing all the gorgeous wood paneling. Bath rooms were modernized, gardens were unearthed and replanted, and the Château was decorated in a manner which makes you feel at home and like a princess at the same time. Don and I were assigned the “Queen’s bedroom.” Fellow attendees and I were most intrieged by hidden doors and passageways. The house holds so many fascinating secrets.

At the Sellwood Yoga retreats, you are treated to a variety of fantastic adventures while being nurtured with two fabulous yoga classes a day and gourmet meals by local chefs. Morning yoga starts at 7 or 7:30 depending on our daily schedule, followed by a fabulous French breakfast prepared by the outstanding French chef at the Château. Daily adventures included visiting other villages, seeing numerous historic UNESCO sites, attending village farmer’s markets, touring other Châteaux and gardens, and visits from local masseuses! Lunch is either at home or taken with us. Never is any plastic used. We were absolutely delighted to open coolers and find glass bowls of chocolate pudding and real silverware and plates for this scrumptious fare. Afternoon Yoga usually starts around 5 and the group sits down to dinner together around 7. We had wine tastings and nights cuddled together in the gorgeous living room by the fire, laughing and joking with each other. I love traveling with other travelers, because you learn so much from them regarding places they have visited, sites to see, items to pack, and all around great tips from kindered planet traveling souls.

I joked when we left that I was suffering from Château Sydrome, that afilliation which comes from spending 7 days in France eating cheese, drinking wine, laughing til your sides hurt, rediscovering the joy of being able to touch your toes, and never wanting to leave. A huge shout out to Savvon and Kari from Sellwood Yoga in Portland, Oregon. Your Vermont students love you dearly!!

To learn more about this gorgeous Château and the many opportunities available at Bardouly you can check out their website https://bardouly.com/the-estate/

Kari and I driving around France, trying not to make her laugh!