Looking forward to long walks along the Mediterranean each morning #Maronti Beach then soaking in natures hot tubs heated by the dormant volcano on #Ischia. Then being pampered at the famous Spas on the island and fishing the day at our pool watching sunset with beautiful prosecco.
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I’ll be here June 10-17, 2017. #italy #yogaretreat #amalfi
Will you be here too? 😊
In Italian: pronounced “Monte Epomeo” is the highest mountain on the volcanic island of Ischia, in the Gulf of Naples, Italy. Reaching a height of 789 metres (2,589 ft), it towers above the rest of Ischia.One particularly important event in the island’s geological history is represented by the eruption about 55,000 years ago, when a giant magma chamber formed beneath the present-day island of Ischia. Through cracks and crevices in the earth’s crust, the magma was thrown into the atmosphere and the magma chamber was emptied. The cover of the magma chamber collapsed and the basin that was created in the earth’s crust, called “Caldera”, is where today lies the island of Ischia. Since ca. 55,000 years ago, the sea surface was ca. 150-200 m lower than today, this “Conca-Caldera” was dry land. After the increase of the sea level, the island was submerged for several years. This has meant that the original rock, as a result of chemical transformations, has turned into green grass.New magma flowed in the old magma chamber beneath the present-day island of Ischia, and the cover of the magma chamber began to rise from the sea and bring out the island. This increase has given rise to Mount Epomeo which rises to a maximum height of about 789 m above sea level. The fact that the island emerged from the sea, and from mineralogical characteristics, is also confirmed by the presence of marine clays overlaying the green grass and fossils.The volcanic activity is currently in a quiet phase, and is characterized by the development of very intense hydrothermal springs and fumaroles. The ascent to Mount Epomeo is definitely an experience not to be missed for those who visit. There are many possible paths to reach it. The proposed route, crossing the island from one side to another, will experience some of the geological history – environmental and anthropological aspect of the island.At the top is the church of S. Nicola (from which derives the name of the summit) with its hermitage carved into the stone green spaces, where for years stayed the hermit Giuseppe D’Argout, former commander of the garrison of the Aragonese Castle in 1700. A path carved into the stone leads to the summit, carved by wind and edged with yellow lichen. From here you can enjoy a 360 degree view (from which the origin of the name Epomeo: Epopon or Epopos I look, I aim around). In front of the wood is recognizable Falanga with Santa Maria al Monte, Monte Nuovo and Forio below. The Pontine islands, not so far away, form a continuous line with the Lazio coast. By shifting your gaze to the North Coast you’ll see the Phlegrean islands of Procida and Vivara, Vesuvius, and Lattari mountains and the island of Capri.See more images in Ischia Review
A look back at the history of Ischia starting from 700BC when it was discovered by the Greeks and then through to the Roman times, attacks by pirates in the middle ages, warring republics, the Risorgimento and finally on to modern times.
Read about the mythology, the settlement by the Greeks, the Romans, and the interesting history of this island. By Dion Protani, in Ischia Review
Italy’s Amalfi Coast is the stuff of James Bond films and Steinbeck novels, and for good reason: it’s heart-stutteringly beautiful.
Enjoy these beautiful pictures in Travel & Leisure
What Makes a Real and Authentic Yoga Teacher?
By: Silvia Mordini, featured on DoYouYoga.com
A recent NY Post article calls out some of the worst case scenarios in how humans teach yoga. On the one hand, we could simply disregard the article for being snarky and provocative. But on the other hand, there was some truth there too. Too often, and more and more over the last twenty years, yoga teachers with great intentions are parroting misinformation about the practice to students. This mimicry stage might at first be necessary for initial growth, but soon after, individuation must take place whereby the teacher actually knows why they are saying the things they say.
Here’s the Truth Not all yoga teachers are the same. Not all yoga schools are created equally, even if they are Yoga Alliance approved. Not all Yoga Alliance-certified yoga teachers have the foundational knowledge to be leading others in a practice that is physical, emotional and spiritual (whether you want it to be or not).
Artistic Bali is a melting pot of cultures and traditions. The Balinese have an inborn talent of absorbing different cultural elements, blending them with their own, to produce dynamic new artistic hybrids. Across the years, Bali has soaked up Chinese, Buddhist, Indian, Hindu, Javanese and Western influences.
The Balinese were, traditionally, animists. Even when Hinduism arrived in Bali, its practices were adapted to go hand in hand with local traditions, thus making Hinduism in Bali very much different from its original form in India. Even the Hindu Mahabarata and Ramayana epics take on Balinese nuances and beliefs when played out in the wayang.
Other aspects of Balinese life follow suit. Take for instance, its performing arts. Bali’s dance, music and Wayang theatres still retain rich religious connotations, after having been enriched by contemporary artistry, and are still performed to appease and please the gods. This is illustrated in the trance dance of the Barong, or the intense Kecak dance; which retains very Balinese elements but includes a rhythm set by Western influences.
Read the complete article and see pictures of Balinese crafts in Bali Shopping Guide -What To Buy In Bali
Thousands of islands with different cultures make up Indonesia, so no wonder its food is just as diverse. To complement the holiday experience on Bali, you would not want to miss out on its assortment of dishes.
These include interesting and exotic selections such as ‘lawar’, ‘bebek betutu’, the Balinese satay version known as ‘sate lilit’, and the island’s famed ‘babi guling’ whole spit-roast pig. The Balinese have a rich collection of snacks, cakes and desserts for your sweet tooth too!
Read the complete article in bali-indonesia.com
Bali is Indonesia’s favorite tourist destination, known for its natural attractions, perfect climate and relaxed atmosphere. This island of flowers, temples and friendly people is considered a real gem by travelers worldwide.
In addition to spas and archaeological attractions, surfing and scuba diving in Bali remain a principle interest for water sport enthusiasts around the world.
From the tranquil reefs of Padang Bai in the northwest, to the breathtaking drift diving off Nusa Penida in the south, Bali is teeming with reputable dive centers.
The flag of Bali contains the province coat of arms, centered on a light saffron background.
From the WORLD ATLAS
Best well-known destination of the country, the Island of the Gods or Island of a Thousand Temples, Bali experience is a combination of salty air, religious beliefs, fascinating structures and culture and big wide smiles. Lots do to and lots to see, it’s an all in one island experience, a balanced life of tranquility and hype. And to give you a picture of how incredible life in Bali is, together, let us discover some of the awesome things to do in Bali, Indonesia!
Go read the complete article click here
Monteriggioni is, without doubt, one of the most classical and best known Italian walled town. Since the Middle Age its fame was so big that also the great poet Dante Alighieri makes sign to his ‘round enclosure‘ in the Divine Comedy (Hell, chant XXXI vv. 40-41). The town walls, nearly intact, cover a length of 570 meters and are alternated by 14 towers andtwo gates. The Senese Gate is at the base of a square tower while the Florence Gate is opened in the curtain and defended from one of the towers of the fortified perimeter.
The town was built by the Senesis in the years 1213-1219 on a hilltop overlooking of the Cassia Road. Its ideal position allowed to control the Elsa and the Staggia Valleys in direction in Florence, the historic enemy of Siena, that at that time was rapidly expanding its territory.
The front toward Florence. The hill where Monteriggioni rises is natural, even if it could seem a great ‘motte‘ (from the name of the classical Norman castles ‘Motte-and-Bailey’ built on artificial hills and gifted of enclosure), and the circular, almost perfectly, layout of the walls was obtained simply following the sketch of the ground’s curves of level. In the planning was tried of to limit the weak points for excellence, the gates, entrusting the only connections with the outside only to a east to west crossing road. To Monteriggioni the military building work appears physically distinguished by the inhabited area confined to its inside but well separated from the walls from a ‘territory of respect‘, although in the ancient times the inhabited area has been more intense than today and consequently with a more narrow band of separation. The hamlet that we can admire in our days is essentially authentic, being ever been object of building and tourist speculations. The only changes to its aspect happened in the first years of the 16th century when, trying to conform the fortifications to the development of the new fire weapons, were lowered the towers and accumulated earth at the base of the walls with the purpose to get a bastion effect.
Recently a part of the wall walk of the town walls has been restored and made accessible. From the top of the walled circuit, it is possible to admire the surrounding countryside towards Chianti and the Valdelsa and to enjoy a unique view of the town and its fortifications. More info: http://www.monteriggioniturismo.it/en/museum-and-walkway.html
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