~ participant reflections ~

Our trip to Peru in May was a wonderful, magical adventure. We practiced yoga in exquisite studios, in Inca ruins, by streams, on mountain passes . . . we shared experiences with local people, shamans and weavers, farmers and porters. And we discovered that all the hype about Machu Picchu was accurate. It is a stunning place . . . clouds dancing in the mountains, so many details in the structures, an incredible engineering feat. Every day in Peru ended with great memories. It was a really great trip of a lifetime!Bob and Torrie

This trip exceeded my expectations on so many levels with the time in ruins, shopping for local specialties, learning about local culture and traditions, tremendous views and vistas and outstanding hiking and camping experiences! None of this would have been possible without the expertise, ease and considerable thoughtfulness of Deborah and David – nothing was missed and everything worked so well for all of us. I have such heartfelt memories from the people, places and events of this amazing trip — I would do this same trip all over again it was so good!!!!
Francie Rawlings… Philadelphia 2014  Yoga Adventure Peru

My thoughts and feelings are ever shifting,. So I put them on paper.: Anticipation usually leads the way. What will be? Who will be there? How will it go? As hard as it was getting myself up those trails I never felt like I was doing it alone. I have always been concerned about those in the back so I have a tendency to lay back. I must say that a lack of oxygen played a small part in helping me be patient and conserve my energy. 🙂 Majestic “Veronica,” with her beautiful snow-capped peaks, boldly pushing through the clouds, Lovely yellow lady-slippers and the ever present bromeliad clinging to it’s surroundings for survival The calls of, “here come the horses,” as the noble, inspired and determined animals thundered by on narrow mountain trails day after day Carrying that which was so precious to each of us. As they passed I think I heard one whisper, “step aside I have work to do.;-) At night we lay down together, the combined smell of cold, fresh air and the dung of our friends was “warming” and “grounding.” In Vietnamese “dung” can mean handsome or beautiful. Works for me. 😉 The rushing of the waters as we sat or lay down, as one with what is within us all. Calling, whispering to each of us. Waking each morning to the voice of Delia asking if I wanted tea or coffee, and preparing it on the spot, at times I questioned my worthiness. Watching the young men working and playing together I am reminded again of “community,” and festivity of spirit. Again the ever-looming mountains, with all their secrets, somehow protecting us. The Incans knew! Living, life-giving yoga each morning to awaken the body and soul to “potential.” Finally, with a swagger, nature unfolds and brings forth it’s fine linen in the form of a bright, majestic rainbow. There are no words! As I continue to grow, not old but upwards, I can still remember the feelings of childhood. Simply, that child continues to live within and remind me of who I am. Fear, anger, jealousy, restlessness, sorrow, disillusionment, humiliation are being replaced by love, empathy, confidence,optimism, jubilation. Always shifting, never constant, now I know and can participate in the “now” moment. It will shift and I am still here.
Cesar, Francisco, Feliciano and Delia, you are forever in my prayers.

Each of you has made a living impact on my life, especially my heart. I miss you already. Thank you so much Debra and David for presenting this opportunity that I will never forget. ” Don’t hurry, be happy!” Love you all. Looking forward, Wil

Hope this finds you well and settled after our trip to wonderful and mighty Peru.I just wanted to say thank you for all the time and energy that you put into making that trip such a special journey….it was amazing to say the least; the inspirations of Peru will stay with me for a very long time.Anyway, the main reason for the email was to thank you for sharing Peru, sharing your knowledge and wisdom and your kindness. Thank you for looking after me and being so caring. Thank you for your patience, good humour and utter thoughtfulness at every twist and turn of the journey.Thank you, quite simply, for being you…a wonderful, inspirational woman with a heart of pure gold. Namaste – Paddy X

“Whew! Home again. I hope you’re as well as we are.

We LOVED our whole trip! Machu Picchu had been a lifelong dream of mine, a big one. Now my wish list seems much shorter! I’m so glad we went with you. It couldn’t have been better.

I’m looking over my photos and thinking, what a great trip. I realize you had a complicated set of arrangements to work with — all the people with their individual needs, everyone’s expectations, — and you made it look easy. Accommodations, schedule, pace, people, food, everything was perfect. I want to go again. And my interest in yoga has been rekindled, again thanks to you. Well, wherever you are, just know that we appreciate what good care you took of us. You gave us an unforgettable trip.”
Gail and Phil  Aspen Colorado
Peru, Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu Yoga Adventure

The 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training in Peru was exceptional! Deborah’s deep knowledge of Yoga and her connection to the landscape and people provided a rich and diverse experience. We traveled through the Sacred Valley, experiencing the Peruvian culture and people in an intimate and personal way. We stayed at a beautiful eco-retreat center, trekked to remote villages and participated in sacred ceremonies with Shaman friends. The places we stayed were beautiful and the food was so delicious!

Throughout the trip, we provided Yoga to the Peruvian people; including women weavers, children in remote villages and even construction workers who enthusiastically participated. So much laughter and smiles were shared at each stop. The experience certainly deepened my own practice, knowledge and teaching of Yoga while it also expanded my understanding of the world and the beautiful people in it.
~ Beth Nolan

“Trying to put into words all the gratitude I have for the Peru experience I had with David, Deborah is almost as challenging ad the amazing trek I got to be a part of! The lifelong connection and authentic relationship to the communities they have been a part of there makes traveling with Deborah and David an experience like no other. I had been a student of Deborahs for several years Part of my interest in the trip was the opportunity for continuing education by sharing yoga with the “village people” and learning how to apply the teaching of yoga in a more universal setting, taking yoga beyond practice and into everyday life, relationships and community. To this day, it is the happiest I’ve ever been sharing yoga. Im also extremely grateful for the connection I made with David during the trip, he was such an incredible guide especially during the trek. His sense of humor got us through even the most intense of weather, and he has become one of my most valued life teachers  since that time. If you ever get the opportunity to travel to Peru, I very much encourage going with guides who have as much love for the land and the people as David and Deb do. “-Lynsey Tamposi