Yoga and Writing Retreats in Mexico
with Charles MacInerney
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SETTING
- Puerto Vallarta - Playa del Muerto
 Playa
del Muerto is the stretch of beach where we
gather beside the pier to catch the water taxi
to Yelapa. Those participants who arrive earlier
in the day have several hours to relax on the
beach or explore the town. This is also an opportunity
for any last minute shopping for camera film,
sunscreen, sandals etc.. that you might need
for the retreat.
Playa del Muerto
is located in the older part of Puerto Vallarta,
south of the river. This stretch of beach has
the best surf, and is where the locals swim
and relax in the sun. It is sometimes called
'the Riviera' because of its popularity with
Canadian and French visitors.
Above-right is
Keith (who attended the February 1999 retreat)
drinking fresh coconut milk from one of the
many vendors who set up along the sidewalk by
the beach. If you want food, drinks, Mexican
blankets, or souvenirs they are easy to find.
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 In
the late afternoon everyone meets back at the beach by the pier
where we board the water taxi to Yelapa. It takes about one
hour to get from Puerto Vallarta to Yelapa. Along the way participants
have a good chance of seeing whales, dolphins, manta rays, and
plenty of birds and spectacular scenery. This is also a chance
to get to know some of the other participants, and to relax
with the wind and water.
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When the retreat ends, 8 days later,
participants once again board the water taxi early Saturday
morning and take the water taxi back to Puerto Vallarta. Most
participants have several hours before needing to leave for
the airport and elect to do some shopping, or get a nice lunch.
There are usually a few who choose to stay on an extra day or
two in Puerto Vallarta before returning to their homes.
At left, Tierno spends an extra day in Puerto Vallarta following
the November 1999 retreat. With a little encouragement, agrees
to face his fear of heights and allows himself to be harnessed
to a parachute.
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Moments later Tierno was hoisted aloft, and found himself floating
down the beach, pulled behind a speed boat.
Later that evening Tierno, Karen
and Charles spotted a small crowd gathered on the beach. They
were just in time to see a giant sea-turtle laying her eggs
in the sand. A biologist was at hand to gather the eggs to transfer
them to a more remote beach where there is already an established
protected beach for these magnificent creatures. Apparently
this is a common occurrence, and the locals respond quickly
to make sure the turtle is kept safe, and that her eggs are
not lost in the sand.
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 That
same evening Tierno, Karen and Charles set off to explore the
boardwalk and sample the nightlife
of Puerto Vallarta.
Tierno later told friends that
this retreat had been one of the best experiences of his life.
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SETTING
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