Austria - Yoga on the Mountain

Thanks for joining me in my adventures. This blog is dedicated to travels off the beaten path. You won't find my review of Disney World here, but you might just discover a new way to explore your world. If you're a fan of the road less traveled, I think you'll like what we have in store today.

Yoga on the Mountain

Some people collect postcards of the places they've been, others collect shot glasses. I'm not much of a knick-knacks kind of person, so I collect experiences - specifically yoga experiences. I've done yoga all over the US, the Caribbean, and now in Austria as well. If you travel often, consider collecting something non-tangible; it's neat to compare experiences from one place to another.

This experience started with the Gamskogelbahn which is known as a ski lift to the English speakers here. The lift itself is quite the experience. It never stops moving, so for a first time user it was a bit daunting. It goes something like this:

Wait for the previous lift to leave the platform
Line up your feet on footprints painted on the ground
Look over your shoulder for the approaching lift
Sit down as it bumps the back of your legs

What if you do it wrong? I really don't know. I can only assume you will be dragged in an awkward and uncomfortable position all the way up the mountain. Don't do it wrong.

The Journey

The lift was so quiet it could barely be heard - just a whisper soft whirring in the background. As we began the ascent the mountain opened up on either side of us. Cows grazed in the wild fields and the soft tinkling of their bells could be heard clearly in the still morning.

The fields rolled out before us, a well-maintained mountainside designed for tourists and locals alike. Hikers walked the ridges in the background while children played on the playground and tourists posed with the giant cartoon statue placed just for their benefit.

The Yoga

We reached the top of the mountain, slid quickly off the lift and ducked to the side so it wouldn't hit us as it continued its journey. A red tractor hauling a wagon waited to take us even higher, up a dusty trail and to a lovely little lake (pictured at the top of this post).

Once the yoga began, I didn't pause to take pictures. I was intent on following the nonverbal cues of the people around me as they listened to the instructor's prompts in German. As everyone seemed to be doing each move in a different way, it was difficult to tell what the prompt had been. Fortunately, this variety of yoga included a great deal of laying on the mat and simply breathing.

That I can handle.

Inhaling deeply through my nostrils I listened to the mountain around me. Bees buzzed, lazy in the sunshine, and the cowbells could still be heard faintly. After a while, the sound of children playing entered my awareness then drifted off again. Everyone around me stood, and I followed their lead. We did many rounds of sun salutations in the thin air before returning to our mats to breathe once again.

Afterward

When yoga was finished, our instructor invited us to the restaurant on the mountain for a complimentary brunch. The meal included the most delicious yogurt, filled with fresh blueberries and topped with currents, cantelope, and mint. In true European fashion there was a bread tray to share along with a variety of spreads and jams. Vegetable sticks rounded out the vegetarian feast and were accompanied by a variety of dressings to suit your taste. Juice and water infused with fruits were also available.

We made our way back to the lift, seasoned professionals this time around, and took the long ride down the mountain with a newfound lightness and satisfaction. The town approached, picturesque and so very Austrian, and we looked forward to our adventures ahead.

Thanks for joining me in yoga on the mountain. What do you collect from the places you visit? Let me know in the comments. Find me at Travel Life Services to get started on building your next collection.