Toronto funk day 1

Some cities you dip your toes into only to feel cold and wet. Every place has its interesting sightseeing and is enjoyable to say, hey, I’ve been there. My type of touring is diving headfirst into the water, experiencing how the details trigger my senses.

I am in love with Toronto. I stepped out of the car headed to the Bed & Breakfast we’re staying at, and felt a sense of belonging. Weird, huh? Maybe it was the dozens of cyclists I saw on my way in who pedaled there way through torrential downpours, or the vibe of the north-of-downtown neighbor we’re lodged in, but I’m digging it.

If you’ve never stayed in a B&B, I would highly recommend it. You can typically get rooms for similar rates to hotels in the area, sometimes cheaper, and its’s homey. They are in residential areas that are less worrisome, and you can easily connect with natives. We’re crashing at this quaint, victorian home. My favorite feature? The fact it has a balcony porch and a spot perfect for my yoga mat.

 

For any long trips, yoga is a lifesaver. It stretches me out, and with added walking to my normal routine I feel rejuvented the next day.

Here’s my quick go-to practice on the road because I don’t want to spend too much time inside.

-Sit in a comfortable position and twist wrists, ankles and hips in their sockets.

-Tilt head to left or right and extend arm on floor to the opposite side as head. This is inspired by my hatha practice, and relaxes the neck.

-Raise into a downward dog with knees super bent as the muscles are still warming up.

-Sun salutations and chaturanga at your pleasure.

-Crow pose for hips

-Warrior 1, 2, reverse warrior to triangle pose.

-Go back to downward dog inbetween and switch sides during crow pose and warrior sequence.

-End with a few deep breaths.

If I’m trying to sweat a little I’ll add in some more sequences. I’m not a yoga teacher, but I’d recommend trying whatever feels good on your body and the combination of vinyasa and hatha sequences were my first introduction to yoga, so I’m partial to that style of routine. I stuck with this combination of poses during my California trip last year, my India trip in the winter, and Chicago trip this past fall. I swear by it.

Did this sequence after sighseeing and shopping for a few hours today and already did a trail run back home before we (My mom and I) started our trek.

Looking forward to post more pictures, and update all of you beautiful people on my runs and other shenanigans.

xoxo with shanti,

Mel