The Yoga Shala Relocation Project

About this project

Thank you very much for taking the time to learn about our gofundme project!  Hugs and high fives for any contributions you donate to our cause to expand our Yoga Studio!

We are here on gofundme to ask for your help to complete the buildout for The Yoga Shala’s new home.



Why we are doing it.

For the last six years, The Yoga Shala (School) has been dedicated to helping people achieve greater health and wellness through the vehicle of Ashtanga Yoga. We absolutely love what we do! We love our community, our students and our teachers. After six wonderful years in our current facility in Winter Park, Florida and after a very long and thorough search for the ‘perfect’ new home, we are extremely excited to be moving our Shala to a more centralized location with greater amenities in Orlando's College Park neighborhood.


Our total funding need is $18,000.00

Between my life savings and a personal loan we are only $18,000 from our initial goal to complete our buildout turning an old hair styling school in College Park into our new Yoga school. Right now we are in demolition mode tearing things out before we can build the space for our needs.  Walls are coming down, walls will go up, electric work needs to be done, bathroom and shower built, ceiling gutted, fixed and painted; A/C issues addressed, other plumbing tended to, hardwood floors purchased and installed, walls painted, doors installed and much much more! We need your help.  Please get involved today!

Our secondary goal is to engage with the broader community. Should our gofundme crowd funding exceed the $18,000 needed to complete our buildout, we will use any additional funds donated to set up scholarships for students who cannot afford to pay for Yoga classes but have a genuine desire to learn the physical, mental and spiritual art of Ashtanga Yoga.

Who is Krista Shirley

I have been a dedicated daily yoga practitioner of the Ashtanga Yoga method for almost 13 years and have been teaching for the last 12 years. I travel to Mysore, India every year to deepen my knowledge and personal yoga practice at the Krishna Pattabhi Jois Ashtanga Yoga Institute KPJAYI in Mysore, South India. To date, I’ve made 10 trips and spent over 24 months of my life studying at the KPJAYI.

Krista Shirley in Primary Series Asana      
भुजपीडासन Bhuja-Pīḍāsana in Mysore, India - 2015

I took my first Yoga class in 2003 here in Orlando, Florida.  I had just returned from a semester abroad in Athens, Greece.  I immediately fell in love with this yoga system because of the physical challenges it provides, mental focus it demands, spiritual connection that becomes accessible should you choose to pursue, its deep history and culture, and the overall "feel good" feeling it gives you when you finish an asana practice.

Krista Shirley in Advanced A Series Asana  दुर्वासन Durvāsana at Fire Station One in Orlando Photo by Tamara Knight Photography

When I graduated from Rollins College in 2004 I opted to take a year off before graduate school and traveled to Thailand and other parts of the US to deepen my yoga studies and also do several yoga teacher trainings.

Krista Shirley in Intermediate Series Asana एकपाद शीर्षासन  Eka-Pāda Śīrṣāsana Photo by Tamara Knight Photography

When I returned home and started teaching I yearned to meet Pattabhi Jois (Guruji), the great lineage holder for this yoga method. In May of 2005 I finally met Guruji in New York during his tour. Then in May of 2006 I made my very first pilgrimage to Mysore, India to spend ten months studying under Guruji’s guidance. I have returned yearly since that first trip and in 2009 Guruji granted me level 2 authorization to teach through Intermediate series. It is a very prestigious honor given to only several hundred people throughout the world.

Sri K. Pattabhi Jois - Guruji

When my late teacher, Sri K. Pattabhi Jois authorized me, he told me to go back home to Orlando and open a yoga school dedicated to the teachings of Ashtanga Yoga. I knew this was the beginning of a very new and intense and rewarding part of my life journey. When I returned home I found a tiny space to start teaching Mysore classes while I looked for the perfect place to call home.

What is The Yoga Shala

In August of 2009 I signed a lease for my yoga school in Winter Park, Florida. The very next day I found out I was going to have a baby. In October 2009 the doors to The Yoga Shala opened for business and in May 2010 my son Kaiden was born.

Baby Kaiden - 1 month old


Kaiden and Krista in Mysore, India 2015

I was scared, I had degrees in Anthropology, Archaeology and Classical Studies, I was a yoga teacher by trade and had no real business experience. BUT, I knew I would succeed. I knew The Yoga Shala would grow and prosper.

Morning Mysore Class at The Yoga Shala

Because I had no prior business experience and we were in the midst of a recession, I was unable to get funding for our buildout. So we did as much as we could with the tiny buildout budget we had. And over the course of the next two years we did two more buildouts to make the space more ours, more comfortable, more open.

Buildout phase 2 - September 2010 - Knocked down         walls to open classroom to allow for more students;           opened up reception for larger boutique; tiled back 

Buildout phase 3: September, 2011
Opened up Ceiling and main yoga classroom to accommodate more students

Over the last 6 years we have grown, we have touched the lives of many people in our community, we have introduced Ashtanga Yoga to as many people as we can. One of my primary goals with The Yoga Shala was to create a community, a little shala family. And I’m proud to say we’ve really succeeded. I love this shala family like my own blood and care deeply for them. I always want to give them the absolute best. We’ve seen teaching staff come and go, clients move away, clients start families, clients pass away. And all those that have come and gone, those that are still members, they are all part of our family.

A slice of The Yoga Shala family - Photo by Prabhu Doss Mani

Why is this important?
Our yoga community consists of amazing people from all walks of life, all backgrounds, ages and ethnicities. We have all come together to practice and study yoga.  This specific commonality brought us together to also learn about all the other things we share - love of nature, healthy eating, kombucha, travel, meditation, reading, taking time to invest in our health and wellness and education of the things that matter.  By making a donation to our cause you are helping our little yoga family finish the buildout for our new home!  By extension, you will be helping us spread the practice of yoga even further, helping more people than we ever dreamed possible.

Morning Mysore Class at The Yoga Shala with our little yogi mascot, Kaiden man!

Your donations will help local students who call our Yoga Shala their "second home" and also people all over the world who practice Ashtanga Yoga.  Due to the niche nature of our yoga style, people travel far and wide to come through our doors and roll out their mat.  Many students who travel to Central Florida for the attractions will make the trek to our studio and many more plan vacations to Orlando just to come study with us. 

Krista assisting a student in headstand

In addition, I teach workshops all around the US and abroad, and plan and lead retreats in exotic locations each year. As a result, I meet many incredible people around the world who later come to our yoga school in Orlando to deepen their practice of Ashtanga Yoga with me. I am incredibly grateful for the life-long friendships and student/teacher relationships that have developed along the way.

Video highlights of my weekend yoga workshop at Meadowlark Yoga in Edinburgh, Scotland Nov. 2014.


The above video highlights my weekend yoga workshop at It's Yoga Panama in Panama City, Panama, July 2015.


Highlights from Krista Shirley's 2014 Ashtanga Yoga Adventure retreat through Peru.

What will your contribution support?
Your contribution will support the completion of The Yoga Shala’s buildout and relocation to College Park. Our new facility will feature a beautiful Yoga class room, a private client room, a reception area with sizable retail boutique; a shower, generous rear parking lot and front street parking, and a very convenient location in Orlando's College Park neighborhood.


We need to raise an additional $18,000 to complete the buildout for the new Yoga Shala.  Please help us by making a donation today via our gofundme campaign. No donation is too big or too small! We greatly appreciate your support and spreading the word to those in your community to help us reach our goal! We have wonderful yoga products and services for every level of donation.

Rewards
Scroll down to peruse product and service options available at various levels of donation.  

* Please note: Shipping costs are included in your donation.
 

$5.00 or more
Virtual high-five! We send you our deepest gratitude.
As a heartfelt thank you for getting involved in our project, Krista will do some Sun Salutations for you.



$32.00 or more
Krista will mail you an autographed copy of her Ashtanga Yoga Primary and Intermediate Series color poster 24x36 in. http://nysayoga.com/yoga-poster/ashtanga-yoga-poster-krista-shirley 
AND a Yoga Shala bumper Sticker

AND, as a heartfelt thank you for getting involved with the project, Krista will do some Sun Salutations for you

Sneak peak video (above) of my Ashtanga Yoga Primary and Intermediate Series poster.  This beautiful 24x36in color poster is one of many products you can choose from as a way for us to thank you for your donation to our cause.



$38 or more
Krista will send you an "I have a case of the moon days" tank top http://nysayoga.com/clothing/moon-days-tank 

OR a Yoga Shala tank top
http://nysayoga.com/clothing/the-yoga-shala-tank  
AND we will also send you a Yoga Shala bumper sticker

AND, as a heartfelt thank you for getting involved with our project, Krista will do some Sun Salutations for you 



$42 or more
Krista will send you a Nysa Yoga Handbag
http://nysayoga.com/yoga-bags-handbags/?category=Handbags 
AND a Yoga Shala bumper Sticker

AND, as a heartfelt thank you for getting involved with the project, Krista will do some Sun Salutations for you.



$57 or more
Krista will send you her newest hand bag design
Raw Silk Nysa Handbag.
http://nysayoga.com/yoga-bags-handbags/raw-silk-handbags 
AND a Yoga Shala bumper sticker

AND, as a heartfelt thank you for getting involved with the project, Krista will do some Sun Salutations for you.



$66 or more
Krista will send you an autographed copy of her Ashtanga Yoga Primary and Intermediate Series color poster 24x36 in
http://nysayoga.com/yoga-poster/ashtanga-yoga-poster-krista-shirley

AND a Yoga Shala tank top
http://nysayoga.com/clothing/the-yoga-shala-tank 
AND a Yoga Shala bumper sticker

AND, as a heartfelt thank you for getting involved with the project, Krista will do some Sun Salutations for you.

 

$73 or more
Krista will send you an autographed copy of her Ashtanga Yoga Primary and Intermediate Series color poster 24x36 in
http://nysayoga.com/yoga-poster/ashtanga-yoga-poster-krista-shirley

AND an Om Scarf
http://nysayoga.com/accessories/?category=Om+Scarves
AND an Eye Pillow
http://nysayoga.com/accessories/8qjqcymp5u6two5xbvyrtrfimkk397
AND a Yoga Shala bumper sticker

AND, as a heartfelt thank you for getting involved with the project, Krista will do some Sun Salutations for you.



$95 or more
Krista will send you an autographed copy of her Ashtanga Yoga Primary and Intermediate Series color poster 24x36 in 
http://nysayoga.com/yoga-poster/ashtanga-yoga-poster-krista-shirley 

AND a Nysa Yoga "I have a case of the moon days" tank top http://nysayoga.com/clothing/moon-days-tank 

AND a "Yoga" tank top
http://nysayoga.com/clothing/yoga-tank 
(each letter of the word Yoga is made up of 99% practice 1% theory)

AND a Yoga Shala bumper sticker

AND, as a heartfelt thank you for getting involved with the project, Krista will do some Sun Salutations for you.



$100 or more
Krista will send you a Nysa Yoga Mat Bag from her 2015 collection. To see the colors ands styles and read more about these gorgeous bags please visit
http://nysayoga.com/yoga-bags-handbags/?category=Yoga+Bags 
Nysa Yoga Mat Bags are beautiful, detailed, durable, light weight, and very spacious – a must for yogi’s on the go. Extra large to hold any mat of any size, and full of pockets allowing for easy storage all of your belongings.
• Holds mats any size and a Mysore rug (33in x 13in) with extra room inside for a towel or change of clothes • Very large interior pocket for storage of soiled clothes • Two additional interior pockets to hide belongings • Dimensions: 2’ 9” x 1’ 1”

AND Krista will also send you one of her popular Nysa Eye Pillows http://nysayoga.com/accessories/?category=Eye+Pillow 
AND a Yoga Shala Bumper Sticker

AND, as a heartfelt thank you for getting involved with the project, Krista will do some Sun Salutations for you.



$112 or more
Krista will send you an autographed copy of her Ashtanga Yoga Primary and Intermediate Series color poster 24x36 in. http://nysayoga.com/yoga-poster/ashtanga-yoga-poster-krista-shirley 

AND a Nysa Yoga Mat Bag
http://nysayoga.com/yoga-bags-handbags/?category=Yoga+Bags 
AND a Yoga Shala bumper sticker

AND, as a heartfelt thank you for getting involved with the project, Krista will do some Sun Salutations for you.



$162 or more
Yoga Shala Gratitude Bundle
Krista's Ashtanga Yoga Primary and Intermediate Series color poster 24x36 in.
http://nysayoga.com/yoga-poster/ashtanga-yoga-poster-krista-shirley 

AND The Yoga Shala tank top in the color and size of your choice
http://nysayoga.com/clothing/the-yoga-shala-tank 

AND a gorgeous Eye Pillow by Nysa, Krista's product line. http://nysayoga.com/accessories/8qjqcymp5u6two5xbvyrtrfimkk397 

AND a Nysa Yoga Mat Bag in the color of your choice. Click the link to view the 2015 collection.
http://nysayoga.com/yoga-bags-handbags/?category=Yoga+Bags 
AND a Yoga Shala bumper sticker

AND, as a heartfelt thank you for getting involved with the project, Krista will do some Sun Salutations for you.


$200 or more
One month all access Membership to The Yoga Shala. http://www.theyogashala.org 
AND a Yoga Shala tank tophttp://nysayoga.com/clothing/the-yoga-shala-tank  

AND a Yoga Shala bumper sticker

AND, as a heartfelt thank you for getting involved with the project, Krista will do some Sun Salutations for you.



$500 or more
3 Month all access membership to The Yoga Shala. http://www.theyogashala.org 

AND a Yoga Shala tank top
http://nysayoga.com/clothing/the-yoga-shala-tank 

AND a Yoga Shala bumper sticker

AND, as a heartfelt thank you for getting involved with the project, Krista will do some Sun Salutations for you.



$750 or more
(5) Five one hour Private Yoga Sessions with Krista Shirley, Level 2 Authorized instructor and owner of The Yoga Shala.
Learn more about Krista by visiting her personal website www.kristashirley.com

Private Instruction
Private sessions are a perfect way to begin, supplement, or deepen your Ashtanga Yoga practice.

An excellent choice if you want to learn the basics with undivided attention, fine tune your current practice, get adjustments in each posture, cannot attend scheduled yoga classes, have special needs, want to discuss details about your practice or concerns you have.

Each private Ashtanga Yoga session is very individualized, thus focus is given to the specific needs of the student and the time will be given for questions and discussion.

AND we will give you a Yoga Shala tank top http://nysayoga.com/clothing/the-yoga-shala-tank  

AND a Yoga Shala bumper sticker

AND, as a heartfelt thank you for getting involved with the project, Krista will do some Sun Salutations for you.



$1000 or more
(5) Five 1 1/2 hour (90 minute) Private Yoga Sessions with Krista Shirley, Level 2 Authorized instructor and owner of The Yoga Shala.
Learn more about Krista by visiting her personal website www.kristashirley.com

Private Instruction
Private sessions are a perfect way to begin, supplement, or deepen your Ashtanga Yoga practice.

An excellent choice if you want to learn the basics with undivided attention, fine tune your current practice, get adjustments in each posture, cannot attend scheduled yoga classes, have special needs, want to discuss details about your practice or concerns you have.

Each private Ashtanga Yoga session is very individualized, thus focus is given to the specific needs of the student and the time will be given for questions and discussion.

AND we will give you a Yoga Shala tank top
http://nysayoga.com/clothing/the-yoga-shala-tank  

AND a Yoga Shala bumper sticker

AND, as a heartfelt thank you for getting involved with the project, Krista will do some Sun Salutations for you.



$1,500 or more
(10) Ten hour long (60 minute) Private Yoga Sessions with Krista Shirley, Level 2 Authorized instructor and owner of The Yoga Shala.
Learn more about Krista by visiting her personal website www.kristashirley.com

Private Instruction 
Private sessions are a perfect way to begin, supplement, or deepen your Ashtanga Yoga practice.

An excellent choice if you want to learn the basics with undivided attention, fine tune your current practice, get adjustments in each posture, cannot attend scheduled yoga classes, have special needs, want to discuss details about your practice or concerns you have.

Each private Ashtanga Yoga session is very individualized, thus focus is given to the specific needs of the student and the time will be given for questions and discussion.

AND we will give you a Yoga Shala tank top
http://nysayoga.com/clothing/the-yoga-shala-tank

AND a Yoga Shala bumper sticker

AND, as a heartfelt thank you for getting involved with the project, Krista will do some Sun Salutations for you.



$1,600 or more
One Year Unlimited All Access Yoga Membership to The Yoga Shala. http://www.theyogashala.org 

AND we will give you a Yoga Shala tank tophttp://nysayoga.com/clothing/the-yoga-shala-tank  
AND a Yoga Shala bumper sticker

AND, as a heartfelt thank you for getting involved with the project, Krista will do some Sun Salutations for you.



$2,000 or more
(10) Ten 1 1/2 hour (90 minute) Private Yoga Sessions with Krista Shirley, Level 2 Authorized instructor and owner of The Yoga Shala.
Learn more about Krista by visiting her personal website www.kristashirley.com

Private Instruction  
Private sessions are a perfect way to begin, supplement, or deepen your Ashtanga Yoga practice.

An excellent choice if you want to learn the basics with undivided attention, fine tune your current practice, get adjustments in each posture, cannot attend scheduled yoga classes, have special needs, want to discuss details about your practice or concerns you have.

Each private Ashtanga Yoga session is very individualized, thus focus is given to the specific needs of the student and the time will be given for questions and discussion.

AND we will give you a Yoga Shala tank top
http://nysayoga.com/clothing/the-yoga-shala-tank  

AND a Yoga Shala bumper sticker

AND, as a heartfelt thank you for getting involved with the project, Krista will do some Sun Salutations for you.


$2350 or more
One Year Unlimited All Access Yoga Membership to The Yoga Shala;

AND (5) five hour (60 minute) private yoga sessions with owner and level 2 authorized instructor Krista Shirley.  Learn more about Krista by visiting her personal website www.kristashirley.com  

Private Instruction
Private sessions are a perfect way to begin, supplement, or deepen your Ashtanga Yoga practice.

An excellent choice if you want to learn the basics with undivided attention, fine tune your current practice, get adjustments in each posture, cannot attend scheduled yoga classes, have special needs, want to discuss details about your practice or concerns you have.

Each private Ashtanga Yoga session is very individualized, thus focus is given to the specific needs of the student and the time will be given for questions and discussion.

AND we will give you a Yoga Shala tank top
http://nysayoga.com/clothing/the-yoga-shala-tank  

AND a Yoga Shala bumper sticker

AND, as a heartfelt thank you for getting involved with the project, Krista will do some Sun Salutations for you.


$4,999 or more
Galapagos Adventure Yoga Retreat with Krista Shirley October 21-30, 2016

Be part of Krista's next great Yoga Adventure Retreat! 2016 takes us to the Galapagos Islands October 21-30, 2016 for 10 days and 9 nights of thrills, adventure, yoga, amazing views and excursions, delicious meals, amazing company and so so much more!

We will spend 10 days exploring all four of the inhabited islands of the Galapagos visiting parts of the islands often overlooked by tourists. This adventure retreat promises to be the adventure yoga vacation of a lifetime!

During our expedition you will practice Ashtanga yoga with Krista, enjoy Ecuadorian cuisine, meet the local Galapagueños, learn about the rich history and culture, hike up an active volcano and one of the biggest calderas in the world, visit pirate caves on Floreana Island, go kayaking at Isabela Island; snorkel with sea turtles, marine iguanas, playful seas lions and other amazing underwater life!

We will fly and drive and bus and bike and swim and walk and you better believe everyday will start with Yoga practice! You will enjoy Krista’s healing touch and patient mentoring in Mysore style Ashtanga Yoga classes before the days activities begin.

Itinerary Snapshot Day 1 - Arrive in Quito
• Welcome Briefing and Dinner
• Stay overnight in Quito
• Dinner provided

Day 2 - Fly to San Cristobal
• Cycle Highlands to Loberia. Snorkel or Swim
• Yoga at Sunset • Stay overnight in San Cristobal
• Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner provided

Day 3 - Morning Yoga
• Snorkel at Kicker Rock. Visit Interpretation Center and Tijeretas Walk.
• Stay overnight in San Cristobal
• Breakfast and Lunch provided 2

Day 4 - Morning Yoga
• Boat to Floreana and Snorkel. Visit Highlands and Pirate Caves.
• Stay Overnight in Floreana
• Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Provided Day 5 - Morning Yoga
• Boat to Isabela. Bay Kayak and Explore Town
• Stay overnight in Isabela
• Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner provided

Day 6 - Morning Yoga
• Hike Sierra Negra Volcano and the lava fields of Volcan Chico
• Stay overnight in Isabela
• Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner provided

Day 7 - Morning Yoga
• Visit Giant Tortoise Breeding Center, Free afternoon, Highlands Dinner.
• Stay overnight in Isabela
• Breakfast and Lunch provided

Day 8 - Morning Yoga
• Boat to Santa Cruz, Visit Highlands, Tortuga Bay
• Stay overnight in Santa Cruz -Breakfast,
• Lunch and Dinner provided

Day 9 - Yoga Rest Day
• Early Flight to Quito, Final Dinner
• Stay overnight in Quito
• Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner provided

Day 10 - Optional Self Yoga Practice with Krista
• Depart for Home Anytime Quito
• Breakfast provided 3 Start and End: Quito, Ecuador Tour

Length: 10 days, 9 nights on Land Departures: October 21-30, 2016

Tour Style: Active, Specialty
Comfort Level: Comfort
Sweat Factor: Moderate
Group Size: Max 16
Single Supplement: Contact Krista for pricing.

Tour Price: $4,999.00

Specifics: Included in Tour Price
• 9 Nights Standard Accommodation: Private Bathroom
• *Flights to and from Galapagos from Quito, Ecuador.

MUST PURCHASE ROUNDTRIP to/from Quito from your home.

• All Land, Air, and Sea Transport in Galapagos Islands
• Naturalist Guide Authorized by the GNP
• Mountain Bikes, Sea Kayaks, Wetsuits and Snorkeling Equipment
• Meals daily as specified in Itinerary
• Drinking Water and water stations to refill your reusable water bottles
• Tips for hotel staff, boat crew and drivers
• Daily Yoga Sessions with Krista Shirley Not Included in Tour Price
• National Park Entrance Fee $100, cash only
• Ingala Fee $20, cash only
• Airport Transfers (Available upon request) • Optional Diving (Please inquire in advance)
• Drinks other than water (Soda, beer, etc.)
• Meals not specified in Itinerary (2 evening meals)
• Tips for Tour Leader/Naturalist Guide/Yoga Instructor

Detailed Itinerary
DAY 1 - Friday, October 21st Arrive in Quito - Welcome Briefing and Dinner - Stay overnight Quito. You can arrive in Quito, Ecuador any time and check into your hotel.
This evening you will be met by a representative for a briefing about your upcoming yoga tour experience and an opportunity to get know your new travel mates before your first dinner together. If you arrive early, you can use your free time to get aquatinted with one of the highest capitals in the world sitting at just over 9,000 feet above sea level. If you’re in a cultural mood, head to the Old Town to stroll through the magnificent cathedrals and take in the colonial architecture of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. El Panecillo or ‘the Little Bread Loaf,’ is located high atop a hill in the Old Town and is a major Quito attraction boasting a panoramic view of the city. Museums are scattered throughout the New and Old Town as well as local artisan markets that are great for picking up souvenirs. The New Town is teeming with cafes and restaurants and is a vibrant mix of locals, expats, and fellow travelers.

DAY 2 - Saturday, October 22nd Fly to San Cristobal - Cycle Highlands to La Loberai, Snorkel or Swim -Stay overnight in San Cristobal - Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner. This morning we’ll take a short flight to the one of the oldest islands in the Galapagos archipelago, San Cristobal. We’ll land in Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, a coastal town and the administrative capital of the islands. After sampling some of the local cuisine we’ll head up into the highlands for a scenic downhill bike ride. Starting at a panoramic viewpoint called La Soledad, we’ll bike through the tiny town of El Progreso and five different vegetation zones until we reach a beach called La Loberia. There we’ll be able to watch sea lions sun bathing, playing and vying for our attention. If you can’t wait to get in the water, this is your first opportunity. Just before sunset, we’ll bike back to town and get ready for our first yoga practice in the enchanted islands. Well finish off the day with a welcome dinner at a small local restaurant. Yoga practice at sunset.

DAY 3 - Sunday, October 23rd Snorkel at Kicker Rock; Visit Interpretation Center, Tijeretas Hike - Stay overnight in San Cristobal - Breakfast/Lunch Yoga practice at sunrise. Today we take to the water to get a glimpse of the underwater world of Galapagos. First we’ll cruise along the coast in our boat identifying shore birds like the Great Frigate and famous Blue-Footed Booby. Then we’ll find a calm spot near the coast to get our fins wet in search of damselfish, puffer fish, and, hopefully, curious sea lion pups. From there we continue to Kicker Rock or Leon Dormido as it’s known by the locals to explore the final remains of a tuff cone rising over 143 meters out of the ocean. If Kicker Rock were a building, it would have almost 50 floors! Along the edge and through a channel of this drastic compact ash formation, we’ll be on the hunt for sea turtles, spotted eagle rays, chocolate chip starfish, and, with any luck, a Galapagos Shark or two. Don’t worry; they won’t be as interested in you as you are in them. There are many beautiful beaches along the coastline of San Cristobal that are accessible only by boat. After our snorkel activities are done, we’ll head to one of these sandy beaches for some fun and exploration. After lunch on board, feel free to spend your time swimming in the turquoise water or snapping photos of birds, crabs and other creatures we may find on the beach. We’ll head back to town late afternoon to visit the Interpretation Center. 5 We’ll learn about the history and mystery of the archipelago from its discovery and what makes it so special, to Charles Darwin’s visit and the present-day efforts to protect this amazing World Heritage site. To culminate the educational afternoon, go for a short hike to Tijeretas, pick a spot at nearby Playa Mann (Mann Beach) with the playful sea lions or grab a front row seat at Casa Blanca to toast in the sunset. Dinner is on your own tonight but we’ll be sure to offer you plenty of suggestions. DIVING: Occasionally, the option to dive is available. Please inquire in advance with Krista so she can check.

DAY 4 - Monday, October 24th Boat to Floreana and Snorkel - Visit Highlands and Pirate Caves - Stay overnight in Floreana - Breakfast/Lunch. Yoga practice at sunrise. After breakfast, we’ll depart by boat for the least inhabited of the main islands, Floreana. In route, keep your eyes peeled for dolphins, whales and the waved albatross. We’ll have a pre-lunch snorkel before going ashore to a black sand beach at the home of the Wittmer’s, one of the islands first settlers. With a population of less than 150 people, Puerto Velasco Ibarra is a sleepy little town but not without its secrecies. You can read up on how life came to be on Floreana and how some lives mysteriously ended. After lunch, take a siesta while listening to the waves or walk along the coast in search of sunbathing iguanas. This afternoon we’ll bus up to the highlands of Floreana to visit the Pirate and Whaler Caves from long ago. We’ll return to town and our beachside accommodation in time to enjoy the day’s last light before heading to the Baronesa for dinner. NOTE: Because of the small nature of the hotel and lack of availablity, sometimes we are unable to stay and must continue on to Isabela.

DAY 5 - Tuesday, October 25th Boat to Isabela, Visit Pink Flamingos - Visit Giant Tortoise Breeding Center - Stay overnight in Isabela - Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner Yoga practice at sunrise. This morning we embark for Isabela, the largest island in the archipelago. Once we arrive in Puerto Vilamil, we’ll take a short walk to a nearby wetland that is home to pink flamingos and pintail ducks. After lunch, we’ll continue with a leisurely walk through a coastal lagoon. This mangrove-lined path will lead us to Isabela’s Giant Tortoise Breeding Center where we’ll see giant tortoises in all stages of development. The center has almost a thousand giant tortoises training for life on their own! Optional Activity: Wall of Tears Rent a bike in town then step back in time to visit the Wall of Tears. Built by convicts and still standing over 50 years later, this landmark is a remnant of Isabela’s penal colony past. If you don’t feel like heading to the Wall of Tears today, you can enjoy the beautiful white sand beach or relax in town. You will also have free time on Day 7 to possibly visit the Wall of tears. For the evening we’ll head into the highlands for a special dinner. 6

DAY 6 - Wednesday, October 26th Hike Sierra Negra Volcano - Visit Volcan Chico Lava Fields - Stay overnight in Isabela - Breakfast/Lunch Yoga practice at sunrise. Lace up your hiking boots; we’re heading up a volcano! Sierra Negra Volcano is one of the most active volcanoes in Galapagos; its last eruption was in October 2005. As we hike to the perimeter of the caldera, we’ll be on the look out for bird species found only in the highlands like the bright red Vermillion Flycatcher and the elusive short-eared owl. Once we reach the rim, we’ll be met with a nine-kilometer view that stretches across one of the most active calderas in the world. We’ll continue on to traverse the vast lava fields of Volcan Chico en route for a lookout that boasts breathtaking views reaching to the north of Isabela. After enjoying a hearty sense of accomplishment, we’ll make our way back to town late afternoon for some free time to curl up with a book or venture down to the water for a relaxing swim before dinner.

DAY 7 - Thursday, October 27th Bay Kayak and Snorkel -Free afternoon - Stay Overnight in Isabela - Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner Yoga practice at sunrise. After breakfast we’ll gear up to explore a protected bay and search for the Galapagos Penguin – the only penguin found north of the Equator. We’ll hop out for a short walk at Tintoreras or Shark Alley, an isolated islet and popular iguana-nesting site that’s home to hundreds of marine iguanas. After a snorkel in search of sleeping sea turtles, we’ll head back to town. The afternoon is yours to explore, sit with the birds and iguanas, head toward your favorite beach bar or visit the Wall of Tears if you did not visit on Day 5.

DAY 8 - Friday, October 28th Visit Charles Darwin Research Station - Visit a Lava Tunnel & Wild Tortoises in the Santa Cruz Highlands - Stay overnight in Santa Cruz - Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner Yoga practice at sunrise. We’ll wave goodbye to Isabela this morning as we depart for Santa Cruz Island. After checking in, we’ll hop on a bus bound for the Highlands to explore an underground lava tunnel and visit a ranch. For the first time we’ll be able to see giant tortoises in their natural habitat cooling off in a watering hole or munching away. On the way back to town shout if you want coffee and we’ll make a pit stop at a local distributor for a bag of fresh ground Galapagos coffee, the only product exported from the islands. After lunch, we’ll visit the Charles Darwin Research Station. We’ll learn about the station’s successes in repopulating the islands with the once endangered land iguana and several species of Giant Tortoise. From the collection of the eggs to the age of release, we’ll observe how the giant tortoises are raised and readied for life on their own. This afternoon we’ll take a short walk that ends in white sand and luscious waves. Tortuga bay is gorgeous beach, accessible only by foot and laden with choices. Do you want to swim, sunbath, bodysurf or do all three? After our fun in the sun, we’ll make our way back to town for our farewell dinner to the Enchanted Islands. 7

DAY 9 - Saturday, October 29th Last Minute Shopping - Return to Quito, Final Dinner - Stay Overnight in Quito - Breakfast/ Lunch/Dinner Yoga - Day of Rest. Today is the last day in the Galapagos. Get up early for a final hike or savor your last moments on the island for souvenir shopping – the choice is yours. We’ll fly back to Quito early afternoon and be transferred to our hotel. Tonight will be our farewell dinner your chance to say goodbye to your new friends.

DAY 10 - Sunday, October 30th Final Day, Depart For Home - Breakfast, Yoga - Self Practice with Krista. Today is the last day of the tour and we’ll be sure to get you to the airport if you have a flight out before noon or arrange a day tour in and around Quito for some additional exploring.

What is Ashtanga Yoga? This method of teaching is appropriate for both new students and experienced practitioners. Ashtanga Yoga, done daily, will increase flexibility, strength, endurance, and physical and mental balance; it will cleanse the internal systems of the body and provide a healthy source of focus and dedication in ones life – something everyone needs! During the retreat students will practice in the traditional Ashtanga Mysore Method; the most effective and enjoyable way to learn Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga. This unique system is suitable for beginners as well as longtime practitioners because every student is taught individually. In other words, each student is given a one-on-one lesson in a group setting in order that he or she can progress through the Ashtanga Yoga series’ at their own pace and according to his or her individual needs.

Your Yoga Instructor Krista Shirley is a dedicated student and teacher of traditional Ashtanga yoga. She was introduced to this practice over a decade ago and immediately embraced it as a daily part of her life as she was magnetically drawn to the healing this practice provides. For the last twelve years Krista has rolled her mat out each day because it is such an intrinsic part of who she is. Ashtanga Yoga has given Krista health and wellness, comfort, stability, peace, mindfulness and an outlet to work on herself and help others. Originally from South Carolina, Krista moved to Orlando to complete her Bachelor’s’ at Rollins College and was introduced to Ashtanga yoga in May of 2003. After two intensive teacher trainings with Manju Jois and Paul Dallaghan, Krista began making yearly visits to Mysore, India in 2006 to study with the late Sri K. Pattabhi Jois, Guruji. She has since made over a dozen long term visits to the Krishna Pattabhi Jois Ashtanga Yoga Institute in order to fully connect to this lineage, embrace and surrender to a teacher that could help facilitate her growth and provide a deep source of inspiration. Since Guruji’s passing in 2009 Krista continues to make the yearly pilgrimage to India to study with Guruji’s grandson R. Sharath Jois who has dedicated his life continuing the work of Guruji, ensuring this deeply rich lineage, this parampara, lives on in the name of Sri K. Pattabhi Jois.  Krista’s dedication to her personal yoga practice and the Ashtanga lineage shines through in her teaching. In 2009, Krista opened The Yoga Shala in Winter Park and has been holding space for daily Mysore classes ever since. When she’s not teaching at her shala, Krista is hosting workshops and retreats all over the globe. She has taught over 25 workshops and yoga retreats from Panama to Scotland and everywhere in between. From beginners to experienced practitioners, Krista works individually with students to insure correct alignment and injury prevention in each asana (posture). Her energy is contagious and inspiring because she lives this yoga daily and experiences tremendous fulfillment in helping people find and deepen their growth in this practice.




Thank You

We at The Yoga Shala are grateful for people like you who believe in entrepreneurship, hard work, dedication and value health and wellness. Thank you for helping us relocate our yoga school.

      Sincerely, Krista Shirley and The Yoga Shala team