Week One

Initial impressions: Pune is a rapidly developing Indian city, with a large population, and is where BKS Iyengar set up the Ramamani Iyengar Memorial Yoga Institute (RIMYI) 50 years ago. The continual movement and sound of rickshaws, motorbikes, cars and building work make it a real assault on the senses on first arrival, but if you look you can find pockets of calm. RIMYI is one of them, set within the tree lined streets of Model Colony, there is a lovely peaceful park nearby, a haven from the dust and pollution of the city. The beautiful trees and the sound of the birds singing as I walk through each morning puts me in the right frame of mind for yoga. Stepping over the threshold of RIMYI for the first time was very emotional for me. My first Yoga teachers John Shirbon and Ursula Schooneraad visited the Institute annually, and I still remember how energised they were on their return and how much they had to share from their visits. From my very first yoga class in 1997 I was aware of this special place. So I am very excited and grateful that 26 years later I am finally here!

Yoga: The centre has a reception with beautiful portraits and statues. The hall upstairs is semi circle shaped with a stone platform, windows all around and tree views. The floor is made of cool stone and you can hear birds, rickshaws tooting and the thrum of the city all around you. There is a wall of ropes and ceiling ropes and a huge array of props. I am following a timetable for the month of January with 1 or 2 classes a day and will also observe the other classes at the Institute. To celebrate the 50th Anniversary of RIMYI there are Indian Yoga teachers here this month. They are bringing their students from all over the country for a special programme: 2 weeks of medical classes, which I will be lucky enough to be able to observe.

Highlights of Week 1: India was amazing from first arrival, the sheer scale of the cities, the dazzling array of life and the warm welcome.

On the first day Abhijata Iyengar gathered all the visitors and gave us an introduction which was so warm, welcoming and empathetic I nearly cried. The yoga here really is the best of the best of the best. All the teachers here are incredible individuals with so much expertise to share. We are also given a practice time after classes to reflect on our learning and develop further. Having 3 hours a day and the space to practice yoga every day is incredible. Observing the Sunday children's class was another highlight. So joyful.

The food and drink here is delicious, and super healthy, being all vegetarian. Particular highlights in my first week: refreshing coconut water where the seller hacks off the top of a coconut, pops in a straw and hands it to you! The lovely chai seller beyond the park, hot, peppery and served in tiny glass cups, it is delicious and costs 15p.

Lots of walking to get to know the area and my first ride in a rickshaw to visit the colourful fruit market and a tailors shop with beautiful fabrics, it was a colourful textiles heaven of colour and pattern and I was able to watch the machine embroidery being made. So skilled!