Linda Eskin — Writing About Aikido Since 2009

Food at the Aiki Retreat

There is good food here, but as I anticipated it’s mostly things I don’t eat. (Meat & wheat.) So I’m glad I brought a lot of raw nuts, bananas, and protein bars. There is always a salad bar, and there were scrambled eggs at breakfast. And there’s always coffee and milk. I have it on good authority that one can get tofu and vegetables! I’m going to ask about that tomorrow. The kitchen staff are very helpful! They are glad to check ingredients (sadly, tater tots have wheat in them!), and one of the chefs even filled my ice pack cooler with ice for me today.

Meals have been a great time to relax and connect with people. The atmosphere is universally friendly, including all the instructors. What a privilege and a pleasure to hang out with all these wonderful people!

Dorm Room at Aiki Retreat

Small but quite comfortable. Mine is downright austere compared to some. People have drapes, rugs, plants, art, etc.! I did not over-pack, either. If you don’t have a little lamp, you have to climb down from bed to hit the switch on the wall. The drying rack and fan are necessities. I am putting my yoga mat, foam roller, and exercise bands to good use. And I could not live without my cooler full of ice packs. (I can’t take anti-inflammatories, so it’s ice or nothing, and ice is probably a healthier choice for just about anyone, anyway.) It’s reasonably cool here, but still sweaty in the gym. I brought 3 gi, and about 8 sets of underwear, and I think I’ll need to do laundry at least twice just to make if through the week. I do wish I’d brought a bathrobe, but am getting by fine just trundling down the hall in a big towel. Next time, a bathrobe, and hangers.