Fall 2013 Fall Goddess Trip to Akumal

Beach Bliss at Akumal 2013

Welcome Dinner

Another amazing trip to the Yucatan is about to draw to a close.
Goddesses have enjoyed the beauty and serenity of a private home on the beach at Akumal, south of Cancun on the Caribbean Ocean.  As you can see Connie and Beatriz prepared another fresh sumptuous Welcome Dinner.   Goddesses have been walking among the treasures the ocean has delivered to the beach.

On site, Gustavo has brought his gift of healing touch and massage while Melissa has offered Salsa lessons.  Of course a fall Goddess trip is incomplete without a trip to celebrate the Day of the Dead at Xcaret.

As is the tradition of Traveling Goddesses, we had our own private ceremony to remember our loved ones who have dies.  This sacred time was at once beautifully touching, reverent, funny and laced with meaning.  Connie wrote, "we could have gone on all night." The experience will spring to life over and over again in our individual and collective stories of this trip.

This sacred ceremony brought into the bright light of our lives just how we U. S. Americans rarely give ourselves and our loved ones the gift of sharing our love, caring and compassion in ritual and story when we are together in this life.

Internet access is once again limited in the Yucatan.  On the one hand this is perfect!  We cannot be distracted by email and websites and blogs. On the other hand we really wanted to post pictures and stories as the week progressed.  Since this was not possible, we will add stories and photos in the coming weeks to give you a more vibrant glimpse into all that has been the Fall 2013 Goddess Trip to Akumal!

You may be wondering how this post managed to get onto the Internet since it has been mostly down.  Two emails did get through to me with photos and brief descriptions into the richness of this trip.  From Saint Paul, Minnesota where the fall trees are brilliant reds and golds, and the air is fall crisp and fresh I have tried to convey here a taste of what is happening in Akumal.  And it goes without saying, I wish I was THERE TOO!

Ginger K. Hedstrom
Traveling Goddesses, Promotion and Technology

Goddesses Swim in the Akama Cenote, April 12, 2013

The JOY of swimming in the Akama Cenote

Goddesses Visit Aukma Cenote: The Picture Say it all!

 Akuma Cenote, Quintana Roo, Yucatan:  Friday, April 12, 2013

Posted by: Ginger Hedstrom, Promotion & Technology

Thursday, April 11: High Winds: Port of Puerto Morelos is closed

Which means no snorkeling
Swimming - great
Kite flying - amazing
Shopping in Puerto Morelos - of course!

At 5:00 this afternoon, Connie and Margo have arranged for Wine and Tapas Tasting at The Little Mexican Cooking School
You can be sure no one will be late when the taxi arrives at our door to take us out for this sumptuous experience! 

 Their website reads in part:
 The food of Mexico has the distinction of being one of the world’s first fusion cuisines. It uses an alluring blend of flavors from the Spanish with those of this country’s fascinating indigenous people. Mexican food is known world-wide for its hot and spicy kick, yet its truly authentic dishes have much more to offer than just heat!Are you looking for a different adventure to round out your holiday? Then you’re at the right place!

As you can imagine, the goddesses will be ready when the taxis arrive just before 5:00 p.m.

Testimonials will be posted soon!

Posted by:  Ginger Hedstrom, Promotion & Technology

Spring 2013 Trip Images

Kite flying on the beach in front of Casa delSol

Spring 2013 Goddesses: Dinner and on the town in Puerto Morelos

Shopping, Wine & Cheese at Sofia's

Stephanie Watts, Traveling Goddesses Videographer, Photographer from Minneapolis, MN

Massage on the Veranda Casa delSol

Yoga on the Beach with Melissa

Altar in Casa Marguerita

Relaxing in the shade at Akumal

 

Goddess afternoon at Akumal: Stephanie recording the adventure

(Blog post and photos by Ginger Hedstrom, Promotion & Technology)

Tuesday, April 8: A Day at the Jungle Spa

The Spring 2013 Goddesses arrived at the Jungle Spa mid-morning eager to learn about how it began as well as the depth of what it has become for the Mayan people, the region and for travelers from around the world.

Sandra, one of the owners with her husband, Don, met us in the large palapa hut and like all great story tellers began to weave the story of coming to Puerto Morelos where she fell in love with the people, the place, the lifestyle and the climate.  She describes the Jungle Spa as a Community Travel experience, which is rooted in the indigenous people and the land as opposed to experiencing the Mayan Rivera at one of the all inclusive resorts that dot the coastline as many travelers do.   

At the Jungle Spa Mayan women who learned the art of medicinal massage from their mothers and

Sandra, Don and Mayan Massage Therapists

grandmothers have received further training in multiple forms of massage and are licensed.

The goddesses opted for either the aloe or chocolate wrap (30 minute) and then all chose the two hour Mayan full body massage.   These massages are not for sissies! Imagine cement tables with mattresses on which your therapist will climb to give you the ultimate deep massage or a healing massage, each woman chooses what she needs. The massages were relaxing, refreshing and renewing. Each therapist receives 75% of the cost of the massage, the owners 25%.

Sandra works with a variety of sources to provide the tools necessary for the women to produce embroidered and knit garments, and jewelry that is for sale in the Jungle Spa Market.  They are providers for their families. 

Visit Maya Echo to learn more about The Jungle Spa and Market

Brief testimonials will be posted soon. 

Posted by:  Ginger Hedstrom, Promotion & Technology

Sumptuous Organic Healthy Food: Planned, Prepared and PRESENTED!

"Why did I come on this trip? Ohhh so many reasons!! 

Michele Licata, Owner, Olives and Pearls

First of all I desperately needed the time and space for some personal healing. The last 3 or 4 years have been very challenging in so many ways, physically spiritually and emotionally culminating in an emergency surgery  in January. 
 Mostly I tell myself that I can’t go for whatever reason, mostly money. What I realized is that I really needed to say YES to myself and give myself some time, the ocean and the womb of being in a sacred space. 

One of my commitments is: Transformation of BODY, Mind and Spirit through organic, healthy magnificently planned, prepared and presented food.  I am owner of "Olives and Pearls," resident chef for the Traveling Goddesses Spring 2013 Trip, commited to organic and whole foods cooking and want to make a difference for others."  Michele Licata

 

Fresh Gluten-free Breakfast Bars

(Michele Licata's Biography from Olives and Pearls)
Her extensive resume includes regular appearances on HGTV, as well as a featured commentator on WCCO-AM and FM107 Radio, among others. People she has worked with appreciate her sense of joy and individuality she brings to her work, her in-depth knowledge of her field and commitment to her clients’ wellness. Her clientele includes pro athletes, career professionals, families and others all sharing a desire for wellness and healthy eating.
Michele has cooked for several of the Minnesota Vikings, catered private cocktail parties, taught at cooking schools and supported numerous people on their path to a healthy, vibrant life. What does forty, or fifty or sixty look like, anyway? Living a healthy, joyful life is part of it.
 
Learn more about Michele Licata and her healthy organic decadent creations at  Olives and Pearls 
http://www.linkedin.com/in/olivesandpearls
http://pinterest.com/olivesandpearls/

Posted by: Ginger Hedstrom, Promotion and Technology

Traveling Goddesses Spring Trip: DAY 2

The "many shades of Turquoise" Caribbean tossed by warm tropical breezes and sensuous scents give new life to every breath, every movement and every moment.  Today, was the opportunity for us to go into Puerto Morelos, a small fishing village, a 10 minute walk on the white sandy beach to get a  "lay of the land," change money, have lunch, walk the beach barefooted, swim, savor the warmth and beauty of the Caribbean.

Unlike much of the Mayan Riveria, Puerto Morelos remains a village where the local people and travelers come to the village square to enjoy entertainment, children play in and on the wooden playground, adults and teens play basketball, and and where three and four generations of local families really enjoy a day at the beach - their home away from home. To be in Puerto Morelos is to be warmly welcomed by those we pass on the beach, in the shops and town square.
  
 

Kimala Kai

Transformation of : BODY, Mind and Spirit through movement Late this afternoon Kimala Kai, owner of Soul Essence Massage and Tantra-Soul in Eden Prairie, Minnesota led us in "Free to be Present."  An incredible experience of meditation, movement and music that invites to live into our magnificent bodies, enliven our loving hearts, awaken our spirits and get out of our minds (heads).  She will offer two more workshops on this trip.

Kimal has been sharing her gift with women and men for over thirty years providing transformational opportunities for hundreds of women, we are fortunate to be the first to receive her gifts in the Yucatan. 




Posted by:  Ginger Hedstrom, Promotion and Technology








   

Traveling Goddesses Spring 2013: Day One (April 6)

Puerto Morelos Street Scene

I took this picture from our lunch table yesterday at TACOS.COM where the menu consists of "gourmet tacos."  So the three of us pulled our chairs up a table and proceeded to order three tacos each, squid, shrimp and chorizo tacos on corn tortillas and paired them with a pitcher of fresh papaya water.  What a delicious lunch while enjoying each others company.  Then came the sounds that told us that the "good humor" cart approaching with the music and bells announcing its arrival.

Another sign we are indeed in Puerto Morelos is the number of vintage Volkswagen Beetles and Volkswagen buses.  A stroll down the street this morning for a cup of coffee brought a Volkswagen Eurovan outfitted for camping to my attention!  It was fabulous.  All one would need for simple travel on four wheels.  A quick glance at the license plate showed that it had come from Alberta, Canada and the decals indicated that the owners are divers.  They came to the right place too!

It is now after 3:00 p.m. here (Daylight Savings Time begins tonight) and all but three of our goddesses have arrived.  Women from California and Minnesota are here to savor the spectacular opportunities prepared by Connie, Margo and Beatriz.

Melissa, who came on the Fall 2011 Goddess Trip and then moved here 10 months ago was here to greet us.  She looks wonderful and has since arriving in Puerto Morelos been training as a massage therapist.  Five of us have already been gifted by her healing massages.

If you are coming to Puerto Morelos and looking for a fabulous massage she can be reached at melissa.bechthold@hotmail.com or www.facebook.com/melissa.bechthold   This is the third time in 18 months that she has offered yoga on the beach or at the Infinity Pool for Traveling Goddesses.  My 2nd massage is scheduled for 2:00 tomorrow by the Infinity Pool overlooking the Caribbean, the view for my massage is in the photo below which shows Melissa leading the Fall 2011 goddesses in yoga on the beach.

Posted by:  Ginger K. Hedstrom, Promotion & Technology

Yoga on the beach with Melissa

April 5, 2013 PUERTO MORELOS, Quintana Roo, Yucatan

Connie savoring bougainvillea

Yes.  Five of us are here, six more arrive tomorrow afternoon.  Connie and Margo arrived on April 3, Kimala, Michele and I arrived on April 4.  Between strolling to the coffee shop, down to Ana's restaurant for dinner, beach and swimming time, the last details are being put into place for the Spring 2013 Goddess Trip to Puerto Morelos.

Oh, yes!  Beatriz, our "guide to the Yucatan" is fully present as always.  Right now she, Connie and Michele are off shopping for the fresh sumptuous food that will feed our bodies and souls in healthy, organic and beautiful ways in the coming days.

Melissa, who moved here a year ago,  was also waiting for us to arrive and has been massaging the knots and violin strings taught muscles in our bodies rendering us to mere putty under her healing hands, preparing us to be fully relaxed and present for our time here. My turn is tomorrow morning, 9:30 a.m.  Oh, what decadence!

The time was a little confusing when we first arrived, then we remembered that Daylight Savings Time begins here tomorrow night, then our bodies will be in-sync with the rest of the Universe.

We will be posting regularly the next week!  Hola from all of us.

Posted by: Ginger K. Hedstrom, Traveling Goddesses: Promotion and Technology

Memories of Sunny Mexico.....ahhhh

Just 2 weeks ago we were all together in the Caribbean paradise. Such sweet memories:
the laughter, the fun, the fabulous food, the awesome massages at the Jungle Spa, the ocean and the beach, and best of all, the wonderful friendships. Here are few more memorable photos from our fall Traveling Goddess extravaganza.

 

Traveling Goddesses Snorkeling in Paradise

What could be more fantastic than snorkeling on the world's 2nd largest coral reef?
All of the women traveled by boat just 10 minutes out from shore. In fact, we could see our houses from the reef. 2 of the goddesses went snorkeling for the 1st time and were thrilled beyond their highest expectations. The colors of the coral, the fish, the anemones, the plants, the azure water, all of it was like swimming in an aquarium. At times, the fish and coral seemed so close that we were afraid that we might touch it. All was handled with care and concern by our skilled guides, Paz and Melissa. Melissa, also our yoga teacher for the week, photographed all of it with an underwater camera so that we can go home with a record of our fabulous snorkeling adventure.

 

Unbelievable Spa Day in the Jungle!!!
After starting the day with Yoga on the beach with our expert Yoga instructor, Melissa Bechthold, ( goddess
from Minnesota who actually moved to Puerto Morelos after coming on our Traveling Goddess trip last fall,)
the goddesses headed for the Jungle Spa for a day of Mayan massage.
The Jungle Spa is a non-profit organization and operated by a small group of Mayan women.
These women are highly trained and skilled massage therapists who excel in multiple types of massage,
including Mayan massage. These women are supporting over 100 people with the spa business.

Sandra Dayton, who manages the spa, gave the group a fascinating orientation about the spa's history and about
the benefits of Mayan massage. Each woman experienced a 2 hour treatment that included Mayan massage and
aloe treatment with banana leaf wrap. The relaxation process was enhanced by sipping a shot of Mayan anise flavored
liquer.

All the goddesses agreed that this was the most amazing massage treatment they had ever experienced. In
fact, some who normally have chronic pain reported having no pain at all after the massages. We love the Jungle
Spa and can't wait to return for more healing adventures.

 

Traveling Goddesses Take on the Town Square

News flash from Puerto Morelos, Mexico!!
Seven eager Traveling Goddesses from northern California and Minnesota descended on the town
square of the quiet fishing village of Puerto Morelos today and took the town by storm.
After a quick tour of San Martin, the local grocery store, and a mini class in money exchange
and using the Mexican ATM, they visited the local church and then began their shopping adventure.
Sharon, the local owner of Sofia's dress shop, hosted a wine and appetizer exclusive shopping event for the group.
They spent a delightful afternoon sipping wine, snacking, trying on clothes, and previewing the new designs
for her winter 2013 line of original fashions. They received a 15% discount on all purchases and a gift bag that
included an additional 15% coupon for the remainder of the week.

 

Xcaret Day of the Dead Celebration

Vibrant flowers, fragrant incense, exquisite costumes.talented dancers, singers, performers, and traditional Mexican cuisine. These are all a part of the annual celebration of the Day of the Dead in the Yucatan.

The Traveling Goddesses will be celebrating with the visitors from all over Mexico who travel to Xcaret to experience this unique event in an unforgettable manner. We will be there on Halloween night and are honored to be a part of this ancient and sacred tradition. We will be lighting candles to honor our loved ones who have gone before us and in whose memory we celebrate this beautiful occasion.

Fall Goddess Trip to Puerto Morelos ...countdown 9days

Yes, Goddesses, we leave for sunny Puerto Morelos in 9days!!! Yippie Skippy!!!
Women from Minnesota and California will make their way to our beautiful private
homes on the beach to spend a week concentrating on their own self-care.
That may mean YOGA on the beach everyday,walking the beach, swimming in
the infinity pool or the ocean, snorkeling over the 2nd largest coral reef,visiting
Mayan Ruins and swimming in sacred Cenotes,shopping in the village, reading or
journaling and enjoying the company and support of other amazing women!
Whatever FEEDS her SOUL!


Please follow us on this journey ...Oct.28-Nov.4,2012
and discover if you are a GODDESS!

Traveling Goddesses in SCAN

SCAN is the St. Catherine University Alumnae magazine.  It is filled with articles focusing on the accomplishments of St. Kate's alums whose leadership is recognized globally.

The June 2012 issue, (page 38) reads in part:  Margo Zackoski Hinnenkamp SP '66 has combined her passion for travel with her interest in women's spirituality, co-creating a business called "Traveling Goddesses."  She and her lifelong friend, Connie Scanlan Delgado, lead small groups of women to the Yucatan Peninsula several times a year.  These trips offer a combination of rest, recreation, and cultural exploration.  See www.travelinggoddesses.com for details.

Congratulations Margo!  It was great fun to get home from work late on Tuesday evening and be welcomed by this great announcement in SCAN!



Posted by:  Ginger K. Hedstrom, Marketing and Promotions

AM 950 THE WAKE UP CALL RADIO SHOW

Transformational Travel with Connie and Margo in the studio, Ginger called in to the station from home.

www.thewakeupcallradioshow.com
~Listen to the podcast
~Send it by link to family and friends
~Moving Mountains Retreat the pristine Mount Olivet Retreat Center in rural Farmington, MN, July 21 and 22 presented by Traveling Goddesses:  Transformational Travel for Women, Connie Delgado and Margo Hinnenkamp and GEMS (Guidance for your Elemental Health; Mindful wellness;  Spiritual Connection, Gizelle Erickson. 

To take advantage of the $200 The Wake Up Call Radio Show "SHOW DISCOUNT" visit www.travelinggoddesses.com before June 16 and register for the Fall 2012 or Spring 2013 Goddess Trip.  You can also register for the Moving Mountains Retreat here (PayPal payments are accepted for all registrations)!

www.travelinggoddesses.com
travelinggoddesses@gmail.com

Tune into AM 950 The Wake Up Call

Saturday, June 9, 9:00-10:00 a.m. tune into THE WAKE UP CALL where Connie and Margo, owners of TRAVELING GODDESSES, will be part of the discussion on transformational healing.

Go to: www.thewakeupcallradioshow.com/listen-now to listen to a live stream of the broadcast from anywhere in the world,  call in with a question or comment, send a TWEET or post a question/comment on their FACEBOOK page.

This is a very exciting next step for the Traveling Goddesses.  Congratulations Connie and Margo!

Transformational Travel

Traveling Goddesses ~ Transformational Travel for small groups of women is all about offering self-care and cultural opportunities in the Yucatan bordering the magnificent Caribbean Sea.

Imagine if you can:  Our driver picks you up at the airport in Cancun; the placard he holds reads "Traveling Goddesses." He then drives goddesses to our private villa on the fine white sandy beach on the Caribbean Sea to begin a week of self-care and exploration with every detail carefully planned.  Fresh locally grown food is prepared on site and yoga is offered daily on the beach or at the Infinity Pool.  Optional side trips to snorkel the nearby reef, visit a cenote, Temescal (Mayan Sweat Lodge) or a near by spa are planned to the last detail.

Tomorrow a Minnesota woman leaves her home and returns to Puerto Morelos (PM), Yucatan to start a new chapter in her life.  Her experience of being a "Traveling Goddess" opened a whole new world to her, one that she returned to explore this winter.  It became very clear that PM was where her heart and soul and body had found a new home.  She returned to Minnesota, began selling and giving away her possessions, put her condo on the market and shared with her family and friends that while her love for all them remains deep and abiding, her heart and soul and body had indeed found a new home in PM.

Her condo has not sold, she is going anyway; she had a going away party a week ago for family and friends - all of whom will miss her deeply - she is going anyway; she has some things in place for her life in PM and much remains mystery - she is going anyway. 

That is what transformation is for her.  Nothing can change her love for her family and friends here and, nothing can keep her from moving to PM where she can snorkel the turquoise blue waters of the Carribean, live a more simple life at a much more sustainable pace and continue to build her new community of friends in PM.  She just knows that this is right for her, right now.  And she is living into her dream of moving to this place where both earth and the people are warm, where simple living IS living.

Soar Melissa, woman who dared to take a Traveling Goddesses trip in the fall of 2011 and found a whole new world of simplicity and beauty and wonder, and allowed yourself to be transformed!  Send us pictures and stories.  We look forward to seeing on our Fall 2012 Goddess Trip to PM, October 28-November 4. 

To register for the Fall 2012 trip visit www.travelinggoddesses.com