Good Vibrations
After taking her first yoga class in Winnipeg, Canada at the age of 14, Kalina Saunders says she realized “yoga is going to be my life.”
In 1996, Kalina traveled to Massachusetts to complete her yoga training in the Kripalu style and attend massage school. From there, she traveled to, worked at and lived in yoga centers all over 
British Columbia, California and England. Additionally, in Fernie, B.C. she also owned and managed a health food store and massage business. Then, about 14 years ago, Kalina found herself in Mexico creating jewelry to support her travels around the country, while teaching a bit of yoga on the side. Kalina searched for and found beauty in Mexico but was drawn to the Pacific coast –the waves, sunshine, coconuts and people. In 2008, she settled down in Barra de Navidad, obtained her permanent residency papers and in 2015 opened her Buena Onda Yoga Centre. Having practiced in many styles, including Ashtanga, Flow, Hatha, Restorative and Yin, Kalina’s passion and knowledge is evident in each class she leads. She teaches for all levels of experience and each class is created with love and dedication.
With Buena Onda Yoga Centre now in its fourth season, February 2019 will see the first edition of the Buena Onda Yoga and Wellness Festival, which will welcome professionals to share their joy of yoga, Tibetan sound bowls, dance church, qigong, tai chi, Pilates and much more. Additionally, there will be an outdoor market featuring stalls selling handmade crafts, jewelry, natural and vegan products, and healing medallions. Visitors will also find massages and indoor workshops, including meditation, ecstatic dance and singing.
Kalina’s focus is to promote healthy lifestyles and wellness for everyone, not the just elite or wealthy. Until December 31, three-day passes are available for only 750 pesos – the perfect Christmas or Three Kings Day gift! Passes will also be available in January for 900 pesos and in February for 1,000 pesos. For more information contact Kalina at (315) 112-4602 or on Facebook @buenaondacentrodeyoga. Kalina is currently teaching weekday yoga classes from 11 a.m. to noon – everyone welcome.
Upgrading Happy Coast
This season, the Rotary Distrito #4150 is giving back in a big way.
Members this week approved funding for ten projects around the Costalegre. The large projects include continuing upgrades to the Senior Home in Cihuatlan, funding toward creating shade in the elementary school in downtown Barra, creating a BMX track in Melaque, and supplying exercise equipment on the walking path in Barra. Smaller funding is supporting the Beccas of Barra, Mr. Lee Boulevard, upgrades to six local schools, and purchasing chainsaws for emergency teams.
Additionally, the Rotary has teamed up with the Borrachos and Borrachas in support of the Terry McGarvey Scholarship Fund, which is currently funding the university education of four students.
Looking to get involved? The Rotary meets Wednesdays at 9 a.m. at Cabo Blanco Hotel – visitors and new members are welcome. The Terry McGarvey Scholarship Fund is currently selling raffle tickets for 100 pesos each. The top prize is a 42-inch TV. Contact the Borrachos for tickets.
Music Scene
Barra de Navidad
Barra Galeria de Arte & Restaurant – Av. Mazatlan 75. Open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 5-10 p.m. and Saturday 2-6 p.m.
Besame Mucho – Calle Jalisco 13B.
Bogavante Hotel – Av. Miguel Lopez de Legazpi. Wednesday 7-10 p.m.; Thursday 7-10 p.m.
Cabo Blanco – Av. Armada. Thursday music hosted by Danny and Sheila Beal at 1 p.m.
Marlena’s Restaurant – Av. Veracruz 167. Monday 7-10 p.m.
Sr. Froy’s La Casa Mia Restaurant – Calle Filipinas 66. Saturday starting at 7 p.m.
Simona’s Restaurant – Av. Veracruz 12. Tuesday 7-10 p.m.; Saturday music 6-9 p.m.
Time Out Bar – Av. Miguel Lopez de Legazpi 224. Monday 6-8 p.m., Tuesday 9 p.m.-midnight; Friday 9 p.m.-midnight; Saturday 9:30 p.m.-12:30 a.m.
Villa Obregon
La Oficina - Av. Revolution 41. Friday Open Mic at 8 p.m.; Saturday with Lalo starts at 8 p.m.
Melaque
Albatros Restaurant – Av. Cabanas 36. Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday at 5 p.m.
Bistro Escondido – Las Palmitas 2.
Esmeralda’s Restaurant – Av. Gomez Farlas 461. Wednesday and Thursday 5 p.m.
Esquina Paraiso Bar (Styks) – Highway. Friday 8 p.m.
Garcias Restaurant – on the beach. Monday 7:30-10:30 p.m.
Hotel Laguna del Tule. Thursday 7-10 p.m.
La Salamandra – Calle Abel Salgado 382. Friday starts at 7 p.m.
Macondo Café – Jardin. Tuesday 7 p.m.; jazz music Friday and Saturday.
Poeminimo – Jardin. Music starting at 9:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.
Tito’s Place Resturant Bar – Calle Las Palmas 27. Music with Chuy on Saturday 4-7 p.m.
Viva Maria 1910 – Calle Las Palmas 7. Friday 7-10 p.m.