Travel to Learn: Writing Retreats
January 9th 2008 02:52
I came across the new catalogue from Sydney University's Continuing Education Centre for their Travel Programs. One trip immediately caught my eyes: Writing Retreat in Shimla.
We writers all know, once in a while, we just need to get out there. Get out of our comfort zone, get out of our usual spots. A new place and new people are our inspirations and sometimes even, we lock ourselves away just so we can concentrate and write.
I've been finding it extremely hard lately to concentrate, especially during school holidays when kids roam the streets with their bikes and cricket bats, with their parents yelling behind them. Sitting here at my desk I can hear everything around me, including the continuous loud traffic on main road and the airplane lowering itself over our suburb, ready to land at the nearby airport.
Oh how I want to go on a writing retreat!
Hence, I couldn't help but to request details for this trip.
Situated in the Indian Himalaya, Shimla looks so tranquil. I can just picture being able to sit there, looking out to the misty mountains while plotting my story and characters. Even better for me, there are 8 writing workshop sessions included which means I get to learn something during the time as well!
Ok, the tour departs 28 June, which gives me more than 6 months to save up... hmm... Well I am just going to have to start earning some money during this time won't I?
Have I got you tempted too?
Shimla, India (Image source: Shimla official district website)
We writers all know, once in a while, we just need to get out there. Get out of our comfort zone, get out of our usual spots. A new place and new people are our inspirations and sometimes even, we lock ourselves away just so we can concentrate and write.
I've been finding it extremely hard lately to concentrate, especially during school holidays when kids roam the streets with their bikes and cricket bats, with their parents yelling behind them. Sitting here at my desk I can hear everything around me, including the continuous loud traffic on main road and the airplane lowering itself over our suburb, ready to land at the nearby airport.
Oh how I want to go on a writing retreat!
Hence, I couldn't help but to request details for this trip.
Situated in the Indian Himalaya, Shimla looks so tranquil. I can just picture being able to sit there, looking out to the misty mountains while plotting my story and characters. Even better for me, there are 8 writing workshop sessions included which means I get to learn something during the time as well!
Ok, the tour departs 28 June, which gives me more than 6 months to save up... hmm... Well I am just going to have to start earning some money during this time won't I?
Have I got you tempted too?
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Comment by Tracy
Movies and Life
Comment by Ash
Australian Traveller
Flashes of memories
oh my word have you got me tempted?! HOW EXCITING!
I`m off to have a look as we speak, I could think of nothing better!
Thanks for the info and links, muchly appreciated!
Ash
Comment by AmyHuang
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Let's start saving shall we?
Comment by AmyHuang
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Comment by Tracy
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I like Trazy, I might keep that as a back-up name in case I ever get famous!!
Byeee
Comment by Rosemary
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Comment by AmyHuang
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Comment by dane chatani
the chef and the kid
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You certainly do have a growing list of travel hopefuls, including a mum who would like to retreat to the bathroom without an extra appendage attached to her leg.
Maybe a tour company maybe your next venture
Cheers
Comment by postmoderncritic
Postmodern Critic
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Padsoc
Thanks for informing us about this program, I didn't know that the U of Syd organised such events.
I'm planning to go to China during the uni holidays, but I'll give this more than a passing thought... maybe I can squeeze it in before that...
Great blog!
Comment by AmyHuang
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Hi Postmoderncritic - Have fun in China! That would be a retreat in itself wouldn't it?
Comment by Lilla
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I don't want to brag, but I did this one (alone) in 1986... and it is ALL THAT!
Only thing I can suggest is that you not do it in the middle of winter. The second time I went back there was in the summer.... much better *shiver* oh and be really careful where you eat... oh and watch out for the monkeys... they are skillful bag snatchers...
*hysterical laughter* I have such a funny memory of one such incident, I will post on it in due course (on An Extra Ordinary Life)...
The writing retreats are a new thing... and probably a great location. Simla is a hill station where the wealthy go to avoid the depressing Delhi heat. The hotels there have all the majesty of a maharaja's palace, and totally over-the-top beautiful and opulent, with colours and silks rich in the culture of every beautful thing... so much so, that I always felt I would retire there to write, how ironic and perfect ... but only if they have also got central heating in *chuckle*
A great recommendation Amy, and one every orbler should consider.
Cheers
Lilla ...
Comment by AmyHuang
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Yes, please write about it!!
Comment by What's Your Story?
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