IONA 2013 BLOG
* IONA SCOTLAND – 2013 *
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Download this page as a PDF for viewing offline IONA INFO 2013
Plan to join us for a trip of a lifetime to the Isle of IONA – the week of June 24 – 28, 2013. Please study the information below and then let Christina know if you are interested. Participants will be selected in the following manner. Based on a first come, first served basis, we will take the IHTP Graduates first, IHTP Finishing Students second, IHTP Current Students third, IHTP PREP school students next, spouses and sig. others, next and interested people last.
As of this writing Jan. 1, 2012, we have 68 people who have indicated they may be interested in attending and have signed up tentatively. There are 50 beds in the hotel.This Conference will be a combination Therapeutic Harp Conference with lectures in the morning and time for exploration of the island in the afternoon. Our beloved Fionntulach will lead us in the Sacred tradition of the Ceile De (known well to the island) for the first two days.
EICSE - Divine Inspiration at the Brink of the Waters
In Alwyn Rees’ CELTIC HERITAGE, “The thin line between opposites has essentially the same significance as the dangerous bridges that lead to the citadels of the other world… Irish poets deemed that the brink of water was always a place where eicse – ‘wisdom’, ‘poetry’, ‘knowledge’ – was revealed.” Rees extends this concept to the juncture between two seasons, or to a plant like mistletoe, which is neither a shrub nor a tree. To nimbly jump back and forth between this world and another would not be as spiritually significant as being aware of this supernatural juncture.
Greetings!
This is going to be such a wonderful time. What better place to bring the healing qualities of our therapeutic harp conference than to be on the Isle of Iona and be in the absolute centre of healing on the planet! Our conference which usually runs 2 days in most years will be leisurely this time spread over 4 days – allowing us time for integration, for exploration of the island while incorporating the profound callings of why we are here on this planet.
Fionntulach, a leader in the Ceile De tradition, will guide us in the Sacred Ceile de Tradition that was the forerunner of the early Christian settlements by St. Columba. She will be guiding us into that thin place between the veils!
WELCOME – The St. Columba Hotel offers superb food and warm, friendly service in an environment of relaxation and comfort. Comfortable sun lounges and restaurant provide glorious panoramic views, in ever changing colors over the Sound of Iona to the Ross of Mull and the mountains beyond. An open fire warms the inner lounge.
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ISLE OF IONA - The famous Inner Hebridean island is only three miles long by a mile and a half wide. The ferry from the Isle of Mull to Iona takes approximately five minutes. Even before the Christian era, Iona was considered to be a place of special spiritual significance – there are said to have been over 300 standing stones on the island. Today it is most famous for the coming of the passionate and renegade St. Columba from Ireland in 563 AD. The Saint founded a small Celtic monastery here, and for 34 years, carried on his work of introducing Christianity to the Scottish mainland until his death in 597 AD.
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The Benedictine Abbey was built in the 12th Century, but fell into ruin after the Reformation. The buildings have now been restored.
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There are many explanations of the origin of the word “Iona”, and some think it is derived from I-shona, the Blessed or sacred Isle. It is also curiously significant that the Hebrew word for Dove is “Iona”, the Latin ‘Columba’.Optional Trip – Local boats sail twice daily to the Isle of Staffa where you will find Fingal’s Cave. Wildlife including whales, dolphins, porpoise, basking sharks, seal pups, puffins and many other sea birds are often sighted on these trips.
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Within walking distance of the hotel are a wonderful choice of beaches, mainly of white sand, others with multi-coloured pebbles and shells. It is hard to leave the island without a pocket full of treasures. Expect to enjoy sand dunes, rock pools, beach-combing and excellent swimming, when the sun shines, in crystal clear turquoise water. Packed lunches may be ordered in advance and bikes are available to hire on the island.
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The Animals and the Flowers!
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FINANCES
The prices include a per person accommodation for 5 nights, full Scottish breakfast, delectable evening dinner, taxes and leadership by featured speakers.
Arrival: Monday 24th June 2013 (check in – they aim to have rooms ready at 1 p.m.)
Departure: Saturday 29th June 2013 (check out by 10 a.m.)
Nights: 5
The following prices are in GB pounds. On the last payment, your finalized bill will reflect any change in the equivalency over the ensuing months (if you have pd in US$ or Euros). All rooms have bathrooms – some with showers, some with tub/shower.
There are:
7 single room(s) with sea view £750. per person per 5 nights
2 single rooms(s) on the back side £690. PPP5N
2 family room(s) with sea view (twin/double bed in room) £690 PPP5N
1 twin or can be a double with sea view £690 PPP5N
3 double rooms(s) with sea view £690 PPP5N
6 twin(s) with sea view £690 PPP5N
1 Superior room with sea view £770.00 PPP5N
4 twins(s) back £640 PPP5N
1 family room back (twin/double bed in room) £640 PPP5N
I will be giving you a few tips on airline situations once we have communicated.
The above package price EXCLUDES the following: Lunches – but you will be so full that you’ll only want to get something at the little market or you can purchase lunch on your own. All travel expenses including your airfare, trains, ferries and buses.
You will want to get to Glasgow to get your train to Oban. There are 2 ferries with a bus ride across Mull. You can expect these estimated costs. As time draws closer, I will help you with the details of making the connections.It is likely you may need to have one night hotel in either Glasgow or Oban and I can advise a good clean reasonable place if you need it.
Estimated Ferries and Trains based on 2011 prices
Train from Glasgow to Oban Return Fare (RT) £32.50
Oban – Craignure Ferry Return Fare (RT) £7.55
Bus across Mull Return Fare (RT) £10.00
Fionnphort -Iona Ferry Return Fare (RT) £4.10
TOTAL approx. extra transportation charges £55.00 – £65.00 (with increase allowance for 2013).
Schedule of Payments
1. Contact me no later than February 20, 2012 with your 1st, 2nd and 3rd rooming preferences and I will assign single rooms, twin rooms, double rooms in the order you get back to me.
2. 30% of your payment is due by August 1st, 2012 – non-refundable (this was changed from Sept. 1st due to Christina’s traveling schedule and the need to get the accounting done and sent to the hotel).
3. the next 30% of your payment is due by November 1, 2012 – non-refundable
4. the remaining 40% is due by May 1, 2013 – non-refundable
Refund policy: Each payment is non-refundable on the due date. In the event that Fionntulach or Christina Tourin are unable to conduct the workshops due to any cause outside of their control, including but not limited to death, injury or any other force majeure, the trip will not be cancelled and all attendees will be entitled to a 50% refund for each presenter of the seminar fees only.
I look forward to hearing from you. Please make your commitment by February 20th, 2012.
Let me know if you are seeking a roommate or contact someone you recognize from the email list below. This is indeed an event you’ll remember for a lifetime and who knows – perhaps your heart will call you back to Iona often!
Blessings,
Christina (Tina) Tourin
Here are some pictures from our group of 2009!
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The list is in order of notification of interest - then status listed next to the name. Do not despair if you think you might be doing the trip. I know that many who have indicated their desire are not sure if they can go but wanted to get their name on the list. The sooner you think you might be able to make the trip, the better to let us know. Then if you can’t come, we will start giving spaces to people on the waiting list. There are other programs of therapeutic musicians who are eager to be on this list but we are waiting until we hear from the IHTP family.
Barbara Crowe and Ross – instructor
Betty Truitt – vp – ihtp
Estelle Day – graduate
Beatrice Rose – graduate
Rachel Christenson – graduate
Laurence Marie – graduate
Judy Byron – graduate
Carolyn Worster – graduate
Cynthia Golfus – graduate
Dana Mosser – graduate
Jan-Joy Sax/husband – graduate
Bambi Niles and Rex – graduate
Julie Ann Smith – graduate
Gail Coon – graduate
Carol Johnson – graduate
Margaret Bell – graduate
Barbara Carr – finishing student
Jane McCabe – finishing student
Anke Arkesteyn – finishing student
Maya Hasan – current student
Rebecca Folsom-Wertz – current student
Jennifer Tucker – current student
Kevin Roddy/partner – finishing student
Shannon Schumann – current student
Tara Muma – current student
Callie Bates – current student
Irene Ryding – current student
Doron Peisic – current student
Marie Wabnitz – current student
Jan Mulrooney-Kuhn – graduate
Gricel Salazar-Lewis – interested
Bay Dean and partner – interested
Frances van Dorn – current student
Sheila Allen – interested
RuthiE Neilan – interested
Cheryl Angela – finishing student
Carolyn Ashburn – interested
Irene Sunn – interested
Claudia and Cristovao Miranda – Finishing Student
Kathy Morris – graduate
Bev and Gary Tyack – finishing student
Rhonda Ward – Current student
Masako Gray and husband – Finishing Student
Jan Hirsch – Finishing Student
Callie Bates – Current Student
Barbara Evenson – Prep Student
Catharine Scherer – Finishing student
Cathy Curby – Graduate
Anke Arkestyn and Dirk – Finishing
Jo Philpot – Prep
Debby Jennings – Graduate
Sandi Spalton – Finishing
Annie Silvestre (husband) – Current
Elizabeth Gilpatrick and Stephanie – Graduate
Esther Hackett – Finishing
Emi Higashiyama – Current
Melanie Lee – Interested
Jocelyn Obermeyer – graduate
Debi MacKay – graduate
Claire Guggenheim – Finishing
Jennifer Kneal – Finishing
To date – we have 30 Graduates that have first priority
14 Finishing students that have next priority
14 Current students who have next priority (who will be in the finishing cateogry after their classes this year)
5 Prep students who are entering the program Sept. who will have next priority
7 who are interested in joining us who will have the next priority
There is room for 50 people. In February we will make the determination on how the rooms are lining up. You will be asked to state your choices. Once we figure who will be coming, then we will create our waiting list. Non-refundable payments will be due August 1st 2012. Those not paying their deposit will come off the list and those on the waiting list will then be notified.
Dear Tina
I and Cristóvão want one of those rooms:
1 twin or can be a double with sea view £690 PPP5N or 1 twin back £640 PPP5N.
We are very excited to go! We have to pay 30% until August, how much will be the amount?
Love
Cláudia
I would like to go too! I would love to bring my son and his dad, so we would need a family room!! With a view would be good!
I don’t have any money but I know that it will come if it is the right time to go!!!!
Thank you Christina! Cheers Jennifer Kneale
I sent everything by email but I ama prep student now and a finishing student next year so dont know if I am in.
I sent my room preferences by email . Just let me knoe
I am excited right now about hospice in May and am working hard toward that
Hi Tina,
Rachel Christianson and I want to room together.
Love ‘n Light,
Estelle
Dear Christina,
yes i am interested to go to iona, and would love to be room mate again with Barbara Carr….
Barbara, my email is maiahasan@yahoo.co.uk .. we should be in contact :)
I am not sure if this is the place to share my preferences…
But I would love to have a single room. I am also more than happy to share with others…I do snore! So what ever is most expedient for the group….
I also have contact with family that owns the Argyle and a small home close to the Columba, who could rent it, if need be.
Dear Christina
I hope Maya Hasan will come with us, and I would really like to share a twin room with sea view with her since we had that nice experience at Samaya last year.
Hope it will all work out and I will be able to come.
Barbara
Hi Jo,
I’ll be making the list in February – there will then be the opportunity for those to know if they are on the for sure list or on the waiting list. Payments do not start until summer.
Hi Tina,
Guess I am a little behind. I’d like to be on the list. Pretty keen and good timing for me.
i assume when we know whether we are going as i am currently a prep student so way down on the list that we will be told how much to pay etc. Thanks
Please put me down for this trip! How exciting! I will check with Shannon Schumann and see if she would like to room with me. I think the 4 day conference would be great! The more time the merrier!
Warm Regards,
Jocelyn
I would also like the 4-day conference and to spend as much time as possible with other students. I feel somewhat isolated from other Harp Therapists living on Maui and look forward to sharing their real-life experiences.
Dear Christina,
I would like to stay 4 full days with my husband Gregory, and would like to stay in the twin room with sea view (£690).
Best regards,
Masako
I noticed that Kevin Roddy’s name is on the list twice, so you may want to take it off on the end. I would like to add my spouse to the list, as he would like to come along. We have been talking to a friend who went there last year, as a spiritual, christian journey. He is saying that we have to go there, if no where else…so I guess we better follow his directions! As far as the number of nights, either one works for me, I’ll go along with the majority. Meanwhile, I will look into the conversion presently for English pounds versus US dollars. Can you give me a general idea of the airfare from California that you paid, or an airfare from New York?
Thanks, Jan-Joy
Christina – Definitely count me in! I would prefer the full 4 day conference – I want to spend as much time as possible there with everyone.
A single room would be wonderful, unless Frank wants to come along too…
Dear Tina,
I would love to join you,
please add me to the list.
I was so sorry not to join you there
last year.
Grateful thanks,
Esther Hackett
Personally, I would prefer the longer stay, hoping that the extra time would give us more “breathing space”. I am hoping that my partner can make this journey with me, as she has supported and encouraged me so strongly in my harp journey.
I would LOVE to attend!!! It is one of my biggest dream to go to Scotland, like what you had mentioned Christina, “Que sera sera” I can dream of it now because dreams do come true :D and like what Barbara had mentioned I will cross my fingers too! Love to bring my husband too and the seaview would be perfect! oh and today is our 32 anniversary and I am going to make a wish for the Iona trip :)
With love and light!
Annie :D
Definitely would like the 4 days.
a single bed, shower, and sea view would be my choice. This is exciting!
Greetings Tina,
Thank you for your amazing work and planning. I would like the full 4-day conference, and a private room. It takes me about four days to adjust to the time change so I plan to go a few days early and stay in Glasgow for a couple of nights and then if possible an extra night at our hotel on Iona prior to the conference beginning. If there is space my husband Bruce will come with me.
Blessings,
Jennifer
Lots of people responding today – just to let you know, I’m getting you all on including your preferences! We are at the 51 marker now but lots of people are not sure but they want to make sure their name is on just in case they can. So, don’t get discouraged – Que Sera Sera……
Hi Tina,
I’m definitely interested. Please put my name on the list. I’d like to share a small room in the “cheaper seats” because I’m counting pennies. Four days would be grand.
-cathy
Thanks for putting me on the list, Christina. I forgot to say that I would definitely prefer the full 4 days, and would like a single room, but am willing to share a double in order to get a sea view room.
Thank you!
Barbara
I would love to return to Iona with you and this group.
Please count me in.
Catharine
Christina,
This sounds fabulous – I’ve wanted to go to Iona for a long time. I’m only a prep student, and there’s so many people signed up already that I may not make the cut, but please put my name on the list, and I will cross my fingers!
I would love a sea view room.
Thanks,
Barbara
This is going to be so fantastic!! I am pumped!! I definitely vote for 4 nights of delicious St. Columba meals and plenty of time to “be at one” with Iona. (And my mom wants to come too, haha!)
made the note Beatrice
Thank you for putting me on the list, Tina. My vote is definitely for the 4 nights. I would take a private room, if possible.
Dear Christina,
Please put my name on the list for Iona 2013. A private room overlooking the sea would be ideal. I think I will have problems when it comes time to leave–what a beautiful, mystical place this is! Every photograph speaks to my soul in a most particular way.
With love and gratitude,
Jan Hirsch
Dear Christina
definitely 4 days, it all looks too good to spend less then 4 days there.
Regards from Barbara
I would like to go to Iona with my husband. Please put us on the list.
Masako
Hi Christina,
I would love to go to Iona with the harp family, could you please add my name to the list.
With love,
Rhonda
You’re on!
I absolutely would like to be put on the list with my husband, Gary!
You’re on the list!!!!!
Dear Tina
Cristóvão and me would like to go with your group to Iona. It´ll be marvelous to meet you again in that place.
Love and Light
Claudia