We are looking forward to welcoming you at the Benedictine monastery of Lioba, Egmond Binnen, the Netherlands. Below you will find further information about public transportation there as well as your stay. Please read through it carefully.
TRAVEL TO EGMOND BINNEN WITH PUBLIC TRANSPORT:
The best way is to take the train from Amsterdam Central Station to Heiloo station or Castricum station, and from there a bus leaves once an hour to Lioba monastery bus stop (ask bus driver where the monastery is):
FROM HEILOO: when you leave Heiloo train station turn right along the path between the bicycles and go to the main street; cross the street to take the small bus there (direction Egmond aan Zee) which goes to Lioba monastery bus stop.
Connexion Buurtbus 408 departure times: 13:54; 14:54; and 15:54. (only takes around 12 minutes)
If you prefer, you could also take a taxi from there to Lioba monastery (see below - Saki could also call for you if we know when you will be arriving in Heiloo)
FROM CASTRICUM: If you decide to take the train to Castricum station instead, the bus is less frequent
Connexion Bus 164 departure times: 14:35, 15:35 (17 minutes)
Please plan your trip so that you arrive at betweem 14:00 - 15:30 on Thursday MAY 8!
TRAVEL BACK TO HEILOO TRAIN STATION AFTER CLOSURE ON THURSDAY MAY 15
Our closure is after lunch and tidying up - 14:30. Please take this into account for your return journey.
TO HEILOO: Connexion Buurtbus 408 departure times: 14:27, 15:27, 16:27, 17:27 (12 minutes)
TO CASTRICUM: Connexion Bus 164 departure times: 14:08, 15:08, 16:08 (18 minutes)
TAXI:
+31 (0)72 533 1313 (same number from both Castricum as well as from Heiloo but Heiloo is closer and thus cheaper)
Arrivals, rooms, and meals
You are welcome at the monastery on THURSDAY from 14: 30 - 16:00. Please do not arrive earlier or later! You will have time to settle in to your room, relax with a cup of tea or go for a walk. We will be staying in the main guesthouse. Upon arrival, ring the bell at the front door for Lioba Gastenverblijf. The portier answering will ask who is there, and if you say your name and add "for Saki's group," they will welcome you and open the door. (Each time you go in and out of the monastery you must do this.)
When you arrive, please go to the main guest house. There will be a room assignment sheet on the table in the main meeting room with your name and room number on it. There will also be a paper there for you to sign up for "karma yoga" which we will also go over during our orientation meeting. We are expected to set up for the meals, wash up our own dishes and pots/ pans, put things back on the serving trolleys and clear the tables as part of karma yoga tasks.
Meals:
Breakfast is self service, from 6:30 -8:30 - Bread, cheese, peanut butter, yoghurt and muesli, orange juice, tea and coffee are available. (We need to make our own coffee and tea)
Lunch is served between 12:15 - 12:45 - The meal is a simple vegetarian meal. When you have special needs you should bring this with you.
Supper is self service, from 18:00 - 19:30 each day. It is similar to breakfast but if there are leftovers from lunch you might wish to have this as well.
There is a small refrigerator in the kitchen as well as cupboard space to store things but please be aware that we are all sharing this with each other. There is a supermarket within walking distance for you to buy things you might need. please label your own personal items.
ATELIER OPENING:
On Saturday afternoon, between 14:00 - 16:00 the monastery opens their atelier to the public. There, hand made crafts from the community are for sale.
On Sunday morning at 11:30 there will be an optional opportunity to join the Lioba community in their worship service. While the Lioba community does not request this, Saki usually likes to have some of the group joining on Sunday mornings.
The retreat ends on Thursday May 2 after lunch and tidying up together at around 14:30 - 15:00. Please plan your trip accordingly!
Good to bring with you
An alarm clock if you need it to wake up in the mornings
comfortable clothes during meditation sessions
Indoor shoes or warm socks (no shoes in the dining hall/ meditation space
The floor is not carpeted, but there are enough chairs available. If you prefer to sit on the ground, bring your own meditation cushion or blanket.
There are beautiful grounds for walks, so do bring outdoor shoes/ rain gear and outdoor clothes.
Bring notebook and pen if you wish to take personal notes.
We all look forward to being together at the retreat