At Om in the Mountains

I COULD HAVE DONE WITHOUT . . . the photographs and paintings of spiritual leader Sri Swami Satchidananda, who founded Yogaville, in every room: the lunchroom, the laundry room, even our bedrooms.

IT MADE IT ALL WORTH IT WHEN . . . I was awakened at dawn by a 77-year-old woman playing classical violin, the community's version of an alarm clock.

IF I COULD DO IT OVER AGAIN I WOULD . . . actually keep my mouth shut for one of the silent lunches.

CHEAPEST THRILLS: There was an impressive collection of books on spirituality and meditation for both adults and children, but I opted for a sexy $4 ankle bracelet that jingles when I walk and a $13 tape of Sri Swami Satchidananda chanting Kirtan.

THE RIDE HOME: Kanye West didn't feel quite right, so it was Kirtan all the way: "Jaya Guru Siva Guru Hari Guru Raam! Raama Raama Raama Raam . . ."

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