• Brunch and BotaBota

    30 de julho de 2023, Canadá ⋅ ☀️ 24 °C

    Another good sleep and off to again feed the meter and have brunch with Ashlynn and Hugo (a crepe place with lots of GF options).
    We walked around the neighbourhood again and then headed back to the apartment where we got ready for the spa. Decided to bike down to BotaBota — lots of fun! We throughly enjoyed 4hours at the place doing 4 different Nordic rounds.
    Since it was all downhill we tried to get electric bikes but after several stations with no luck and looming rain we decided to take the bus. We got caught in some rain but still a great experience!
    Home to some leftover food and gathered stuff for an early departure tomorrow (Ashlynn to the Dr for 8pm and Hugo train to Ottawa, me back to Maine).
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  • Market and marchè

    29 de julho de 2023, Canadá ⋅ ☁️ 18 °C

    Had a good sleep and when we were all up, we headed to put money in the meter, grabbed a coffee and went to the metro to go to a Eno Flow yoga class. We then went to Atwater market and then back to the Plateau on the metro. We wondered around her neighborhood visiting bookstores, coffee shops, clothing and vintage stores, and bagel shops. On the way home there was a clothing sale on the side of the road and we stopped for awhile.
    Made a charcuterie board and were going to go for sushi but neither place has gluten free options so we went to the grocery store instead.
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  • Travel to Montreal

    28 de julho de 2023, Canadá ⋅ ☁️ 27 °C

    Up and a nice breakfast, then headed to the dock for water and fuel. I got off at the dock to try and find my car and headed to the airport. There I picked up a rental car (Kia Soul) and drove 6hrs to Montreal. Got to Ashlynn’s place and hung with her for a little while before needed to find a place to move my car. We walked to the depeneaur, to get a car pass only to find that they discontinued it. I found parking on the street and it was past the meter time, so stayed there. Ashlynn grilled some tofu and had some potato salad with it…. We got caught in the rain but fun to see the layout of the back yard.
    Futon pulled out and ready for bed…. Lots of driving in the last few days!!
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  • Rockland

    26 de julho de 2023, Estados Unidos ⋅ ☀️ 26 °C

    Drove all day and finally made it to the boat. Brian greeted me onshore and we brought stuff to the boat. Then we went back to town, walked around and went to In Good Company. Back to the boat for a relaxing evening. Brian gave me a gift, a book by Herman Hesse called Siddhartha.Leia mais

  • Driving day

    26 de julho de 2023, Canadá ⋅ ☁️ 20 °C

    Up early to teach and pack up the car so I can leave directly from the studio. Have been staying at Andréia’s apartment (with a bed on the floor) for a few days as my house if rented out. I won’t be back home till August 20th…. Nearly a month away from the house.
    Headed to Rockland Maine to meet up with Lorena again, after being introduced to her and captain Brian (Maddox) in Portland and Jewel Island earlier this month.
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  • Heading home

    4 de março de 2023, Curaçao ⋅ 🌬 28 °C

    Final Day -- I didn't pack and was concerned at how I would fit it all in again (since I brought a carry-on with Pilates rings but shoved other stuff in as well).
    We recorded a Yoga Pilates Fusion video to be used online at 7am, taught my last class at the studio at 9am (and Edward from windsurfing school was there), chatted with him about the studio (first time in 30 years he came to a studio) and classes he will offer, went back to Christels to have a meeting with Laura about finances and Wouter was there as he will help Christel with this part.
    Helped with a few Momoyoga things before Wouter and Christel left for a party (Luke and Lindsays) at a private beach.
    My flight kept getting pushed so I WhatsApp Heuron auto to keep the car for another hour, and went to Mombo for a final walk on the beach. I came home and they picked up the car, then turned to packing. Michelle was going to pick me up and the plan was 5:30 as flight was pushed to 8:05 (vs 4:45). Then I got a message while still in bikini that it was leaving earlier.... I messaged Michelle and she picked me up right away!
    I left candle, wine and some notes for Christel and gave Michelle a candle too. My heart is full and I hope to someday be back!!
    I checked luggage in at the counter and breezed through security. Flight was delayed longer -- we got into Toronto at 1am and had to pick up baggage, but couldn't check it in, or go back through security until later. Laid on cold floor by the Air Canada baggage drop off till 3:30. They finally opened but since my flight want till 8am they wouldn't let me check in..... So I just went through security and took my chances that I could put it on the plane..... And I did. Flight was delayed again. I was in a window seat with two others but quickly moved to a vacant row of seats and tried for more shut eye on the flight home.
    Bev & Harry picked me up and took me to Dads where I grabbed the trusty Saturn.... Went and got groceries and then headed to bed for a few hours before teaching an 8pm Yin at True (followed by a 6:15am & 9am the next morning). Still working on the Movements website (with Menuka) this week.
    ** Monday bought Oakley to pet sit so I had to include a picture as he has made the transition great!
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  • Kayaking, Networking & Fish

    3 de março de 2023, Curaçao ⋅ 🌬 26 °C

    Friday was a packed day as it was my last full day and I was fitting it ALL in. I took some time off regular work, and used the car which was great. Although I only used $20 of gas (so didn't go very far).

    Ingeborg sailed with me and I had given her my card when we left and asked that she stay in touch as she seemed to be connected to all the people who needed crew. She wroteme a What's App note and we were back and forth through the week. When I didn't get to kayak to the Blue Room I reached out to her as she was connected with Eddy (teaches sailing) and even though it was windy we had a wonderful paddle. She is a great lady and I look forward to connecting with her again if I return.

    A quick shower and change and off to a networking event at PID with Iwan. It turned out to be a baby celebration.... The doctors (Erica and Germain), just had their 4th boy (Fender), two weeks ago. There is a Dutch tradition of sprinkles on bread/toast. It was nice to chat with people, but unfortunately I couldn't stay long as I was heading back to Happy Hour at Christels.
    I didn't get to say goodbye to Ashley, but Eline was there and so was Alisha. I was so fortunate to meet a lot of great people during my stay.
    Christel, Alisha, Wouter and I went to a fish place (right on the water) to eat. You stand in a long queue, order food and they bring it to you. It looked like the only thing I could have was tuna as the rest was fried. However, when it came I went to the kitchen area to check -- turns out they coat it with soy and then roll it in sesame before grilling it..... BUT no gluten in the frier, so fries (and corn fries) were available to try.... And they ordered special tuna steak for me -- Delicious!

    ** last night of sleep and I slept well every night. I averaged 7-8hrs per night and usually felt great!! I turn on the AC at night, once in bed, put in a long sleeve shirt so the bugs wouldn't bite me, and usually slept ALL night (better than home).
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  • Shopping in Sambil & Punda

    3 de março de 2023, Curaçao ⋅ 🌬 29 °C

    After the Kokomo hike, I wanted to get a big candle for Christel. We settled on something smaller (and I picked a mango one for Michelle). Unfortunately, Intergra Wellness was not open till 11am, so we walked around the mall and grabbed a coffee there. We both agreed that malls are awful (and Sambil is very new to Curacao, taking business away from other areas), and service was no better them Kokomo where we waited 30min for coffee and never received it, so left and went swimming.
    We then headed to Punda (Pietermaai) and went to Locala (where Michelles artwork is featured), a gallery, the market and around colorful wall murals. The video is the bridge that connect Outrabanda and Punda.
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  • Last hike & swim adventure

    3 de março de 2023, Curaçao ⋅ 🌬 28 °C

    I meet Michelle at Kokomo beach at 7am to start a hike. We were to hike for 2 hours and then I was heading back to meet with Christel and Laura about finances for Movements. However, we got a bit lost and ended up being 2.5 - 3hr hike through a lot of brush. Picked some flamingo feather and saw a piece of heart shaped coral that I'll take home with me. Since we had to cancel finance meeting we stayed at the beach and went for a swim around the platform (water was cold). We got caught in a downpour on the way out, but I love the Curaçao rain ☔🇨🇼Leia mais

  • Blue room cave

    2 de março de 2023, Curaçao ⋅ 🌬 27 °C

    The plan was to go kayaking to the Blue Room Cave and snorkel along the way. We arrived at a remote beach and Capitian Feel Good would not rent us kayaks. He said the seawasto rough, and was also scared that someone died at Mambo Beach the day before and he was worried it would move like a virus to other beaches. What I have learned is to always expect a change of plans (and a shift in emotions).
    We decided to hike but unfortunately I had on white flip flops that were thin worn and nearly ready for garbage. After several thorns dug through, Christel offered we switch shoes. At one point we contemplated turning back as Christel was uncomfortable with locals we met along the way.
    We were with Ava (Christel’s childhood friend who was in town) and Wes. They stayed on the cliff with our bags, Christel jumped off, and I timidly climbed down on the coral. Got into the water and guides were with a group, so they helped me get under the rock and into the cave. Once there it was pretty neat, but I had a stinging feeling on my back and wanted to leave as I didn't know what it was.
    I returned back to the cliff top and Ava and Wes jumped in. It was nice to have some alone time in the middle of no where.
    Once they surfaced again, I decided to try jumping off the cliff (only 10-15ft high) and screamed the whole way down. I forgot to plug my nose so I got a good saltwater rinse.
    We went to another location for a cliff jump (about 30+ ft up), and watched Wes and Christel go a few times. Was fun to watch Christel in her element!
    Later we went to a Laundhaus for some food (just coffee for me) and then dropped off the crew and back home for a quick shower before heading into the studio to teach.
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  • Week Four of Yoga

    1 de março de 2023, Curaçao ⋅ 🌬 26 °C

    Hard to believe it was my final week! I loved every minute and I taught the Saturday class before I left later in the day. We also recorded a class in Christel’s yard to be used as on on-line class for later.
    The studio is seeing new faces and Ashley was back this week (Joyce will be back next) - two influencers who are posting lots about the studio. Christel is working on her Yin training this week we got Ashleys photos (Influence through the Lens).... It was fun to go through them!
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  • Mambo Beach week with the Car

    28 de fevereiro de 2023, Curaçao ⋅ 🌬 28 °C

    Have car... Will scoot to Mambo beach as often as I could to get in a swim. It was only 1.5km away and a nice area! I didn't always have my phone.... But when I did, lots of selfies to remind me how joyful I felt, how much I loved having my feet in the sand, how I enjoyed swimming and how the sunlight energized me like no other!Leia mais

  • Car Day and Beach yoga

    27 de fevereiro de 2023, Curaçao ⋅ 🌬 28 °C

    Morning class at the studio and then we were supposed to go to Kome restaurant, unfortunately it was closed so we walked to a few other spots... Saint Tropez and the Scuba Lodge. None really had GF options so we decided to just get food at home.
    Car arrived at 2pm and I did a quick run to the beach for a swim. We then went to Edwards yoga at the windsurf school. He again told Christel that he would teach and he would come to a class this week! Yay!!
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  • Sailing Regatta

    27 de fevereiro de 2023, Curaçao ⋅ ☀️ 25 °C

    Although it has been sporadic, I have been trying to read my devotions and write each day (it usually happens every 3-4th day), but I enjoy the time to stop and reflect.... To be grateful for life and what God has given me!
    Michelle to the rescue again. She picked me up and drove me to Asento (the place where the boat was -- I don't think I would have found it with my own car)!
    I arrived early and helped the skipper bring things onto the boat. It is a Pacer 27, with no real cabin below. One of the women had a dry ag, so I stored my phone there and didn't have a chance to take photos on the course. We were out for 4.5 hours (slow but loved every minute of it). We didn't fly the spinnaker. Luckily someone was taking photos of the race and I saw them on Facebook later.. I got a drive to MacDonald's from one of the crew and walked home from there. Spent the evening making arrangements for a car.
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  • Salt Flats and Blue Bay

    25 de fevereiro de 2023, Curaçao

    Went in another early morning adventure (6:30am) with Michelle and her hiking group. We were early so I was able to grab a coffee along the way. The walk was really nice, but because if the rain, they could not walk the route they used to take as it would require crossing water. After the hike we went to a snack and then Michelle dropped me back to the house. She later picked me up again and was supposed to take me to pick up the car at Avis (there was a big mess up, and the staff were very unhelpful -- ultimately I didn't get the car). We then went to Blue Bay, had a swim and stayed to enjoy some live music. Since there isn't much GF to eat I got a curry roasted cauliflower head at a nearby beach restaurant, and some tea.
    We searched for Michelles friend Rudy before we left, but figured he found his way back to his car and left. It was a fun evening despite the car ordeal!
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  • Week three of yoga

    24 de fevereiro de 2023, Curaçao ⋅ ⛅ 29 °C

    Movements is definitely a place that special moments are created. There is a calming energy here, even though there is chaos is starting a new business. The website is next…. It is all coming together!
    On the 24th I had a meeting with Iwan (a consultant I met at Edwards yoga class -- his company Partnership in Development). His office is in Pietermaai. It was great to chat with him about his upcoming project with social workers, and to give him a sense of my background. He also had some interest in retreats -- it would be fun to do some paid work in Curacao one day! Who knows where connects will lead too.
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  • The Pier and Dancing

    23 de fevereiro de 2023, Curaçao ⋅ 🌬 28 °C

    Today I taught and then Christel took me to see a few hotels (the Marriot was beautiful), then did my Canadian work, and tried to work in Michelle’s signature for her Batik Artwork.
    In the evening she picked me up and we reviewed on Canva and then went to the Pier to meet with other sailors. It was mainly people who were live aboard (but were house sitting). Enjoyed some interesting stories and people. Michelle chatted with a lady who used to have a boat, and photographs the races. She will likely take pictures of the race I’ll be in, so I followed her on Facebook.
    After eating at the Pier, we went to the Blues club at Avila Beach Hotel, where we listened to some great music and danced. A wonderful evening!!
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  • SUP Adventure

    22 de fevereiro de 2023, Curaçao ⋅ 🌬 28 °C

    What a great day!
    It has been an emotional roller coaster and although it was suggested yesterday, I think Christel would have rather been by herself today. However, I am so very grateful for this adventure! We went to the private Marines club (run by Eddy) to get SUP boards. Then we paddled through Spanish waters, Curacao Marina, and Sandles (which open to the sea). Christel is stronger and faster then I, and we had lots of wind! She stopped to show me a sea urchin. Then we paddled out the channel and turned right, I pulled on the snorkelling gear and had an amazing time floating through the coral 🪸. Back on the boards and we made a pit stop at Directors Beach, and then the Tugboat wreck (where I snorkeled, and Christel free dove).
    We paddle past the platform and to the shore, where we got out and carried the board to the windsurfing school. It was neat to paddle past the fort and places I had walked with Michelle.
    Annameik was at the windsurf school (as her partner manages it), so we stopped and chatted for awhile. Gino then gave us a lift in the power boat, back to Eddie’s. We went to Annemeiks house for a nice visit (she is pregnant). Also noticed that she has bags of water hanging in her house — I guess this is normal as it scares away flies and mosquitoes.
    Taught more classes in the evening…. So in love with the studio and it’s energy!
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  • Carnival

    19 de fevereiro de 2023, Curaçao ⋅ ⛅ 28 °C

    Up early and walked to MacDonalds to grab a coffee. Then back home to update this blog and book my flight back home (leave March 4th and back on 5th).
    Then off to Carnival. There were people and loud noise’s everywhere! It was fun to see but I felt awkward and out of place the entire time! Sadly it rained a lot during the event! Joyce and Roland showed up (I love sushi Instagram girl who comes to the studio). At the end I went down and watched from Street level and a man named René (a manager at the casino … you see him in the video), chatted with me for awhile. He gave me his hat and told me to promote Curacao to Canadian. Back home to grab hummus and snow peas for a quick bite before bed as I didn’t eat during the 5hours+ at Carnival.Leia mais

  • A day outdoors

    18 de fevereiro de 2023, Curaçao ⋅ 🌬 24 °C

    Went for a hike with Michelle’s walking group. I was picked up at 6:45am and we walked from La Reina (in Pietermaai) along the coast towards Mambo and back. I went to Christel’s class (but late) at 9:15am.
    Wouter was going kayaking when we got home, and Christel wanted time alone, so I left with him. We kayaked 8km, in and out of little bays. We went for a swim and a drink at Sandals and back home to relax for the first time on the deck chairs. Later in the evening Christel made the fixings for rice wraps. First time doing it and it will definitely we something I’ll do at home with a group of people! Felt so good to be outdoors all day!
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  • Photo shoot

    17 de fevereiro de 2023, Curaçao ⋅ 🌬 24 °C

    Christel dropped me off early so she could get to her fitness class, and I went to Van Gogh coffee. The coffee and snack was great (but 13.50 for the snack). I had a call on Thursday with SJTC to do a business plan for them and spent the afternoon working on the proposal. Christel went surfing, and was nervous about the photo shoot. We picked up some groceries and headed back to the studio. Lots of people (18-20) came for it and both Ashley (photographer) and Christel did an amazing job!Leia mais

  • Week Two of Yoga

    16 de fevereiro de 2023, Curaçao

    Second full week of classes. Things are going well, the business plan is complete and classes are filling. We got Momoyoga scheduling software for the classes and people are signing up and starting to purchase 10 class punch passes and single sessions. Christel is feeling the roller coaster ride of business.
    On Thursday we went to Avila Beach Resort to walk around (and look through the museum), then to Sweet & Blue (but the menu wasn’t great) so off to Ten. The “dress code” was above our yoga clothes but we went anyway and it was delicious!! I was going to the Pier to socialize with sailors but since Yin had 19 people the previous week, we decided that both of us should do the class — not as many showed, but still a nice evening.
    The weather here is great, and it rains once or twice a day (so far I haven’t got soaked in it), but it sounds and smells beautiful and only usually lasts for 5-10min.
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  • Tree of Life

    12 de fevereiro de 2023, Curaçao

    A full day!! Was supposed to hike and beach with Michelle but Christel decided to go to Tree of Life with Laura (her sister) Ralph, Louise. It was an amazing climb with lots of views (7 peaks). It took 3.5 hours (and Christel was stung in the eye by a wasp… Laura fell into a cactus). There is a palm tree that is unique to this country on the top of the final peak (Cabana and Sabapalm).
    After the climb I meant up with Michelle at Jan Thiel. We went for a swim, walked around the hotel area (and infinity pool) and I had nachos (with Brie cheese). Another nice sunset ☀️
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  • Jan Thiel

    11 de fevereiro de 2023, Curaçao

    Christel was meeting up with a friend so dropped me off at Jan Thiel beach. To the right is a dog beach, I headed in that direction but was stopped by an eagle eating it’s fish (see video). I finally passed him and then the rain came, which is normal to have a few showers a day. I tucked in under a bush and waited for it to pass. I them walked around the little inlets and saw a trail, so decided to follow (in flip flops — people here call them slippers— that kept coming apart). I would later find out that the trail leads all the way to Mambo beach, but I only followed it to the bluff. The music at Jan Thiel beach (and bar called Zanzibar) was loud electronic and I was happy to find the silence in nature.
    I returned to the beach to wait for Christel, then we had a couple of Gin and Tonics while watching the sun set. We also drove around to a look off site (that says I ❤️ Curacao) before heading home.
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