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Cathy Manuel
Cathy Manuel

Cathy Manuel

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  • Cathy ManuelCuraçao AdventureTraveler

    Island Driving and dancing

    January 28, 2023 in Curacao ⋅ 🌙 23 °C

    Saturday I slept in and had a relaxing morning and then I was all over the island. I went with Christel towards her CrossFit studio but got dropped off and did a walk instead. Then I took the car and explored Jan Kok area, saw the Yoga Festival and Flamingos 🦩, then went to Otrabanda to the cruise ship area and shopping (bought the traditional Christmas ornament), then groceries. It was nice to tour the island on my own (however… I haven’t been using data so lots of getting lost or turned around and trying to find my way).
    In the evening we went to a friend of Christel’s sister (Laura) to make t-shirts for the “jump in party” for Carnival…. Then off to the party to dance, wander and listen to music till 2am (Taki Tin).    Read more

  • Cathy ManuelCuraçao AdventureTraveler

    Movements Studio

    January 27, 2023 in Curacao ⋅ ⛅ 28 °C

    Wednesday we spent time on the Movements Brand, did errands and picked up lots of needed items for the studio, including towelettes. I experienced a new kind of car wash before heading to the studio to clean (with Christel’s Aunt and Uncle). We finalized the Survey and once done cleaning went to Mambo Beach. Christel worked out at the gym and I walked the beach.
    Thursday was a big day!! First class at the studio. I worked in the morning and Christel went to clean the studio. I taught two classes and at 5:30 and 7pm and folks filled out the survey. Gino installed the mat rack that looks great!
    Friday was Christel’s day to teach Pilates and she was nervous! We were up early, she went to the gym at Mambo and I went for a swim (of 1hr… about 1km). We went to pick up an outdoor swing for the studio, feed the cats and then home so Christel had time to rest and prepare class and I could work. We went to the studio around 4pm to meet Dave (worker) who was bringing a desk and helped us move out a shelf. Pilates class was upbeat and lots of fun. After we came home and then out to Mambo beach for happy hour.    Read more

  • Cathy ManuelCuraçao AdventureTraveler

    Curaçao Culture

    January 24, 2023 in Curacao ⋅ ⛅ 24 °C

    On Sunday we hiked up Christoffel Mountain and it was a lot of fun. Unfortunately, I slipped on the way down and have had bruised knees all week, which isn’t great for yoga practice. After the mountains (where we stole orchids and white flowers for Christel’s garden) we went to the beach and meant up with one of Christel’s former co-workers (and her kids).
    The water was so buoyant and I enjoyed swimming alot while there! It rained for a bit and that cleared the beach out nicely. After the beach Wouters parents arrived from Holland.
    On Monday I did a SWOT analysis with Christel and Wouter that will form the basis of the business plan along with the survey results.
    We then went to the studio and meant Gino, who was making the mat hanger, plus Christel’s Aunt and Uncle dropped by for a visit. We ran a few more errands, came back to the house and then out again for yoga with Edward at the wind surfing place. The yoga class was great (although knees weren’t happy and lots of sand as it was on the beach area), then home to grab some food do some work and off to bed.
    Tuesday morning was a Power Flow at The Space. It was good and we chatted with the girls about the studio opening, but then we saw Caroline (owner) on the way out and it was awkward. We ran errands (bought towels, vases, ext..) for the studio and back to the house for food and work meetings for me. Unfortunately my zoom isn’t working (for me to initiate a meeting) so that was a problem, however I did get to do my second call / meeting. I cooked supper for Wouters parents (as he and Christel were out).
    This evening we went to Laura’s place (Christel’s sister) to pick up Red Carpet / VIP tickets for the start of Carnival. We stayed for a short time and then left. On the way out guys wanted our purple brackets, but mine wouldn’t come off so the dude bit it off.
    Home and off to Lala land very soon!!    Read more

  • Cathy ManuelCuraçao AdventureTraveler

    Christel’s House

    January 21, 2023 in Curacao ⋅ 🌙 25 °C

    Since I am here for awhile I won’t be updating every day, cause it would be the same old photos.
    Yesterday we spent time at the yoga studio, created a plan of attack, got groceries and then made a big supper for guests (Luke and Lindsey— who are originally from Moncton but have lived in Curaçao for 7 years).
    Today we went to a yoga class at The Space and then worked on a survey and planned three classes for next week at the studio. Then went to hang out at the beach while Christel when surfing (Wouter, her partner, wasn’t feeling well). After the beach we went to her mom house to feed the cats. Her mom is in the Netherlands and is staying as she needs surgery… ideally I would stay at the house with the three cats and have my own car to use. Unfortunately, I am really allergic to the cats and lost my voice all evening due to petting them.
    We sent out invitations for the classes this coming week, this evening.    Read more

  • Cathy ManuelCuraçao AdventureTraveler

    A Curaçao Welcome 🇨🇼

    January 19, 2023, Caribbean Sea ⋅ ☀️ 27 °C

    Arrived in Curaçao and Christel picked me up at the airport. Flight was great even though there was a 10mnth old in the seat ahead of me.
    We went to the studio to check it out (gorgeous). I can’t wait to help her get it up and running! Then to her place to get me settled in my space. From there we went to Mambo Beach and walked around, then back home for super.
    Christel forgot her phone at the studio, so we went back and it is even more beautiful at night. Then walked around the downtown, including the floating bridge.
    Back to my little casita, air con is on and I am excited to sleep and then start my work routine tomorrow!    Read more

  • Cathy ManuelCuraçao AdventureTraveler

    Visit with Ashlynn

    January 18, 2023 in Canada ⋅ ⛅ 0 °C

    Spent the night with Ashlynn and Hugo and enjoyed seeing their place and neighborhood (Plateau and Mile End) on foot! Hard to believe only -2 for mid January!
    Ordered an Uber that didn’t show and had to run down the street to get a cab at 5:30am. It was nice to be at the airport with time to spare. Sitting on the plane for the last hour and finally ready to take off!
    Next stop Curaçao 🇨🇼!    Read more

  • Cathy ManuelFall 2022Traveler

    HOME Again

    November 4, 2022 in Canada ⋅ ⛅ 17 °C

    Andrew took me to the airport (where I learned that you are not supposed to have “hand warmers” in your carry on (left over from my hike the day prior).
    In Toronto my flight was delayed but still got home around 9pm. Headed over to Pasq’s to chat with Manuka and Chandana about issues with their application (medical).
    Throwing in a photo of following day horseback riding as it was inspired by this trip!    Read more

  • Cathy ManuelFall 2022Traveler

    Sibling time

    November 3, 2022 in Canada ⋅ ⛅ -4 °C

    Pete came to Andrew’s house at 8am and we headed towards the Mountains. It took three stops to find a Gluten Feed breakfast, but Communitea Cafe in Canmore was a win with an awesome breakfast bowl and lots of Gf bakery items.
    Then to Grotto Creek Canyon for a hike. Lots of pure white snow and slots to pass through. We lost foot grippers but found them on the way back. Also lost my Contigo mug full of tea :-(. Perhaps during one of my fave plants in the snow (blunstones are not the best winter hiking footwear).
    Then we headed for a Tim’s hot chocolate and on our way to Noah’s Volleyball game. It was great to watch him play and chat a bit with Caleb. Unfortunately, I didn’t get to spend more time with them.
    Pete and I went to Moxies and Andrew (who came to the last of the volleyball games) meant us there. Great meal!
    We headed back to Andrew’s (with e quick card shopping at Walmart). Then we sat around and chatted about family for the next hour or two, before I had to say goodbye to Pete and Amy (Andrew is driving me to the airport).    Read more

  • Cathy ManuelFall 2022Traveler

    Work day

    November 2, 2022 in Canada ⋅ ☁️ -6 °C

    It snowed all day today…. So I spent time working. I also finished watching the “How to Change your Mind,” documentary by Michael Pollen. Very interesting!!
    Andrew and Amy both had rough days …. and the weather and roads were bad …. So we had ribs & asparagus, chatted for awhile and went to bed.Read more

  • Cathy ManuelFall 2022Traveler
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    Calgary

    November 1, 2022 in Canada ⋅ ❄️ 0 °C

    Arrived in Calgary and Andrew picked me up. We had a stop at Samaritans Purse to see Pete and where they both work.
    It is snowing out for the next couple days. Andrew and I grabbed some Indian food and enjoyed great dinner table conversation. Amy had a course so joined later in the evening. I was really tired so went to bed early and had a great sleep!!Read more

  • Cathy ManuelFall 2022Traveler

    Summing up NM & CO

    November 1, 2022 in the United States ⋅ 🌙 3 °C

    At the airport now and heading to Calgary via Denver. This is what I have done with my time thus far. The first part was fun and I had a travel companion. Once Sue left, I had to dig deep and embrace my last 10days. I was lonely at times but still did stuff. People used to ask me what I enjoyed most about travelling with Ashlynn -- it was seeing the world through her eyes. What I miss the most about travelling alone is the shared experience, the understanding an experience thru another set of eyes.
    - One ballon ride
    - Soaked in hot springs 6 times
    - 10 nights dog sitting
    - 3 bags of cheddar & sour cream chips
    - 6 yoga classes
    - 4 nights couchsurfing
    - 2 nights Airbnb
    - 2 nights in 1954 Airstream
    - 28km hiked
    - 2 nights hotel
    - Soaked in hot tub 4 times
    - 1 horse back ride
    - 1664 miles (2678km) driven
    - 4 tanks of gas
    - Played with and petted 11 dogs and one cat
    - Three outdoor fires, 5 indoor fires    Read more

  • Cathy ManuelFall 2022Traveler

    Unsinkable

    October 31, 2022 in the United States ⋅ 🌙 9 °C

    Woke up, had a few work meetings and then watched the documentary, Unsinkable. Lots of food for thought!
    The Sandia foothills are just behind the Airbnb so started out on one trail but ended up getting off and scrambling up several peaks for the view. Only climbed 650ft in elevation as I had to drop the car back to the rental.
    Took an Uber back to Airbnb, enjoyed some sunshine on the back deck and watched the sun set. Packed, showered and started a fire to celebrate my last evening in USA.    Read more

  • Cathy ManuelFall 2022Traveler

    Awesome Airbnb

    October 30, 2022 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 8 °C

    Cooked up a pancake and Rasberry breakfast for Jill.. She wanted help with moving stuff in her garage, so I stuck around, but she was busy with work things. We both sat on the couch (me sending TouchNote animal photo cards to Couchsurfers and Trusted House Sitters) and worked.
    I left around noon and the drive was beautiful. I stopped for a 2hr soak at Jemez Hot Springs before continuing on to Albuquerque. I based up, bought some Cheddar and Sour Cream Ruffles (almost $6USD) and a Mikes Hard Lemondade. Arrived at the wonderful Airbnb and relaxed the remainder of the evening.    Read more

  • Cathy ManuelFall 2022Traveler

    Last Day in Durango

    October 29, 2022 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 1 °C

    A full day today!
    Started with my final yoga class at Pause. Great start to the day! The instructor recommended Animas Mountian trail as a hike, so I took her suggestion.
    Filled my water bottles, had yogurt and granola that brought with me and arrived at the trailhead at 11:11am.
    Since I don't Strava I am not sure how many km I hiked, but it was over 10km, with a 1500 ft elevation.
    Back home to let the dogs out, do laundry, shower, book Airbnb for final two days in the USA, chat with Jill who is now back home (and kindly let me stay an additional night).    Read more

  • Cathy ManuelFall 2022Traveler

    Top of Aminas Mountain Trail

    October 29, 2022 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 9 °C

    Animas City is what the city was called before the railroad came in and changed it to Durango. I hiked the Mountain that overlooks the city.
    1,500ft elevation, 10+km and 3.25hrs.
    Beautiful views and on the way back I went off trail and meant up with a mountain bike trail. Nearly run over a few times... And happy to find my way back to the original trail.Read more

  • Cathy ManuelFall 2022Traveler

    Downtown Durango

    October 28, 2022 in the United States ⋅ 🌙 8 °C

    After Riding, I came into Main Street Durango and explored some shops and another consignment store (Rose Duds). Had some amazing hot chocolate sample and bought chocolate nibs and coffee. Then to Grassburger for a hamburger and fries. Not a fancy place, but food was good and I was stuffed. Meant the couple I rode with (but didn't chat much) coming in for a burger too.
    Then back to the dogs. Driving (especially at night) needs to be done with LOTS of caution as many deer's are on the road.
    Ended the day will lots of dog snuggles!    Read more

  • Cathy ManuelFall 2022Traveler

    Riding Zandy

    October 28, 2022 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 9 °C

    Decided to get outta my funk, walked the dogs around the property and then head to Overthe Hill Outfitters for a 2hr ride. Another couple joined and Maddie, our guide, took us to the top of the mountain and back down. My horse, Zandy, was great! She liked to run up hills (and I fully supported, and perhaps held her back and encouraged this forbidden behavior). It was a beautiful sunny day and I missed riding so much! There is a state of flow between rider and horse that merges the two!
    Already have a ride booked for when I am back in Moncton, and toying with going to Tanque Verde again.    Read more

  • Cathy ManuelFall 2022Traveler

    Wolf Hounds

    October 27, 2022 in the United States ⋅ 🌙 -2 °C

    Up early to the sound of dogs howling. Got up with Jill and learned the dogs routine. Worked for a few hours and then headed out in the afternoon to explore. I went to Nomads consignment store and then to a yoga class at Pause. After I went to Daudi’s to pick up a prism (that I got from glamp camp) and had a quick bit to eat with him (squash, kale and mushrooms) using chopsticks.
    A long drive back (the last 2.5 miles is straight uphill on a dirt road). As a result of earlier conversation, I decided to hang with the dogs and watch My Octopus Teacher on Netflix before heading to bed.    Read more

  • Cathy ManuelFall 2022Traveler

    Durango Hot Springs

    October 26, 2022 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 6 °C

    Sadly, it was time to leave Daudi’s cosy home on the mountain and venture to a new place where I would be dog sitting 3 wolf hounds! Before I left, I had a great conversation with my all time favorite travel companion (Ashlynn).
    Between the two I went to a yoga class at Pause and enjoyed a nice Americano at the market then went to the Durango hot springs and had a wonderful soak. The first pool I got in, I chatted with the couple who love to hunt elk in NM using there Tennesse Walker horses. The man had his daughters name tattooed on his side: Ashlyn. The final pool I soaked in was with three lovely women originally from Texas, who had gone to highschool together (Anne - the one waving - has a second home in Durango/ Rockport that they were staying). I told them about Tanque Verde as another potential adventure, shared that I was dog sitting and gave them my card.
    The dog sitting home has a gorgeous view, and in it's time was likely an amazing home. Now it is a bit run down and unclean....and a tad creepy, but I am adjusting.    Read more

  • Cathy ManuelFall 2022Traveler

    Horse Gulch Road

    October 25, 2022 in the United States ⋅ 🌙 3 °C

    Up early to make pancakes for Daudi. I had read on CS (from reviews) that he likes pancakes so I made two different types. He had to leave by 7:30am so it was another early morning. Got to learn more about him and his company Agile Space Industries.
    Did some work, had a zoom call with Richard Jackson and crew from First Baptist and surfer social media. Daudi had recommended a trail so I thought I would go for a hike before trying yoga studio #2 (Pause Yoga and Pilates).
    I plugged Horse Gulch trail into maps and it took me 20 miles away. I drove all around the area and didn’t see a trail. I stopped at a horse ranch on my way back as it said horse rides (all the ones I found on Google were closed for the season). I chatted with them for a few minutes and they told me about the trail END. Most people pick it up in Durango.
    I headed back and did a 30 min mini hike before rushing off to yoga.
    Lauren at Pause, taught a beautiful class and she texted me her playlist. Then I stayed for Judy’s restorative class. Headed home around 8pm to hang with the cat and grab some food and off to sleep!    Read more

  • Cathy ManuelFall 2022Traveler

    Hot yoga - high altitude

    October 24, 2022 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 7 °C

    Had an 8am meeting so got out of bed at 7:30am. Had FTHS meeting and then through working discovered that website inquires (47 in total) had not been responded too. That took the rest of my day.
    Decided to leave the house and go to a 6pm yoga class (75min). It was a fast paced, in a full hot room, and I was wiped by the end of it. Garrett was the instructor. The studio had one shower 🤷🏻‍♀️, so waited my turn and took one as there is not a lot of water available where I am staying.
    Went to the grocery store (with rubber legs) and picked up a few items, then back to the house. Daudi was arriving at the same time. He started a fire and I grabbed something to eat. We chatted for a little while and then off to bed. Each night I add more layers as it gets cold!!    Read more

  • Cathy ManuelFall 2022Traveler

    Snowstorm

    October 23, 2022 in the United States ⋅ 🌙 0 °C

    Up early and offered to take Andrew to Breakfast before leaving. He is a naturopathic doctor who founded and runs Global Outreach Doctors. He drove me through the small village of Galisteo and then went to Cafe Fina. Had great conversation and a delicious pesto omelette and coffee. Back at his ranch, I said goodbye to the horses and ventured towards the horseback riding I had booked at Ghost Ranch in Abiquiu. Sadly, when I was half hour away, they called to cancel due to weather. It was starting to drizzle.
    I stopped at the O’Keoffe Welcome centre but it was closed… so I wandered around the cafe & gallery, grabbed a coffee to go (bought a Christmas ornament) and back in the car.
    The drive through the mountains was beautiful but I had close to an hour of snow on my drive. Once I hit Colorado the landscape changed and it was horses and ranches everywhere. I saw dead deer every few miles, and lots of deer and wild turkey on the road side.
    I saw and neat peak on a mountain and decided to explore. Sadly, chimney peak was also closed.
    I stopped in Pagosa Springs and contemplated dipping into the free springs beside the river. However, it was really cold, no one else was in the springs and the smell of sulphur was repugnant!
    I continued on to Durgango with a quick stop for coffee, and found the CouchSurfing home before dark. Daudi was not home, but left the door open. The house sits on the rim of a valley and small airport.
    Once he came home we enjoyed some curry and interesting conversation. He is the founder and president of Agile Space Industries, and grew up in Kenya. He also has a cat named Marco.
    My room is upstairs and I’ll be here for a few days!    Read more

  • Cathy ManuelFall 2022Traveler

    Couchsurfing

    October 22, 2022 in the United States ⋅ 🌙 13 °C

    Sue was up and off to the airport at 5:45am. I tried everything (playing music, counting sheep) to get back to sleep but it wouldn’t come. Instead…. Anxiety! I was now alone, and heading to Santa Fe. I got a late check out, took my time at the free breakfast, and stocked up on bananas and grabbed and extra GF bagel.
    Headed to Santa Fe and listened to Brene Brown along the way, which calmed me down.
    I had arranged to go on a hike and hang with horses on a CS ranch and then head to another CS for two nights. Unfortunately, my overnight got Covid and cancelled, so I was scrambling to figure out what to do. Once I got to the ranch I tried to make arrangements, but nothing was available on air miles and the hotel that Andrew suggested was full. Luckily, he let me stay at the house, and we had a nice super. He had a hottub, so we went for a quick soak and then I went to bed.
    Was planning to stay in SF for two nights but I am going to head to Durango tomorrow.    Read more

  • Cathy ManuelFall 2022Traveler

    His name is Mitchell

    October 21, 2022 in the United States ⋅ 🌙 15 °C

    We loved Glamp Camp and were sad to leave Sylvia! I cleaned up and then headed for a final soak in the big tub and a shower, before check out. Sue came to dip her toes. I was thinking that I would offer a yoga class, but then found out that the owner is a Kundalini yoga teacher and co-hosting a retreat over the weekend. It would have been so cool to stay and participate!
    Andrea had go to prep for the retreat and I chatted with Robert. I bought a long sleeve shirt from him and then talked to him about the prism in the washroom/ shower area. I told him about mom and asked if I could buy it, but he gave it to me instead 🤍!
    We left the camp and went towards Passion Pie…. But got distracted by a Jeep pulling up behind us and seemingly video taping us. We decided to go to the other side of the street and look at the gallery. When we went in, we saw the camper we stayed in and both of us bought prints of the original art. Then off to walk around a few shops and to the Riverbend for another hot springs soak.
    We went to El Foro for some temallies for Sue and sitting outside we chatted with a family beside us. Soon and older gentleman, who talked a mile a minute, came along to speak to the other family about purchasing property. Then he offer to give us a tour around. I said sure, and Sue was less enthused. Mitchell Brown, aged 77, came back to the restaurant and took us on an adventure that included driving through the Rio Grande to cross the river, visiting his apartment behind a gallery and going to Elephant Butte. Although the photo of Sue and I looks lovely, her first words (when out of Michell’s earshot) were “I’m going to murder you.” She has since forgiven me for taking her on an unplanned joy ride.
    We left Truth or Consequences (there is an s), and headed to Albuquerque. We checked into Fairfield Inn shortly after 6pm and didn’t leave. Sue had bought a metal bird, a blanket and the art print that all had to be packed up. It was a left over Walmart snacks evening.    Read more

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