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Cathy Manuel
Cathy Manuel

Cathy Manuel

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  • Cathy ManuelNomadic NovemberTraveler

    Night Sail

    November 22, 2023 in Guadeloupe ⋅ 🌙 27 °C

    Up early with the planned departure time of 10am. The sail arrived shortly after 8am and we went to work at putting it up. We made some minor oppies that we had to backtrack on, but overall it went well. Then got it up and began putting the battens in, only to realize that the last and longest batten was missing.
    Brian went in the hunt for battens and Lennox showed up to clean the carpets. Leroy also showed up to give me a list of the songs we had spoken about earlier in the week. He had brought mint and lemongrass a few days prior (for $5).
    Rahid came to the boat shortly after Brian returned to measure the batten pocket. They will try and put something together so we can get underway as we are already checked out of the country. We took a walk to see the super yacht (Joy and another from George Town) and get some sand under our toes.
    We ended up leaving late afternoon. Putting up the anchor was a challenge as so much mud and dirt and then it got stuck half way….. Brian fixed it from below. The sunset and nighttime sail was beautiful and relaxing. Brian has it rigged so that he can steer the boat via autopilot from anywhere on the boat. We sat and chatted on the forward deck for along time. A good man!
    We docked around 10:15pm. I was concerned about anchoring in the dark but it all went fairly smooth. We then cooked the shrimp and headed to bed.    Read more

  • Cathy ManuelNomadic NovemberTraveler

    Boat Repairs

    November 21, 2023 in Antigua and Barbuda ⋅ ⛅ 29 °C

    Brain has started to feel really sick so we are still laying low and wearing masks whenever we are out around people. He went to the market for provisions and bought a new BBQ as the other one had a part that corroded and broke while he was cleaning it. He worked at securely attaching the new one.
    Marshall finished up the glass work and Lennox came by to do the carpets but didn’t have the correct fitting so will come tomorrow early morning. The sails were also supposed to be dropped off this afternoon but they never arrived.
    We went to immigration at 4pm and cleared customs to leave at 10am tomorrow.    Read more

  • Cathy ManuelNomadic NovemberTraveler

    Re-test

    November 20, 2023 in Antigua and Barbuda ⋅ ⛅ 30 °C

    Sadly, there is not a lot of gluten free options here, but every morning the bakery comes by to the boats to sell item and Brian often gets a croissant. I usually make eggs or yogurt and granola.
    Boat work and my work was the task for the day. Less tired today, but starting to get a cough. Brains crew, that left before I arrived, thinks that he/me were faking the Covid story so we could spend time alone and are snubbing him altogether. I had him pick up another test, as I would be happy to have them on the boat. Again, super faint line…. But Mr Google says that still means Covid. I don’t think I left the boat at all today.Read more

  • Cathy ManuelNomadic NovemberTraveler

    Covid fatigue

    November 19, 2023 in Antigua and Barbuda ⋅ ☁️ 29 °C

    Exhausted today! I tried to do some work but had to sleep a lot of the day as I was really tired. Walked around Nelson Dockyard and Admirals inn for an evening stroll. I think Brian is coming down with Covid too.
    The glassing work in the boat is nearly done, we are waiting for the carpet and chairs to be cleaned, and the sail to come back from North Sails and then we will head to either the anchorage in Falmouth.    Read more

  • Cathy ManuelNomadic NovemberTraveler

    Pigeon Beach

    November 18, 2023 in Antigua and Barbuda ⋅ ☁️ 29 °C

    My throat is still scratchy but more than anything I am just really tired! I slept for awhile in the V berth in the morning. Brian had workers on the boat and was doing stuff. Then I listened to the rest of the shortened audio version of the Zen book I forgot in Montreal and decided to write about it.
    Later in the afternoon we decided to head out to the beach, Pigeon beach, and go for a swim. It was nice to walk barefoot and swim in warm water with Brian. We then walked back another route and stopped at the Yacht Club to get some sushi. It was an open air restaurant…. So I cautiously agreed. We had a great meal, although they didn’t have any GF soy sausage, they had eel sauce. Lilly was the server and she was great. A lady named Jill Edward’s came to the table (a lawyer) and complimented me on my hair 💕…. Beach hair nonetheless.
    Later they had a DJ and we danced on our way outside. Fun as we had the floor to ourselves and we both look like old fools with our dance moves.
    Back to the boat and fireworks started at the house on the hill. It was magical.
    The minute my head hit the pillow I was asleep!    Read more

  • Cathy ManuelNomadic NovemberTraveler

    Quarantine

    November 17, 2023 in Antigua and Barbuda ⋅ 🌬 28 °C

    Hot hot night and a restless sleep. Woke up, had some coffee but didn’t feel like food. We had to get the main sail off to replace the batten, so we documented it and then took it off. I was feeling really weak! I waited beside the sail and the grass, and chatted with a local guy named Leroy (who paints boats). We had a long conversation about Rastafarians and what it means to him — Spirituality, love, being the best version you can be.
    Brian was working on the boat and came over when Zimbabwe around selling clams. He bought 2.5lbs for $20.
    I cooked up some eggs for lunch and then decided I was just to weak and needed to sleep. I laid in the helms cabin for a few hours, dozing on and off, catching a nice cross breeze while Brian took a conference call and created a beautiful pastel.
    While I was still laying down a public health officer came by as he had heard that I had Covid (word travels fast) and informed Brian that I need to stay in the boat except the bathrooms on shore for 5days. Gladly, my sore throat has receded and I am just exhausted.
    We cooked up the clams and determined that they didn’t smell good or we didn’t cook them correctly, so threw them overboard and cooked up some steak.
    We took a nice evening stroll, mask in hand and had a great conversation with John and Lena from Two Captains (and Dodger the dog), stopped at an open air restaurant (with a lone table at the bottom of stairs away from everyone) and had some water (San Pellegrino and regular) before heading back to the boat for the night.
    In the middle of the night it started raining and all the hatches were open, so we scrambled to close everything up.    Read more

  • Cathy ManuelNomadic NovemberTraveler

    Airplane mode

    November 16, 2023 in Antigua and Barbuda ⋅ 🌬 27 °C

    So alarm was set, messaged an Uber at 4:40 who answered and arrived quick. I rushed out the door and about 10min later realized I forgot my purse and passport. Had to go back and try and wake up Ashlynn by calling multiple times. She answers, I get my purse and off to the airport again. Once on the first plane from Montreal to Toronto, I realize that I left my book at Ashlynn’s…. Damn! Well at least I bought the Women Who Run with Wolves in the Costa Rican airport and will have that to read.
    In Toronto, I ordered a kids breakfast (eggs, bacon and fruit) and a coffee before boarding for another long flight where I was double masked.
    Got to Antigua at 3:15 and had no problem through customs. Then outside I waited for Bada. He arrived in the back of a van with a man and women in the front. We had a nice drive and interesting conversation. He dropped me at Nelson Dockyard and I wandered and found Lorena.
    Sadly, I tested positive for Covid, and although Brian was happy to have me on the boat, none of the crew stayed.
    We went for a few walks around the yard and I kept my distance from everyone. Brian cooked a MahiMahi that he had caught a few days earlier, with some asparagus… delicious!
    It was hot on the boat (no a/c) so cool shower before bed.    Read more

  • Cathy ManuelNomadic NovemberTraveler

    COVID

    November 15, 2023 in Canada

    Up and went for a nice walk with Ashlynn in the morning. I didn’t sleep great but my throat is a bit better so I didn’t go to an after hours clinic.
    I was supposed to meet Thane but he wasn’t up for the drive and so it didn’t happen. I had a Zoom call with a client in the morning and then Ashlynn and I went to an awesome Brazilian, Gluten Free, spot for lunch. I worked all afternoon and made tons of phone calls as I haven’t had access to phone for two weeks and won’t for another three.
    Ashlynn made a delicious curry dish and I was drinking her Elixir to help the throat. Later in the evening she pulled out the sewing machine to fix my pants and grabbed a Covid test if I wanted to take it. Since I was starting to feel better I took it at 10pm and then went to the bathroom….. Ashlynn yelled at me that she thought it was positive. It was a very faint, nearly invisible line, and I didn’t believe it. However, at this point it’s midnight in Antigua and I leave at 7am. I reached Brian who wants me to still come, but I tell him he needs to inform the crew that I might have it. I wore a mask for the flight…. Have no idea how I could have contracted it, unless someone at the retreat had it.
    Have decided to make the trek to Antigua, double masked so as to not pass it along, if I indeed have it. Grateful I was wearing a mask yesterday too!    Read more

  • Cathy ManuelNomadic NovemberTraveler

    North America bound

    November 14, 2023 in Canada ⋅ ☁️ 3 °C

    Up early and got some coffee, eat a mango and watermelon, followed by the routine of reading outside, playing with the dogs and doing some yoga. The hosts invited me to join them for a traditional Venezuelan breakfast and I accepted.
    After I biked to Walmart to buy some coffee as a gift and back to the house to shower and get ready for my flight.
    My throat was scratchy yesterday and is starting to hurt today. I can’t find anything but Halls at Walmart. Hoping it is just allergies to the cat and dogs.
    Fabiola drove me to the airport ($10) and I had plenty of time. The security line was packed and I got to the end of the line only to find I needed a hard copy boarding pass. Went to wait in the Air Canada line and back to an even longer security line. Lots of standing! Long and uncomfortable flight. I had hoped to work, but the cabin was dark, cramped and I wore my mask the whole time… so tried to rest instead.
    Arrived to Ashlynn’s at 10pm and chatted for awhile before going to bed. She has health concoctions and tinctures that she makes so I took a few for my throat as I am supposed to leave for Antigua on Thursday.    Read more

  • Cathy ManuelNomadic NovemberTraveler

    Work Day at Casa Buda

    November 13, 2023 in Costa Rica ⋅ ☁️ 31 °C

    Started the day with coffee and then reading Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance. I walked around outside while reading as sitting was to hot. Then I did some yoga on the sliver of grass. In the morning I took a shower and tried to leave the blue shampoo in my head to take away the brassy sun damage. It didn’t work.
    I hand washed a bunch of clothes and hung them outside to dry. I worked on and off all day, taking breaks in between. Mainly in FTHS stuff.
    I won’t have to buy food, just eat fruit and leftovers… and lots of coffee.
    I tried to lay in the hammock when the monkeys came to the back yard to visit, but the flies were relentless.
    To bed by 10pm.    Read more

  • Cathy ManuelNomadic NovemberTraveler

    Alone at last

    November 12, 2023 in Costa Rica ⋅ 🌧 30 °C

    Up and finished packing. We had another nice breakfast and Lynn headed off to go tubing while I opted for a hike to Chorreras Waterfalls. It was a nice walk and the falls were beautiful…. I wondered off up the river and then had to hustle to get back before checkout. A quick shower using there amazing products (going to miss the lemongrass soap… but washed a lot of my clothes in it last night).
    We waited at the pool for our driver to arrive, and then he dropped me off at Casa Buda, my Airbnb, and continued on to the airport with Lynn. I hung out for awhile, then took a bike out to explore Liberia, and came back to the Airbnb where I went to bed early! So nice to have no roommates… although lots of barking dogs.    Read more

  • Cathy ManuelNomadic NovemberTraveler

    Costa Rica

    November 11, 2023 in Costa Rica ⋅ 🌧 26 °C

    Up early and headed to the free breakfast and then got a yoga mat from reception and headed to the “look out” to do yoga with Lynn.
    We then headed to the stables to do a ride (thankfully Lynn had a spare pare of closed toe shoes). We trotted a lot and galloped a few times… it was amazing. We rode 1 hour to Oropendola Waterfalls, swam in the Falls and rode back. We sat by the pool for awhile and I actually read (Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance), then caught the 4 pm shuttle to the hot springs again. In the evening we went to the bar for nachos and pizza and then to sip our tea by the fire pits before calling it a night.Read more

  • Cathy ManuelNomadic NovemberTraveler

    Travel Day

    November 10, 2023 in Costa Rica ⋅ ⛅ 28 °C

    Up early for a sunrise class, then a run on the beach with Sam, Lucie and Andrèia … and a quick dip in the ocean before our final breakfast.
    We had a quick stop at the lake and the. headed to the border. Once we were all crossed, we drove in two vehicles untill it was time for Lynn and I to go to Hacienda Guachilelin.
    We arrived early but the room wasn’t ready so we went to the pool, and here realized that nearly everything on the property was Gluten Free… amazing! I has a passion fruit cheesecake and coffee while waiting for the room.
    Once checked in we caught the shuttle to the hot springs, did a mud bath then explored waterfalls before heading back to the room. We ate hummus and pepperoni and food from the retreat before heading to bed.    Read more

  • Cathy ManuelNomadic NovemberTraveler

    Energy

    November 9, 2023 in Nicaragua ⋅ ☀️ 31 °C

    Taught a morning flow and workshopped some things like warrior 2 (Kelly), baby grasshopper (Jennifer) and 8 angle.
    After breakfast I had another massage by Mary and relaxed in the pool. Then headed down to Playa Maderas to say goodbye to Faustino and watch Sam and Lynn surf. Also spent time with Kelly and taking photos of her warrior.
    We juggled class times, super and bonfire to accommodate everyone getting there massage and body scrubs. A couple times during the day Andre and I practiced acro.
    Andréia and I lead another yin and reiki class, where everyone choose an angel card at the beginning of class and at the end they flipped it over. We chose one for the group and it was Energy (mine was ascension). We chatted about it at supper and eventually went down to the beach. A bonfire had been made but not lit, but we got it going and relaxed by the fire — some of the participants went for a final au natural dip in the ocean under the stars.    Read more

  • Cathy ManuelNomadic NovemberTraveler

    Going with the Flow

    November 8, 2023 in Nicaragua ⋅ ⛅ 30 °C

    Last night we realized that the volcano was to far away, and not enough people wanted to go. Alisha was disappointed but we decided to switch the turtles to today. The majority of the day was free time, and people spent it in the pool, at the beach and getting massages. Andréia started the day by teaching Hatha and we closed out the day with a Yin and Reiki session, early super and then the turtles. I was beat and so Sarah, Sam and I hung back. We ended up taking some spectacular night photos at the pool with Sam’s Professional camera. Early to bed!Read more

  • Cathy ManuelNomadic NovemberTraveler

    San Juan del Sur

    November 7, 2023 in Nicaragua ⋅ ⛅ 31 °C

    Started the day with a power flow (that students called a Turbo Power Flow), followed by a beautiful breakfast. A full day planned for the group. Eviresto picked us up at Villa Playa Maderas and took us to the Cristo de La Misericordia. It had been nearly 6 years and my Facebook profile still has the photos. From there we went to the Art Warehouse, and Sarah joined the group to create dream catchers. We then walked around town and made our way to El Timon where we watched the sunset and had a meal together (getting the bills took forever). We all loaded into the one vehicle and I had to stand the who way back… but with the music blasting, it was fun!
    Back at the Villas, Sarah hatched a plan to go skinny dipping in the ocean, so we all headed down to the beach for an au natural swim. Although in this water, you don’t swim, you just play in the big waves and marvel at the beautiful stars!    Read more

  • Cathy ManuelNomadic NovemberTraveler

    Sailing with SALT

    November 6, 2023 in Nicaragua ⋅ ☁️ 28 °C

    Up early and taught a morning meditation at the large Shala, after Andréia taught a core connection class and we had breakfast. The food here is just amazing and we have more than enough to feed everyone for lunch. Today Alisha and Lucie went horseback riding — I walked them to the beach and we meet up with the horses. I hoped on for a photo opt but then headed back to the villas to get a massage. We treated Sam (our photographer) to one as well.
    A group of 8 of us headed to town to go sailing. We all fit in the rented truck.
    The catamaran was amazing, owned by Dan Beardsley, a guy from NS who happened to have come back from Burning man and was on the boat. The ceviche and guacamole was awesome…. Lots of free liquor as well. We anchored in a bay and played in the water and on the paddle board for a long time. Then jumped off the boat (with my blue Ray Bans — sorry Pasq) and now have only a $5 pair of sunglasses. James caught a fish and they gave it to us to bring back… Justa cooked it up with the shrimp for super.
    On the way home I was in the back of the truck and Andrèia took a few wrong turns (easy to do in the dark on dirt roads) and we finally made it back for 7pm in time to eat super.
    The consensus was no yoga this evening so many of them went to the pool, but I was in bed by 8:30 as it had been a long day!    Read more

  • Cathy ManuelNomadic NovemberTraveler

    Surfing

    November 5, 2023 in Nicaragua ⋅ ⛅ 31 °C

    Up to teach yoga…. My first time teaching in Central America (minus some impromptu classes in Belize), since being certified. How amazing is it to come full circle!
    Breakfast was incredible and then off to Playa Maderas for surf lessons (Lynn sprained her ankle on the walk over and Alisha had the board hit her in the neck). I got up… and had a blast!!
    Came back to the Villas at noon and took a dip in the pool before chatting with Andreia. She went to town in the afternoon and took people who needed money and alcohol. I stayed back and worked… but decided to go to the pool and then down to the beach for some fun in the waves again.
    The sky’s opened as we were heading to the big yoga Shala and Andrèia taught a short sunset class as we were worried about getting people knack in the dark.
    We returned, had supper… made transportation plans for tomorrow and I went and taught a Yin class. Then relaxed with some of the tribe before heading to bed.    Read more

  • Cathy ManuelNomadic NovemberTraveler
    1

    Journey to Connection

    November 4, 2023 in Nicaragua ⋅ 🌧 29 °C

    Woke up to the sound of the howler monkeys. Another good sleep and early morning. Andréia took us on a tour of the property, to the other yoga Shala, and Sarah made a big breakfast. After breakfast we started moving things down to the villas we will be occupying for the retreat and I took one final uninhabited swim in the secluded pool.
    Andréia left at 11am to run errands and meet with the driver who will be collecting the rest of the participants. I hung behind to set up the rooms and ready for there arrival. We stayed in constant contact with each other and the participants as they got to the airport and through immigration.
    Sam and I headed to the beach to see Faustino to discuss some plant medicine for those in the group who expressed interest. I stayed at the beach for sometime, playing in the waves myself and just enjoying the solitude.
    While waiting for the crew, Sarah, Sam and I had chats and I shared some of my poetry. It felt good!
    The group arrived and shortly after we had a beauty meal together and celebrated Andre and Lynn’s birthday together with a cake.
    Half the crew went to bed and the other half hung out at the pool for an hour before retiring. We didn’t do yoga last night and have switched the schedule to accommodate surfing at 9am which I will try with 4 others.
    Andréia and I are sharing a room and Sarah has her own. We chatted about who would teach and do what tomorrow, I checked InReach and then to bed!    Read more

  • Cathy ManuelNomadic NovemberTraveler

    Tropical rain

    November 3, 2023 in Nicaragua ⋅ 🌧 28 °C

    We were up early, at Villa Carcola, and luckily before we went to bed, we checked the coffee situation and requested some. Same made a big pot and used some of our snacks for breakfast. Andréia and I headed to Playa Maderas to meet Faustino who took us to Budget, where we picked up our 4x4, standard, truck. We then went to markets and stores trying to find the food we needed. Typically fruit and vegetables are not expensive, but due to lack of rain they are not plentifully and more expensive. We couldn’t find postcards anywhere (to write a message to our Participant). Back to the Villa and then meet with Ricardo to go over some things and Justa (chef) to discuss other stuff. We were quoted $10 but it increased. Andréia is a skilled negotiator and was able to keep it the same.
    As we were heading to the beach Sarah and Sam were returning.
    Andréia and I enjoyed some splashing in the waves and then it started to rain. We just laid in the rain and silence, and took in natures joy. Back at the Villa we had fun splashing in the rain and we’re greeted with a spectacular lightening show.
    We had a charcuterie board, and some of Sarah’s wine stash (which I bought for her). Andréia and I continued to work on retreat stuff and messages to participants, while Sam and Sarah enjoyed pool time.    Read more

  • Cathy ManuelNomadic NovemberTraveler

    Liberia to San Juan del Sur

    November 2, 2023 in Nicaragua ⋅ ☁️ 29 °C

    Left the house at 4:20am and dropped of my gear to Andréia’s and then dropped of car at Dads. We headed to the airport and flight, plus transfer through Montreal was smooth, however, we sat on the tarmac for 45min waiting for a missing food trolley. Crazy long line at customs but Luis was waiting for us on the other side. We meant up with Sam and Sarah and headed to the border… a 1.5hr drive. We stopped to go into immigration and show passport (Sarah had to pay a exit tax but since we were in transit we did not need too). Luis drove us another 300m and we got out and walked. We checked in with guards along the walk to show passport and then headed to immigration to pay. Andréia was taking photos (to help guide the others through the process), and we had a photographer in our group…. This caused alarm at the border and it took us a long time to get through. Our Nicaragua driver, Eviresto, was really helpful.
    We had a beautiful drive to San Juan del Sur but missed our rental car pick up due to delays. We decided to stop and eat as there was no food at the Villas. We went to El Timon, then headed to the Villas. Once there I stripped down and jumped in the pool. Sam and Sarah joined, and eventually Andréia. I was extremely tired and had a headache, so lights out early for me.    Read more

  • Cathy ManuelNomadic NovemberTraveler

    Getting ready

    November 1, 2023 in Canada ⋅ ⛅ -2 °C

    Chaos is usually the modus operandi the day before leaving. I didn’t disappoint, although I was packed early!
    It has been an unexpected, fearful and paralyzing 5weeks as past trauma was tripped in my brain. Body was in high alert and my mind turned to mush.
    Travel has never been scary … in some ways, it feels like I am going home, coming into myself. It is familiar and calming… I am looking forward to quieting the mind, relaxing the body and rejuvenating the soul.
    Leading a yoga retreat, exploring on my own, and Sailing on Lorena are all things I can sink into like a warm maternal hug.    Read more

  • Cathy ManuelLorena, Maine 2023Traveler

    Levee on the Lake

    August 18, 2023 in Canada ⋅ 🌧 21 °C

    Up and left Sue’s at 6am to get to Sackville for the Levee. Shift on Friday and Saturday was 8am to 11:30pm. So much great energy and fun at this festival! Reg, Tracy(s), Jodi, Shelley and Stacy are a great crew! Always lots of food (GF just for moi)!
    Got to continue wearing foul weather gear, cut up my festival shirt, paddled while listening to David Miles in high winds and danced to Melanie Morgan and the Divorcees.
    Heading back to Moncton on Sunday night to teach a yin class, after the final act (Jimmy Rankin) begins.    Read more

  • Cathy ManuelLorena, Maine 2023Traveler
    1
    12

    Race week

    August 17, 2023 in Canada ⋅ ⛅ 21 °C

    Up, caffeinated and WhatsUp conversation before heading back down to Chester for day 2 of raceweek. We had another second place! Felt so good to race with a crew and the rail chatter had me laughing the entire time!
    Took a loop around the clubhouse before heading to the cottage in Chester Grant. Allison was headed out for the evening, with Salmon on the grill Shaun, Louis and I went down to the lake and Shaun and I took a quick swim. Showered and helped prep the meal (salad). Enjoyed sometime with the crew before heading back to Halifax with Sue and to bed before midnight.    Read more

  • Cathy ManuelLorena, Maine 2023Traveler

    Chester

    August 16, 2023 in Canada ⋅ ☁️ 19 °C

    Up early to grab food and coffee before hitting the road to Chester with Sue.
    Great to see the King of Normandy crew again (Allison, Louis, Francois and Shaun). Tendered food and people to the boat and then headed for the start line. We waited a few hours for the wind to fill and then we finally got to race.
    We finished 2 in a 2.5hr race. Back to Sue’s for food and a soak in the hottub, before hitting the basement for sleep!    Read more

  • Cathy ManuelLorena, Maine 2023Traveler

    Goodbyes are hard

    August 15, 2023 in Canada ⋅ ☁️ 22 °C

    Finished up a letter this morning. I adore the opportunity to sit quietly in the morning, across from Brian, drink coffee and write for an hour. Then made a big French toast breakfast, showered and chatted for my last couple of hours on the boat. Although the sailing was at times stressful with the lobster pot situation, waking up to sunrises and hot coffee, dancing, writing, exploring and talking has been so peaceful in a soul stirring way!
    Got in the car and fuelled up in Calais, got stopped at the border for a random car search and continued all the way on to Sue’s. Got there at 9:15pm and chatted for the next 3hours.    Read more

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