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Cathy Manuel
Cathy Manuel

Cathy Manuel

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  • Cathy ManuelCuraçao AdventureTraveler

    Jan Thiel

    February 11, 2023 in Curacao

    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.    Read more

  • Cathy ManuelCuraçao AdventureTraveler

    Jump In

    February 10, 2023 in Curacao

    Friday was a long day… swimming at the beach, teaching, making bliss balls, washing towelettes, drinks on the patio of Movements, going to another jump in (this time with hats as the “ticket,” and listening to more Tumba, eating (shrimp) at a food truck after and then counting $$ from the week of yoga donations (415fl) afterwards.Read more

  • Cathy ManuelCuraçao AdventureTraveler

    A fast week

    February 10, 2023 in Curacao

    Taught ten yoga classes this week! More and more people are showing up and Pilates is going really well. A few big influencers are coming and posting about the classes which is helping get the word out. The business plan needs to be completed for the bank and encouraging Christel to complete some of the last bits of info needed to pull everything together.
    On Monday I explored Pietermaai a bit and found a coffee shop (La Reina) that sells some GF treats. In the evening we went to yoga class with Edward at the windsurfing school (with Christel’s mom) and he mentioned to Christel that we would like to teach at the studio — she was really excited 😊. On Wednesday I got to go to the mall, Sambil, and picked up a couple of white shirts. I have basically been living in yoga clothes and haven’t worn 3/4 of the clothes I brought in my carry-on.
    Friday, Christel went surfing and dropped me at Mambo beach. I swam the inside length (1.3km) and I’m getting better at it! Then had a nice smoothie (at table 51 — match my age), before being picked up again. Friday evening some of the girls stayed after Pilates and brought drinks to celebrate the end of the week. It was really nice!!    Read more

  • Cathy ManuelCuraçao AdventureTraveler

    Goat Mountain

    February 5, 2023 in Curacao

    Sunday we prepared the schedule for the week at Movements and posted to Instagram. I went to Goat Mountain and did a hike with Michelle. It was nice to walk and see more of the island! We passed ruins (where they quarantined people) and an old Fort.
    After we meant a group of women to share tea outside (on the side of road with beach chairs) and watch the moon rise.    Read more

  • Cathy ManuelCuraçao AdventureTraveler

    Mom’s

    February 4, 2023 in Curacao

    Had a really nice weekend with Christel’s mom. She came to the class on Saturday morning and then we went with Christel to a very local eatery place (Food Market — Plaza Biau or Old Plaza). The food was amazing — enormous portions and gluten free, the smell was mainly pumpkin pancakes with raisins (looked delicious but I couldn’t try). Apparently the cactus soup is good but it looked fat to slimy for me!
    I was with Mom (Michelle Mesker - a talented painter) for the rest of the day. We went to a fantastic local beach (Niffo) and meant up with her friend Rita (and Rita’s BF). It was cloudy, which was great for this fair skinned girl! We swam out to some kind of drilling platform, climbed up, jumped off and swam back. A few more dips (mainly pee breaks and photos) and we were headed to the restaurant at the bottom of the hill. The view and sunset was amazing, food was great (I had a stuffed potato) and we left when the mosquitoes started to feed. I am amused that both Christel and her mom are very healthy, but neither like to walk and both want to drive and park as close as possible to places.    Read more

  • Cathy ManuelCuraçao AdventureTraveler

    The business of yoga 🧘🏻‍♀️

    February 3, 2023 in Curacao ⋅ 🌬 27 °C

    Trying to catch up with the blog and capture the time spent in Curaçao. The bites as still nasty and most days I look like I have chicken pox, but a Healing Salve remedy from BueTeaFul (gifted by Sean) has really helped the healing and reduce the itching!!
    The first week was a roller coaster ride… lots of classes taught, 28 surveys completed, a proforma financial statement completed. Business is tough and it was a difficult week for Christel… doubting the success. Difficult week for me knowing where to fit as Wouters parents are also in the home and want to spend time with just their family.
    I spent lots of time in the studio, making bliss balls, and some time to walk through the Pietermaai District. Pop Cultures healthy popsicle was a hit on a hot day, but I also enjoyed coffee and wifi at another shop!
    On Friday I was going to go for a swim after morning class, but stayed at the studio and mopped the entire place and the outside patio as we were going to have a “happy hour” afterwards. It was so nice to relax outside after class with some wonderful women!! 🤍    Read more

  • Cathy ManuelCuraçao AdventureTraveler

    Bites & Bala bands

    January 31, 2023 in Curacao ⋅ ☀️ 27 °C

    Monday the “bites or hives” were very red and itchy! I went to the beach to go for a swim (while Christel went to Body Pump class) in the salt water and expose my white legs to the sun. Swim is getting better and I was able to go back and forth between the bouys (I've unsuccessfully tried to find the distance), maybe 1.5-2km. It poured rain while I was swimming so no sun exposure ☀️. It rains here a time or two each day, but only a strong downpour for 10-15 min and then done.
    Christel went to her parents to swap cars and bring things to her dad who was going to arrive later. I got dropped at the pharmacy and bought every potion I could to get rid of the itch bites. I also found the 50 SPF (La Roche-Posay) that Ashlynn uses. I tried to find it in Moncton but it is on back order everywhere. They have lots here (maybe a black market item when I return 😊).
    We made the studio schedule for the week and have been posting on social media throughout the day.
    We spent the day looking for items for the studio, and shopping for Bliss Balls ingredients, which I made later in the evening.
    At 5pm Christel had Cross Fit and I went for a run.... It felt so good!! Got a call later in evening from Ashlynn with sad news about a close friend.
    Tuesday we headed to the studio to meet Christels dad and clean. Then back to the house so I could do a few hours of work (and eat a tub of Coffee Chip oatmilk ice cream -- so delicious -- zero will power). In the evening we were back at the studio, first to do a Pilates class and then I taught slow flow (4 students in each). We now have 13 surveys completed. Business Plan writing will happen this week.    Read more

  • Cathy ManuelCuraçao AdventureTraveler

    Food and Flow

    January 29, 2023 in Curacao ⋅ ⛅ 25 °C

    Sunday we slept in!! Christel was supposed to go to a windsurfing competition but was to tired in the morning. All 5 of us went to Hofi Cas Cora for brunch at noon. It is in the area that they used to live, and on a farm where there are lots of animals and plants. The food was amazing!!
    I have lots of itchy red marks on arms and legs... Not sure if it's fly bites or cross contamination from the lunch but afternoon was spent close to the toilet! Off to the only open grocery store to try and find some “after-bite”, taco night at home and then work on some Studio stuff and nearly done my 30 day Yoga Challenge with Adrienne.
    Christel’s dad arrives Monday and her mom on Wednesday.    Read more

  • 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
    2

    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

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