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Curaçao Adventure
  • Cathy Manuel

Curaçao Adventure

A 48-day adventure by Cathy Read more
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  • Trip start
    January 18, 2023
  • 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 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

    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

    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

    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

    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

    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

    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

    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

    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

    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

    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

    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

    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

    Tree of Life

    February 12, 2023 in Curacao

    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 ☀️    Read more

  • Cathy ManuelCuraçao AdventureTraveler

    Week Two of Yoga

    February 16, 2023 in Curacao

    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.    Read more

  • Cathy ManuelCuraçao AdventureTraveler

    Photo shoot

    February 17, 2023 in Curacao ⋅ 🌬 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!Read more

  • Cathy ManuelCuraçao AdventureTraveler

    A day outdoors

    February 18, 2023 in Curacao ⋅ 🌬 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!    Read more

  • Cathy ManuelCuraçao AdventureTraveler

    Carnival

    February 19, 2023 in Curacao ⋅ ⛅ 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.Read more

  • Cathy ManuelCuraçao AdventureTraveler

    SUP Adventure

    February 22, 2023 in Curacao ⋅ 🌬 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!    Read more

  • Cathy ManuelCuraçao AdventureTraveler

    The Pier and Dancing

    February 23, 2023 in Curacao ⋅ 🌬 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!!    Read more

  • Cathy ManuelCuraçao AdventureTraveler

    Week three of yoga

    February 24, 2023 in Curacao ⋅ ⛅ 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.    Read more

  • Cathy ManuelCuraçao AdventureTraveler

    Salt Flats and Blue Bay

    February 25, 2023 in Curacao

    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!    Read more

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