Category Chiang Mai

Pour Life Choices

PJ Leave a comment

Many people come for the wine, the ambience, the camaraderie… since I don’t drink wine, need to drive 30 minutes to see brown grass, or have friends that run, I’d guess that I was in attendance for the Vineyard at Florence Turkey Trot 5k because I could.

A few years ago, I tried to tempt some friends to train with me in the style of a Couch to 5k. Part of the temptation was wine and we signed up for a wine run at the same venue. Before we even met for the first practice, I rolled my ankle. I was able to walk that 5k but it was disappointing at best.

On September 20th, I received an email advertising the Turkey Trot. I’m not sure why, but I signed up. The next day, I found my running shoes and started jogging.

I chose to do the 5k solo. Maybe I thought I’d jinx myself if I invited others.

It was a beautiful day. I tried to focus on pacing but the costumes and cute dogs were so distracting that I found myself “chasing” others and had to pull back so I didn’t overexert myself too early.

I don’t actually know if I did well but I did run the whole distance, had a few laughs, and didn’t drink wine.

Rambling about Riga

PJ 1 Comment

The cat and dog on the Riga signs are from the Latvian animated dialogue-free film, Flow, that came out last year.

For about $15 a meal, I’ve been trying different Latvian dishes from a cafeteria-style restaurant, Lido. This one had a traditional gray peas with speck side and a rye bread pudding for dessert. I’ve been enjoying the pear cider on tap that you pour yourself. The first time, I thought it was water, it was so clear. I haven’t loved all the food but the cider isn’t bad and I never leave hungry.

This was just so odd I had to include it. This skincare shop had this haystack hut sitting in the middle of the mall’s walkway. Something was definitely lost in translation but selfie-types don’t seem to mind crawling in it. The pic on the right is of the narrowest street in Riga. I included it to show the awful cobblestone all around Old Town that has not been appreciated by my feet. Selfie-types are challenged as they try to simultaneously touch opposite walls and take a photo.

A random mural and a random armadillo.

The House of the Black Heads and the Cat House.

Pelmeni (dumplings) and biezpiena plācenīši (cottage cheese pancakes) have been some of my favorites.

Ieva Rubeze’s ghost and Girts Burvis’ Salaspils stone head.

These Bremen Musicians are said to be peeping through the Iron Curtain.

St. Peter’s steeple in the background and one of the tourist boats that float about the canal.

Līvu Square and Powder Tower. I did go beyond Old Town but didn’t venture as far I thought I might. It’s been a relaxing visit and I feel recharged and ready for Poland.

Abadía de los Templarios

PJ Leave a comment

My initial view of the resort, Abadía de los Templarios, in La Alberca, where I’m volunteering with Pueblo Inglés for the week.

While the village is quite old, the hotel is clearly not.

It is a rather extensive property with trails, pools, and over 40 villas.

The villa I’m staying in has two floors. While the living room and kitchenette are shared, my roommate and I have separate bedrooms and bathrooms. I’m excited to be able to unpack for an entire week. If the food is as good as today, it will be a great (but potentially fattening) week.