Blogs from Asia - page 11

Thursday already. Sleeping so much better, maybe too good now because I don’t want to get out of bed when the alarm goes off. I’ve even skipped breakfast downstairs the last two days for the extra 30 minutes of sleep. A power bar and protein drink on the way to BTS is plenty for me, especially knowing that there an omelette and rice waiting for me on the way back to the hotel ! The morning was surprisingly cool. It was also amazingly quiet when I arrived at the gym. I wasn’t early today either. Maybe everyone is just running out of gas as the week comes to an end. I did my 8 laps, with sprint a short spring down part of the alley and then back. I’m still finishing the runs in about 30 ... read more

23 to 26 February 2024 – I travelled solo in Taiwan for 4 days. It was challenging to travel in a Chinese speaking country as most of the people I met during my travels couldn’t speak English. I had no sim card or GPS on my phone, so I had to use the traditional way, which was a map and asking a local to write the name of places I wanted to visit in Chinese, and pointed at it when I needed help. It took me so much time to find my way but the great thing was that I had the chance to meet people, and all the Taiwanese that I met on the way were really helpful, polite and kind. I moved around by local bus, sightseeing bus, train, MRT (metro) and taxi. When ... read more

Totally acclimated to the sleep schedule now. Got up with enough time to pack and do some extra stretching. Legs are still tight from the sparring on Monday. Looked out the window and was surprised to see the overcast sky and a light rain. That’s not good because that means it’s all jump rope for the cardio. From the gloomy looking start, and still being a bit sore, I planned to take the afternoon off. I was even thinking about skipping the morning. But I loaded up and went to the BTS. The rain was stopped on the walk to the train and to the gym, although the sky was still dark and threatening. I got to the gym and Santafaa was jumping rope. No running in rain so he doesn’t get sick. I decided to ... read more

We arrived in Udaipur airport and after successfully collecting our luggage set off to explore the ‘Venice of the East’. It didn’t disappoint. First up was a visit to the Monsoon Palace perched high on a hill overlooking picturesque Udaipur which is built on a series of lakes, the main one being Lake Pichola. Apparently it was featured in the James Bond classic ‘Octopussy’ although I don’t recall seeing it in the movie. The best part of the so-called Palace was the view which although the city was shrouded in fog was still a grand vista. The Palace on the other hand was more a slightly dilapidated white marble edifice complete with irritating monkeys that stole another tourists food right out of her hands. Then it was on to our very impressive hotel Ananta Udaipur which ... read more

Welcome to Monday morning. Last night the latest neighbors on the 19th floor were really noisy, making a solid night sleep difficult. Finally, around midnight, I think I fell asleep for the night. My internal alarm woke may just before my alarm at 5:00. I wanted to have a little extra time this morning for a good stretch. I did find the early breakfast much more enjoyable without the tremendous crowd. After packing for the day ahead, I feel pretty good today. So far, no blisters or any bruises really after one week of training. That’s a good start for this week. I hope I’m not repeating myself too much, but I am still surprised every morning at how much more comfortable it is compared to my last trip or two. It seems mostly i travel ... read more