The Red Dancing Shoes

2006-11-28T00:03:00.000-08:00

2006-11-28T00:01:00.000-08:00

Last day in Maui

2006-11-27T23:48:00.000-08:00

We started the day driving to Hana. The hana highway is known for its exotic beauty. I wanted to find a waterfall/pool so badly, but all we found were small and muddy ones. However, the view was amazing. It was about an hour and a half drive/2 hour to Hana. We can tell that the wind was picking up so we called Fadhly's buddy Phil back in Kahului. He told us that the wind was already blowing 16 knots. So we drove back. When we arrived on the beach, it was already 2pm.

I went out on a 9m, the water was choppy and I rode in the wrong direction and went far. Next thing I knew, I crashed right in the middle of a large area of reef. I lost my board and realized where I was. The reef was cutting my skin up a bit. My knee was hurting, I knew I had to get out of there. I bodydragged myself and left the board where it was. I couldnt even drag my self out of the reef because the reef was so close to the surface of the water.

Thank goodness FAdhly came to my rescue. He grabbed my board and passed it to me. I rode back onto the beach and set my kite down to check my body. Good thing only my knee was scraped. It wasn't that bad. Thinking that this was my last day on Maui on this trip. I decided to go out again because I was on the water for only 15 min.

It was gusty. The gust was at one point 25 knots. But the strong wind and gust made it easier to jump. I managed to jump a foot/ a foot and a half off the water!

I kept trying. Timing is so tricky. I wiped out a few times, but it's all good =)

I am so tired but content now.

My first Jump

2006-11-26T12:32:00.000-08:00

This picture was taken at the Four Seasons in Wailea, Maui. We had dinner there last night. The Lychee martini was yummy. Anyway. a few days ago, I managed to get my first jump. Pathetically, it was only about an inch or two from the water. The point is, I did it, and will keep working on it. The vacation is coming to an end, the wind is not looking good. The forecast was looking great until yesterday. I hope I get to kite today. I need my "fix".

Kiting in Maui

2006-11-19T21:26:00.000-08:00

I had a great day kiting today.

After breakfast today, I felt an itch on my elbow, then I saw small bumps on two other joints. I knew something is wrong, but I wasn't sure. I took an benadryl and went kiting.

The wind was howling when we got there to naish beach today. We didnt go to kite beach because the launch area there is tricky, it was hard for me to launch (not a problem for Fadhly, of course). Many women bigger than my size were on 8m. Since the 6m I borrowed from Priscilla from SF was getting fixed (leaking bladder), I had to take out the 9m tribal. I was worried at first that I may be over powered.

I depowered the 9m and went out. It was perfect! I rode for an hour and a half straight. I became much more confortable, and so I rode on my toeside too. There were alot of waves, so I had a few "wave jumps". Those are fun, but can be harsh on the knees (even when I bend them).

I decided to come back to shore and take a break. As soon as I took off my harness, I felt an itch. I took off my rash guards and I had rash/bumps everywhere.

I asked Fadhly to take me to the ER. Turns out that all I had to do was to continue taking benadryl.

After seeing the doctor, we went back to the beach and had another awesome 1 1/2 hr session. It was a great day.

oh yeah, since there was no wind yesterday, we visited the coean center, the fish there were soooo beautiful.

1st day in Maui

2006-11-17T00:37:00.000-08:00

I arrived in Maui today with Fadhly for a kiting vacation. Two days ago, I found out that I had passed the bar. Perhaps it was the anxiety and stress that had built up in me, but something made me really sick that night. I puked twice, had cold sweats, and excrutiating pain in my stomach. Thank god I felt a bit better before I flew today.

I had forgotten what Hawaii was like. I can't believed I used to live in Hawaii. The weather here is warm and humid -- feels like home.

After Fadhly and I had settled into a studio in the Sprecklesville Beach Estate, we grabbed something quick to eat because the wind was blowing! It must have been 20+ knots. It felt so good to eat again.

Then Fadhly helped me setup the 6m Fone (tribal) and watched me to make sure that I don't go out there in a new environment to kill myself. I had trouble with the kite. I am sooo not used to hybrid kite. I also wasn't going downwind enough before I carve upwind. I did get up and ride for a few minutes..but most of the time I was having trouble even staying on the water. Well, at least I didnt have to get other people to help me with my board the first day!

Hopefully tomorrow I will adjust better to the kite.

p.s. I already have some injuries, two cuts on my big toe, but they are small...

Bar Exam Result

2006-11-17T00:36:00.000-08:00

I passed! WOO-Hoooooo!

Knitting classes

2006-11-09T23:37:00.000-08:00

Yep, I have picked up knitting. After moving back to California, since I am "freelancing", I decided to learn how to knit. My first project is to make a tote bag that is felted. almost done with the two sides of the bag and still have to sew the bottom and make the handles. Knitting is not very easy, in other words, I am quite retarded when it comes to knitting. But, it's getting better!

awesome session

2006-09-07T19:27:00.000-07:00

I had a hellish day today. Exhausted. I was out in downtown san francisco until 230am, got home at 3am. Had to wake up at 11 to go to the bank. After lunch with my aunt (who is really sick, high fever and more), I cooked curry chicken for the family for dinner.

My aunt was basically non-functional. So after cooking I drove to Millbrae to pick up my cousin Joe and his friend Johnathan. I changed into my swimsuit at my aunt's place, took Johnathan home, and then went straight to 3rd ave. I was soo sleepy.

But of course, I was all better once I got to 3rd ave. A few kiters were on the water already. I rigged up my kite and went out with my 9m. It was light wind again. But I stayed upwinds for a really long time until the wind died down on me, so I figured that I should come back. My kite could no longer carry around.

Not only did I not lose my board, I was able to stay upwinds, really edging to both left and right side, turning my body. I was really happy with my progress. It really hit the sweet spot when I made the smoothest change of direction. Hehe, I felt like an experienced kiter for once.

After my session, two kiters came up to me and complimented my progress. I was glad =)

Anyway, after kiting, I had to be a chauffer for my cousins, taking them to music lessons. I still have to go pick up the one more kid.

I am sooo tired

lost my board...almost

2006-09-06T18:20:00.000-07:00

I was able to stay upwind today, I was not even around the point when I lost my board. I dove the kite too hard and wasn't able to pull it back up in time, so I had to relaunch. The board was caught with my lines in front of me. So I decided to let go of the board for a second while I relaunch.

I got the kite back up, but the wind was light so I could not get back to my board, it floated upwinds away from me (maybe I just got pulled downwind). anyway, I thought I lost it because no one could find it. Just when I was about to give up, a windsurfer I met earlier yelled for me and he had my board. Thank goodness.

Well, I guess I will have to wait for a new board hehehe

(but I got better in going upwind today, so I am quite happy)

Short and Sweet

2006-09-05T18:00:00.000-07:00

I got to the parking lot at 2:50 today. Wind was weak. I waited for about 30 minutes until two people decided to try it out. I didn't have much choice, I have a 9m (C-kite) and a 13m (C-kite), so I took the 9m out again. I powered it up to its maximum and I can feel that the kite was barely staying up. I went out anyway, knowing two things: 1. I gotta really work the kite 2. no losing the board because there were only 4 kiters out and no one is gonna give a shit in light wind about someone's board...so I was motivated to keep my board on my feet. And I did just that.

I was really diving hte kite. I rarely have to bring my kite past 12 O'clock for the stroke, but I did today and I dove it hard. I was even going upwind a bit. I didn't want to venture out too far to where everyone else was (better wind out there) because in case the wind die down, at least I am close to the beach to come in. My kite did not leave me any more room to power up.

I staightened my front leg out today, so I was looking better (so I thought). I wasn't gonna go tomorrow, but since I had such a smooth day (plus the water was flat), I need to build my skills while they are improving. I am planning on going out tomorrow. But for one session only because I need to go dance tango tomorrow.

Oh yeah, I rode into the beach today too, that felt sooooo good.

dinner time!

Good sessions

2006-09-04T18:11:00.000-07:00

It sure was a good day.

I woke up early to go to starbucks, sat for a bit and finished ready James Patterson's " Judge and Jury". Then I had lunch with my aunt and cousins, went to borders, bought more book, and headed home early to get ready to go kiting.

I got to 3rd ave around 2:30. The wind was already blowing. I set up my kite really quickly. I even put on my floatation device -- in case I have to swim again.

My first session was awesome, though there was this girl, Mia, she was a beginner who's been body-dragging for a while. She went out right before me and she was struggling a bit and lost her board. I was sort of stuck in place because I didn't know where she was going to go. The only way I could have gone passed her was if I went directly downwind, which I did not want to do.

After tagging back and forth on my board a bit, she finally drifted downwind so I was free to use the space again. however, another female kiter had lined up with me, we had a bit of a traffic jam, but it got sorted out --slowly. I had to try a few different things.

Second session started great, I was curving upwind quite alot because I remembered to turn my torso and look towards the direction in which I wanted to travel to. That helped. I also remembered the advice Fadhly gave me before I went out today, which was to keep my kite low. For the most part, that's what I did. I even did a smooth change of direction without having to sit back into the water. That felt awesome.

After I had finished, Fadhly came up to me and gave me another tip - to straighten my front leg...yep, I forgot to do that...damn, there are so many things to remember. I'll work on it tomorrrow.

2006-09-04T18:07:00.000-07:00

wait 'til my mom sees what's happened to her car (well, my car, really)!

2006-09-04T18:06:00.001-07:00

2006-09-04T18:06:00.000-07:00

Friggin Chicken Loop!

2006-09-04T10:09:00.000-07:00

I had a good solid first session yesterday. I got out early, around 315pm. It took a while to untangle my lines but I was able to setup quickily and get out on the water. I was sailing abit, going upwind on both sides...though I need to learn how to curve harder and longer.

Then I got greedy, I wanted to go again. I got my kite back on the upper launch area. I didnt detach my lines to save time, but it only took longer to figure my lines out. Not only that, I apparently made it worse so I had to detach my lines 3 times to straighten everything out.

Then I finally went out. Smooth start. But I realized that the wind had died down, so I powered up my kite. Then SOMETHING happened. My chicken loo came out, I was unhooked. Dammit I thought to myself.

I remember what Bart had taught me. "Let go of the bar, and just grab the loop with both hands and get it hooked on again". I tried, but I wasn't strong enough so the kite started to loop around and around. and finally went into the water. I was able to swim to my bar, hook in, and relaunch. Hwoever, I was already in the wind shadow area. So the kite fell again.

The kite was floating in the direction of the beach but just before it got there, it took a turn and the current took it down the beach, approaching the rocks. I yelled out to a windsurfer, asking him to stop my kite for me, but he refused. He probably didn't know what to do so rather not get involved.

Thank goodness a kiter Ed was also down there, his own kite had gone over to the rocks so he picked up my kite too and walked back. I was already exhausted from swimming, I could not imagine floating down even more to the rocks and attempt to rescue my kite.

A note to self: don't fuck up! Stay on the board!

2006-09-03T11:03:00.001-07:00

Now, isn't that beautiful?

2006-09-03T11:03:00.000-07:00

BBQ!

2006-09-03T11:02:00.000-07:00

a kiter getting ready to get some air!

2006-09-03T11:01:00.000-07:00

this was towards the end of the day, there were still about 10 kites up. When everyone was on the water, there were about 25-30 kites...and windsurfers, lots of traffic!

2006-09-03T11:00:00.000-07:00

As you can see, lots of windsurf sails, but this is also where we pump the kite up

2006-09-03T10:57:00.000-07:00

The Parking lot of third ave - this is where I get my gear out and change into my wetsuit

Third Ave Rocks!

2006-09-02T23:21:00.000-07:00

So this was my second day of kiting. Yesterday I was a total disaster - I attached my center lines and backlines backwards, had my spreader bar upside down (so had to wear my harness upside down), andlost my board a couple of times...

I redeemed myself a bit today, at least I was sailing on the water a bit...attempting to stay upwind, though that was tough too. I was able to get my board back and sail most of the time, except for when I come close to landing/wind shadow area.

I hung around in the water, waited to see if someone could get my board for me. Then I felt myself drifting downwind away from the landing area, so I decided to head in even if my board wasn't coming with me.

Fortunately, a kiter named Fadhly got my board and brought it back. Everyone on the water is really nice and helpful. Everyone is watching out for one another.

Third Ave is a great place to kite. The wind was blowing around 18 knots the first day and 16/17 today. I only have to use my 9m. My 9 M is a pain in the butt though because the pigtails on my 9 are all messed up. I think I fixed it today. Hopefully I will be able to rig up my kite more quickily tomorrow, that is, if there is wind.

Oh yeah, I just learned that the season here is ending...probable at the end of Sept or beginning of Oct. I hope no earlier, or else I wouldnt know what to do with myself here...

2006-05-21T08:23:00.000-07:00

have you ever seen two guys sewing together?

2006-05-21T08:22:00.000-07:00

me in my hottest swimsuit

2006-05-21T08:21:00.001-07:00

isn't this a cool shot

2006-05-21T08:21:00.000-07:00

the diamond water fall in the botanical garden (St. lucia)

2006-05-21T08:19:00.000-07:00

can you see my funny tan lines? A gradation of colors

2006-05-21T08:17:00.000-07:00

dude, I am sailing!

2006-05-21T08:16:00.000-07:00

I look good with Seapecs (the sunglasses)

2006-05-21T08:15:00.000-07:00

say what?

Last day in St. Lucia

2006-03-12T04:41:00.000-08:00

I had so much fun yesterday. I can sail left and right just fine now and even go upwind a little. I am now working on braking and the change of direction in a continuous motion. I was out for about an hour and 45 mins yesterday in total, but it felt longer only because I wasn't swimming so much anymore. I am spending more on the board than in the water.

For dinner, Bart and I rented a car to go to Balenbouche. Balenbouche is an estate owned by a German family. There is an old sugarmill in their estate. The place is beautiful. The house was so cute. The table setting and the lighting created this romance that I adored. The food was delicious, Bart says that food is out of place (the island can't match it), it's quite true.

Anyway, I am at the reef now, waiting for my breakfast and getting ready to go kiting again before I leave. I have to leave the reef at 1pm...so I better get ready. See you all back in NY!

Day 7 & 8

2006-03-11T05:49:00.000-08:00

well, day 7 was another peaceful day. I didnt get to kite at all.

But Day 8 was awesome. The wind up at 16 knots. I went out in the morning with my 9 m fuel and it was so much easier to get going in the wind. I am starting to understand the concept of using the body to resist the kite. It feels amazing. In the afternoon I went out again with a 12m Switchblade and I was up and riding again. I tried to go upwind but I am not there yet. Hopefully I will get it today...or at least make better attempts.

It does sucks that I have to leave tomorrow (although I am gonna go kiting in the morning before I go back), but I do miss my friends back in NY.

Day 6 in St. Lucia

2006-03-09T06:32:00.000-08:00

I couldn’t sleep last night. I kept thinking about the trip/excursion today and my disastrous attempts to keep going on the water. Around 9am, Brigitta gave me a ride from her guesthouse to the reef. The young South Carolina couple did not come with me to the reef or the excursion because they were still asleep. I didn’t want to wait because I wanted to see pretty much everything there is to see on the island in one day. Bart had already gotten the car when I arrived at the reef. He drove me to Juliette’s Lodge to check in and drop my luggage off.

Then we headed first to Ladera. The Ladera resort is amazing. One side of the hotel faces the valley and the bay. There is no obstruction in the way because it is so high up. The whole hotel only has three sides; the one side that faces the breathtaking view has no wall, even in the rooms themselves. We sat there for about an hour and had some coffee. Bart can really talk. I think he allowed only a few moments to breathe throughout the day. I found out everything about his career path, his relationships, etc.

Then we headed to Castries (the capital), passing through Soufriere, Canaries, and arriving at Rodney Bay. I love Rodney Bay, it’s more of a “happening” place…well, at least at night. There are restaurants, bars, and clubs. It’s a tourist spot. We had lunch and walked around a small mall, but I didn’t find anything I need.

It was already 3pm when we started heading back to Vieux Fort. We drove along the same road we drove on earlier. We came back to Vieux Fort and Bart took me to the lighthouse to have a look. We just sat on the top of the hill and looked down at the reef and everything else. It was beautiful. The sound of the waves was so calming. We sat there waiting for the plane to take off (the plane actually passes below our feet) but the friggin plane wouldn’t take off so we went to dinner at Fox Grove Inn. It took us a while to find it. The dinner was delicious although I was not so crazy about the fish I ordered. At the end of the night, Bart drove me back to the lodge.

So no kiting today, but it was an eventful day.

Day 5 in St. Lucia

2006-03-07T14:51:00.000-08:00

It was one of those days today - a bad day. There are those days when you feel like a kiter and those days when you feel like a total beginner. On a positive note, I am still alive. The numbness is still there a bit but I am feeling more soreness rather than numbness.

I woke up this morning and I am still feeling numb, I doubt this will go away quickly. I think I did pinch a nerve somewhere. But since the numbness is not affecting my movement, I went kiting because the wind was at 14 knots today.

However, I was not mentally ready today. I think I was still bothered by the numbness so I lost my usual confidence. I went out in the morning and came back in because I was falling over and since my feet were trapped in the straps a lot, the skin burned a little from rubbing against the straps. I was either underpowered or overpowered. I was too scared to dive the kite harder and when I did, I didn’t edge enough to stay back so I fell forward, sometimes crashing the kite. Yep, another day of endless swimming. The afternoon was no different. I decided to bodydrag a bit before coming back in, and since a beginner lost the board in the ocean and I was right there when I bodydragged, I bodydragged to the board and use the board and brought it back to shore. That was pretty cool. I didn’t think I would actually go get it. That was pretty much the highlight of my day. I did not exactly redeem myself.

Tomorrow should be a fun day. There is no wind tomorrow but Bart told me that if I rent a car, he can take the day off and drive me to places to sightsee. I am supposed to call the reservation place to see if he’s got the reservation today so that I can plan my day. There are a few places we can go, for example, la tera (I think this is how you spell it) and the volcano.
I am moving tomorrow, so excited. The new place has no mosquitoes and has AC.

I gotta do some work now, I am already behind on my schedule (in studying).

Day 4 in St. Lucia

2006-03-06T14:26:00.000-08:00

Before I go on to describe my day, I must say that I've got this weird numbness on my left hand, from the top of the pinkie extending to the bottom of my palm. I have no clue what is happening...I hope it is nothing serious, so far I can still move it and everything else in my hand. But the numbness will not go away. I hope I will be okay.

Brigitta wasn't too weird this morning. I thought she might act with a bit of hostility but that didn't happen, whew. Maybe because the German couple was at the breakfast table. The German couple is cool, young couple. The guy, Oliver, is a kiter. His kite was lost in the baggage transfer but he got it back this morning.

We got a slow start this morning because the German couple had trouble starting their car. So Brigitta took the young couple from south carolina and me to the bank first and then the German couple came to meet us to give us a ride to the Reef.

By the time we got the Reef, it was already 11am. The wind was weak, about 10/11 knots, but I still went out. I started off badly. I used my 13m Diesel and I crashed it on water...I tried to relaunch it, but there was not enough wind to bring the kite up from the water. The kite pulled me downwind...and I was drifted down with the kite. I did not give up, I kept trying to relaunch, but it got to a point where I knew that it was not possible. The relaunch system in the 13 m Diesel actually makes it hardly to relaunch in weak wind with a tiny person like me. Finally I floated back to shore and took my walk of shame back up to where we started. I felt like a loser hahaha.

But I redeemed myself. The instructor finally use the right cue words with me. He told me to really dive the kite and pretend that my goal is to stay in the water. That worked, I was able to get up into a good position to kite, but I wasn't able to keep the kite going for long. I had to sit back down into the water after one stroke because the wind was not strong. I finally decide to come back to shore because there was not much wind to go on.

For the rest of the afternoon I just sat around. I did go kayaking for a while though. It was quite fun, but I felt the numbness after the kayaking...it may be from that...oh I hope it is nothing

Anyway, there are so many ppl in this house right now. Four couples, brigitta, and I. We are having dinner at the house today, Brigitta cooked coconute chicken with ginger, I hope it's good. It smells damn good right now though...I am so hungry.

Day 3 in St. Lucia

2006-03-05T14:30:00.000-08:00

So no wind today as forecasted. It was a beach day except that my forearms were already burnt from yesterday while kiting...the forearms were not covered by my short-sleved rash guard.

I didn't get much sleep last night, partly because I am getting sick and partly because I was fighting the mosquitos. I got 5 hours. This is not acceptable on my vacation, I am gonna try to get 10 hours tonight to make up for it. Anyway, a young couple had arrived from South Carolina yesterday. They couldnt get up for breakfast and the host, Brigitta, was not happy about it because if they dont get up by 8:30, then she will have to put the breakfast back when they get up, she complained to me about it..a guest! So she tried a few things to "get their attention" or shall I say, WAKE THEM UP.

BTW, my pen on the side pocket of my backpack leaked in the car we were in yesterday, got on the leather seat, I apologized to Jasmine (actually, on two parts of the seat and the carpet in the trunk). I threw away the pen and wiped my bag, thinking that everything was all right. Apparently, I thought wrong. I put the backpack on the couch and the ink got on the fabric (only a bit). The host was so frusttrated and told me how expensive the furniture here is. BUT, her furnitures are already really old and stained everywhere...I don't friggin get it. So that got on my nerve too...

Anyway, I sunbathed (not exactly, stayed in the shades mostly) most of the day. The exciting part of my day was probably when I went swimming. A local tried to pick me up. We were in the middle of the ocean, and he goes "excuse me, can I join you?"

I thought we were already in the same body of water --at the atlantic ocean. So I told him I was about to go back to shore. He asked me to stay, i said no. And that was it. He wasn't bad looking, but all the horror stories I heard yesterday made all these st. Lucian men seem so dirty and unappealing.

I chatted my afternoon away with the instructors (Bart and Jason) and the equipment boy (Stan).

Brigitta told me and the couple that she was gonna come pick us up at 5pm. She got there around 4:20 and I told her that I was waiting for my pizza and that it would take another 10 min. She told me that it wasnt a problem because she was gonna eat there too with a friend. The friend was her boyfriend, or rather, boytoy. The three of us had to wait until 5:40 to get back. Why didn't we walk? Her place is on a hill, a really steep hill. It will probably take us a good 40min-an hour to get back.

I sat there and thought to myself -- I don't like her. I felt like i t wasnt my vacation anymore. She was controlling my schedule, telling me when to get up and when I can get a ride from her. I don't need a mom. So I called another hotel this afternoon and booked a room from wed night on, They don't have availability for the next two days, so I have to wait. oh well, at least I will be able to move somewhere soon. In the past year, I seem to been having troubles with my stays...I need better planning I suppose

A German couple is supposed to come in tonight, damn it's gonna be annoying (coz the host is german too...she will chat them up)

Oh, I am so sore...need a massage.

Day 2 in St. lucia

2006-03-05T05:22:00.000-08:00

It was my first full day in St. Lucia. I got up around 7:40 am so that I can get ready for breakfast at 8:30am. The owner, Brigita (Elly), made breakfast for the guests. I was one of the two guests that were staying at the house. The "rainbow apt" I am staying at is beatiful...though I have to hide myself in the mosquito net most of the time. Anyway, I got to the reef/station (the kitesurfing place) at around 930am and I just waited around for the instructor to start. The wind seemed very strong, but as a matter of fact, there was only about 13 knots.

This was the first time in a while since I last kited in the ocean. I have done it mostly in the bay. But the kiting area is quite safe here. The area is surrounded by the reef and the wind is never offshore, no matter what happens, my board and I always floated back to shore.

The salt concentration in the water is VERY high, it's good for floating, but not great for beginner like me (drink alot of it). I had to start with my left foot forward and I was able to get up on the board and w0rk the kite a bit. Nevetheless, my left side is my bad side. I was totally retarded. My instructor, Bart (I think that's his name), is from Holland. Funny man. A goof ball.

I spent two hours in the water, but I didn't kite as much. I spent alot of time getting back my board. Damn, it's hard to go upwind to get my board back. I was called back to shore many times because I couldn't get my board and just had to wait for my board to float back. AT least I got a good workout =)

After kiting I stayed around and went to town with Bart to get a socket converter. I could not charge any of my electronics, including my computer. Good thing Bart took me to a electronic store and found it.

brigita picked me up so we can get ready to go to a Salsa party in another town that is about an hour and a half away. Yep, Salsa in St. lucia. I wanted to go and see what the scene is like. She wanted me to go too since I told her that I danced. Alia, Jasmine, Brigita and I all went in a car to the town of Caprisi. The car ride there wasn't that fun, it was mountain road. I wanted to puke. Brigita and Jasmine were chatting it up (they are in their 50s).

The salsa party turned out kind of lame. It was at a secondary school auditorium (small) and the teacher taught a introductory salsa and merengue class. I have to say that she was a very good teacher. There was also a performance, it was pretty good, but NY dancers are much better =P

(Oh my goodness, the mosquitos are killing me!!! I think they are gonna eat me alive)

The best part of the night was the dinner at KFC and the coffee/ice cream after dinner. The girls had a good chat about men. St. lucia has many more women than men and the men here are all players regardless whether they are married or not. Brigitta and Jasmine are victims, both of their husbands have been with other women. Brigitta is now divorced, Jasmine is still married to hers. It was a great conversation, as it is always a great conversation to talk about men.

I got back around midnight. Good thing there is no wind the next day...I can just rest on the beach and sleep.

2006-02-25T14:34:00.000-08:00

My cousins and us

2006-02-25T14:33:00.000-08:00

My family!

2006-02-25T14:32:00.001-08:00

My bro and I

2006-02-25T14:32:00.000-08:00

My dad and I

2006-02-25T14:31:00.000-08:00

Muuuahh

AHHHHHHHHH

2005-11-20T13:30:00.000-08:00

What a day yesterday. We started early in the morning because the wind was very cooperative. Unlike the sessions in the past few days, I had to park at Cradon park instead of the marina and walk on the beach then into the water to get to the boat. I grabbed my gear, board, and my car keys. I walked along the beach with Christophe (the owner) and Alvaro, a 16-year-old beginner. Alvaro had his stuff with him too, so before we walked towards the boat, Christophe instructed us to put everything behind the bushes near a tree so we can find it later. I walked up to the bushes with Alvaro, but I was stung by these little things they called "footfuckers". Yeah, so I retreated and asked Alvaro to put my keys with his stuff.
Then we started our sessions. He finished around 1pm while I kept going until about 330pm. My face was burnt...the sun was really strong. I had a good session, I only used a 9m. A bigger kite could have helped me move more smoothly. But Juan insisted that I used a smaller kite because I will learn how to work the kite better. I got really good powerstrokes, got a few really nice rides. I even started to work the board. I just have to remember to stay on my back leg more and put more weight into my harness and my heels (or else I fall overboard and fall flat on my face!)
The instructors had arranged a BBQ that night, so I decided to go home early to clean up. But when I got back to the beach, I couldn't find the keys. I looked around with an instructor, Stefen, but we couldn't find them. So we walked back to the parking lot and called budget, roadside assistance, locksmith, and no one can help immediately. I thought: I am so fucked. I've gotta find the keys. I went running back and search for another 45 min until Juan showed up, he had heard about what happened so he and Stefan called AAA and they did open my car for me, but I still don't have the keys. Juan came to help me in the search effort. Half an hour later, he says, what would you do for me if I find the keys for you? Noooo wayyyy, he found the keys!!! Then he said, "a shower?" Ok, at least it's not something more...coz I wouldnt have done more than that.
So we came back to my hotel room, we took turns in taking a shower and then we went to meet everyone else by the beach at the BBQ (remember he lives in his van? he usually uses the facility/restroom at this yacht club around but he has to pretend he is a member) Anyway, the BBQ was a blast! Most people spoke French though because most of them are from Montreal and the owner is from France. We ate, drank, and then we started to play drums. There were 6 different drums, it was fun just listen to them jam the nite away (I attemted to play a bit...but I sucked) I was just sitting there, thinking about the day, enjoying the breeze. Then the thought of school came back to haunt me...eeewww, don't want to go back to NY and study. I have studied in the past few days whenever I get a chance, but I feel more concentrated studying here. There is some wind today, but it is quite inconsistent so all the instructors took the day off...my last day -- no kitesurfing, but I am just gonna study a bit, get a massage later...and just chill!!!

p.s.I have a splinter in my foot couldnt take it out, hopefully I wont get an infection, it's deep but my instructor says that my antibodies will fight it off and push it out...ever heard of that?

my neck hurts

2005-11-18T21:23:00.000-08:00

It seems as if I wasn't going to kitesurf at all this morning whne I woke up. It was raining and the wind was definitely not blowing. I debated whether I should go out and drive around, but I decided to stay and do some homework and see whether the wind picks up or not. I am glad I stayed. The picked up quickily around 12pm so I had another session on the water from 2pm and returning around 6/ 6:30. I was on the water for about 3 hours. We didn't use my 13m today since it moved too slow and brought me way downwind yesterday. Instead, we used a 11m without the re-launch system, it did move a bit faster, but not that fast.
I struggled in the beginning in getting up and riding because I was either pulling the bar towards me when it should have been pushed away or putting too much weight in the front of my feet rather than the heels. I started to notice what went wrong each time and that was a good sign that I was going to get better. Finally around 5pm, I got up and got really good power strokes and stayed back on my heels. My power stroke really powered the kite and I was flying. But the kite pulled me way downwind and I saw the shore coming, I panicked...I tried to stop but I ended up moving the kite pass 12 o'clock position and the kite dragged me and crashed. I heard my neck crack and then I was dragged a few feet in the sand. Good thing I had a wetsuit on...or else the sand burn would have been really painful. The crash was so bad I the pain moving from my neck to my forehead. My head was ringing a bit. I wiggled my toes and fingers and shook my body around. Everything seems to be in order. I decided to take a break.

When I sat down on the boat, there were about 5/6 kiters out. They were amazing, doing tricks and great turns. My coach, Juan, sat with me on the boat for a while, evaluating my performance. Then the wind picked up once again to about 16/17 knots. He looked so anxious to get his kite out to go for a few ride, so I told him that he should. Then he turned around to ask me if I wanted to try out his 12m kite. So I put on my harness and went for another ride. This time, it was perfect. I got up right away and got a pretty long ride. I got enough power to park the kite, but I forgot, I was so excited that I was going that I was kept on working the kite. Then I had to stop because I was closing up on the shore again. Man, that felt AWESOME!!! I finally felt that I was not sinking as much anymore.

I am controlling the kite much better now and I know what I am doing wrong, hopefully tomorrow I will get to ride smoothly to the right and get some short rides to the left side. I just need to learn how to edge better...

Day 2 in Miami kiteboarding

2005-11-17T22:06:00.000-08:00

I miss the water. It feels great yet scary to be kiting again. The last time I kited, I nearly died (okay, maybe I am exaggerated it, I could have drowned out of exhaustion). I called Miami kiteboarding school this morning and the guy told me to call back to check in on the wind because the wind was weak in the morning. So I waited around for 3 hours and worked on my immigration law outline. Then I sat by the pool for half an hour before meeting my instructor at the Crandon Marina.
I took my 13m kite because the wind was about 10-13 knots. My instructor, Juan (I think that’s his name I am really bad with names), went through some basics with me just to see where I am at, then I got on the board. I got some short downwind rides to the right today, and got like ONE left ride. I got tired very quickly because, unlike the schools in cape hatteras, there was no jetski to pick up my board for me and drop it in front of me. I have to walk back to where we anchored the boat everytime to start. The 13m, according to my instructor, is too big for me. Plus this particular kite drifts downwind so I had to fight the pull everytime I walk back. My legs gave in so I called a break, since there was another girl who was taking the lesson today. She bodydragged for about an hour while I sat on the boat to rest, then I gave it another try. However, the wind started to die and became inconsistent, so I decided to call it a day. I got back to the marina at 5:55pm.
Then I accepted my instructor’s invitation go out to eat, we went to little Havana. Great Cuban food. Oh, did I mention he lives in his van??? Yeah, he drove down from Montreal 2 weeks ago and he’s been living in his van. Now that’s some living huh? Anyhow, I hope I will get to go out again before Monday.
I am having a blast here though even though I am all by myself. It’s great going to sleep early and waking up early to do some work. The driving around is also relaxing. If there is no wind tomorrow, I may be daring and drive to downtown Miami or South Beach tomorrow. Pray with me to the wind god.

2005-07-11T06:53:00.001-07:00

Look at that skirt! (Photo by Thaddeus Harden)

2005-07-11T06:53:00.000-07:00

Adam and I (Photo by Thaddeus Harden)

2005-07-11T06:52:00.000-07:00

Dancing at Lincoln Center (Photo by Thaddeus Harden)

Apartment situation in Buenos Aires

2005-07-09T09:54:00.000-07:00

Man, does it feel good to be back! I missing the dancing and the new friends I made there terribly, but I finally got out of the apartment terror I experience while living there. The apartment I first stayed at had no proper heating system and the hot water runs out after 2 minutes. I eventually moved out, but I discovered some nasty truth about the rent situation. Below is an email I wrote to my so called "friends". The email should be self-explanatory as to what happened to me.

Hi all,
I am writing this email to address the rent situation that occurred to me this trip to Buenos Aires. No one seems to be mature enough to take responsibility in what happened so I feel the need to address the problem. Originally I was going to call a meeting on the subject, but I decided not to because I have already suffered too much emotionally during this trip regarding the apartment situation. I want to let it go. I don't want to bother myself with problems that other people have created.

The following is the true sequence of events that Yuka can confirm. I still have all my emails.

Before the friendship between Chino and I fell apart, YUka suggested that the three of us stay together in Maximiliano's mother's apartment. I had no problem with that. When the friendship shattered, I immediately emailed YUka and informed her that I was not sure about staying with them, in fact, I was scoping out for other possibilities/ places. I had two other great offers and I was about to take one of them. At the time I told Yuka about it, she had not confirmed with Susanna (the owner) about our stay yet. Yuka then asked Chino if she wanted to take the apartment. Chino answered affirmatively.

Legally, this was a binding oral contract. The consideration was the promise to take the apartment in exchange for the hold on the apartment for Chino (and whoever was staying at the apartment). As soon as Chino said yes, Chino had entered into an oral contract that was binidng on both parties. I, on the other hand, did not make any promise to take the apartment before Yuka reserved the apartment on the behalf of Chino. I took the apartment only when I was told that Chino backed out and that the rent was US $17 per night.

Apparently, the apartment was $22 per night and if shared between Chino and I, it would have been $11 per night per person. I did not receive this information from anyone. I should have received this information in the very beginning from the owner herself, however, since she does not speak English; maximiliano was responsible in passing the information and not Yuka. Yuka was a friend, she was not paid to be the spoke person. Unfortunately, she had to take the responsiblity because Maximiliano was either lazy or not competent enough to send a few emails. Maximiliano, I have been your friend for about 2 years now, and I must tell you that this is a very bad way to do business. The client/customer does not need to contact the owner for information, the information should be provided by you because you/ your mother are the one receiving the money. You should have communicated to both Chino and I in the beginning through either email or phone. Leaving me out of the negotiation was very unprofessional.

Yuka did take on the responsibility voluntarily so she also shared the responsibility in assuring that the customers (Chino and I) get all the information before we make any decision. The night before I left, Yuka ask me to give her the whole amount of money. We were in La Boca that night. My roommate Christina was with me when I asked Yuka " is it $17 per night PER PERSON??" Yuka answered yes. It was not. It was 17 dollars per night for the whole apartment, meaning I was the only one paying. I had no idea. I had no idea that Yuka was not paying, I had no idea that Chino was not paying some of it because she backed out. I had no idea that this was an unfair deal. I knew that I was paying for 4 weeks while I was only staying for 3, so I have no complaint about that. But I could have gotten a cheaper apartment if Chino has not backed out or if I knew that I was paying for everyone because Chino backed out, I could have gone with a better deal and a better place. I had contacts there too. Contacts with people who won't screw me over.

Chino, you lie without blinking and you think that you are so smart to fool everyone. You are the fool. PEople are not stupid as you think they are. People let you take advantage of them because they are tolerant, not because they are stupid. You said that you backed out because you heard that I wasnt going to stay anymore. Yuka told me that that wasn't the case. Everyone knows without a doubt that you decided not to stay because you wanted to stay wiht Jorge. Give me a break. Don't make me laugh with your fairytale. You also said that you cannot afford to pay $17 a night if I stayed somewhere else. Please, who bought 20 pairs of shoes in Comme il Faut? You spent almost twice as much on shoes than the rent that you COULD NOT AFFORD. The fact is, you breached a binding oral contract and I could easily take you to small claim court and sue you for it. But I am not going to do that because I have had enough of your lame excuses. You are not worth my time.

Maximiliano, I am just disappointed that you couldnt take care of a friend of yours. If I am not considered a friend, at least a customer.

The point is, all of you took advantage of me because of the fact that I have a family who can support me financially. But this was not about money. This was about the concept of fairness and the truth about friendship. Apparently, these concepts are not things you can understand...ever.

This time, I paid 500 dollars for an experience I cannot forget. It's a good learning experience, I don't regret it. I just hope that none of you will do this to other people again.

I dont want to talk about the rent again because it is in the past and I don't want to think about it every again.

Stacy

So yeah, that's the story...yuck!

I Hate Dulce de Leche

2005-06-29T11:06:00.000-07:00

Argentinian people love dulce de leche, I was told that the day of my arrival. Dulce de leche is what we called Caramel. It is in everything. I am surprised they dont dip the asados/ meat in dulce de leche -- or do they?

Well, I hate it because 1. it is really not that delicious for me 2. my whole bag was stolen because of a dulce de leche con.

I woke up early one sunday morning to take a tour by foot around the city. I went to Teatre Colon, one of the four most famous opera house in the world. I took some pictures with my new videocamera outside of the theatre, I think that is when I became the prey. While I was walking down one of the sidestreets of the theatre, some liquid fell on me. I thought it was coming from above because when I turned around, a middle age woman pointed upward towards to one of the windows. She helped me to clean up. Dulce de Leche was all over my bag and my coat. I took my bag down, but I kept an eye on it for the whole time, but as soon as a I turned around, it was gone. The lady´s partner had taken it. I chased after my bag, but I couldnt see it in the crowd, I didnt know what the guy looked like. When I looked back, the lady was gone too.

I knew then that it had been a trick. I ran to a policeman nearby, with my broken spanish, I told him where he was heading. But the policeman told me to go the police station instead. I sprinted there, and they told me the translator can come three hours later and told me to come back. I had no money on me, no contact information of my friends because they were in the wallet. I asked for either some money or ride to my friend´s place nearby, but they told me that I can walk there. I was hysterical, how could I possibly walk?

Anyway, I finally got some numbers from the hotel and called my friends to come rescue me and file a police report.

Everything is all right now, I just hope my insurance covers my videocamera.

First Day in Buenos Aires

2005-06-17T00:46:00.000-07:00

The 10 hour flight was not bad at all. I had two seats so I slept for about 7 hours on the plane. Since there is only an hour difference in time zone, I didn't feel like I was in another country when I arrived. The custom official asked me to open two of my bags. Good thing he didnt ask to see my kite bag. I was already charged an extra 80 bucks for it when I checked it in. The person did not believe that it was golf equipment in my bag and he really sorted through and found my board at the very bottom. I wasn't happy about it. Anyhow, Hector's father came to pick me up. Now I know where Hector got his look from.

Hector's dad and I had quite an adventure. First, we communicated in the car in three different languages - English, Spanish, and Italian. Things are cruising until we reached the city because we could not find the apartment. I had the address written down as " defensa y indepencia 833 2 piso 19". There was no 833 on Indepencia avenue. So we checked Defensa 833. It was looking positive until we reached the door and found out that the last number was 2 piso 17, there was no such thing as 2 piso 19. We were confused. I didn't know how to make a international phone call and neither of us had a cell phone. So he took me Sheraton hotel and I used the business center there to call. It cost me $84 pesos (equivalent to US$28) for a 5 minute call to New York to Yukako, my friend who gave me the address. She then gave me the owner's home phone and cell phone number and the people at Sheraton helped me to contact her and to inform her that we were going to be at the apartment. So we had the right house, just the wrong number. It was 2 piso 9.

After I settled everything down, I went to the internet cafe to contact Hector because I was truly lost. But I managed to get some food in the afternoon in a pizzeria. I don't care how badly I spoke, they understood me. People here are generally nice if I show some good attitude and at least try to communicate in their language. In the evening, Fabian took me to his apartment and cooked for me. It's 12:44am now and I am waiting for him to wake up to go to the milonga. The weather is crappy (so cold and it's drizzling) but I am sure the milonga is gonna be great.

Anyway, I am going to get ready now, I will have more for you directly from Buenos Aires.

2005-06-05T12:37:00.000-07:00

Andy, Trish, and I at Real.

2005-06-05T12:29:00.000-07:00

Chris, one of my kiteboard instructors and a masseuse (*wink*).

2005-06-02T17:56:00.000-07:00

no, Hector, you are not supposed to do that

2005-06-02T17:55:00.002-07:00

pump it up, baby!

2005-06-02T17:55:00.001-07:00

my baby board

2005-06-02T17:55:00.000-07:00

coming back from my freak accident

2005-06-02T17:53:00.001-07:00

launching

2005-06-02T17:53:00.000-07:00

The hotdog lover (no innuendo intended)

2005-06-02T17:52:00.000-07:00

Aftershock

2005-06-02T17:44:00.000-07:00

Today I finally understood the meaning of life...

Hector, Sergio and I went to Sandy Hook today to check out the kiting condition of the bay. I brought my kites and board with me, hoping that the water on the bay side would not be so deep and that I could probably body drag a little.

When we got there, there was a kiter on the water already, Mike. He was attempting to ride with the light wind. But he stopped for a break because there was not enough wind and he was underpowered. So I decided to pump up my kite and just launch it to get use to my new kites. It was all good. It was clear that we had to wait a bit longer for the wind to pick up so Hector and Sergio just flew the trainer kite. They had a blast (especially Sergio).

When the wind finally picked up, mike went riding, and I could not wait to get into the water. Hector told me that we only have 20 minutes because he had to meet someone at 8pm. I thought to myself: I will bodydrag out and come right back in. Things did not go as planned, of course.

I was fine bodying dragging out, however, when I decided to come back and placed the kite at 12 o'clock, the wind stopped and the kite started to flop downwards. I tried everything I can to keep it up, like pulling the center lines. But it came down to the water. I tried to relaunch it three times and finally remembered that I have relaunch system on my diesel so I got it up. But I was unhooked, I could not hook it back in because of the freak'n "donkie dick" (I am not swearing, this is what kiters call it). and the kite came crashing down again. Then my worst nightmare began.

I heard a snap and looked down. The loop that is attached to the bar had broken off. I knew right then and there that it's time to go home, which means, it's time for me to self-rescue. I was in deep water, I could not feel the bottom at all. So I pulled the right back line to let the bar flow to the stopper ball and started swimming towards the kite. I got to the kite, held it down and started swimming.

When I was halfway to the shore, I realized something that freaked me out a bit. The worst thing had happened. The lines were wrapped around my ankle. They were wrapped tight so I could not get them off me. I stopped for a moment. I thought to myself: ok, calm down, you cannot do anything to the lines right now, just keep the kite in the water and get to the shore as quickily as possible. And I did. I swam with one leg and one arm.

I was so exhausted by the time I got to shore. Hector drove over and got to me soon after and told me that he lost his cell phone in the water on the way to his car. He also told me that Sergio was freaking out. In fact, Sergio was so nervous that he had to eat the last hot dog while I was struggling to survive. I can just picture that...Sergio munching on the hotdog, clenching his teeth, hoping that I will somehow survive.

so in conclusion, the meaning of life - is to not die.

Back to New York

2005-05-20T18:09:00.000-07:00

So I finally got up and riding!!! I was so thrilled when I got on the board and ride on the water. My new intructor, Chris, was just as excited as I was. However, that excitement was short-lived. I rode goofy that one day, but the next two days the wind was just not cooperating. I didn't get to go into the water again after that owesome ride. On the way to Norfolk airport, I stopped by Chris' school and said goodbye. The wind was cranking. Oh well. Chris was real sweet, he said that he thought about me this morning and actually contemplated stopping by to wake me up to go kiting. Anyhow, I know now that I can ride and I plan on making this my new found love!

Last Day of Camp "Evolution"

2005-05-15T14:30:00.000-07:00

So today I have accomplished the first part of my goal quite quickly. The weather was beautiful this morning, but since the water was still cold, we still had to put on the freaking wetsuit, I hate that stuff. In the morning, I was up on the board using a 13 m kite due to the light wind and I rode! Only for a very short distance though. I was in totall bliss. I thought, now I know how to get up on the board, I just need to work on my kite. Of course, I was wrong again.

In the afternoon, the wind picked up, so we went out on a 9m kite, which is something that was more suitable for my body/weight. I was a disaster. Not only was I not successful in getting on the board, I had to relaunch the kite a few times. During one relaunch, I had my hands placed unevenly on the bar, so after I got the kite back up into the air, it started looping! The kite was out of my control, so I let go. It took my coach, Andy (who is totally hot but got a serious kiter girlfriend), about 10-15 min with the help with another coach to detangle the lines. I felt so bad. When I got back on again, I still couldnt ride. When the kite went down again, the session ended. I was so mad at myself. I felt incompetent. Especially knowing that there's no availability this week for kiteboarding lessons, I am even more upset that I did not reach my goal and that the camp ended for me on a bad note.

I hope someone cancels b/c I really dont wanna be stuck in the house doing absolutely nothing even though every inch of my body is aching right now.

I've gotta be tough.

Oh, and I need a bearhug. Anyone? Anyone?

Real Kiteboarding (Day 2)

2005-05-14T19:15:00.000-07:00

I left NYC early on 5/12 and flew down to Norfolk, North Carolina (or is it Virginia?). Anyway, the flight was only an hour and 10 minutes, and the car ride here was 2 hours long. I thought "damn, this is a big place". Being trapped in New York City, one can easily forget what land looks like (instead of streets). I got here late afternoon and just chilled, met a few people. Then I found out that I really needed a car. Again, as a New Yorker, I mistakenly assumed that everthing is around the kiteboarding school. As it turned out, it's impossible to walk to even the smallest grocery store. So an instructor was nice enough to take me grocery shopping, and I got enough food for the week (but at this time, I am quickly depleting my resources, so I think may have to make another run).

The first day of kiteboarding was hard. The wind was gusty, which was great for kiteboarding, except that I have already forgotten all my kite skills. I had trouble getting on the board. The temperature was in teh 50s so it was freezing to be out there, especially when I was waiting on the jetski.

Today the weather was awesome (in terms of temperature) it was in the 70s, but we've got no wind in the morning, so we practice a little board skills doing wakeboarding. I had trouble getting up because after all, some arm strength is required. But I finally got it and had a really nice ride behind the jetski, I learned what edging is all about.

In the afternoon, we went over the tech stuff while waiting for the wind to pick up. We got out there and I used a 13m kite due to the light wind. I was much more comfortable with thekite today, I was able to feel comfortable to let go of one hand, and I learned to get into my board pretty quickly. However, I still haven't really ridden yet. I would get the water start and go back down into the water. I was exhausted. But everthing is coming together, and the other student who I am taking the lesson with, Trish (who can ride already), complemented that I was a quick learner. It was definitely comforting to know that I am doing something right.

My goal for tomorrow (the last day of camp) is to get comfortable with the water start and hopefully get some short rides!!!

Ouch, I am all bruised up.

2005-04-27T20:40:00.000-07:00

This is Daryl, the sweetest and the most encouraging kiteboard instructor

2005-04-27T20:39:00.000-07:00

yep, that's me in the water, finally succeeded in bodydragging myself out...Daryl "Trust the kite! The kite WILL take you out!"

2005-04-27T20:38:00.000-07:00

Look at the hot windsurf instructors, Enrico and Danny...yum

2005-04-27T16:16:00.000-07:00

eeew, Chris, stop licking me!

Is Sammy gay?

2005-04-27T15:52:00.000-07:00

I had an interesting conversation with my cleaning lady Andrea today. She said that she may have a girlfriend for Sammy (my psychotic cat) and I joked that he may be gay. Then we started to wonder if that kind of sexual orientation exists in the animal kingdom. I think so. Sammy, if you are gay, don't be afraid to come out, I'll still love you!