A lot has happened this past week and I'm not sure where I should start. Today is my last day in Cebu. I leave at 7:30AM tomorrow for Manila. That means I have to wake up at 5AM and be in the airport by 6:30AM. I leave Manila for Bombay via Hong Kong(5 hour stop-over...agh) on Wednesday, stayover night and fly to Bangalore first thing the next morning. I made arrangements for a car to pick me up and bring me to Mysore. I hope to be in Mysore late in the afternoon on Thursday(5 days to go:). I'm still not sure if this really happening. Can somebody wake me up.
Last Monday, I did my first canter. It's a lot harder than it looks. I kept banging my ass against the saddle. Not a pleasant feeling. The following day my teacher let me do sitting trot without stirups and then let me canter again. This was much better. The trick is to lean back and sit deep into the saddle. On my third canter I felt like a pro...much smoother. Last Friday was my last riding day. I really enjoyed it and hope to do more in the future. I wish I can say I would continue to ride when I get back but LA will be too expensive. I only pay $5 per class, LA will probably come out 10 times more.
I thought this was funny so I just wanted to share it. It happened on my first horse riding class.
Riding teacher: "Make sure you sit in the middle of the saddle. I know the back of the saddle is more comfortable."
Me:"Where's the middle of the saddle?"
Riding teacher:"Oh, I'm sorry. In your cases there is no middle or back. You occupy the whole saddle."
A month ago, I could proudly say that I had a daily practice. I was hoping I could bring that momentum with me here. It didn't happen. I was really surprised and disappointed by the fact that I could lose my practice so quickly. I haven't had a full practice the past 2 and 1/2 weeks. I guess I'm not ready to practice alone yet. I really need the energy of the room and the luxury of Noah and Kimberly staring down at me. Lately, I've been doing only the opening sequence and a short close. I can't believe I let my practice go so quickly. One late night out could easily break my rythm. I'm sure I will get back on track when I get to Mysore but I know my stay here has taken my practice a couple of steps back. I guess that's just part of the journey.
I've really enjoyed my stay here. Just hanging out with my friends was so much fun. They all reminded me of what a great childhood I had. It's nice to know that I can come and go but my friendships here are forever. I will miss my friends.
I finally gave me. I made a consious decision before I left LA not to get any shots for India. When the discussion came up one day and my parents(they're both doctors)asked me if I had gotten any shots I told them I didn't. They're already worried about this trip. The fact that I didn't get shot will worry them even more so I just gave in. I didn't even put up a fight. My mom gave me the shots like she always does. I really don't believe in getting shots. I think I've been drugged up enough in my life. I try to avoid any form of drugs the best I can. I think I did it more for they're peace of mind.
Comments (6)
Dont worry to much about the shots, Mysore is very clean and as long as you use common sense youll be fine. The only shots maybe worth getting are ones for things that cant be treated once you have it, Like hepatitis (eeeww) Other than that you probably have a better chance of catching something in New York city. Have fun in Mysore and thanks for Blogging, Keep it up.
-Neti
Posted by neti | September 20, 2004 11:32 PM
Posted on September 20, 2004 23:32
I got the shots more for my parent's peace of mind than mine. When I talked to Noah before I left LA he told me that it was not necessary to get any shots so I didn't. I was hoping that my parents wouldn't bring it up but when they did I just gave in. My mom was still trying to convince me not to go to India but she knew I was still going to go anyway. I fear the heat more than getting sick in India. The Philippines is hot but I have airconditioning in my room so it's bearable. I hope Mysore is cooler than Cebu or Manila.
Posted by joey | September 21, 2004 2:20 AM
Posted on September 21, 2004 02:20
Great posting about horse riding and Cebu by jssiii on 9/19/04. I'll be going to Cebu soon and wonder if anyone knows where the riding lessons mentioned were given in Cebu. Thanks.
Posted by tmm | March 29, 2005 7:32 PM
Posted on March 29, 2005 19:32
Dear "jssiii":
I live in Bohol, Philippines, which,as you probably know, is near Cebu. I saw your posting re: horseback training in Cebu. I have been searching (physically and on-line) for this information. Could you e-mail me the name and location of the school, your instructor(s) name(s) and any phone numbers or email addresses that you might have for them. Thank you in advance and all the best in your travels and adventures.
Neal M. Sandidge
Posted by Neal Sandidge | June 13, 2005 2:39 AM
Posted on June 13, 2005 02:39
I'm from Cebu but haven't been there the past 3 years. I used to go horeriding a lot in a place called Cuadra or Cebu Equestrian Centre, which is in Mabolo. I was taught by a British lady called Michelle. I don't know their number but I can get it if you're interested. I doubt they have an email address let alone a website.
Posted by missy franco | June 22, 2005 12:24 PM
Posted on June 22, 2005 12:24
Thanks, Missy, I will look for it. My wife, Vicky Wallace, and I have a small resort in Bohol called Bohol Bee Farm. Come see us next time you are back in the Philippines.
Posted by Neal Sandidge | June 25, 2005 3:09 AM
Posted on June 25, 2005 03:09