Archive for January 1st, 2009

Trip report: Just coming back from Mexico after an 18-day adventure. Alaska Airlines flight 257 from Manzanillo to LAX was 30 minutes late, but the pilot made up 15 minutes en route.

The customs/immigration process at LAX is a little convoluted. However, the lines moved quickly, even though foreign nationals have to deal with fingerprints, photographs, etc. After clearing customs, travelers drop their bags to be loaded onto connecting flights–but they still must go through additional TSA screening before boarding those flights. This is nonsense, IMHO. But that’s LAX. In spite of the extra security-related steps, we were able to board our connecting flight to Seattle without incident.

Every time I go to Mexico, I love it. In fact, I love the land more deeply after each journey. During this trip, we started at our family’s favorite tropical getaway: Vida del Mar in Manzanillo. This is an enclave of Alaska ex-pats–and it’s a great place to lay in a solid suntan. Pool. Beach. Great food. Great people. Here’s a shot:

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Win a couple of free Yoga sessions! See below….

True story: Alaska Airlines did a fine job hauling me back from Mexico the other day. Manzanillo-L.A.-customs/immigration-Seattle-Anchorage. After our arrival at 3am, was I tied up in knots?? 

You bet. After waking up yesterday, I wandered over to Laughing Lotus here in Anchorage–yoga studio to the stars. Stretch, twist, flex…repeat.

It’s just what I needed to unwind after a long flight. My New Year’s Resolution is to maintain a good Yoga practice schedule–and Laughing Lotus is just the place. It’s located near 57th and Old Seward Highway in Anchorage.

On Jan. 10-11, Alanna Kaivalya is hosting a Jivamukti yoga workshop at Laughing Lotus. On Sunday evenings, beginning Jan. 4, Carrie Moore is hosting a Tribal Belly Dancing class through Feb. 1.

There’s plenty going on at our local Yoga studio. For me, it’s important to unwind, literally, after a long flight. Give it a try. I have two free passes for practices I’m giving away.

To win one, just tell me EXACTLY the address of the studio. Just drop me a note here: zoom@gci.net. In the subject line, put “Laughing Lotus Yoga”. In the body of the email, put your name/address/phone, as well as the correct answer. I’ll make a random drawing. Enter now–YOU might be a lucky winner! Below, co-owner Kim Greeff leads a practice at the studio: