cold fish, hot yoga

[Charlotte, NC]

i took a two hour detour to Boone en route to Charlotte.  it may seem unreasonable but the mountains and stars are never really out of the way.  

early this morning i made my way down the mountain as the sun rose over the Blue Ridge, waking the frost covered mountainside. 

in Charlotte i met Travis-- accomplished cyclist, aspiring coach, outdoor aficionado, and progressing yogi.  though our paths don't often cross, when they do his warmth is that of a seasoned friend.  after a cup of tea we made our way to Yoga One for my first hot yoga class.  Hollace, our instructor, is like family to Travis and made me feel just as welcome.  after just one class i was hooked (i took another class Tuesday and am signed up for one in the morning.) hot yoga is the perfect combination of a summer run on the beach and a dance class.  it has all the benefits of a high pressure workout meanwhile bringing calm from the inside out.

after yoga Travis shared one of his favorite local eateries that specialized in Thai curry and fish tacos-- talk about perfection.  the place reminded me of restaurants at home on the beach.  the walls were painted freely and homemade sculptures hung sporadically from the ceiling.  the proprietor Casey spent the morning welding  New Orleans style fencing delicately around the parameter of the patio. he explained his vision for the iron garden because "iron is too harsh to be anything but a rose."  we split ceviche tacos and red curry before dashing to the airport... a lovely beginning to a day that would bring a series of brief flights on petite planes and layovers in airports as busy as the holiday decor.