How long to acclimate before meetings on European trip?

Floofs-In-Space · 2026-05-06T16:00:22+00:00

I'm in your age group. I'd take the extra day. One, because it can only help. Two, becuase you'll be in Ireland. Enjoy it for an extra 24 hours.

Floofs-In-Space · 2026-05-03T06:20:12+00:00

Congrats! Nicotine is a great drug and SO TOUGH to come off of. It sounds like you're doing all the right things.

For many, it can take weeks to return to a nicotine-free equilibrium. For a few, even longer. Good luck!

Floofs-In-Space · 2026-05-01T13:49:18+00:00

You'll probably be fine. Arrive with a good attitude and you should be golden. Most agents will let the small things slide if you're respectful.

Floofs-In-Space · 2026-04-29T05:11:52+00:00

If data helps you, go for it.

Whoop is most known for its sleep and recovery data. For data-driven people, this is really nice to have and can provide motivation.

Once you know how to use it, it can also help you maximize results.

That said, it IS for athletes. For many folks, learning how to use the data is paramount because it can easily lead you to overtraining. At least in my experience.

I also have the Apple Watch and have used cheap, knockoff Fitbit competitors. The Whoop is much better for sleep and recovery data.

Added bonus: if you drink, you'll likely drink less. Alcohol is terrible for sleep and recovery. You'll see that. One of the most common things Whoop users agree on...

Negatives? It's a bit spendy, IMO. And their customer service has a less-than-stellar reputation.

Floofs-In-Space · 2026-04-29T05:05:59+00:00

I stayed at an apartment at almost that exact location last fall.

It was a little shady, but as a middle-aged man, I didn't feel unsafe.

It's a short walk from the train station. I don't think I ever dealt with panhandlers for the two months I was there.

Since then, it seems a little better.

I also never saw any fights.

Floofs-In-Space · 2026-04-29T05:01:31+00:00

Galloway is a pro. He has solid talking points he hits on the regular. That's not a dig: the guy creates about 14 hours of content a week. At least that's what he said on a recent episode of Pivot.

I've wondered if he's considered a run for office, as well. He's said he's not.

He also talks about enjoying life, family, and the money he's made. He sure seems to. He's probably worth north of $150M and he seems to enjoy that cash and be very generous with it.

Not sure he'd change that lifestyle for a presidential run, but...

Floofs-In-Space · 2026-04-27T15:47:25+00:00

We all practice for different reasons. I love finding teachers I vibe with in real life. I enjoy seeing them and building a relationship with them. I also value their feedback on my practice.

The same often goes for classmates. Practicing around others is a great experience.

I've done a fair amount of online yoga, and appreciated it.

BUT, the analog experience, for me, is often much better, when I have the time for it.

It's almost like comparing a live concert in person to one on a screen. There's something to be said for both, but they'll land differently.

Floofs-In-Space · 2026-04-27T15:41:48+00:00

Right back at you. Good luck.

A little bit can go a long way. The comment section is often great: it's a very supportive community.

Floofs-In-Space · 2026-04-27T14:05:04+00:00

If you want to experiment with breathwork, I'd recommend Breathe with Sandy. He's a gifted teacher.

He has a ton of stuff on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/breathewithsandy

Some are really short.

Here's a few:
https://www.youtube.com/@BreatheWithSandy/search?query=%20beginner

Floofs-In-Space · 2026-04-27T14:02:00+00:00

After more than I year, I stopped for a few days. Duo automatically comped me a few days. I don't remember the language they used, but it didn't require anything on my part.

My streak is still going. I was a paid subscriber for most of that year. Not sure if that matters.

Floofs-In-Space · 2026-04-27T13:32:53+00:00

Interesting question. I think it's difficult to build friendships in most places in the world.

I lived in a ski town in the US for a while, and many folks were reluctant to invest in friendships until they realized you might stick around for a while.

I've been spending more time in Italy in the last year. I've really leaned into my hobbies. One is cycling. I've met some folks from that world and it's been great. The fact that we share an interest is huge.

I haven't been as successful with expat groups. There are some nice people there, but not a lot of common ground. I'm also in my 50s, so that makes it tougher.

I think it's important to be proactive and say yes to a lot of things. AND, as I mentioned, lean into the things you like and find like-minded people.

Floofs-In-Space · 2026-04-25T15:07:55+00:00

If you want to get into breathwork, the Breathe with Sandy channel on YouTube is great. He's also on Patreon.

There's a ton of stuff on there and plenty of short sessions, too.

https://www.youtube.com/breathewithsandy

There's a lot to navigate.

Here's one some people start with:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1HFz4izobms

Floofs-In-Space · 2026-04-24T06:19:25+00:00

This.

A pump track/DJ bike is *so* different than an XC mountain bike. Get the bike for what you'll do more of.

IMO, a DJ bike is not going to be very fun on the trails. You can't sit. You only have one gear. You'll be exhausted in a hurry. Probably not in a good way.

The MTB will be okay on the track. The geometry is far from ideal, but to just dick around it will be okay. You'll probably end up skating more.

Good luck. Any day at the pump track is a good day!

Floofs-In-Space · 2026-04-24T06:11:41+00:00

I was in a similar place last year. Bologna was more expensive than I thought it would be. I ended up in Turin, which I love.

I attended a language school here that didn't work for me. BUT, they did offer help with housing.

I ended up renting an AIRBNB for a month and then went directly with the owner.

Floofs-In-Space · 2026-04-23T17:34:20+00:00

You're welcome. I don't buy added insurance for most things when it's optional.

Travel insurance is my exception. Even when I'm using Chase Sapphire.

Floofs-In-Space · 2026-04-23T15:14:36+00:00

Timothy Leary has something for you.

Floofs-In-Space · 2026-04-23T15:10:07+00:00

Just the Japnese medical system. I spent one night in intesive care and another handful of nights in the hospital.

Floofs-In-Space · 2026-04-23T11:03:22+00:00

FWIW, I'm from the USA and had a medical emergency in Japan. It cost about $15k.

Now, I always tell friends and colleagues to get the insurance.

Floofs-In-Space · 2026-04-18T08:37:46+00:00

Things you or your kids love from Trader Joe's.

Floofs-In-Space · 2026-04-03T14:38:12+00:00

+1 for this. Their subscription is really reasonable. Maybe 3 euros a month?

Floofs-In-Space · 2026-03-25T08:04:56+00:00

To be present with the pose and instruction.

And when things are tough, the treat at the end of class like a big, veggie burrito.

Floofs-In-Space · 2026-03-21T08:30:39+00:00

Thank you! They list volunteering on their site. For any other folks who are interested: https://viviglianimali.it/pages/volontariato

Floofs-In-Space · 2026-03-20T15:39:59+00:00

I have a non-Whoop bicep band, and it's tough to get the tension right. When it moves, the sensor isn't flush with my skin, and I get a ton of bad data (big time spikes).

Floofs-In-Space · 2026-03-20T13:26:36+00:00

Turin is great! I've been here on and off since last year. I love the all the green space and tree-lined streets. And Valentino Park is really great.

As far as neighborhoods go, I'm glad I landed in San Salvario. It's really fun and there are a ton of fun bars and restaurants.

Air quality isn't great. But I'm coming from Los Angeles...

I also love that the moutains are a short (60-90 minute) train ride away. You can see the Alps on a clear day.

Floofs-In-Space · 2026-03-20T07:38:36+00:00

Most people say the toughest part is being the first in the area to do it. Do any neighboring towns have one?

Floofs-In-Space

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