I briefly mentioned Paola’s Kundalini Yoga studio in Punta arenas last time I was there. Despite my very broken Spanish skills, we quickly bonded and became friends. A nice coincidence was that her partner, Felipe, works for the Antarctic logistics company (ALE) that was in charge of our race logistics so, it was great to see him before and after our Antarctica flights.

Although I practiced different forms of yoga over the years, I didn’t know anything about Kundalini Yoga. I hope to learn more and write about it. For now, I can only say that It’s a form of yoga that effectively combines breathing techniques, meditation and physical exercises.

Her studio is at the front of the house that Paola and her family live. There she teaches yoga and ayurveda. She’s passionate about both but, counting her third job of being a mum, her fourth and actual profession is veterinary. I don’t even count her previous flamenco dancing and the organic food business she’s about to set up. Despite all that, she’s always calm and has this fantastic smile. A hope for those of us who only have to manage one or two things at once!

We’ve agreed to meet briefly on my return from Antarctica. In addition to the great positive energy she gave me before the race, she gave me a kundalini yoga practice manual with some hand written notes prepared for me and a yoga class! We later went to her home where she cooked this fantastic vegetarian meal which I shared with her, Felipe and their gorgeous daughter Antonia. Felipe told me that Paola is extremely selective with friends and only invites very close friends home. This made the whole thing even more special for me.

As I had to make it to my flight that night, we said quick qoodbyes and remembered to take a photo only at the last minute. I know I will see her in London, Istanbul or Punta Arenas. Until then lovely Paola!