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TPOL Finishes 3rd in Member Guest
I am inching closer to my dream of representing Iraq in golf in the Olympics. Last Saturday, I finished third in my flight in the Member-Guest tournament. I almost gave it away on the second to last hole. My partner shanked his drive 48 yards. Cautious, I abandoned my full drive swing for a prudent three-quarter swing. Unfortunately or rum-misfortunately, I was aimed right at the out-of-bounds marker. And that’s where the ball went. Fortunately, my 3 wood has improved dramatically, leading to this:
TPOL’s @? Member Guest Golf Tournament
Muay Thai Medellin: Chapter 3 of My Combat Journey
Do you get sick of shit talking blog readers? Do you want to do something about it? Since they will never leave their basements and since assault charges are not a good idea, I recommend taking up Muay Thai. Hitting pads and sparring provide the necessary release without the legal expense. I started my Muay Thai journey accidentally as part of my Residency in Melbourne, Australia (see Muay Thai Melbourne). When I left Melbourne, I went directly to Bangkok for Residency where I continued my Muay Thai studies (see Muay Thai Thailand Recap). Back in Puerto Rico, I tried to resume training but found no viable, cost-effective options. In Medellin for a week as part of my Sane Asylum Getaway, I went to Zona De Combate MMA for private lessons. I was impressed with the instruction but not impressed with how out of (fighting) shape I was. Unfortunately, I only had time for two lessons. Nevertheless, I learned plenty. TPOL’s Tip: Zona de Combate is located at CRA 49 #16 – 16 El Poblado, Medellín, Colombia. Follow them on IG. TPOL’s Tip: 2 private lessons cost 160k pesos or $41. That’s cheaper than Bangkok! The Trainees Yours Truly TPOL’s Tip: Buy your Urban Turban here. Overall What a great experience.
Mosul, Iraq Day 1: The Best Homemade Food in the World
Citi Credit Limit, Limited: But Why?
Breaking 90: TPOL’s Wins the Club Championship**
TPOL’s Wins the Club Championship** is part of the TPOL to LIV PGA Trip Report (read the Introduction Inspiration).
Let’s start with the asterisks. * I played in the ‘Malanga’ Flight, a euphemism for the worst players in the club i.e., players with 20+ handicaps. A club champion can only come from the Championship Flight which is played from the gold tees. ** I only finished first on the first day. I shot a 96. The tournament was two days long. But if you overlook those to trivial points, you can call TPOL the club champion. I beat out 15 other players on day 1 and came in 4th after day 2, shooting a terrible 105. The real reason I am writing this post is to continue to document my ascent from worst to first. Next year, regardless of my handicap, I will play in the championship flight. It is open to anyone who wants to tee off from the tips. If you have not played from the golds, I suggest trying it. Here’s why: when people see you on the tee box, they will automatically assume you are a good golfer. That will give you the confidence to swing freely. If you do hit a bad shot, those observers will just assume you hit an errant shot. That confidence will allow you to take the next shot with ease. Another reason I will play in the championship flight is because this year there were only five competitors. Worst case, I finish sixth. Then I can write I finished 6th in the club championship. Those who only pay attention to headlines will be impressed. Historical Note: This tournament took place on October 12th and 13th, 2024.
Holiday Inn Express Gibraltar: World’s Best for the Memories
After stopping to smell the flowers, I made the fifteen-minute walk to the Holiday Inn Express. Location There are no taxis in Gibraltar roaming the streets at night. Fortunately, the Holiday Inn Express is within walking distance from the Spanish border (see Border Crossing on Foot: Spain to Gibraltar). Hotel Itself The decor is not from the typical Holiday Inn Express. Staff I was welcomed by the nice staff and was told I had been upgraded. I was also offered a welcome beverage of my choosing. Critically, the front desk helped arrange a taxi for my trek up the rock (see The Guide to Climbing Gibraltar). Room The room was funky. Bathroom The bathroom was adequate, though I’m not a fan of Dove soap. View The view was unbeatable. Breakfast The breakfast was English. Price Gibraltar is not cheap. The Holiday Inn Express goes for $200 a night. I used 38,000 IHG points instead (see Bus-Ted: Gold Medal Trip Report Points & Cash Summary). Overall This is the best Holiday Inn Express because of the staff, the unique location, and because it will forever be associated with my stay in this unique overseas territory.
Border Crossing on Foot: Spain to Gibraltar
Many have speculated if TPOL is in the CIA. Why does he speak 7 languages (see TPOL The Polyglot: A Better Way to Learn Multiple Languages)? Why has he been to the most random of places (see Where I’ve Been)? Why does he walk around with surveillance equipment (Creeper Cam Is Back: Alexander Bachuwa Launches the Vlog)? I cannot confirm or deny such reports. I can say that I feel like an undercover agent whenever I have the opportunity to cross a border on foot. There’s a special thrill to it. One second I am under the laws and regulations of one country, the next second I’m in no man’s land, and in the third instance, assuming I am not detained, I am in a new country. The crossing from Spain to Gibraltar was especially memorable. One second, I am speaking Spanish, the next I am transported through an English portal. It’s similar to when I try to go to ESPN in Puerto Rico and am redirected to ESPN Deportes, but in reverse order. The reminder that I was no longer in Kansas, Spain anymore was exemplified by the iconic British phone booth. The fun continued as I found myself walking across an active runway, something I would experience more vividly upon my return (see What a Shot! Crossing the Airstrip Gibraltar) en route to the Holiday Inn Express. How can it get more fun than this? TPOL’s Tip: If you’re arriving at night and are looking for a taxi, you will not find one. The Holiday Inn Express is only a fifteen minute walk.
Driving to the Rock: The Journey to Gibraltar
Who else takes you ’round the world’ like TPOL? No one. In today’s installment, I share my journey from Malaga, Spain to another ‘country,’ Gibraltar, to add to my Where I’ve Been. The journey takes an hour and forty-five minutes in a Panda (see Car Rental Costa Del Sol: Next Time It’s a BMW). Along the way, I passed through, Marbella, a wealthy town I would also visit on this trip. I knew nothing about Gibraltar apart from the following:
- It is a British Overseas territory.
- It’s home to many online gambling companies.
- It’s home to a big rock.
- You do have to go through some tolls but credit cards are accepted.
- You should park your car on the Spain side and walk across because it is unlikely that your rental is covered in Gibraltar.
- Be sure to make the right turn into the car park. Otherwise, you’ll find yourself in the long queue of cars looking to cross into Gibraltar. If you do, there is an opportunity to turn around.