Tag: Portugal

It’s Time to Fly!

Jyri Manninen | Kajura

In case you didn’t know it already, my name is Jyri, but I also go by George, and I’m the dude behind this LOTR channel. I set up it up in July, 2021, so almost 4 years ago, and primarily for the purpose of sharing my bicycle and camino walking tour adventures, which have mainly been in Portugal and Finland, where I currently reside. A second reason is that I wanted it to act as a kind of dynamic business card, to showcase my own active lifestyle with my current and prospective, future coaching clients. Basically, I just wanted to build some initial trust and make connections with like-minded people via the concept of ‘proof of work’. I wanted to show that I myself was actually doing what I preach. 

However, things are now about to change significantly! Enjoy this LIFE ON THE RUN update video, as I go over my plans in more detail about, while enjoying the scenery from not only some of my previous adventures, but also from my local forest trails.

Be blessed,
Jyri (George)

In the Light

Jyri Manninen | Kajura


The Camino Portuguese is an approximately 245km long Christian pilgrimage trail, which starts at the cathedral in Porto, Portugal and then ends at its architectural namesake in Santiago de Compostela in Galicia, Spain, but it isn’t just for the dogmatically inclined. The Portuguese Way is undertaken by people of all backgrounds and for all kinds of reasons, though commonly as a part of one’s personal growth. However, regardless of the multitude of possible personal life or spiritual perspectives, it’s also simply a very scenic and interesting 1-2 week long walk.

Here I highlight the most special moments of my own camino, ones in which I’d become utterly absorbed in the sunlight’s exquisite play with the continuously unfolding environments, as well as the consciousness awakening primal sounds of moving waters in the multitude of rivers and streams that I crossed along the trail.

“If you feel that you can’t go on, and your will’s sinking low, just believe, and you can’t go wrong. In the light, you will find the road.”

‘In the Light’ | Led Zeppelin, Physical Graffiti (1975)

So, please just sit back, relax and enjoy this brief sidetrack from the hustle and bustle of regular life; and please share this post with anyone who you think would find it inspirational or helpful. Obrigado, gracias & thank you!

Be blessed,
Jyri

Where to from here?

Jyri Manninen | Kajura


After 5 bicycle tours and 3 caminos within, or going to or from, Portugal, Matilda and I had finally reached the end of our shared journey; and what a fitting way to celebrate it was, by being able to spend time with my Portuguese family and friends in Peniche and surrounds.


I had the opportunity to visit some previously neglected spots, such as Praia da Consolação, as well as to take in a jiu jitsu training session with my professor Alex Pereira at his new school in Casal Moinho. However, being able to share in the chill vibes at the skate and pizza block party, which was organised by Largo coworking space, and which is managed by my long time friend and ghostrider, Pedro, was the perfect end to this chapter in my life.

So, where to from here? There’ll no doubt be many more cycling and camino adventures ahead: and while I’ll still be visiting Portugal as often as I can, I’m now also looking to step much further afield, with trips to India and South-East Asia on the horizon, where I plan to engage in more indepth exploration, and not just of the outside world, but of my own inner one as well.


As this very significant phase of my life, which I have termed ‘re-entry’, has now come to a close, I wish to extend my heartfelt gratitude to every single person whom I’ve met and shared time and conversations with, however short, during the past 7 years. It is the sum of all those interactions, including all the valuable insights that they have given me, which now acts as the fuel for my onward travel. Thank you, and see you again soon in the next adventure.

Be blessed,
Jyri