Spain

An Evening of Flamenco Magic in Seville

Tonight was one of those evenings that sneaks up on you and ends up being something really special. We went to a flamenco show in the Setas area of Seville—such a cool part of the city, with those giant mushroom-like structures overhead and a little buzz of life all around.

Ray, Gerry, Michelle and Shelley under the Setas of Seville

The venue was small and cozy, almost like stepping into someone’s private living room, but with a stage and just the right amount of drama in the lighting.

Gerry, Michelle and Shelley near the stage

We sat near the front, close enough to see every expression, every snap of the fingers, every stomp of a heel. With a glass of wine in hand, it already felt like a perfect way to spend the evening.

The show started simply: just one man with a guitar, sitting alone under a spotlight. The room went still as he played—something about the way his fingers moved made it feel like the music was pulling stories out of the air. Then came the others, gradually—first a singer, with a voice so full of emotion it gave me goosebumps. And then the dancers. Wow.

There’s something electric about flamenco up close. The passion, the sharpness of the movements, the connection between the performers—it was like watching a conversation in a language I didn’t speak but somehow understood.

Each piece built on the last, rising in energy and intensity. You could feel the room responding to it, getting pulled in deeper and deeper.

The whole thing lasted about an hour and a half, but it honestly felt like maybe thirty minutes. Time just disappeared. When it ended, I didn’t want it to be over.

I can’t imagine a better way to experience flamenco than in a place like that—in Seville, near the Setas, glass of wine in hand, surrounded by music and movement and feeling. After the show as we stepped out into the beautiful Seville night, I kept thinking of something I’d once heard: “El duende se siente, no se explica.”  which means Duende is felt, not explained. And that’s exactly what tonight was, it wasn’t just a show. It was something deeper. Something that’ll will stick with me for a long time.

“El duende se siente, no se explica.” 

Spain

A Taste of History at the Botín restaurant

There are meals you enjoy—and then there are meals you remember for a lifetime. Our visit to Sobrino de Botín in Madrid falls firmly into the second category. Tucked away on a cobbled street just a short stroll from Plaza Mayor, Botín isn’t just any restaurant. It’s officially the oldest restaurant in the world, according to the Guinness Book of Records, with its doors having first opened in 1725. But the history of this place goes back even further—far further.

Cave basement of Botín restaurant

We were lucky enough to receive a private tour, and it was like walking through a living museum.

The staff took us below the dining rooms to explore the cellars and wine caves, some of which date back to the early 16th century. 

Dining area of the lower area of Botín Restaurant

You could feel the centuries in the cool stone walls, and imagine the stories the space could tell—from secret meetings during times of conflict to quiet toasts over vintages now long gone.

16th century wine cave under Botín Restaurant

In the cellar’s quiet shadows, surrounded by dusty bottles and timeworn brick, we got a deeper sense of the rich, layered history of the restaurant and Madrid itself.

Shelley and Michelle in the wine cave of Botín Restaurant


Botín has hosted some truly iconic names over the centuries. Ernest Hemingway wrote about it in The Sun Also Rises and was known to frequent the restaurant. Francisco de Goya, before becoming a famed painter, worked there as a dishwasher! Kings, celebrities, writers, and travelers from every corner of the globe have passed through these doors, drawn by the same thing that brought us there: a craving for something truly special.

Area of restaurant where Hemingway usually ate.

Then there was the meal—a decadent, flavourful five-course experience paired with regional Spanish wines that perfectly complemented each dish.

Gerry, Ray, Michelle and Shelley enjoying 5 course meal at Botín

From the moment the first plate arrived, the food was every bit as historic as the setting. The standout? Without question, their signature cochinillo asado (roast suckling pig), cooked in the original wood-fired oven that’s been in use since the restaurant’s founding. Crisp, tender, and rich with flavor, it was unlike anything we’ve had before.

Kitchen wood fired Oven with their roasted suckling pig

It was so much more than a meal, it was about connecting with history in a way few other places allow. You can almost taste the past, feel the stories in the walls, and walk out with a deeper appreciation of the tradition, craftsmanship, and the Spanish culture.

If you ever find yourself in Madrid, do yourself a favor: make a reservation, or if you’re lucky like we were, arrange a tour. Whether you’re a history buff, a food lover, or both, Botín offers an experience that’s truly one of a kind.

“Barriga llena, corazón contento.”

Spain

Toledo in the Rain & Wine and butterflies

Spain has a way of surprising you at every turn—whether it’s through the winding cobblestone streets of a historic city or a hidden gem of a vineyard tucked in nature’s embrace. Our recent day trip from Madrid to Toledo and visiting the Bodega Regajal in La Mancha was no exception. Even the rain couldn’t dampen the magic of Toledo.

Wandering Through Rainy Toledo, the ancient city of three cultures—Christian, Jewish, and Muslim—welcomed us with its medieval charm and an intermittent drizzle that only added to its beauty. Umbrellas popped open and ponchos rustled as we crossed the iconic Alcántara Bridge, with the Tagus River snaking beneath us like a silvery ribbon.

The rain came and went, but it didn’t stop us from exploring the stunning Toledo Cathedral, getting lost in narrow alleys lined with artisan shops, and admiring panoramic views from the Mirador del Valle.

There’s something extra special about this city when it’s wet—the cobblestones glisten, the scent of the stone walls intensifies, and the golden hue of the buildings feels even more romantic.


After lunch, we drove south to Bodega Regajal, a boutique winery nestled in the region of La Mancha, known for its rich wine tradition. But Regajal isn’t your typical vineyard because it’s located in a protected nature reserve that is home to 72 species of butterflies. At certain times of the year, they’re especially active, transforming the vineyard into a dreamlike scene straight out of a fairytale. They  flutter through the air and across your wine glass like nature’s confetti.

The winery’s focus on biodiversity is more than just poetic—it’s central to their philosophy. The land is carefully managed not just for the vines, but for the entire ecosystem. No chemicals are used for the grapes or for any other aspect of the wine making.

We toured the cellar, walked between rows of vines still wet from the morning rain, and ended the visit with a tasting of their signature reds and a white that surprised us with its floral notes and crisp finish.

Their wine labels are just as captivating: each bottle features a butterfly-like design, a delicate nod to the fluttering inhabitants of the land. It felt as if every sip was touched by wings—light, vibrant, and alive with character.

Spain never fails to astonish us with its incredible diversity and rich history. Its ancient cities steeped in layered history to quiet corners of natural beauty where butterflies and vines thrive side by side. Every region tells its own story, rich in flavour and soul.

As they say in Spain,
“A donde el corazón se inclina, el pie camina.”

Germany

Christmas markets of Cologne Germany

This December, we spent four magical days exploring the enchanting Christmas markets in Cologne, Germany.

The city was alive with twinkling lights, the scent of roasted chestnuts, and the cheerful buzz of holiday spirit.

Each market we went to had its own unique charm, from the iconic Cathedral Market with its stunning backdrop of the Cologne Cathedral to the quaint charm of the Old Market with its whimsical decorations.


One of the highlights of our trip was indulging in the local food and drink.

We sampled delicious bratwurst, freshly baked pretzels, and a variety of sweet treats.

The mulled wine, or Glühwein, was a particular favorite—it warmed us from the inside out as we strolled through the chilly evening air.

We even took the oportunity to take a photo in the large mulled wine cups for fun.

The crisp cold reminded us of winters back home in Canada, adding a touch of nostalgia to our holiday adventure.

There was even ice skating and curling events. 


We couldn’t resist taking a ride on the Ferris wheel, which offered breathtaking views of the market lights and the Rhine River shimmering below.

Another memorable experience was our dinner at Peter Brauhaus, a traditional brewery-restaurant. 

Inside was an authentic german traditional Kölsch beer culture. It featured some long, shared wooden tables that encourage camaraderie among locals and visitors alike.

We sat along the table and enjoyed the hearty German food and enjoyed the cozy, welcoming atmosphere.

We really enjoyed our trip to Cologne’s Christmas markets. It was a perfect blend of festive cheer, delicious flavours, and cherished memories.

It reminded us of the simple joys of the season and left us with hearts full of gratitude and holiday spirit.

“Wir wünschen Ihnen ein frohes Weihnachtsfest und alles Gute für das neue Jahr.”

Spain

Almagro Spain

We spent some time visiting the city of Almagro in Spain’s Castile-La Mancha region. We explored its narrow cobblestone streets, the town’s rich history and charm unfolded before us.

Known for its beautifully preserved medieval architecture, Almagro felt like a hidden gem.

In the heart of the town, Plaza Mayor, with its green-painted wooden galleries, was especially captivating.

The Corral de Comedias de Almagro, located at the heart of Plaza Mayor in Almagro, is one of Spain’s most remarkable and well-preserved examples of 17th-century theatrical architecture.

It was built in 1628, this open-air courtyard theater, or “corral,” is a living monument to Spain’s Golden Age.  What makes the Corral de Comedias truly special is that it is the only surviving example of a corral-style theater that is still in use today.  Despite the passage of centuries, the venue remains largely unchanged, maintaining its original wooden galleries, stage, and seating arrangements.

 

The historic buildings, some dating back to the 16th century, showcased the town’s significance during Spain’s Golden Age.

At dusk,  walking through the quiet, narrow streets, we felt transported to another era.

It was quiet and felt like we had gone back in time.

Ray and Shelley in Almagro Spain

Almagro was a great city to explore and enjoy some of the local culture of Castile-La Mancha.

“Encuentra lo mejor de cada día y busca aventuras.”

 

Life is too short to wait for adventure!