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.”

 

Spain

Aldonza Bodega Tour

We went  to take a wine tour at the Aldonza Bodega. It is located in the historic wine region of Castile-La Mancha, Spain. 

The winery is nestled in the Navamarin Pastureland, a unique geographical area that imparts special characteristics to the grapes.

The combination of the region’s specific climate, soil, and altitude makes the grapes grown here develop robust unique flavours and balanced acidity.

The winery’s emblem features the iconic figure of Don Quixote on horseback, a nod to the cultural heritage of La Mancha, the land that inspired Cervantes’ famous novel. 

We were greeted by a guide who took us through the entire winery explaing the different aspects of the wine making. 

He explained how the winery has received numerous international and world-recognized awards for its exceptional quality. 

some of the wards for their wines

 

Aldonza Bodega created a perfect blend of traditional wine making with modern innovation.

Modern and clean facilities

The modern facilities are equipped with cutting-edge technology, yet the wine cellar is designed to look like an ancient, natural cave, evoking a sense of history and authenticity.

“Cave” area of the bodega

Even the lighting was made to look like lanterns with flickering lights simulating flames. 

This balance between the old and new is also reflected in their winemaking approach, which honors traditional techniques while leveraging modern methods to enhance the quality of their wines.

We were treated to an experience that celebrates their award winning wines. We enjoyed a wine tasting session, which included not only their award-winning wines but also olive oil produced on-site, offering a complete taste of the region’s artisanal products.

Shelley, Ray, Sonja, Marcelo in the Bodega Aldonza

“no malgastes tu tiempo o el tiempo te malgastará a ti. disfruta de la vida al máximo”

Spain

A great day in Valdepeñas

Our visit to Valdepeñas, whose name means “Valley of Rocks” due to its location in a wide hilly area, was a delightful one-day adventure filled with rich history and beautiful sights.

Ray, Shelley, Sonja and Marcelo

Situated in the Castile-La Mancha region of Spain, Valdepeñas is known for its long-standing tradition of winemaking, which is woven into the very fabric of the town’s culture. Some of the streets were even accented with images of wine barrels. 

We spent the day wandering through its charming streets, taking in the vibrant plazas and admiring the traditional Spanish architecture.

Each corner seemed to tell a story, from the historic buildings, bronze statues to the small artisan shops.

We made sure to visit some of the key landmarks, enjoying the town’s atmosphere and soaking up its unique blend of culture and heritage.

The highlight of our trip was undoubtedly the intimate visit to Casa de la Nava, a new winery that welcomed us with warmth and enthusiasm. The owners took the time to share the intricate details of their winemaking process, explaining each step with a passion that truly reflected their dedication to the craft.

We learned about the delicate balance of flavours and the careful techniques used to create their exceptional wines, which are a true testament to Valdepeñas’ reputation as one of Spain’s great wine regions.

The experience was made even more special by the wine tasting that followed, where we savoured a selection of their finest wines paired with delicious local foods.

Sonja, Ray, owners, Shelley and Marcelo.

It was a perfect way to immerse ourselves in the rich wine culture of Valdepeñas, leaving us with fond memories and a deeper appreciation for both the town and its exquisite wines.

“la vida es demasiado corta para beber vino malo”

Spain

Molinos de Campo de Criptana

Walking through the city of Campo de Criptana feels like stepping into a living piece of history. Nestled in the heart of La Mancha, this charming town is best known for its iconic windmills, which rise majestically against the landscape.

In Don Quixote by Miguel de Cervantes, one of the most iconic scenes involves Don Quixote mistaking windmills for giants. This famous episode takes place in the plains of La Mancha, specifically in the region of Campo de Criptana, where numerous windmills stand today.

As we explored the narrow streets, whitewashed houses with their colourful doors and windows.

It created a beautiful contrast against the bright blue sky.

In the old quarter of Campo de Criptana it was like stepping back in time. This historic part of the city, known as the Barrio del Albaicín, is a labyrinth of narrow, winding streets lined with traditional whitewashed houses, some with blue-painted accents that reflect the town’s Moorish past.

As we wandered through this picturesque area, we encountered some charming plazas, and centuries-old buildings.

The atmosphere was tranquil, with a slower pace of life, inviting us to pause and take in the views of the iconic windmills perched on the nearby hills.

We walked to the top of the hill in Campo de Criptana to see the windmills.  As we ascended, the view of the town unfolded below, with its maze of whitewashed houses, vineyards, and the vast plains of La Mancha stretching to the horizon.

On the top of the hill there was a panoramic views of the vast plains, dotted with vineyards and olive groves.

View from the hilltop of Campo de Criptana
Windmills of Campo de Criptana
Ray, Shelley, Sonja and Marcelo

Every corner seemed to whisper tales of Cervantes’ legendary Don Quixote, making Campo de Criptana a place where literature and reality seamlessly blended together. It was an amazing day and adventure.

“abraza la belleza de la aventura y los viajes”

Life is too short to wait for adventure!