Category Archives: Spain

Spain

Chasing the Eclipse in Valencia

Some travel experiences are about the places, some are about the food you eat, and others are about the people you share them with. Our trip to Valencia to watch the solar eclipse was all of the above.

Our daughter Janice and our son-in-law Scott came for a visit from Canada. We were thrilled to have them here, and it coincide with the full solar eclipse, so we knew we had to make an event of it.

Janice and Scott on the balcony of City Hall in Valencia Spain

So, off we went to Valencia for a few days to visit that great city and then to see the full eclipse. The day of the eclipse we went to an event at the Albufera Natural Park which is just outside the city. We had booked tickets to an eclipse party there which had been organized.

Our shaded area and seats for the eclipse

The weather was perfect, the skies were clear, the sun was shining, and there wasn’t a cloud in sight.

The event was fantastic. There was live music, food, drinks and plenty of tables and shade for everyone. It felt less like we were waiting for a scientific phenomenon and more like we were attending a big outdoor BBQ celebration.

Giant Paella being made on a Gas BBQ

We found our spot and settled in and of course, we weren’t going to sit around waiting on an empty stomach.

The four of us enjoying Paellla and drinks before the Eclipse
Spending quality time together having laughs and fun

We enjoyed some drinks, food, and listened to the live music and, more importantly, we spent time together. Having Janice and Scott with us made the whole experience more special.

As the time of the eclipse approached, the atmosphere changed. Everyone became a little more focused on the sky. Glasses and eclipse viewing equipment came out, cameras were ready, and people started looking upward.

Trying on our Eclipse glasses

Watching the moon slowly move across the face of the sun was absolutely incredible. As more of the sun disappeared, the light around us changed and dimmed and the whole atmosphere became almost surreal.

We were standing there in Albufera, surrounded by other people enjoying the same incredible sight. It felt very personal for us, especially having Janice and Scott there to share in this experience.

Our view of the full eclipse view from Albufera Spain

What an amazing feeling, watching the eclipse as it transformed. The sense of something bigger and almost magical as the air cooled and darkness fell quickly on us, only to transform into an amazing sunset of sorts. As the moon passed by the sun the sunset was occurring which made the views spectacular.,

Sun setting while in final part of eclipse

This rare experience was the perfect alignment of having family beside us, perfect weather,  music, food, and it all came together to make it an adventure that we won’t soon forget.

“El eclipse nos recordó que, aunque la luz se oculte por un momento, siempre vuelve a aparecer. Al igual que los momentos especiales y las personas que iluminan nuestras vidas.”

Canada, Spain

Pembroke to Ottawa and graduation and a New Adventure

Our Canadian adventure continued with a visit to Pembroke for a few days. We enjoyed spending some time with some of our very close friends.  There is something special about visiting old friends. You don’t need an itinerary or a schedule just time together.  We spent our time catching up, sharing memories and reconnecting.

But our time in Pembroke was only the beginning of a very special part of our Canadian visit. We  headed to Ottawa for a very important family occasion, the graduation of our granddaughter, Shantaya.

We found our seats and waited as the graduates made their way into the ceremony. We watched with enormous pride as Shantaya walked across the stage and received her diploma.

There are some moments in life when you realize just how quickly time passes. It seems like only yesterday that she was a little girl.

Now here she was, proudly accepting her diploma and taking another big step into adulthood.

After the graduation, instead of heading home to Spain by ourselves, we had Shantaya come with us.

For Shantaya, this was the beginning of her own big Spanish adventure. We were excited to introduce her to our life in Spain. Show here the places we love, the food, the culture, the sunshine, and perhaps a few of the little things that make living here so different from Canada.

For us, having her come back with us made the journey home even more special. We had two weeks of showing her the culture, food and experiences of Spain. It was a chance to spend quality time and get to better know the adult she has become.

We travelled, had adventures, explored cities and enjoyed food and culture with her.

Shantaya in the Mediterranean Sea for the first time.
Shantaya seeing the large old Ficus trees in Alicante

Walking and exploring the old quarter of Spanish cities

She was able to experience some of our life here in Spain first hand.

“Disfruta cada momento de la vida porque es más corto de lo que crees”

 

Spain

Moraira Spain

Sun, Sea, and Spanish Delights with Good Friends

This past weekend, we escaped to the sun-soaked coastal town of Moraira, Spain. It is a true gem on the Costa Blanca.

Tucked between mountains and the sparkling Mediterranean, this charming town welcomed us with its laid-back vibe, friendly locals, and postcard-perfect views.

Fernando, Leti, Shelley and Ray

We went with our friends Leti and Fernando, which made the whole experience even more special. Traveling with good friends always adds that extra layer of laughter, shared moments, and unforgettable memories.

We stayed at a resort-style complex that was perched just above the town, complete with an infinity pool that provided the ultimate view.  Mornings were spent sipping coffee with panoramic views stretching from the hills to the horizon, and in the evenings ended at the poolside, enjoying drinks, laughs and watching the sky melt into brilliant shades of pink, blues and gold. 

Sunset from our resort style apartment

One of the highlights of the trip was a day at the Cala Granadella, just a short drive from Moraira. We started early in order to beat the crowds, knowing how popular this spot is, especially on a sunny weekend.  Even so, we ended up driving partway up the mountain road to find a parking spot, then walking down the winding road to the cove.

Ray, Fernando, Leti and Shelley walking down to the beach

But the effort was more than worth it.

Cars parked along the roadside and heading to the beach
View from our parking spot

Granadella greeted us with crystal-clear turquoise waters, dramatic rocky cliffs, and that tranquil Mediterranean charm.

View from our spot on the beach of Granadella

We found a nice stop on the beach, swam and let time drift by. 

Ray in the water at Granadella Beach

Fernando and Ray found a bar and we enjoyed some refreshments while longing on the beach with the sound of the waves in the background. We relaxed and just took it all in. A great day!

Back in Moraira, we explored the Feria, a lively street fair full of color, music, and the irresistible scent of Spanish street food. We wandered through stalls of handmade crafts and local goods, tried some samples including horse meat, cheeses and a very large donut. 

On one of the afternoons, we took a scenic drive out to Cap de la Nau, one of the easternmost points on Spain’s mainland. The winding road led us through hills and coastal landscapes until we reached the cliffs overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. Standing at the edge, the cliffside view was absolutely breathtaking—jagged rocks plunging into deep blue water, with nothing but sea and sky stretching endlessly ahead.

view from the top of Nau Cape
View from Nau Cape

We took our time walking along the path, snapping photos and just soaking in the peacefulness of the place. It felt like we were standing on the edge of the world.

Shelley enjoying one of the beautiful views in the area of Moraira, Spain

It was great weekend crammed full of activities, laughter and fun. We returned home tired but feeling relaxed and grateful for the sunshine, the laughter, the peaceful views, and above all, the time shared with friends. Moraira is one of those towns that makes you slow down, breathe deeply, and savor every little moment and that’s exactly what we did.

“vive cada día con alegria”

Spain

A Few Glorious Days in Seville

We spent a few days exploring the City of Seville,  time seemed to melt into golden light, orange blossom scent, and echoes of flamenco guitar drifting from hidden courtyards.
We began our stay wandering through the maze-like alleys of the **Santa Cruz** neighborhood. It’s hard not to fall in love with the whitewashed buildings, wrought-iron balconies overflowing with geraniums, and the surprise of a quiet plaza tucked around every corner.

Seville Cathedral


No visit to Seville is complete without a stop at its crown jewel — the **Seville Cathedral** and the **Giralda tower**. Standing in front of the cathedral’s imposing Gothic façade, we were reminded how much history hums through this city. 

Shelley and Ray in Plaza de España
Plaza de España in Seville


But perhaps the most magical moment came unexpectedly — when we decided to take a **horse-drawn carriage ride** through the city. The clip-clop of hooves echoed through the cobblestone streets as we passed through **María Luisa Park** and under the grand arches of **Plaza de España**. It felt like a scene from another era — slower, dreamier, and completely unforgettable.



In the evenings, we enjoyed **Spanish wines and beers** alongside delicious **tapas**, hopping from one little bar to the next and soaking up the lively atmosphere. Each place offered its own charm, its own specialties, and its own corner of Seville’s vibrant personality.




Travel has a way of awakening us — shaking off the routine and opening our eyes to wonder. Our time in Seville reminded us how fulfilling it is to step into the unknown, to experience beauty in a new culture, and to collect small moments that become lasting memories.

Whether it’s the taste of a local dish, the sound of horses on stone, or the simple joy of getting lost in a beautiful city, these are the things that make life feel rich.

“Vive la vida cada día.”
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.”