Tag Archives: Chaput foot prints

A bike ride in Alicante

May 10, 2017 chaput@live.com

On Sunday we decided to take a nice bike ride with our friend Filipe through parts of Alicante. There are so many beautiful sights and scenes in the city that each day is a great chance to explore. We started in the center of the city and worked our way down towards the waterfront. We cycled along the waterfront enjoying the view

Ray and Shelley along the waterfront in Alicante

We came across a group of people singing and chanting in Russian along the waterfront. Some were dressed in traditional Russian dress.

We decided to take a break and watch them for a while before heading on.

Ray, Shelley, and Filipe taking a break on waterfront boardwalk

We continued along the coastline for a few kilometers admiring the vistas.

Shelley and Ray on the coast of Mediterranean Sea.

We came across a lookout area and took some time to admire the views.

Ray, Filipe and Shelley on the lookout admiring the view

After biking along the coast we headed into the old quarter of Alicante. We cycled through the old streets of Alicante and came to a beautiful old neighborhood called Barrio de Santa Cruz.

They decorate the streets with flowers and colorful ornaments to welcome the Fiesta of the Crosses of May. They hold a fiesta and decorate flower crosses which are judged for the best design. The fiesta ends on the 1st of May and we missed the fiesta but we were able to see the winning cross still on display.

Ray and Shelley in front of the Winning Flower cross of the Fiesta in Barrio de Santa Cruz

We then headed back into the center of the city and came across an art exhibit. It was set up with local artist displaying their work and some artist were painting as well. We stopped and decided to check it out.

Shelley looking at some of the artwork on display

There were some very talented artists and we watch several of them work on their art. We could recognize some of the Spanish landmarks they had painted in some of the paintings.

As we walked throughout the displays we came across a beautiful water feature.

After viewing the art we stopped at a new Italian restaurant called “ll Typico”. We were introduced to the owner Felice Falanga by our friend Filipe and enjoyed a wonderful meal.

Filipe, the owner Felice Falanga, Shelley and Ray

Overall another great adventure in Alicante. Each day brings new adventures and experiences.

“Adios y que Tenga un grand dia”

Spain

Driver’s License Success

May 9, 2017 chaput@live.com

We finally, completed our Spain driver’s process including the final practical exam. The procedure of acquiring a Spanish driver’s license is a major undertaking for people who live in Canada and the USA. The Spanish government does not recognize the equivalency of a Canadian or USA driver’s license. You are required to complete the entire driver license process regardless of your past experience identical to that of a new Spanish driver.

We began the process back in fall with completing the written exam. The written exam was an experience and adventure on its own. If you haven’t followed the post on our progress follow the links below.

http://wp.me/p6PTzi-11N http://wp.me/p6PTzi-12T

We have been taking the practical driving lessons which are a requirement in order to complete the driver exam process. Although we are both experienced drivers and have held a Canadian driver license for years the lessons were of value.

The driving techniques in Spain and Europe are somewhat different from Canada. We do drive on the same side of the road however, there are some notable differences.

Yield signs are common and stop signs are minimal in Alicante. There are numerous roundabouts in Spain and some roundabouts are complex with three or more lanes wide.

Traffic signs are also slightly different, there are multiple signs for the same intersection which can be confusing at times.

After completing numerous practical driving lessons, we finally had our driving test days. Ray’s test was first and it was done during a torrential downpour. The examiner only speaks Spanish and no translator is permitted for the exam. The exam took approximately 20 minutes and when completed I was informed to wait outside the car. The examiner and the driving instructor remained in the car for a few minutes to discuss the exam. Ray was then allowed back in the vehicle and he was dropped off at the apartment. The results of the exam would not be available for 24 hours.

Shelley’s Driving exam was held on the Wednesday before the Easter long weekend. Traffic was congested and there were three other students in the car when the exam took place. The examiner asks each student a question about the car prior to the practical exam. Shelley’s question was on the colour of the reverse lights on the car when in reverse. Shelley completed the exam and was also asked to wait outside the car with the other students.

The final result is that we both have passed our driver exams and now have a Spanish driver’s license.

Ray and Shelley in front of the Pausa driving school holding their Driver Licence L

In the first year after obtaining your driver’s license in Spain, you are required to have an “L” on your rear window of your car. We received our “L” from our driving school and will display it proudly when we drive.

“Adios y que tenga un grand dia”

Canada

Pause for Family Health

April 27, 2017 chaput@live.com

We have been taking a pause from our blog in order to focus on some family health issues. We normally post about our travels, adventures and share our enjoyable times. However, this particular post will be different because we are going to discuss an issue that affects almost every family at some point. That issue is Cancer and how that terrible disease not only affects people but changes lives forever. We are in the midst of dealing with treatments for a family member who is receiving care at the Ottawa General Hospital. The hospital has been excellent and the staff has been extremely friendly, helpful and caring. It is during the hard times of dealing with cancer that the little things mean so much. A friendly smile and a helping hand make a tremendous difference in helping to cope with cancer. The simple acts of kindness may seem small but have a large impact on us and provide great comfort. There are so many people who have helped us throughout this ordeal. Some people brought baked goods or drove us to and from the airport, others have provided helping hands at the hospital almost every day. They have provided words of encouragement and support. All these simple acts of kindness have given us strength and have helped us to cope.

One gift in particular we received was very moving and touched our hearts. They were hoodie sweatshirts, but what was so special was the cause “Valerie’s Flutter” and the note that was included.

Hoodie from the Valerie”s Flutter Foundation

The note which had a personal message was very moving and touched our hearts deeply. The note read, in part…. ” Valerie’s dreams one of many was to travel the world”

Valerie was Ray’s second cousin and an amazing young woman. When Valerie graduated grade 12 she was awarded the Governor General’s medal for achieving and maintaining the highest grade point average of all her classmates from Grades 9 to 12.

She continued school and enrolled in Civil Engineering at Ottawa University and had just completed her first year when she was diagnosed with Chondroblastic Osteosarcoma cancer in June 2010.

Her story and her battle with cancer are truly inspirational. Valerie was only 19 years old at the time and she continued her schooling and kept up part-time studies while undergoing recovery from surgery and treatments.

Valerie took her situation and made a choice to focus on a purpose and goal to raise money for cancer research. She was a focused and driven person who created a team called “Valérie’s Team” which consisted of approximately 200 people.

In September 2010 Valerie completed the Terry Fox 5K Run while on roller blades. Valerie and the team raised over $25,000 for the Terry Fox Foundation. Today there continues to be a Valerie Team competing yearly in the Terry Fox Run.

The Terry Fox Run became a catalyst that would get Valerie involved in public speaking. She became a symbol of strength, courage, and determination of purpose. She spoke at the Ottawa Kick-Off Breakfast for the Terry Fox Run on September 9th, 2010 and after that day she became a public speaker. Valerie spoke to many different groups about her battle with cancer and that “cancer is not something to be afraid of; it’s an opportunity to realize how precious life is and how we can all come together and make a positive difference in the world”.

Her story and the Valerie Flutter foundation have been a source of strength for us as we deal with our family situation. In honour of Valerie and her dream of traveling the world, we will carry her in our hearts and minds at every adventure as we travel. We will post an image of us with a Valerie Flutter Foundation logo in our travels to commemorate Valerie.

She was such a precious person and died one month after her 20th birthday on June 15, 2011.

“A dream and purpose so compelling will never allow you to give up.” -Valerie Goneau

http://www.valeriesflutter.com/home

Spain

The Basilica of the Sagrada Família

March 18, 2017 chaput@live.com

We went the Basilica of the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona with friends from Canada. The construction of the basilica began in 1882 and after the architect resigned in 1883, Antoni Gaudí took charge of the project. The Basilica still remains unfinished and construction continues with approximately 70 percent completed. The art nouveau design makes the basilica an impressive and amazing architectural building.

We walked towards the entrance admiring the massive and ornate design.

Looking at the main entrance area of the Basilica

We entered the basilica through a large and ornate entrance. The design was very busy with many different features. We took our time to look at the various designs finding unique features throughout it.

Looking up in the arch to the entrance of the basilica

Inside the basilica, we were overwhelmed by the massive structure and unique design.

pillars and stained glass windows inside the basilica

View of the pillars and ceiling in section of the basilica

The design of the ceiling and stained glass made the lighting inside the basilica look almost supernatural

Stained glass throughout the height of the basilica walls

We walked through the main floor area of the basilica admiring the design. The view of the main altar area was incredible. The massive pillars and use of lighting made it quite impressive.

The lighting that entered at the top of the ceiling was reflected by what appeared as gold or copper metal.

Light from the ceiling above the altar reflecting on a copper or gold metal.

The altar also contained a statue of Jesus hanging from the cross.

Jesus on cross hanging above the altar in Basilica

We then walked through a passageway to an exterior section of the basilica. There we admired the outside designs taking our time to see the details. Some of the statues and designs were strange and intriguing.

Design on the door entrance area of the basilica

Roman killing infants while person trying to stop him

Turtle at the base of the pillar on outside of basilica

intricate details on the outside of the basilica

We went through another passageway and down stairs to a lower section of the basilica. This section contained some of the original drawings and plaster models for the design of the basilica. This was also the area where work continues on the completion of the basilica.

Work area for the completion of parts of the basilica

We then headed to the crypt area to see where Antoni Gaudí was entombed.

The tomb of Antoni Gaudí in the basilica

It was a very interesting and unique basilica. Well worth seeing and recommend if you get a chance to see it.

“Adios y que tenga un grand dia”

Spain

The City of Cartagena

March 15, 2017 chaput@live.com

We went to Cartagena and explored this wonderful city. Located on the coast of the mediterranean sea, it has a long and rich history. We walked through the streets in the old quarter of Cartagena and admired some of the unique architecture.