Tag Archives: Retirement abroad

The Chicote museum

April 18, 2019 chaput@live.com

We went to check out one of the iconic and original cocktail bars in Madrid called the “Museo Chicote”. It is located on the Gran Via and was formerly known as Perico Chicote bar. It opened in 1931 by Pedro Chicote, who was a former barman of the Ritz Hotel.

The outside of the bar was unassuming and had a modern look.

The facade of Museo Chicote bar in Madrid

We went inside and immediately it felt like we had stepped back in time. The inside of the Museo Chicote had some interesting features. On the right side were small booths with moulded chairs and in the centre tables and chairs.

View of the interior of the Museo Chicote bar in Madrid

The rear of the bar had some red velvet curtains with an old style pay phone mounted on the wall.

We sat down at one of the booths and took in the decor as we enjoyed a cocktail.

The Chocote bar was one of the first cocktail bars in Madrid. It is known for the many famous people that have spent time in the bar. On the wall behind the bar there were pictures of some of the famous people who visited the bar.

We took a closer look at some of the photos and came across some famous people including, Salvador Dali, Rita Hayworth, Bette Davis, James Stewart, Sofia Loren, Earnest Hemingway and Many more.

Picture of Rita Hayworth (top) and Bette Davis (below) in the Chicote Bar

Some of the pictures of celebrities in the Chicote bar.

It was a wall full of Celebrities from all parts of the world.

There is even a Spanish TV series called “Arde Madrid” which features the story of Eva Gardner when she was living in Madrid.

Throughout the series there are many scenes involving the Chicote Bar. In 2004 the Chicote bar received an award as one of the best bars in Europe.

It was a great experience being in the Chicote Bar. We enjoyed a cocktail at one of the historic and iconic bars in Madrid. We even took a selfie picture of us with the Chicote Bar.

“Hasta luego y que tengas un gran dia”

Spain

A tour of the Bodega La Cepa De Pelayo

April 9, 2019 chaput@live.com

We went for a tour at a winery called “Bodega La Cepa De Pelayo” which is a new Bodega located in Alcafá Del Jucar, Spain.

The tour was very detailed and took us through the entire Bodega.

Our guide was very knowledgeable and explained the entire process in detail.

Tour guide explaining the processes of the wine making in the Bodega

We began with a tour with the extraction process, known as “debourbage”and how the grape is separated from the juice.

The juice is then transferred to different vats where the alcoholic fermentation starts.

Shelley and Ray in front of the fermentation vats

We then went to the barrel storage area where the wine is aged.

Finally we went to a large hall set up for the wine tasting. We found our seats and learned about the etiquette of wine tasting. Our tour guide was very good and explained everything very clearly.

Tour guide explaining the wine tasting etiquette

We learned about the colour of the wine, the smell, look, texture and taste. We were taught how to swirl the glass to release the aromas of the wine.

We tried several different wines including a white, rose and red.

The wine tasting was very entertaining and a lot of fun.

“Hasta luego y que tengas un gran dia”

Spain

Go-carting Adventure.

April 7, 2019 chaput@live.com

When we were in the town of Alcalá del Jucar, Shelley and some friends decided to go carting for the first time.

Shelley and Monica at the go-cart race track

Each of them selected their go-cart and drove to the starting line.

Shelley, getting ready for the race in her go-cart.

Shelley drove up to the starting position along with two other racers.

Rafa, Monica and Shelley lined up to start the race.

The race track has many curves and was very challenging track.

The race began and during the first lap Shelley was in second place. As the race continued Shelley gained on the lead driver. In the last lap Shelley was able to pass the lead driver on the inside curve to win the race.

Shelley crossing the finish line in first place.

After the race Rafa, Shelley and Monica gathered in the winners area and took a photo on the podium.

Rafa, Shelley and Monica on the winning podium

Everyone had a great time and really enjoyed the go-carting.

“hasta luego y que tengas un gran dia”

Spain

Spelunking in Alcafá del Jucar

April 3, 2019 chaput@live.com

We went caving outside of the town of Alcafá del Jucar, which is located in the province of Albacete Spain. We drove to the entrance of the cave which is actually just a small hole in the ground.

Our guide took us to the entrance and began setting up the rappelling gear required to enter the cave.

Rappelling gear set up at the entrance of the cave.

We took the opportunity to take a picture of the group while he was preparing the gear.

Our guide setting up the rappelling ropes for the entrance of the cave.

We each took a turn and rappelled down approximately 15 meters to the base of the cave.

Once we rappelled down to the floor of the cave, we began exploring the different caverns. The cave system was interesting with a lot of different features.

We even meet a few of the locals in the cave system.

We came to one area of the cave which was spectacular. When we shined our lights on the ceiling of the cave it looked like stars. The photo below does not do it justice.

Reflection of light on the drops of water on the ceiling of the cave

There were water drops clinging to the ceiling of the cave and our lights reflected off of them. It made it look like stars in space, truly an amazing sight.

We managed to get a group photo while exploring the cave caves.

We explored the cave system for an hour or so before heading back to the entrance of the cave. We then used a rope ladder and climbed up the 15 meters to the surface.

It was a great experience and very enjoyable.

“Hasta luego y que tengas a buen dia”

Spain

The Aguilas Carnival

March 10, 2019 chaput@live.com

There is a carnival in the town of Aguilas Spain which is one of the most famous in the Murcia region. The carnival has received the status of “Fiestas of International tourism Interest”. We decided to go and check out the carnival and watch the parade.

We arrived in the early afternoon to Aguilas and explored the city before the big parade. We walked along the waterfront enjoying the beautiful views.

Ray, Shelley, Sonja and Marcelo on the beach in Aguilas, Spain

The boardwalk goes along the waterfront with a marina area.

After walking along the boardwalk, we headed into the city centre. The streets were already crowded with people waiting for the parade which was still a few hours away. We explored the area until it was time for the parade. We came across a small plaza which had lots of white doves.

White doves in the plaza of Aguilas Spain

We then went and found a spot to watch the parade. It was not easy to find a good vantage point because of the bleachers that were set up. You had to pre-purchase a 10 euro ticket to get a seat on the bleachers and we did not have one.

Bleachers with paid seating for the carnival parade in Aguilas

We found a spot to watch some of the parade. The costumes were very detailed and ornate.

One of the ornate costumes in the carnival parade.

We watched the parade for some time admiring the different dances and costumes. There were children, teens and adults all participating in the carnival parade. Below are only a few of the spectacular costumes and floats in the parade.