Tag Archives: Retirement abroad

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.” 

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.”

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.”

 

Hungary

Our last day in Budapest

Today was our final day in Budapest before heading on to Vienna Austria. We decided to take in a visit to the Hungarian National Museum. 

Scott, Janice and Shelley in front of the National Museum of Hungary

What a beautiful Museum and very detailed history of Hungary from its creation to its current time.

We walked through the museum learning all about the rich and troubled history.  The torments of the wars and their break from the soviet union.

The largest piece of the Stalin monument which was torn down during revolution and destroyed.

It was very interesting how this country has evolved from behind the Iron curtain to become the modern country of today. 

Statue of Stalin in the Museum.

It was very special to us to experience the National Hungarian Museum and learn in detail about the history of Hungary.

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Here are some of the other neat and interesting things we experienced during our time in Budapest.

There is a detailed replica of the moon’s entire surface, including its far side located in the Piarista köz passageway. The moon floats in the air on very thin wires at a height of 3.5 meters. 

Floating moon in the shopping district
Shelley “holding up” the moon.

The moon is an accurate replica and you can see the details of the moon up close.  At night it is lit up and provides a spectacular view.

We came across a transparent statue which was very unique. The photos do not give it justice. As we walked around the statue it was semi-transparent and would come into and out of view.

There was a lot of unique or interesting buildings and monuments including signs and graffiti. 

Sign outside a bubble tea shop in Budapest
One of the many anti Putin stickers in Budapest
One last cheer before heading to Vienna

We headed to the train station and took the two and a half hour train ride to Vienna. Saying good buy to Budapest and hello to Vienna Austria.

“Nem számít az úti cél, de az utazás és az, hogy ki van melletted, az számít.”