We took one day and decide to go to the city of Lleida located in Catalonia. Like many places in Spain, it has a long and interesting history.
One of the highlights for us was exploring the historic centre and making our way up to the impressive “La Seu Vella” known as The Castle of the King. The castle is located on the highest point and is referred to as the Sovereign Rock.
One of the arched entrances into the castle
The castle was large and impressive with views of the entire region. Built between the 12th and 14th century it was home to the visiting King and used as his fortress and palace when in Lleida.
View from inside the castle walls of Lleida
There was also a Gothic 12th century Cathedral located inside the castle walls.
Cathedral inside the castle walls
It dominated the centre of the castle along with the large bell tower. The inner courtyard of the Cathedral was impressive and open.
We explored the castle enjoying the views and just experiencing this historic site. We made our way to the bell tower and it did not disappoint.
The tower was so high that we had to angle of picture. (LOL)
Ray and Shelley at the Bell tower in Lleida
There’s something we love about visiting places that aren’t always on the tourist travel itinerary. You get to explore the pure Spanish culture and enjoy a city without feeling as though you’re following a crowd. We had a great day, enjoyed exploring the city and had a tasty authentic Spanish meal. Overall a great day in this unique city.
“Dondequiera que vayas, de alguna manera se convierte en parte de ti.” – Anita Desai
We decided to spend a day in Peñíscola, a beautiful coastal town on the Mediterranean coast.
It was easy to see why this place has become such a popular destination. Sitting on a rocky peninsula and surrounded by the sea, the Castle and old town seems to rise right out of the water.
View of the Peñíscola Castle and old town
We walked along the beach towards the old town. Along the way we came across a large dragoon made out of small tiles. At first it seemed odd but then we learned that parts of the Game of Thrones series was filmed right here in Peñíscola, including parts of the castle and the old town. So, the dragoon makes perfect sense.
Shelley with the dragoon that repsresents part of the Game of Thrones series.
Our first stop was the castle, It is perched high above the town and dates back to the Middle Ages. It was built by the Knights Templar in the 13th century. The castle has had quite a history and is famous for being the home of Pope Benedict XIII.
Statue of Pope Benedict XIII at the walls of the castle.
Walking through the old stone walls, courtyards, and passageways of the castle, it was easy to imagine the centuries of history that took place here.
Bronze statues and canons helped to imagine life at the castle.
One of the best parts of visiting the castle were the amazing views.
From the top, we had spectacular views across the Mediterranean.
Looking down over the town, we could see the long sandy beach, the promenade, and the modern part of Peñíscola spreading along the coast.
View from the castle looking towards Peñíscola
After exploring the castle we walked along the narrow streets of the old town. There were shops and artisan stores on every street.
After walking for quite a while we decided to take a break and enjoy the view from the castle wall with a refreshment.
Afterwards we made our way down toward the waterfront. We took a relaxing walk along the promenade. We spent some time simply walking, taking a few pictures, and enjoying the day. We then stopped at a shoreside restaurant and enjoyed a meal along with a great view.
For us the Peñíscola was a great spot to stop and explore. The history of the castle, the connection to The Game of Thrones and the beautiful Mediterranean views made it a memorable day.
“La vida es un viaje. Aprovéchalo al máximo” – Anónimo
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 EspañaPlaza 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.
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.
There are meals you enjoy—and then there are meals you remember for a lifetime. Our visit to Sobrino de Botín in Madrid falls firmly into the second category. Tucked away on a cobbled street just a short stroll from Plaza Mayor, Botín isn’t just any restaurant. It’s officially the oldest restaurant in the world, according to the Guinness Book of Records, with its doors having first opened in 1725. But the history of this place goes back even further—far further.
Cave basement of Botín restaurant
We were lucky enough to receive a private tour, and it was like walking through a living museum.
The staff took us below the dining rooms to explore the cellars and wine caves, some of which date back to the early 16th century.
Dining area of the lower area of Botín Restaurant
You could feel the centuries in the cool stone walls, and imagine the stories the space could tell—from secret meetings during times of conflict to quiet toasts over vintages now long gone.
16th century wine cave under Botín Restaurant
In the cellar’s quiet shadows, surrounded by dusty bottles and timeworn brick, we got a deeper sense of the rich, layered history of the restaurant and Madrid itself.
Shelley and Michelle in the wine cave of Botín Restaurant
Botín has hosted some truly iconic names over the centuries. Ernest Hemingway wrote about it in The Sun Also Rises and was known to frequent the restaurant. Francisco de Goya, before becoming a famed painter, worked there as a dishwasher! Kings, celebrities, writers, and travelers from every corner of the globe have passed through these doors, drawn by the same thing that brought us there: a craving for something truly special.
Area of restaurant where Hemingway usually ate.
Then there was the meal—a decadent, flavourful five-course experience paired with regional Spanish wines that perfectly complemented each dish.
Gerry, Ray, Michelle and Shelley enjoying 5 course meal at Botín
From the moment the first plate arrived, the food was every bit as historic as the setting. The standout? Without question, their signature cochinillo asado (roast suckling pig), cooked in the original wood-fired oven that’s been in use since the restaurant’s founding. Crisp, tender, and rich with flavor, it was unlike anything we’ve had before.
Kitchen wood fired Oven with their roasted suckling pig
It was so much more than a meal, it was about connecting with history in a way few other places allow. You can almost taste the past, feel the stories in the walls, and walk out with a deeper appreciation of the tradition, craftsmanship, and the Spanish culture.
If you ever find yourself in Madrid, do yourself a favor: make a reservation, or if you’re lucky like we were, arrange a tour. Whether you’re a history buff, a food lover, or both, Botín offers an experience that’s truly one of a kind.
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