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.” 

Spain

A Taste of History at the Botín restaurant

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.

“Barriga llena, corazón contento.”

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.”

Life is too short to wait for adventure!