United Kingdom

Exploring Hampton Wick in London

We went to visit our friends Alejandro and Lorraine in London, and together we took a day to explore the Hampton Wick area.

There’s something magical about stepping into an area where history and nature intertwine so seamlessly. Our day in Hampton Wick,  which is tucked along the River Thames in southwest London, was fantastic.  We explored the rich history of the area and enjoyed sharing the day with our friends Alejandro and Lorraine.

Ray, Alejandro, Lorraine and Shelley in Hampton Court Park

 They were our unofficial tour guides and  showed us this unique part of London It made the day feel like a mini countryside escape in the middle of the city.

We began our walk in Kingston upon Thames with Alejandro and Lorraine leading the way, crossing the Clattern Bridge.

This bridge is the oldest surviving bridge in London. Dating back to the 12th century, it has stood through centuries of change, from medieval markets to modern-day shoppers bustling around Kingston. Alejandro and  Lorraine pointed out how easily this hidden piece of history can be overlooked by people rushing past.

Just a short walk from the bridge, we came to a small fenced in Stone on display. This unassuming stone turned out to be the Coronation stone. It is an ancient sarsen block tied to one of England’s most fascinating traditions.

This weathered stone is believed to have been used for the crowning of several Saxon kings between the 9th and 10th centuries, long before Westminster Abbey became the coronation site.

Standing there together, we reflected on how this simple stone once held kings and the weight of a nation’s hopes. It was one of those moments where Alejandro’s love of history and Lorraine’s eye for detail made us appreciate it all the more.

We continued on and walked into the Hampton Court Park.  It is a massive park area and was once Henry VIII’s hunting grounds,. It is now home to herds of majestic fallow deer.

In the park it was not long before we spotted deer and a lot of them. Lorraine was the first to notice them quietly grazing under the trees, and we all stood in silence, watching their graceful movements.

Lorraine in Hampton Court Park

We took our time and walked through many different areas of the park. We came across  so many deer and they would just simply watch us walk by. No fear from these protected deer.

There is a golf course within the park area and we saw an albino deer standing in the shade as golfers walked by.

There were wide open meadows that felt more like the countryside than in the city.  The whole experience was like being in a nature reserve with deer running freely throughout.

We came across an area known as the long water and at the end is a  great view of the Hampton court Palace in the distance.

Hampton Court Palace

It truly was an enjoyable day and reminded us just how much London has to offer beyond its bustling center.

“Travel and have a good chinwag with strangers”

United Kingdom

Visit to Stonehenge

In August, Shelley and I finally made it to Stonehenge, which was a bucket list thing for us and wow… it’s hard to put into words what it felt like to stand there. We’ve seen it in books and on TV, but being there in person was something completely different.


The stones are massive much bigger than we imagined. We walked around them trying to imagine how  did people thousands of years ago move and arrange these giant stones.

What struck us the most was the atmosphere. Even with lots of people visiting the site, there was this quiet hush, like everyone was quietly sharing in the same amazement.

It was  an amazing experience to walk around Stonehenge and see those huge stones laid out in a specific way. For us it was a reminder of how small we are in the grand sweep of history, and how precious time is.

“Travel makes one modest. You see what a tiny place you occupy in the world.” — Gustave Flaubert

Canada

A memorable time in Canada

This summer, we had the absolute joy of traveling to Canada to visit family and friends. It turned out to be one of the most heartwarming and refreshing trips we’ve had in a long time. 

A Beautiful Cottage on the Ottawa River

We stayed at a charming cottage nestled along the Ottawa River. It was nothing short of perfect. The screened-in porch quickly became our favourite spot.

It was the ideal place for morning coffee, afternoon chats, and peaceful evenings listening to the gentle sounds of the river. Nature was all around and the calm of the water added a special kind of magic to our stay.


One of the memorable parts of our trip was kayaking along the river and exploring the nearby bay area. Gliding across the smooth water, we discovered hidden coves, peaceful inlets, and breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.

Jonathan and Ray getting ready to go out Canoeing

It was a perfect way to connect with nature and enjoy the serenity of the river up close.

The main reason for our trip was to celebrate Tyreese’s graduation. Seeing him walk across that stage filled us with pride and gratitude.

Tyreese accepting his diploma
Keenan, Ray, Tyreese, Jen, Chataya and Shelley on Graduation Day

It’s hard to believe how fast the years have flown by. From the little boy with the big smile to the young man stepping into his future.

Tyreese and Ray

We couldn’t be more proud of him.

But above all, the most meaningful and memorable part of this trip was simply spending time with family and friends.

Ray and Jonathan
Shelley and Bev

We feel so incredibly blessed to have shared these days together — laughing, reminiscing, catching up, and just enjoying each other’s company.  We shared delicious meals, told stories, and laughed a lot, especially when doing magic tricks for the little ones. Watching their faces light up in amazement (and confusion!) as they searched high and low for the “missing coin” was a joy all its own. The giggles, gasps, and wide eyes were absolutely priceless.

Whether we were enjoying a sunset by the river, swapping jokes on the porch, exploring the bay in a kayak, or celebrating a proud milestone, the trip was full of moments that filled our hearts.

It was a beautiful reminder that no matter where life takes us, home is always where the people you love are.

“One’s destination is never a place, but a new way of seeing things”

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.”

Life is too short to wait for adventure!