History
During our winter retirement in Spain, we embarked on a train journey to the farthest point of the “free” train line outside of Málaga. The scenic ride took us through farms with lemon orchards and pyramid-shaped mountains, culminating in the charming, less touristy town of Álora. There, we explored a 10th-century castle and a grand, […]
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We are delighted to be back in the Costa del Sol of Spain again for our 2nd year as Snowbirds, staying for 3 months here. We took the “free” train to the main city of Maliga to see Magellan’s Spanish Galleon from the 1500’s, and then climbed the steep trail to Gibralfaro Castle – Moorish […]
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Turns out that having some Neanderthal genes in my DNA is a good thing! The Neanderthal influence on our world was brought to my attention when I learned from a 23 and me DNA test, that I have a higher than average percentage of Neanderthal in me, coming in at a little less than 2%. […]
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Exploring your extended family history can be both enjoyable and inspiring. It has given me fresh ideas for our retirement travels. I’ve always loved visiting grand stone castles, whether they are the medieval British or French ones, the distinctive Moorish and Moroccan designs, or the incredible Inca fortresses in Peru. Nowadays, it’s much simpler to […]
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Until recently, I had never delved into the whimsical world of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. However, when I discovered that a local theatre group was staging a performance of this iconic tale, I decided it was time to explore it more deeply. Written by Lewis Carroll in 1865, the story offers a fascinating glimpse into the […]
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I was intrigued by an offer for free land that came with a random bottle of single malt Scotch Whisky that I picked up recently. Not only did Laphroaig (pronounced “La-Froig”) turn out to be my new favorite Scotch, with a lovely smokey taste that I favor, but the land offer led to a fascinating […]
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Our retirement Road-Trip of two weeks through the Carolinas and Georgia was delightful, with Charleston, South Carolina, being a standout experience. Previously, I hadn’t encountered the “Southern Charms” that this region is known for. The full account of our trip is detailed at the conclusion of this article. Films like “Gone with the Wind” and […]
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We thoroughly enjoyed our brief sojourn in Lisbon, Portugal, as we made our way back from our snowbird retreat in Costa del Sol, Spain. Lisbon shares similarities with Spain, yet it possesses its own distinct character. While Spain boasts consistent beauty throughout, Lisbon captivates with its grandiose monuments. The Manueline architectural style in Portugal stands […]
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Witnessing the vibrant celebration of Easter’s Holy Week, known locally as “Semana Santa” was a highlight of our visit to Spain as Canadian snowbirds The festivities transcended religious observance, fostering a sense of unity within the community and honoring longstanding traditions. Video and photos below. (note 2nd Roman parade added to the bottom) In Fuengirola, […]
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Our YES friends Brian and Beth have been travelling the world staying almost for “free” using a “home share” approach, and are currently in an interesting part of Turkey. They stay for free in peoples home’s in exchange for taking care of their pets, and/or doing maintenance on the home. In the past few years, […]
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