(View from our apartment in Malaga. We are here for 6 nights before returning to Nerja until April) We are now back in Spain after a fabulous summer in Vancouver Canada. As you remember, we decided to come back to Spain for another winter because we liked it so much last year, felt right at…
What is it like coming home after 6 months in Spain?
Kitsilano neighborhood Vancouver, Canada My husband Terry, our Yorkshire terrier Amy Lou and I, have been back from Spain since May 1st. Six months away from home is a long time. What is it like to be back, you may wonder? It first feels a little weird. It may sound cliché but you do…
Last post about our six month experience in Spain.
Photo: Nerja, Spain Six months away from home is a long time, but for us, it felt like we actually were home in Spain. It is easy for a Canadian to feel at home in Spain because it is very easy going and the people are similar to Canadians in many ways. Here are the…
Amy Lou’s perspective on 6 months in Spain
Hi, it’s me Amy Lou, the Super Model of la Costa del Sol! Ha Ha! That is what my mom calls me because I am the most photographed dog in Spain with my stylish sun glasses. My mom and dad brought me with them to Spain for the winter and I was nervous at first…
Spain’s Semana Santa is all about tradition and devotion.
Semana Santa is Holy Week in Spain, the week which leads to Easter. This is a BIG event for Spaniards. Some say that it has been celebrated since the 12th century, for certain since the 16th century, in Sevilla. At first, you might be surprised by such a display of religion but Semana Santa in…
When you invite friends and family to Spain, they will come. Here are my comments on our experience.
When we rented our beautiful house for the winter months on the Costa del Sol, I felt a little guilty to have all this space just for two people and a 3 kilo dog. I also thought that it might be a little lonely being away for this long. Terry and I like to share…
What happened to sunny everyday Spain?
Look at this Vancouver Canada style of rain we are having today! As I have reported before, rainy days in Spain are rare. We have been here for 4 months now and only had a few days of rain. It rarely last a full day or 2 days at most before the warm sun returns….
Road trip to Barcelona: Should you drive or fly within Spain?
The nice thing about Spain and Europe in general is that if you drive half hour in any direction you are bound to meet a village, town or city to explore and discover. The land is populated by quaint white-washed villages called in Spain, Pueblo Blancos, beautiful seaside towns along the coast, spectacular mountain villages…
Renting a car in Europe for six months and do you really need a car for your long-team stay?
When planning to go away for six months, we never even thought about not renting a car. For us North Americans, having wheels and the freedom it offers is a perceived necessity. We have now been in Spain for 3 months and I can say that having a car is not necessary if you like…
We finally made it to the famous Nerja Caves!
After waiting for a full rainy day or a visitor who wanted to go with us, we decided it was time we made it to the famous Nerja caves. What a surprise!! The caves are huge with an incredible display of stalagmites and stalactites of all shapes and impressive shades. The Nerja cave is actually…
Deadly diseases your dog can contract while traveling abroad
Our sweet little Amy Lou is very precious to us. We don’t have children so, she is like a child to us. When we embarked on this six month journey abroad we did our research, ensured we could take her with us, read everything we could on how to travel with a small dog and…
Granada and its Alhambra, a gem in Spain’s jewellery box
Terry and I went to Granada this week which is about an hour’s drive north of Nerja. The city was extremely busy as it was the last couple of days before January 6th, the “real Spanish Christmas” when gifts are exchanged. There were people everywhere rushing to get their shopping done. It was quite difficult…
New Year’s eve in Spain, one big party!
New Year’s Eve in Spain is known as Nochevieja (old night) and it is an awesome time to visit Spain. It is a time of fiestas, traditions, and superstitions. One well known and followed superstition is wearing red underwear on New Year’s eve. It is apparently an important step to bring good luck, especially if…
Christmas in Spain
How do the Spaniard celebrate Christmas? The Holiday season in Spain spans from December 24th to January 6th and is refer to as Navidad. The Christmas shopping season is officially kicked off on November 24th with the lighting of the Christmas lights. Take a look at Malaga this year. Just spectacular! Christmas is celebrated on…
Why do the Spaniards call red wine vino tinto instead of vino rojo and what the heck is Tinto de verano?
The color red in spanish is rojo but, for red wine, they say vino tinto, not vino rojo. Why, you may ask? It essentially relates to the latin origin of the word “tinto” and also to the process of wine making. “Tinto” comes from the Latin word “tinctus”, which means “dyed”, “stained” or “tinted”. If…
In Spain, you say going Tapas, not going to eat Tapas. Find out why here.
One of Spain’s true joys are Tapas. These are the small dishes now so popular around the world who originated right here in Spain. A Tapa is simply a small snack or appetizer traditionally consumed at lunch or in the early evening before a main meal. They are always enjoyed with a glass of wine,…
How can a non-European spend 6 months in Spain legally?
When we were planning our retirement, Terry and I dreamt of spending the winter months somewhere warm and sunny. The winters in Vancouver are mild but dark and rainy. I have always had this deep love for Europe and Terry loves it too. Spain is Europe’s warmest and sunniest destination in the winter months. So,…
Madrid and driving on Spain highways
Madrid and driving on Spain highways We are just back from a great 3 days getaway in Madrid. Here are our tips and notes which you might find interesting or helpful if you plan to go someday. We drove from the costa del sol on highway A4 and it took us 6 hours including 2…
Madrid’s Mercado San Miguel, an absolute Foodie’s paradise
We just got to Madrid and discovered the Mercado San Miguel right next to the little apartment we rented for 3 nights by Plaza Mayor. What an amazing place. Muy maravilloso!!! We have never seen anything like this. It is an epicurean’s delight of food to buy and eat on the spot with a glass…
Flying with a dog
Please see my updated page on Flying and Travelling with a dog! https://tworetiredcanadiansinspain.com/travelling-with-a-dog/
Two Retired Canadians & a Dog in Spain 