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/
Here is my Spanish language friend Sandra!
I completed my first two week Spanish course but I need much practice. I therefore found a friend to speak with a couple of times a week. Here is the gorgeous and fun Sandra. She is mucho guapa y muy sympatica!! We talk of everything and nothing and she is very patient even if I…
What is the weather like in southern Spain in the fall?
We got here on November 1er and so far, we had one cloudy half day and an evening of thunderstorm. I did not have to use my umbrella in 3 weeks! This is a first for me. In fact, this is the longest stretch of sunshine I have ever been exposed to in my entire…
More sun but also more daylight!
This is a picture taken from our living room this morning. The sun rised at 7:53am and will set at 6:08pm today. In Vancouver, by comparison, the sun rises at 7:20am and sets at 4:32pm. More sunlight is another great benefit of spending the winter in Southern Spain. We like that the sun gets up…
How can mobile phone rates be so much cheaper in Spain than in Canada?
Getting a phone number and data plan for Spain was super easy. There are several cellular phone stores in Nerja with staff who speaks perfect English or French. We selected Digi Mobil LTE coverage which met our needs of a plan with 2GB of data, unlimited texts between us and 400 minutes of phone calls…
Food Market in Malaga
Before leaving for Spain, a friend of mine said that markets were not as good as the one in France. I thought she would be right since she is well travelled and a food lover. She went to France many times and was in Spain recently as well. I have to say, after having been…
Requirements for bringing our dog to Spain, an unnecessary ordeal.
We think of ourselves as informed and organised people. We like to research before making decisions and any plans. Before deciding on this long-term destination, we ensured that our small dog could come with us. Six months is a long time and we would never think about going away for that long without our little…
Taking a language course in Spain, it’s not that easy!
Six days after our arrival in Spain, I started my spanish lessons at the Escuela Idioma de Nerja. I took the age 50+ course which consist of a two week, 3 hour a day in class course and evening cultural activities. You are therefore busy listening, talking, learning the language for six or more hours…
A Goat herd right in our backyard!
Our costa del sol home is in Nerja and only 20m minures walk from the town centro, yet we had a goat herd passing through right by on Sunday. The herd apparently pass by regularly. You do feel close to nature and in “the campo” here even if this town is not that small. About…
Life in Spain is relatively inexpensive
Take a look at what $180 Canadian can buy you in Spain. We estimate that groceries, wine and beer is about 40% less expensive than in Vancouver. We bought all of this at the Lidl grocery store 5 minutes from our house. They have everything even organic foods! Lots of wonderful cheeses, charcuterie, fresh bread,…
Meet our new Spanish home until April!
We made it to Spain with our dog, Amy Lou! What a relief to finally make it after so much ordeal regarding Amy Lou’s rabies vaccine eligibility. This will be the subject of a full blog but I can tell you that last Friday morning, we almost had to postponed our trip by 21 days….
Our 6 months in Spain adventure is about to begin!
This is the excerpt for your very first post.
Two Retired Canadians & a Dog in Spain 