Rambling with an Old Cat
Let’s explore what it takes to travel slow enough to notice the journey, experience the local culture, color, and pace of life and grow along the way.
When we retired in 2017, we imagined that we'd live in Valencia, Spain until we learned Spanish. After three years we hadn't mastered Spanish. It takes more time and effort to learn a language than we ever imagined. What we did learn by living in Valencia is that Jamie isn't cut out for urban life.
Then came 2020 with Covid to challenge and change how we all experienced life. Next thing, our good dog Lizzie passed and, unexpectedly, we were two people and two cats.
In an optimistic moment when the pandemic seemed to be easing (oops), we chose to abandon the notion of a home base in favor of a rambling, long and slow journey. We planned to spend a couple months here and a few months there, moving on whenever it felt right.
We aren’t quite sure where our rambling ways with two old cats will lead us in the unforeseeable future, but so far things are going well. We recently lost Ricco to kidney failure so now we are three.
Two old cats take a break.
Back in the USA: Summer 2021
Mairena, Spain 2020-2021
Valencia, Spain 2017-2020
We lived in Valencia, Spain from September 2017 until the end of October 2020 when we decided to give slow, long-stay travel a go. We chose Valencia because it offers so many opportunities: wonderful public transportation, safe and easy walking, culture and nearby nature. You name it, the city ticks nearly every box for retired urban living.
If you are considering a move to Valencia, you will find tips on how to get a senior buss pass (for 20 euros/year), who to contact for health insurance, other useful tips, and few interesting tidbits too.
Moving to Spain 2017
In 2017 we packed up five pets and set out for Spain. Along the way we learned a lot about what to do, and just as importantly what not to do when retiring and moving abroad. Many readers have told us they found our posts helpful when they made their move to Spain. You might as well have a look. It won't hurt.