Just Rambling Along
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 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. We thought it high time to see more of the world. Of course Covid made rambling difficult so we haven't ventured as far as we have wanted to. Nothing unusual there.
Along the way both Ricco and Teej, our two old cats "shuffled off this mortal coil" (at 19 and 21 years old), and today we are two together. We aren’t quite sure where our rambling will lead us in the unforeseeable future, but so far we aren't quite ready to settle down.
Rambling in France: Fall 2021

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.