Yeah. I know l said no new posts till the new year but l figured I’d wrap things up nice and proper for 2017 so we can start 2018 with a clean plate. This year has been calmer travel wise compared to 2016 when we visited 12 countries total and stayed a total of only 31 days in Spain!. It was exciting but frantic. We relished the chance to take it easy and l planned better for the year. Here is a wrap-up of what our year was like and how 2018 is shaping up.
Our Bite of Life for 2017 Report:
Travel: Grade B+
We visited 7 countries in total for the year, 4 of which were new for us (layovers don’t count). Part of our reasoning for taking it easier was that we moved from Seville to Valencia in March after quite a bit of back and forth. We enjoyed Seville tremendously, but we were also at a point where we wanted to experience something new. We considered moving out of Spain entirely (mostly Federico). He has a shot fuse and had some gripes about how things are conducted in Spain and especially in the Andalusia region where the pace of life is extremely slow compared to the metropolitan cities like Barcelona and Madrid. You see more than two people in line at the bank, don’t even bother going in because it’s an all day ordeal :-). Problem with your phone bill etc? Get ready to spend a whole hour or two arguing in the passable Spanish that he knows while they fire away in rapid Spanish which will ultimately do you no good because the charge will remain with some lame excuse. That will make a good post down the line..haha!
The new countries we visited during 2017 were:
Scotland:
I have only written about Glasgow, but we spent 3 days in Edinburgh as well. l just haven’t had time to write about it. We had an awesome time. We both felt we could live in either one of the 2 cities. Glasgow was a little more suited to us l think. It felt like you had more space and reminded us of London a lot. As you know, London would be our number one choice of places to live, but l’m talking Knightsbridge here, so totally out of the question as far as affordability :-). The cold winters knocked Scotland out of contention.
Poland:
We also loved Krakow, but he was by his lonesome in loving Warsaw. We did both get a first hand look at the atrocities of war when we visited Auschwitz. A very sobering experience. Once again, the cold weather knocked Krakow off my list of places l could live in, otherwise, yep. I would live there. We enjoyed it very much and the prices were very reasonable for everything, from rent to food. Clothing was expensive though in my opinion.
Romania:
We spent a week in Bucharest and Brasov. Once again, we really enjoyed the country and could live in either place, but l preferred Bucharest. As with all the other Eastern European countries, the weather in winter would do me in. I have had it with harsh winters and my memories of Boston winters will last me a lifetime. I do wish there was a way for us to do 6 months on and off, but with dogs and household stuff, I can’t deal. I will be writing about our visit there soon.
England:
We spent a couple of weeks in London. The last visit there had been for a wedding and during the evening, someone had paid us back some money owed. I gave the envelope to Federico who put it in his pocket and we both promptly forgot about it. Fast forward two years later during our move and he found it. What could we do but book flights and spend it all? Very nice surprise indeed.
U.A.E (Dubai):
This was actually a last minute decision. We spent a week mostly relaxing in this appropriately named “Vegas of the Desert”. It was quite expensive but very nice and served its purpose which was to get away from it all. I will share my thoughts somewhere down the line. I couldn’t live there, but l would visit again.
Italy:
We were in Rome together twice during the year. Federico was there for a third time, much to his mother’s delight and he met up with me and my brother in Dubai for a week, then went back to Rome for another spell. You can imagine his face when l suggested a visit for early next year!!!! Hahaaa! He’s like NO!!! Love my family, but l have seen them enough for a while :-). You can pick your nose, but you can’t pick your family l say!!!! :-).
Nigeria:
I ended up going back home three weeks before l had planned due to my mother’s death. While it was a traumatic event for me, it was not altogether unexpected. She was 90 plus, but it still stung. I was just really grateful that we got to spend time with her for her last birthday which l covered on the roundup for last year and that we had many wonderful years and memories to last a lifetime. One thing l inherited from her and was reminded of is my unconscious humming. Anyone who has spent time with me knows how much l hum when I’m content, which is pretty much all the time. She hummed all the time too, especially when she was happy or deep in thought.
2017 Health Review: Grade C+
Thank goodness we have been in okay shape for the year, Federico especially. We have both gained weight and are working hard to shed some unwanted pounds. He is looking into joining a gym again like he did in Seville. Walking has always been my only form of exercise for the last few years. I however hate walking in the summer when it’s sweltering (except for when we travel when my curiosity won’t let me stay in). My blood sugar spiraled out of control with sweets and beer and l was tired all the time. Since the weather changed, we have gone back to our walks along the riverbed and have cut out sweets and alcohol from like 3-4 cans of beer a week to none or 1 glass of wine a week. I’m happy to say my blood sugar is under control and my medication dose is halved. Will l ever be one of those people who can get off medication completely? My guess would be no truthfully. I know myself and l am okay with that.
We are both having dental work done right now. I had a tooth extracted on Boxing Day (100% covered) and l have 2 big dental crowns or something like that while he has a chipped tooth and something else. Even with insurance, we will be out about 1200 euros. I balked at first, then checked prices for the same work if done in Croatia and Romania and the costs were like only 20 euro less in one country and 14 less in the other (Love that the prices are right on the site) so l know we are okay doing the work here. I remember my estimate from my dentist in the U.S. You don’t want to know the difference, suffice to say it was loads more :-). Next year we intend to get physicals. With our no copay insurance, there really is no reason not to. If you’re curious about how much we pay for insurance and other costs, check our cost of living post.
Ugly Part of 2017: Grade D
2017 was a truly bad year weather wise for a lot of places, including Houston, our former place of residence. Hurricane Harvey hit the city particularly hard causing over 200 billion dollars in damage. After experiencing Hurricane Ike a few years ago, we can sympathize. As you might know, we have two rental properties in the city and we agonized for a few days not knowing if the buildings were still standing. We finally got word from the management company. The condo came through with damage including the roof (covered by HOA), air-conditioner and floor damage while the rental house had more extensive damage to the ground floor which sucked. Both are repaired now but we shudder to think what our insurance premiums will be upon renewal :-).
Finances: Grade A
The stock market was on a tear again this year, making it the best one yet since 2013 when we left the U.S. What this translated to was that being early retired suits us very well. The 401k gains from stocks and dividends again meant that l have actually made more money yearly than when l worked full time as a pharmacist, and l have contributed zero since 2013! Even with market correction which will happen sooner than later, there are no worries since we don’t draw from it and it can stew and percolate :-). This is one of the reasons l always caution people to get their ducks in a row before quitting their jobs for a life of travel. Now, I only have to stay alive for another 5.5 years to start enjoying it penalty free 🙂 🙂 :-).
Learning Spanish: Grade D-
This will continue to be a focus for the new year. I am sad to say l still suck at the language and l get completely tongue tied when it comes to conversing with people. My comprehension has vastly improved. I know l need to practice more. Federico’s is definitely much better. As a natural homebody, l am pushing myself to get out more and try to start conversations. The good thing is that here, they speak a little slower than in Andalusia (as long as they are speaking Spanish and not Valenciano which sounds Portuguese to me). It sort of makes you understand why expats tend to stick together because the language barrier can be intimidating. Poco en poco as they say. Little by little :-). We might venture into the language exchange territory again in the new year.
Our Next Bite Of Life Travel Plans For 2018:
Once again, African destinations are still very much on the list. Rwanda, Namibia and Uganda are highly coveted so we will keep an eye out for flight deals. A return to South Africa would be welcome. We would also like to visit other Eastern European countries like Bulgaria, Slovakia and Czech Republic. Greece would be nice too. We have both been separately but would like to go together. Bali and Sri Lanka are also places we would like to visit but we are not really fussed about those two if they don’t happen as neither of us has a ‘strong” desire. We don’t care to visit every place and would rather go back and revisit places we enjoyed. We will be spending more time at home in Valencia discovering more of the city. As it is, we intend to stay at least one more year, and perhaps 2 (from his mouth to God’s ears. I like it here! 🙂 ).
As always, we thank you for reading and appreciate the fact that you choose to hang with us in an online world littered with crap loads of travel blogs :-).
How was your 2017? Here’s to a supercalifragalisticexpealidocious 2018!!!
Kemkem,
As always, a delightful post to read. I loved your recap of your travel adventures and I look forward to reading so many more in the coming months. One of the most moving posts I’ve read all year from other travel blogs was your loving tribute to your Mum.
Wishing you both better health and more wonderful adventures in 2018. You should also look into exploring Ethiopia!
Annie, a fellow adventurer
http://www.bergersadventures5.blogspot.com
Hi Annie! Thanks so much for reading and for your lovely comment :-). Made my day. We had a layover in Addis Ababa last year and would definitely like to explore it some. I remember reading your blog about your adventures. Wasn’t that where Steven ended up pushing the car if memory hasn’t failed me? :-). I hope you guys had a wonderful Christmas and Happy New Year to you!
Hi Kemkem! It’s grest to catch up on what you guys have been up to and to see where 2017 has taken you. All of it sounds exciting! So sorry to hear about your mother. No matter how old our parents get, I don’t think most people are ever really prepared to lose them, so my heart goes out to you. While our year hasn’t been travel free, with our recent cross country move, Jave and I are definitely looking forward to getting our heads back in the travel game with more adventures near and afar next year, and I’m hoping to return to blogging more consistently. Looking forward to tuning in to your adventures in the new year!
Hi Dana! How nice to hear from you. I know you’ve been well and the baby is growing bigger every time l see her :-). Thanks so much for the kind words. You’re right..no matter how old we are, it still sucks. Woah!!! cross country move? That l didn’t know! Where did you move to???? I am so looking forward to you blogging again soon. It would be nice to catch up with you, Jave and the baby :-). Happy New Year!
Nice recap. Thanks for sharing some of your plans for the new year. I will be following along as it develops. Happy New Year!
Thanks Suzanne! I’m glad you’ll be following the little blog. I hope you guys have a wonderful New Year celebration :-).
All the very best to you & Frederico for 2018!! xx
(You could always take up running!!)
Happy New Year Sue and have a great holiday. No..no..no.. I am quite content with seeing you running 🙂 🙂
Looks like you have had quiet a few adventures this year. Looking forward to reading 2018’s travels of Africa and Europe. I am so sorry to read of your mother’s passing. I lost mine years ago…lovely that you have many great memories of her. Those definitely help when those days hit you and you remember that you can’t hear their voice on the other side of the telephone call. Ten years later it still stings.
Thanks for reading and for the kind words :-). it was a good year. You’re right, it still sting no matter how many years pass. I lost my dad 22 years ago and l still feel it too. I remember everything in slow motion especially because it was the first time someone in my own family died. Memories though, thank God for those :-). They’re looking down on us and smiling though, so it should comfort you. Happy new Year!
I loved reading your article. Sorry to hear that the hurricane did some damage, but things could’ve been worse, so in the end it’s still good. You are safe and your health is improving, which is all that matters. You visited some really nice places in 2017 and I can’t wait to read about the Dubai experience. It’s something I’ve been considering more and more over the past couple of years 🙂
And, by the way, after seeing that mortadela and pistachio pizza, I just know that would be my favorite. I love Mortadela, I love pizza, I love pistachio. Never had the chance to combine them all though so a visit to Italy seems like a must 🙂
I hope you’ll have an even better 2018!
Thanks for reading C. You’re right, it could have been a lot worse and they are holding their own. One of the tenants that was looking to move seems to want to stay at least a few more months so we can’t complain. We did have some really nice trips and hopefully more will come in the new year.
The pizza was so, so good. First time Fede’s sis had it and l had a slice. I insisted on going back so l could have one of my own. It was so, so good. We have recently found really authentic Napoli style pizza here (actually 3 places and looks like we have a 4th. We have been on a pizza hunt lately 🙂 ) and one of them makes mortadella and pistachio which l intend to try very soon. One more reason for you and the fan to come visit :-).
Happy New Year!!!!
HaHa! I remember doing a double and triple-take when I ran into the mural of the red-clad lady with tassels! So totally unexpected! I enjoyed reading about your travels last year as well as your honest opinions of your experiences and 2018 sounds like it has all the makings of a great year, too. Like you, we’re hoping to visit more countries in Eastern Europe but now you’ve got me thinking about Africa, too … Hmmm. Here’s to 2018 and more bites from life’s wonderful adventures! Anita
Haha! I remember too when we saw the mural. Very in your face! :-). Thanks for reading our blog and being supportive always, lending an ear when needed. It was so fun seeing you guys and hope we can meet up again in the new year (either you come, we come or exchange 🙂 ). Yeah.. Africa is totally calling us :-). I want to answer too.. Haha! Here’s to 2018 and travels. Looking forward to reading yours too.
It sounds like you had a mostly wonderful year. I’m sorry for the loss of your mother. I lost both my parents within weeks of each other in 2016. Even though they were in their 80s and ready to move on, nothing really prepares you for becoming an orphan. We’ll miss our parents for the rest of our lives.
But our lives go on, and your plans for this year sound just great. Happy New Year and enjoy!
Thanks so much. I am sorry about your loss too. It must have been really hard losing them so close to one another. It feels weird being an orphan, like that chapter of life has closed. Yep..life goes on :-). Happy New Year to you as well and hope it’s a terrific one!
Looking forward to your post about Romania. I was born in Brasov, but have not been back in 40 years. Curious to read your perspective.
Oh how nice! We really liked Brasov. We actually know of an American family that moved there sight unseen and are going on 3 years now and still love it. So picturesque and quality of life really nice. The post should be up in the next week or two :-). Thanks for reading.
Sounds like you’ve had quite an interesting year! It is fun to reflect back and see where we’ve list and gained. I hope you make it to Africa as desired. It is on my list, too. But more likely for 2019.
It sure is fun to reflect. The previous year was insane so l was glad we halved the number of countries so we could breathe a little. Our original plan had been for Tanzania before my brother chose Dubai. I hope we get there this year. Time goes by so quickly, 2019 will be here soon.
This is my first visit to your blog and I think I landed here for the right post! Thanks for sharing so much of your life and travels~ So sorry about your mom’s passing and your hurricane hassles. I look forward to “traveling” with you in 2018!
Welcome Irene! Glad you discovered our little slice of the net :-). Thank you so much for your thoughtful words, very much appreciated. I hope you will enjoy our little jaunts to faraway places in the coming year. Thanks for reading.
Loved the 2017 round-up. That’s a lot of work. Well done! We certainly sympathized with you regarding the hurricane. A terrible time, indeed.
Africa is a destination where much of my heart lies. I’ve had the privilege of spending a lot of time there. I’m sure you’ll enjoy it when you get there. Happy 2018!
Thank you for reading. I hope the weather takes it easy on the world this year. So devastating for so many people. So glad you’ve spent time in Africa. Yes, it is indeed a special place and l want to discover so many more countries :-). Happy New Year to you!
What nice variety in your travels this past year! And my sympathies on the loss of your Mom. I went through that a few years ago and know how that feels. It’s part of what inspired my blog.
Thanks Cindy for the kinf words. It’s never easy losing family is it? Very nice that you’re able to document the memories via your blog. The loss of my sister spurred our urge to pack it in and travel and the blog came out of that too :-).
A busy year! I hope you achieve all your objectives for 2018…
It certainly was busy, but definitely enjoyable! Here’s to a wonderful 2018!
Well what fun to find your blog — thanks for stopping by Travelnwrite as well! And we are almost ‘neighbors’ it sounds like on this side of the pond! Loved reading of your travels as that is our plan for our ex pat life in Greece as well. This year we made it to Switzerland, France and Egypt but then just started this full-time business of life here in October. Look forward to reading your blog. Happy travels and happy life in 2018!
Welcome to our little blog! I was happy to find yours too and l intend to do some back reading. Yep, we are very close to you in Spain. I believe we are heading your way this year. We have yet to make it to Switzerland or Egypt but it’s on our list. We enjoy having a base to come back to and Valencia is proving to be our sweet spot :-). Happy New Year to you and thanks for reading.
Nice summary Kemkem. Totally get what you say about Spain – we had a great time there over 2 months but I’ll never forget the guy at the telephone place and the gigantic argument we had with him. Lissette ended up swearing at him (something I’ve never seen) and we reported the guy. Customer service can suck. But you can have that anywhere, we’ve had similar experiences in Eastern Europe…
All the best for 2018 Kemkem!
Haha! I remember that story well. Yeah..it does test your patience for sure and you’re right, bad customer customer service is prevalent here and in a lot of Europe from what l’ve seen. Looking forward to reading your adventures in Asia :-). Happy New Year to you and Spanky.
You had a fantastic travel year! I love how you graded each aspect of your 2017 journey. I’m not that reflective, but I admire you for being so in tune with each step. Happy New Year! I hope 2018 is very kind to you!!
Happy New Year to you as well! It was indeed a good year and we hope for more of the same. Will be reading your travels as well in the new year. I hope it turns out wonderfully for all of us :-). Thanks for reading.
Sounds like you had a year similar to ours. Lots of ups and downs. The good news is that you sure had a lot of excellent journeys to write about. Can’t wait to see what 2018 holds.
Life is always full of surprises isn’t it? A constant test of fortitude. It was a good year overall and yep..fodder for the blog. Happy New Year and hope it’s filled with lots more travels :-).
Happy New Year KemKem!
I really like this post. You’ve had a great year and I especially liked reading about Poland and Scotland. I’m very much looking forward to your journey in 2018. I’ve not yet been to Greece, but I can guarantee that you’ll love the Czech Republic. ‘Just remember, as a country the Czech Republic is pretty cheap, but Prague isn’t (similar to Berlin I’d say)!
Here’s to a wonderful year. Cheers!
We did have a good year indeed. Happy New Year to you and the family as well! Yep! Prague has been over visited and therefore prices are higher….just like Berlin..yes :-). I’m hoping next time we go to Bucharest, we will schedule for a month and check out some other parts of it.