Author Archives: ssharp172103

that we might move to Europe. 

#Potentially

#researchstartsnow

#currentlysellingbelongings

Not particularly known for decisiveness and commitment, rather overthinking and decreased follow through(at times 😬)…this could be a game changer/turning point  

To get a bit serious for a min (don’t worry, this won’t last long)…our country is, let’s just say to put it nicely, a bit of a hot mess…or perhaps kind of an embarrassment. After spending time in a variety of different countries, experiencing different cultures and creating relationships with all different types of people…it’s pretty safe to say that maybe we could be doing things a little different. 

As our country has maybe taken a few steps, or a half mile back, our friends across the pond have just won a marathon in regards to progressive and forward thinking.  Ok well maybe not a marathon but at least a 10K because well, Brexit 🙄.  No place is perfect #stillsearching…but it’s fair to say there are countries definitely more desirable. 

We put together a superlative from our trip, maybe help or inform others if one is considering taking the leap to move abroad because let’s face it, those of you who know us best, know that we do much better helping make decisions for others than we do for ourselves. 

TBD, we’ll keep you updated…suggestions more than welcome, always, every day, please help 

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The Azores would be it 😎

Although we’ve never been to either, this majestic island 200+ miles off the coast of Portugal has the makeup of both places. Breathtaking mountains and views, lakes, beaches, pastures complete with the prettiest cows around. They are truly happy cows. We spent the day touring the island in a vintage Land Rover equipped to take us up to ridges of the mountain tops, into the lush forests and dark sand beaches of some of the most magical lakes. Our tour guide, Paolo, was personable, gracious and very knowledgeable, and we felt safe the entire time with the exception of two times of white knuckling the “oh shit” handles as we ascended into the mountains on a “two way” street which could comfortably provide enough space for two little tykes big wheels 😜

Along with us, the most lovely family from Belgium. The quintessential American family: mom, dad, son and daughter. The dad, a musician/philosopher, mom a grammar school teacher, the son studying audio visual at university and the MVP of the family, Rune, the 15 year old daughter. We bonded with Rune as we learned of her love for horses and helping those with physical and cognitive disabilities. The whole family was great company throughout the day, very engaging, charming and sincere. They told us all about the Belgium culture, the influence of the french language, size abd strengths of the country and political climate. Of course we all talked Brexit, Paolo was very informed about politics and world news. Great conversation!! (Next time we meet up we’ll discuss religion 😂) Rune already has a list of Belgium chocolates and goods headed our way #cantwait

our day included a few hours at the thermal baths complete with a waterfall pool, as well as an aromoic sulfur fragrance (can’t win them all 😜). This part of our Europe trip we didn’t focus as much on the food, because well, detox time…thought we’d get a head start. We did though, befriend Igor, a waiter we had the first night. We got two referral fees and potentially an open mic night all thanks to the boiled potatoes. They’re good, very good. Island favorite. Igor was friendly and sweet, also knows 5 languages. We know a combined 2.75. 🤦🏼‍♀️

#Babelherewecome

#spanishimmersionstartsmonday

It may sound like a broken record, but the people, the food, the culture were all outstanding. From the super host, Antonio, to the tour guide, Belgium family and the restaurant staff, everyone was fantastic! We hesitate to spread the word too much about this place because it’s untouched land is not completely covered in souvenir kiosks, restaurants and commercial shops yet, but looks to be on the way. It was quite an experience and adventure, really something for everyone. If you can get past the fact you are a crumb on the map in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean it’s for sure a place to check out! We concluded the trip with our final photo shoot, perhaps saving the best for last. As great as our pictures are (that’s what our parents said😎) they truly don’t do this place justice. That’s why we travel    ❤️for the Azores 

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And if was glorious 😎we did however miss the train to get us to the wine barrel hotel which was an additional 1.5 hours from Porto via a 3.5 hour bus ride from Lisboa. We made the executive decision to stay in Porto and discover the country’s oldest city before headed off to the Azores in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean.  The accents were thicker, the food was flavourful, the buildings were again some of the most intricate and meticulously designed with the cities rich history and catholic influence. 

We went to the library where J.K. Rowling got her inspiration for those famous books she wrote, and saw the cafe where she started writing them. We learned that she taught English at the university of Porto.  Google their uniform and see some of the Harry Potter connections We got some local tips for food, and wow we couldn’t even make this next combination of food and flavour up.  It’s a local dish called francesinha.  Basically it’s bread, meat, vegetables layered together with a sauce made of whiskey, beer and shrimp completed with a soft boiled led egg on top. Sounds a bit odd, but it was delicious. We also braved trying squid ink truffle goodness, and let’s just say never judge a book by its cover. The people, the food, the history all rolled into one city. Definitely worth a trip! And the bus ride was surprisingly a great way to travel. Usually bus terminals are filled with, lets just say more of a colourful and perhaps transient bunch, but not the case. It was a great way to see the county, great leg room and comfort. Off to the Azores next vía a plane with a giant QR code…kind of reassuring🧐

Middle of the ocean here we come!

 😎

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But our butts are! Known as the city of 12 hills, walking through this amazing place will provide just the right glute workout to get a butt J-Lo would be proud of 😎 

we arrived in Lisboa after a little bit of a delay out of Barcelona…the combination of Vueling airline (notoriously known for delays) and the Spanish organization, it was the perfect storm for a delay.  The Barcelona airport is like an upscale shopping centre with hanging legs of Jamón…so we were ok with the delay👍🏻

We got to our place and we’re greeted by our super host, Ganalco! Sweet, helpful, knowledgeable and even carried our bags up the treacherous 4 flights of stairs made for people with a size shoe 4 in kids 😜

We booked it 50 meters to the tour. This time however it was the 4:00p.m. tour in the midst of busy streets, with a tour guide we affectionately call the narcissist historian. He spent 45 mins without taking a break, talking about one historical period, and this was after a 20 min introduction to not the city, but of him😴we tipped him 5 euros and made our way to the nearest grocery store and loaded up on snacks and wine.  Basically we were like alcoholic toddlers: hungry, tired, short attention spans…so food, nap, snacks, wine and then out to explore the city. 

The next day, pastries, hill workout and watched the precession of Our Lady of Mount Carmel (catholic holy day) of in the morning before heading to our next place of where we keep our luggage. We walked what said would be 4 mins, turned into an América ninja warrior trek with luggage over cobblestone esque streets, reading portugués street signs. *just because you know some Spanish, that will not help much with the portugués language 😂we arrived, “glowing” from our “walk” to be greeted by Joanna. Similar to Ganalco, so nice, friendly, knowledgeable and helpful. She gave us game changing advice to “hold our 40lb luggage like a baby” as we ascended up 4 flights of stairs complete with three turns…#pivot#ross#friends

With challenge comes great reward, and this was no exception…the rooftop views were magnificent!!! Both places had great views of the city.

We chatted with Joanna about the city…found out about the neighborhoods, restaurants, where Madonna lives…and the golden passport. Very interesting program, started by the government circa 6-8 years ago to help with economy, real estate, etc…basically wealthy Chinese and South Americans were buying anything real estate related at 500k in return for a visa. There’s more to it than that, definitely worth a google 🤓

After chatting with Joanna we headed to to train station and  off to Sintra! A small town just outside of Lisboa settled in the mountains. Much cooler temps and higher elevations, with a magical and mystical feeling. At one point we were up in the clouds in search of the high cross. After our self guided pilgrimage, we found it ✝️

But before that, we toured the Pena palace. It was like Harry Potter meets Game of Thrones, with lines similar to Disneyland. A monastery turned palace, remodeled with each detail planned out meticulously. Very neat place! 

We traveled back down from the clouds in a tuk tuk, exciting and thrilling. They’re self described as “funny, not safe.” Don’t worry moms, we made it down safe. We also took a video of the drive to help habituate those who are prone to motion sickness #heretohelp🙋🏼‍♀️🙋🏼‍♀️ 

We got back to Lisboa and headed to get some local cuisine and a drink with stunning views, recommendations from Joanna and Ganalco! The food was delicious, tapa style of various meats and veggies. Both Ganalco and Joanna gave us a heads up…only eat the olives, bread and cheese they bring out before the meal if you want to pay for it. Tourist trap-ish…if you touch it you pay for it.  Won’t break the back though at 2 euros each. Good insider tip for sure. We cleansed our palettes with the liquor of Portugal: Beirao(plug your nose and add an N to the end of the word and you’re basically fluent in Portuguese 🤓) 

We ended our night with a glass of sangria, at a bar on top of a parking lot with spectacular views of the charming, ceramic blue tiled architecture of Lisboa as we walked uphill to our place of rest. Off to Porto tomorrow to spend the night in a wine 🍷barrel 

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…Well maybe like more like after dusk seagulls, still getting to bed before midnight.  It’s a start though, and a long way from lying down by 9:00ish, per usual 😴

 This city, with it’s rich history, fascinating political climate, cultural flare and diversity…one could say it’s the heart beat of the country. An old soul, with a youthful spirit. We started our Barcelona experience modifying our lodging location, thanks to the tip from a local. We stayed one block off La Rambla, everything virtually at our finger tips. We met up with our favourite Spanish family we met in Arizona thanks to a friend hosting estudiante Maria, a few years ago. Started our main tour around 7:00 and concluded around 11:30, every street filled with sights, sounds, smells and historical facts and local insight. Marceli, Lourdes and Maria graciously took us all around the city…however with no real route planned out. Never a straight line, more like look left, look right, stand on one foot, look up, turn around, “in 1717….Spanish explorers…oh look a cathedral…let’s get tapas, next place?, yes..ok…no…should I buy a fan, two euros is too much…ok here for tapas…where’s Lourdes..? she’s getting a painting”…and that’s just one block. We heard the Spanish aren’t known for their organizational skills, but that’s ok because we adore them for living in the moment, enthusiasm and good natured authenticity. 

Next morning, you guessed it…a Sandeman tour 🤓🧐

The guide was an Irish transplant, from Galway…as we turned to each other and mouthed “Galway, we’ve been there”, Claire the guide, proceeded to say she was an Irish retired/changed careers physiotherapist turned Barcelona-ian tour guide and English teacher. Needless to say one of us fan-girl’d her during a break, pinging her with questions about how she made it happen?!? Don’t get us wrong, we love our jobs but man are we jealous of what she was able to do. #clairesmakingmoves

#goals

After the tour concluded we went to place for paella.  See additional blog entry for that experience. 

Quite the experience, pretty sure we won tourists of year award 🥇 

We headed back for a quick rest, and then mall walked it up to the Sagrada Família, or as one American called it sangria family. 🤦🏼‍♀️almost as embarrassing as the bachelor sorority girls in Amsterdam.

Back to the basilica…Gaudi was an architectural phenomenon. This church was absolutely beautiful!! A definite must see. He started building it when he was 31….pretty sure lefty loosy, righty tighty was still my go to when I was 31 🥴

Ended the night with tapas and a Spanish guitar concert in a medieval church. I’ve never seen fingers move so fluidly and elegantly. One last walk on La Rambla before we headed back to the hotel to schedule out our time in Portugal. Gracias Barcelona❤️

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And we get you 😎 

Your bike situation, still in the friend zone. It’s a sight like nothing else, as you play today’s version of real life frogger with the undefeated, lance Armstrong competitive, cyclists…or as our tour guide affectionately called them: psyclo-paths. The 687,000 beach cruisers, equipped with bells and baskets, rule the cobblestone streets. Often times, flying by dapperly dressed and whistling a tune, so it’s a real mind blowing experience. 

Once we understood the hierarchal transport culture, we navigated through the blocks and blocks of brown stone-esque buildings sitting atop the canals, over 88 canals in the city. We found out from our tour that the city sits 3 meters below sea level. Yes, we did another tour and no we haven’t signed up to work for the tour company…yet 😉

We tasted fresh brewskis the first night, sat at a local brewery, enjoyed the daylight, people watching and attempted to understand the language. Even attempted to say a few words, but sounded more like a throat clear than the beautiful Dutch language. 

The tour the next morning, again, was wonderful and learned so much about the over 400 year old city. It was misty, windy and a little chilly but when you live in a desert you jump at the chance to wear your raincoat and enjoy some soup and comfort food, a great recommendation from our guide who joined us after the tour. One of the tour takeaways, the Dutch are good with their money and knew how to show it off back in the day. It’s also the home of capitalism and where the stock market started. 

We were able to get tickets to the Ann Frank House after some diligent and persistent computer work. Quite emotional and intense, but definitely a must do. 

Headed back to our hotel, dried off and headed off to our next tour 🙋🏼‍♀️🙋🏼‍♀️

This tour took us all along the canal system, as we resumed our photo shoot session-Amsterdam on the Water 💦 

We headed to the back of the boat, initially to get away from the 6 American girls..because let’s just say we’re not going to increase our popularity if this obnoxious crew is representing us🥴

Turned out to be a good move, as we were able to chat with Fernando, who was tending the bar/snack station. He is a soccer coach/semi pro soccer player. Very knowledgeable about the city and shared our mild annoyance of the bachelor like group of sorority girls who looked maybe 22 years old in their gaudy jewelry and matching Jean jackets. #embarassing

Ended the night checking out the Red light district.  Neat to see, and the relationship the prostitutes had with the Catholic Church is actually quite fascinating.  Look up that business model when you get the time. 

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The craic was 90(it’s what the locals say 🤓)…also means it was awesome! 

Well our time in Ireland has come to a close…for now 😎

We left Galway and headed for the Irish countryside but not before getting a look at Galway in the early morning hours. We woke up shockingly early after a late night out, 10:30p.m. It was like Buddy the elf style of sleep, getting a solid 10 mins of sleep and then up to bring on the day and even got some formal exercise in. All those potatoes(mostly fries) just might be the key to winning the next 34-39 age group 10k running race. #goals #casestudy

Pretty sure the 5 mile run was a PR…potatoes and fresh Irish air 👍🏻

We saw well nourished locals swimming leisurely in balmy 60 degree, misty bay waters…meanwhile we looked like adult version of toddlers dressed for the first day of winter: bundled up, matching clothes, one shoe untied and a sippy cup in hand.

Very refreshing way to start the day…really understand the marketing of Irish spring soap, future new consumers ✔️✔️. 

We started our countryside adventure fully caffeinated, ready to take on the roundabouts, two lane carriageways, with virtually just enough room to pass, pretty much brushing side mirrors.  Along the way we saw quaint little towns, with a mix of castles and farm houses, capturing 546 pictures all before noon. 

Cliffs of Moher was our next stop…or should we say photo shoot. Definitely 7th wonder of the world-esque. We met a man, 5-ish years our senior, who just finished a 600 plus trek from Northern Ireland and sleeping his last night at the cliffs. He got into a certain business at a very optimal time, happens to be in Colorado, and after 4 years was able to retire. Do your best Nancy Drew with that information and I’m sure you can figure it out. Back to the cliffs, they were like the Goonies meets Game of Thrones, without the 50 dollar bill and sadly no truffle shuffle. Some of the most amazing views, stretching over 5 miles.

Lastly we drove to Adare, which was the smallest of towns we would see or stay in, but the charm was large. We got to see the Adare Manor. Home to the Ryder Cup and an economical priced nights stay of $4300.  We calculated it out and we can stay 17 minutes. 

Made friends with Pat, at the gate, who let us in even though it is a private grounds hotel. Pat, wearing his top hat and split tail long jacket, made our evening. Witty, charming and super informative, chatted with us for a bit and filled us in about the manor, the town and his band. At one point one of us (who shall rename nameless) motioned and mouthed “picture with him” and the other one of us said “boundaries” but said it disappointedly…so we settled for a distant picture in the most boundary, non creepy way.  We also met Eileen who greeted us at the church across the street, a recommendation from our new friend Pat. She stays at the house on the grounds, and runs the school when in session. She was super sweet and refreshingly genuine. Up to date on everything America as well, very intrigued and entertained by our government, administration and healthcare. 

Ended the night at a local restaurant, and perhaps our last touch of alcohol for a few days.  We chatted with a few more locals in Adare with accents so think we weren’t sure if it was English or not. We did our best smiling and nodding when needed, and then took a sip 🤣

We headed home to beechmount stables, complete with 4 dogs, 20 horses, 6 ponies and two donkeys. Great stay at the Victorian style Air BnB.  On to Amsterdam!

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Two Americans drive a car in Ireland…

And do it quite well 😎

Hands at 10 and 2 and checking mirrors every 8 seconds like your driver’s ed teacher was sitting shotgun.  #rulefollowers 

We navigated through the city, only honked at twice for “encouragement” to make that foreign right hand turn.  Back and forth between 120 km/hr and 80 km/hr and throw in some tolls…conversion and currency…do we give them a coin or paper…how does this window roll down …after 2 hours we arrived in Galway. On the way to this lovely western town, we stopped at the Castletown castle. What they lack in creativity with names, they sure do make up for in their landscape, streams and green fields for days.  

Let’s circle back to their naming abilities and language in general for a minute…this might be due to something we learned yesterday…(see we’re putting it all back together🤓)…the Irish alphabet has only 19 letters and with their words when you see an H it makes the letter prior to it sound silent. So they add in a letter only to delete a letter and it’s sound. One, who thought of that and two, who said “yes that sounds like a great idea”. Nancy Drew’s new assignment. 

Currently only 1% of the country can speak the Irish language but it is required to be taught in schools, as well as posted on all signs throughout the country, something Ireland’s current president has made of significant importance as it has been said a country without a language is a country without a soul. End of lesson, more to come on the Europe 2.0 PowerPoint.

Moving past the name, the castle was delightful and the grounds were impeccable. 

Next we stopped in Athlone. Charming lit’l place, again one of the tastiest meals yet, complete with two songs from the dirty dancing soundtrack and signs out front that spoke to us 😎stellar trip advisor review in progress for sure, one of us has a real knack for writing reviews.

We saw our namesake river, the Shannon, and got to dress up Game of Thrones style courtesy of the Athlone castle/modern exhibit. 

Lastly we arrived in Galway. Mary, the owner of the place we lay supine, greeted us as we walked through the red door with a warm Irish welcome. We ventured down to the town center, bellied up to the church turned bar and listened to sweet young Irish lads play American songs like it was their job. And honoured our Adele request with open arms 🎶but had to look up the lyrics on their phone. #AforEffort

We moved on to Tig Coili’s and met an older gent from Cork who provided just the local Irish flare we were looking for. The band was authentic, complete with elbow bags, mumbled words, and the spirit of a pep band on college game day. 

Ended the night with a mountain of Irish bread as we went home to rest our heads to get ready for our next Irish adventure. We’re also currently living by the bay, might go for a run the next day, what do you say?

Sincerely, Dr. Seus and Happy Gilmore 

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Not to pat ourselves on the back, but we got down with Dublin today 😎☘️

4 tours, 3 shots and 1/2 Guinness later…and home safely by 9:45 pm. It helps that it stays light until 10:00…we’re clearly day people.  Up at 6:00 a.m. and supine/wine/couch by 9:00ish #old 😜

Started the day with our tour guide, Connor Wallace, a proud bearded ginger man.  Is this Ireland or what?!! Man did he know his stuff!! History lessons, with wit and charm, food and drink recommendations and secrets/hidden gems of the city. 

We learned so many things today our heads are about to explode. We got real intellectual and went to back to school, Billy Madison style. Trinity college with its beautiful campus and the book of Kells. Home to one copy of every book ever published in Ireland. We felt like we were Bell in Beauty in the Beast 🤓

We lost half of everything we learned temporarily, thank you Guinness and Jameson…but due to our impeccable teamwork, we’re putting it all back together like Nancy Drew. So instead of spitting everything out here expect a PowerPoint presentation, laminated and spiral bound. Highly recommend Sandeman’s city tour, Guinness and Jameson tours. Entertaining and educational. We don’t however recommend driving. Dublin is a great walking city and you get to take in all the culture and people. Those 10 miles cancel out the thanksgiving feast we had for dinner. Again, super tasty meal!! Highly, highly recommend O’Neils Victorian pub for an exceptional authentic meal, courtesy of our tour guide 😎

Off to the countryside tomorrow and more Irish driving, wish us luck 😜

A few pics from our first day in Dublin.  

Warning ⚠️we are not quite photo shoot/glamour shot ready because, well, 24 hours of traveling with approximately 24 minutes of oddly positioned/random jerky movement sleep, boxed airline food, driving on the left side followed by some of the countries finest GDPs: Guinness, Irish bread, potatoes in all forms and two very delicious and tasty entrees. Yes you heard of correctly, tasty 🙂 Guinness steak stew and Guinness pie, you certainly did not disappoint.  

We rallied like champs throughout the daylight but we’re definitely in bed by 9:00. Lovely Air BnB in a bustling neighbourhood, complete with a cathedral   church bell soundtrack, located about a mile from Trinity College. (Dads,  your Trinity College t-shirts are coming😎).  We were able to watch the American soccer team win the gold, cheering them on with very well represented showing of Team USA supporters in a crowded and boisterous pub🇺🇸⚽️ 

BTW, if you haven’t seen the movie on Netflix called Wine Country with the women’s crew of old school Saturday Night Live consisting of Amy Poehler, Tina fey, Mya Rudolph and a few others, please watch it at your earliest convenience. If you have ever been on a girls trip, this movie will feel like home. Literally LOL-ing 😂🍷💃. Some of us have watched it twice in less than 24 hours. 🙋🏼‍♀️🙋🏼‍♀️

If it disappoints, we’ll know not to get into the movie reviewing blog business, and stick to healthcare. We’ll leave the days of switching majors/careers in our 20s🤓…no guarantees though,YOLO

Off to explore more of the city today, starting off with a touristy tour, in our Birkenstock’s and socks (j/k 😜) and then go get educated on how liquid courage is made 🍻#knowledgeispower