Canada – Awesome Algarve

Save Big When you Travel!

Planning your vacation should be exciting, not stressful, especially when it comes to managing your foreign currency. Forget about outdated methods like Travellers Cheques or costly bank exchanges or being at the mercy of your credit card provider with annoying cash withdrawal fees and low exchange rates…..that you don’t notice until you get your card statement! There’s a smarter solution that puts more money back in your pocket – Wise!

Wise makes managing your money abroad easy, fair, and affordable. Since 2011, they’ve been revolutionizing international money transfers, and now they’re helping over 16 million people and businesses worldwide. Join Wise today.

Why Wise?

1. Save Big on Currency Conversion: With Wise, say goodbye to hefty bank fees. They offer transparent, low currency conversion fees and give you the real exchange rate – the same one you find on Google.

2. Multi-Currency Accounts: Whether you need Euros, US Dollars, or any of the 40+ supported currencies, Wise has you covered. You can hold multiple currencies in one account, making it convenient for your global adventures.

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Imagine having the freedom to travel without worrying about excessive fees or unfavourable exchange rates. Just ask James from the UK, who’s been saving thousands by using Wise for his daily expenses and vacations.

So, why wait? Join Wise today, unlock a world of financial freedom, and make your next vacation truly unforgettable!

Comments:

“Joining wise was the best thing I ever did. I opened a British Pound account, a Euro and US $ account. I work in UK so have my salary go directly into my GBP account where I earn interest and use the Wise debit card for all my daily living expenses. Then when we travel to Europe or the US on holiday I just use the same card and the money comes out of the correct balance automatically. I have saved thousands over the years” James P. UK.

“Security is excellent. Like opening a bank account you have to jump through some hoops but well worth the effort. Having just one card in my wallet to use anywhere in the world and not pay hefty fees and on top of that being given the commercial mid market rate you see on Bloomberg is exactly what I wanted.” Susan Traynor. Canada.

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” Our last trip was to Spain. I topped up my Euro account before we left. I paid our car rental, 3 hotel bills, withdrew Euros cash a few times, paid our restaurant and bar bills, Jeep safari and boat trips. A rough calculation tells me I saved about £120 using my Wise card instead of my Mastercard”. Paul Stone. UK

Mystery and Romance: A Guide to Crafting the Ultimate Surprise Vacation

Image: Freepik

Planning a surprise trip for your partner is an exquisite gesture that can create lasting memories. It’s an opportunity to whisk them away on an adventure filled with unexpected delights and shared experiences. However, crafting such a journey requires meticulous planning and thoughtful consideration. Here’s how to plan a surprise trip that will leave your partner utterly wowed.

Including Surprises Throughout the Trip

Infuse each day with small surprises or gifts that resonate with the day’s activities or the destination’s culture. These thoughtful gestures will add an extra layer of excitement and romance to your adventure. Consider leaving little notes in unexpected places, arranging for a surprise dinner at a local hotspot, or booking an impromptu activity that aligns with your partner’s interests. These surprises will keep the excitement alive and create memorable moments throughout the trip.

Staying Healthy and Fit Together

Prioritize staying healthy and fit as a couple while traveling. Look for accommodations with fitness facilities, embrace walking or biking to destinations, and always keep hydrated with water on hand. It’s a way to nurture your relationship while nurturing your body. Consider incorporating fun physical activities into your itinerary, such as hiking to scenic viewpoints or trying out a couples’ yoga class. Not only will this keep you both feeling energized and refreshed, but it will also deepen your bond through shared experiences.

Scheduling Downtime and Having Backup Plans

Avoid overloading your itinerary with activities. Schedule downtime to relax and savor each other’s company. Additionally, have backup plans for activities in case of bad weather or unforeseen circumstances, ensuring that your trip remains stress-free and enjoyable. Use this downtime to enjoy leisurely meals together, explore charming cafes, or simply unwind in the comfort of your accommodations. Having flexibility in your plans allows you to adapt to any unexpected changes and ensures that you can make the most of your time together.

Exploring Beyond the Basics

Delve beyond traditional travel guides and explore blogs, forums, and social media for unique and lesser-known spots in your chosen destination. Uncover hidden gems that will surprise and delight your partner, making your trip truly unforgettable. Whether it’s a secluded beach, a cozy neighborhood bookstore, or a quirky local attraction, these off-the-beaten-path discoveries will add depth and richness to your travel experience. Embrace spontaneity and allow yourselves to wander off the tourist trail to discover the true essence of the destination.

Incorporating Your Partner’s Desires

Take note of any specific experiences or places your partner has expressed interest in and incorporate them into your itinerary. Tailoring the trip to their desires shows thoughtfulness and consideration, enhancing the overall experience. Whether it’s visiting a famous landmark they’ve always wanted to see, trying a cuisine they’ve been eager to taste, or participating in an activity they’ve been dreaming of, these personalized touches will make your partner feel cherished and valued. By prioritizing their preferences, you’ll create a trip that resonates deeply with them.

Ensuring Smooth International Travel

Before embarking on an international trip, ensure your partner’s passport is current to prevent unexpected setbacks. Familiarize yourselves with visa requirements, currency exchange rates, and local customs for a smoother transition. Investing in travel insurance can offer peace of mind against potential flight cancellations or medical emergencies, ensuring a confident and stress-free journey.

Accommodating Dietary Needs

Consider your partner’s dietary preferences or restrictions when choosing dining options or accommodations to enhance their comfort and enjoyment during the trip. Research restaurants in advance to find those with diverse menu choices or the ability to accommodate specific dietary needs. Alternatively, opt for accommodations with kitchen facilities to prepare meals together using local ingredients, ensuring a delightful culinary experience without limitations for your partner.

Crafting a surprise trip for your partner is a labor of love that requires attention to detail and thoughtful planning. By incorporating small surprises, prioritizing health and fitness, and embracing spontaneity, you can create a journey that will leave your partner wowed and cherished memories that will last a lifetime. The key is to tailor the experience to your partner’s preferences and create moments that they’ll treasure forever.

Why not have your “Ultimate Surprise Vacation” in Portugal? Two awesome venues Villa Vida Nova Algarve and Villa Vida Nova Silver Coast. Discounts are available for couples and Nigel will help with car rental and advise on the best restaurants and locations to visit.

Cowichan Valley Seasonal Contrasts

Different moods for different seasons

One June evening in the summer of 2017 we were blessed with this awesome sunset whilst sitting on our deck with a glass of wine. We live for the best part of the year in British Columbia Canada, on Vancouver Island in the Cowichan Valley. Our house sits in an elevated position on terraced land with views over lake Quamichan to the mountains beyond.

It is early May now and the last of the snow has melted from the top of that mountain in the photograph, temperatures here are warming up with averages of about 15 or 16 deg C and highs of 24.

By contrast here is a photograph of the same view in winter.

And here is an early morning summer photograph not a breath of wind.

And by way of even more contrast an early morning autumn mist covers the lake.

Same view but different moods for different seasons!

Where is Home?

Living in both Canada and Portugal

Our villa in Monchique is available from mid March to end of November each year during which time we live in Canada. One of the most common questions we get asked is where do we consider our “Home” to be? And, it is a difficult question to answer. When we first started commuting between Canada and Portugal I would say that our boots were still in Portugal but lately Bev would certainly sway towards Canada as we spend the largest part of the year here. For me though, having been a nomad all my life I cannot say either way, apart from a week of jet lag at either end I soon settle into whichever home as if I had never been away.

We love both countries, and count our blessings every day. The only thing the two countries have in common is that the people are friendly and they are both very safe places to live, in both, if we go out and realise we forgot to lock the front door it is not an issue. Otherwise the two countries are about as diverse as you can get, everything from culture to food.

Getting into the Mode!

When in Portugal we have to get into “Portuguese mode”, that is: language, cars with clutches, (you should see our kangaroo stops), bureaucracy, bank and post office short opening times, cheap groceries and wine, wall to wall sunshine most days, awesome restaurant food, and Portuguese drivers! In Canada mode, burgers, pot lucks, making our own wine, cheap gas (petrol), language, yes language, Canadians speak English but so many words are different that sometimes folks don’t have a clue what we are talking about!

Pets

One disadvantage of living in two countries is not being able to have pets. We would love to have a dog or two but what do you do with them when you are away for so long, to board them in kennels would not be fair so we have to content ourselves with “Bambi” our resident orphaned deer, here he is waiting for an apple!

Here is a proud mother with twins born in our garden this spring.

Stop overs

Traveling between the two countries creates opportunities as far as flights are concerned we have discovered that going via different places each time gives us an excuse to have a short stop over. This year we had a couple of weeks exploring Yorkshire, last year Southern and Northern Ireland and next year Southern Ireland again, you just have to taste those Irish breakfasts!

In conclusion we love both places, there are so many positive things about both and what few negatives may exist from time to time are insignificant.

Is British Columbia more British than Britain?

I have come to the conclusion, well nearly, that there are more Brits here in British Columbia Canada than in Britain! Just outside the provincial capital, Victoria, named after Queen Victoria, is Oak Bay, yes, named after English Oaks planted there over a century ago. it’s a suburb of rather Posh houses and is often referred to as being, “Behind the Tweed Curtain”. Plus fours, tweed jackets, Range Rovers and Jaguars abound!

Nigel and Bev with their 1967 Jaguar 420G

We even have an annual Scottish Highland Games complete with hairy knees, cabers, wee drams, kilts and Bag Pipes! It doesn’t end there either, any excuse for a Scottish marching band and they are out in force often competing for Bag Pipe honors.

Our local pub is called the Lion Rampant, a Scottish pub and they serve Haggis and Cullen Skink. Just up the road we have the Crow and Gate, a replica of the original pub called the Crow and Gate in Crowborough, East Sussex, built by a local who was homesick for his beloved pub in Blighty. Even our local Fish n’ Chip shop has a photo on the wall of the cast of Coronation Street who dined there some years back! Yes, BC folks are hooked on Corrie too!

So not to be left out of all this Brit nostalgia stuff I bought a Jaaaag. It was a wreck but after some 1000 hours of solitary confinement in the garage (for buying it), it now resembles a luxurious Jaaaag! Or Jagwaaar as the Tweedies would pronounce it. It’s a 1967 420G in Old English White. It is the largest car Jaguar ever built and one of only 1125 left hand drives made and one of only 67 imported into Canada, so it is quite rare and the Brits here can’t get enough of it! We entered it in several shows and concourse type competitions and have notched up 5 first prizes. The boot (trunk) is enormous, apparently the infamous Kray twins had one for moving “things” around! All in all it has turned out to be a most enjoyable and worthwhile project.