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Fifty episodes in, and we're still discovering what retirement travel truly means to us. After a health challenge forced us to pivot from our original three-year international adventure, we've established a new rhythm – a home base in Tennessee with 6-9 months of global exploration annually. Our latest journey began with a two-week exploration of Portugal and Spain that revealed surprising preferences and unexpected gems.

The adventure started somewhat roughly – an overnight transatlantic flight with a screaming baby, condensation-soaked windows in our Lagos Airbnb, and a missed bus in Portugal. Yet these small hiccups faded against the backdrop of magnificent experiences. While the Algarve coast offered postcard-perfect beauty, we discovered something profound: after years living on Ecuador's Pacific shores, we've evolved beyond beach resort destinations.

Spain delivered the most delightful surprise of this leg. Seville captivated us with its walkable streets, vibrant culture, and extraordinary depth of history. We wandered ancient Jewish quarters where streets barely accommodate a single person, dined in a restaurant operating since 1386, and experienced authentic flamenco paired with mouthwatering tapas. The grandeur of the Cathedral housing Columbus' remains contrasted wonderfully with the world's largest wooden structure, the Parasol, offering 360-degree city views.

Lisbon challenged us with hills that would make San Francisco blush, yet rewarded our efforts with hidden treasures like the unassuming Santa Catarina Cathedral – modest outside, breathtaking within. At the communal tables of Time Out Market, we shared meals with honeymooners and, remarkably, fellow Tennesseans from just miles away from our home. A ferry ride to Trafaria revealed a glimpse of what local Portuguese life could offer away from tourist centers.

Our journey continues next episode as we venture to the British Isles, but this first segment taught us valuable lessons about what we truly seek in our traveling retirement. Sometimes the most memorable experiences come not from famous landmarks but from wrong turns, local connections, and places that weren't even on our original itinerary.

What secret corners of Portugal and Spain have you discovered? What unexpected destinations have captured your heart? We'd love to hear your stories at jim@jimsantosbooks.com as we continue redefining retirement through meaningful exploration.

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