Author Archives: Thea Stainsby

The End of the World

Forty and a bit years ago, in my hitch hiking days, I was on a mission – to reach Land’s End. It was Sunday and it was raining so my chances of reaching there were looking grimmer and grimmer. Then … Continue reading

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September 11

September 11 means a lot in our history, but in Barcelona we were struck with a very different meaning. September 11 is a holiday celebrating Catalunya, the Spanish state which includes Barcelona.  In 2012 a massive march was organised to … Continue reading

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Chasing Bulls in Spain

The Osborne bull (Toro de Osborne) is a landmark in Spain and is the symbol of the Osborne brandy and sherry. The monstrous black bull (14m tall) stands out on the high points of many roads. I remember seeing one … Continue reading

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Slowed Down

Life has slowed down for us – we have taken up residence in a tiny flat in Badalona, just 14km north east of Barcelona in a beachy suburb. We have had to get back into the swing of shopping, cooking … Continue reading

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Two hundred days and still counting

It is 200 days since we left home on this amazing adventure. I know, because my camera counts the days for me. We have slept in 64 different hotel beds, 2 ferry cabins, 1 overnight reclining plane seat and 3 … Continue reading

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A Special Kind of Bonding

We have come half way around the world for our special adventure and also to spend some time with Hayden. We have had a lovely time in Croatia and a chatty drive back to Barcelona from there with him. But … Continue reading

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What is it about Barça?

It is 6 months since we hit the road, and I am astounded to see the extent that Barça (Futbol Club Barcelona or FCB) has penetrated the world.  From Dubai, through Egypt, Jordan, Turkey, Greece, Bulgaria, Croatia and even Italy … Continue reading

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Flowers continue to amaze me

On the Mediterranean and down the Adriatic the Spring flowers dried and died.  The weather was so hot, all that was left were dried grasses and dead flowers. Leichtenstein and Switzerland have been different – the mountain flowers are in … Continue reading

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Hayden & Andrea in Croatia

For the sake of expediency, here are Hayden’s selection of photos of their time with us in Croatia.  Stories and my photos will come later! Dubrovnik Bol, Brac Island Split

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We finally meet Andrea!

After much planning and waiting, Hayden & Andrea arrived in Dubrovnik yesterday. It is wonderful to see Hayden again after 16 months, and so exciting to meet the lovely Andrea. So far we have explored the city of Dubrovnik, now … Continue reading

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