The Never Expected Experience of a Reluctant Traveler – that was me…in Spain. I am, always, reluctant to travel anywhere. The idea of change, new, unpredictable, unknown…it scares me quite honestly…in all things in life. But it’s funny how the never expected experiences of a reluctant traveler are the ones that are the most valuable…and worthy to share….
Every time I stepped out of our apartment – I was surprised by the views. There’s nothing comparable to an ancient Colosseum at home. The markets, the beaches, the restaurants, and the streets all astonished my senses. I didn’t expect to be blown away…every.single.day.
The Never Expected Experience of a Reluctant Traveler has its ironies. I went in knowing we were going on a trip – but I didn’t expect an adventure (reluctant travelers never do). We’d wake up every morning with a “Where should we go today?” view on life. Very different from my at-home-weekly-planner life. In Spain, there was no plan. We went where the weather directed us. Hot days took us to the beach. Windy days carried us to the streets. Rainy days swept us to the museums and indoor sites. I eventually even surprised myself…with accepting this fluid and unplanned lifestyle.
Valencia fartons with horchata became my kids’ afternoon snack. Fartons are a sweet pastry covered with powdered sugar. Horchata is a cold, frothy, sweet drink (think ice cap). I didn’t think my picky eaters would enjoy these “different” foods but they surprised me by loving them.
I have learned that things never expected are something to be seen and experienced. The day we visited a castle which was older than all of Canada proved it.
Now, I admit…I didn’t want to go up that hill in Xàtiva, Spain. It was windy. And high. And we were all a little tired from a day of site seeing. “I’ll wait down here” I thought over and over. But I went.
And boy am I glad I went.
The views were incredible. My kids’ experience at a castle invaluable. The day memorable. Sometimes what you never expect is exactly what you need.
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binabug says
I have a lot of nightmares concerning flying and traveling. Missing connecting flights (due to real experiences with airlines) loosing each other (I keep dreaming of my child but her in a very young age or me getting lost while adventuring) I do love discovering new things and we usually take the less traveled route when we go places.
Robin Rue says
I love it when the unexpected happens. It makes for some great memories!
Jennifer says
I have my husband. I never expected to meet him, and we’ve been together ever since. Win!
Parent Club says
ahhh…I kinda love that.
Brett Beyer says
How absolutely beautiful! The jealous meter in my mind just went to uber red, because, honey, you went somewhere AWESOME!
Parent Club says
Quote of the day!
Jeanette says
I love to explore new places! It is SO interesting to see what is out there in the world. Looks like you had a great time exploring yourself!
Stacie says
It sounds like you had a wonderful trip. I would love to see Spain. Life is full of the unexpected.
Parent Club says
Spain is so full of life. Canada feels bland in comparison.
Jeanine says
Sounds awesome! I love the unexpected. I haven’t really had anything that I can think of pop up, but lots happens unexpectedly that really make my days.
Aimee says
We moved to a new state that is so far away. I am surprised how much fun we are having!
Parent Club says
That is so inspiring!
Vera Sweeney says
What an amazing experience to get to have in Spain!! I love the unexpected thing that can happen when you are traveling.
Shaun says
The unexpected is always a blast! What great memories you must have created with your travels
Kathy says
These views are amazing! Wonderful photos. Those Fartons look amazing! I’ve never even heard of them until now. I bet they taste great!
Parent Club says
They taste a lot like donuts.
Lisa Bristol says
This sounds like it was a great trip. I have always wanted to go explore castle . I am hoping to start traveling this year and i am looking forward to having an adventure.
Tammi Roy says
We always look for an adventure when we travel. It is always fun to look at a place through your kids eyes.
Parent Club says
I try to NOT look for adventure when I travel. Scaredy Cat Caroline – always wanting to play it safe. But I married an adventurer so…
Ann Bacciaglia says
I would love to see a castle. It sounds like you had an amazing time. You never know when an adventure is going to happen.
ciaoflorentina says
I just got a 3rd dog, unexpected decision but we did it and we are so happy about it !
Sarah Marturano says
Sometimes when then unexpected happens is when you have the best time. Sounds like you had an amazing trip, loving the pictures.
Parent Club says
We’re going back this year…it’ll be unexpected part 2 😉
Sabrina @ Dinner, then Dessert says
I never understand people who don’t want to travel to new places! There’s a whole world out there to explore!
Parent Club says
I’m one of those people. Unknown places freak me out. Sad right?…
Brittany says
There’s a lot of things I turned my nose up to in life, but then once I did it or tried it, I was hooked!
Parent Club says
I always say NO as a first gut reaction. Thankfully, that most times those NOs turn to YESs and I try new things.
autumnreo says
I spent one day in Spain and was in love. I can’t wait to go back. And now all your travel photos just fueled it more!
Parent Club says
Spain is beautiful – warmth and colour and activity everywhere.
Christina Aliperti says
The best experiences are the one you didn’t think you would enjoy. It looks like an amazing place to visit and I am glad you climbed that hill!