Category Archives: home

brand new cat tower

11 Wednesday Sep 2019

Posted by in casa azahar, cats, home

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It was time. The previous cat tower, which I bought in March 2018, had been ripped to shreds. Mostly by Luna (Morcilla prefers to scratch my office chair, and Loki the back of the sofa). So when I saw this one already put together at El Corte Inglés yesterday I asked if they could deliver it as is.. and here it is!

I was actually a bit shocked when I checked back and saw the old tower was only a year and a half old. I mean, look at the state of it. You’d think they’d sell replacement posts, since those are really what get ruined. Well, let’s see how long this one lasts. So far all the cats are loving it and even Loki can fit into the cubby hole at the bottom (the last one was too small for him).

time to get walking!

06 Friday Sep 2019

Posted by in health & happiness, home

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I’m usually pretty good at walking every day, though during the summer heat it’s more difficult to reach that 10,000 step goal (and even then it’s mostly strolling, not WALKING). After I moved I stopped going to the gym because there isn’t one close to me here, and I’ve really been missing some sort of daily exercise. And so this morning I decided that this was the day to start serious walking again. By that I mean doing a proper fast(ish) paced uninterrupted walk for an hour each day.

To be honest, I’ve been planning to start doing this for ages, and thought that having most of August off would be a good time. But in fact I used August to learn how to sleep again, giving myself “permission” to get an extra hour or so in after feeding the cats first thing in the morning (anytime between 6-7 am). Which also means I’ve got better at falling asleep again after being woken up, so more sleep for me!

I’ve worked out a nice morning walking route along the river that is similar to what I used to do on my bike, but it finishes in the city centre so if I need to do any shopping or errands I can get that done after the walk. Perfect! Not quite the Camino de Santiago, but it’s a start.  🙂

staycation 2019

24 Saturday Aug 2019

Posted by in casa azahar, cats, friends, home, sevilla, sevilla staycation, summer

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As I mentioned the other day, I’ve been on a staycation this month, since I don’t have any money coming in and can’t really afford a holiday. But I’ve been keeping busy and it’s actually been quite nice having some time off, taking walks, seeing friends, reading, netflixing with the cats (watch One Strange Rock!), cooking (still trying to perfect tortilla con “socarrat”). It’s also nice because the crazy neighbour is away all summer, so I can enjoy time at home without having to deal with her nonsense. Plus it hasn’t been super hot. And hey, I did have trips to London and Galicia earlier this year, so I’m not complaining.

Meanwhile, I’ve also been looking at what direction my business will take as the rapid growth of tourism over the past few years has totally changed what began (for me) as a “hobby that turned into a job” thing. Which has been fabulous. And since 2009 it’s also provided a decent living. Then I started We Love Tapas in 2015, but it was around that same time that Sevilla was suddenly inundated by new tour companies. And so, while I know I offer a superior experience, I realise I have to “up my game” if I am going to actually STAY in the game. So that is also what has been on my mind during this short hiatus, and I’m happy to say that some fresh possiblilites have presented themselves (both in my mind and in person). More on that as things progress.

How’s your summer been going?