Dean & Jo's Midlife Travels

01/06/2025

At the English Riviera Airshow today, and just as I was capturing a photo of the beautiful Lancaster bomber flying overhead, a cheeky seagull decided to photobomb it!

31/05/2025

We had a really enjoyable evening last night in our hometown of Paignton, where the Riviera Airshow is taking place this weekend.

The weather held out, and there was a great atmosphere down on the beach with live music playing and a fantastic fireworks display to end the night. It felt like the start of summer.

What made it even better was that both our children joined us — the first time we’ve all been together since early April. It’s always fun when we’re all in the same place, and last night was no exception.

27/05/2025

During our time in Dubai, we discovered that Careem bikes are an excellent and incredibly affordable way to get around the city. With docking stations conveniently located throughout many areas, it was easy to pick up a bike and explore at our own pace. Whether we were heading to a nearby café, cruising along the waterfront, or just taking in the sights, the bikes gave us the freedom to move around without the hassle of traffic or the cost of taxis. We’d definitely recommend giving them a try if you're visiting Dubai and looking for a fun, eco-friendly, and budget-friendly way to see the city!

Thinking of exploring Dubai on two wheels? 🚴‍♀️ This video is your complete guide to using Careem Bikes—Dubai’s electric bike-sharing system! Whether you're...

23/05/2025

Adiós, Spain – until next time! This morning feels more like the UK than Spain, with cool winds and rain setting the tone.

22/05/2025

Leftover Chinese for breakfast. Does anyone else do this?

22/05/2025

YouTube video from our day walking the 10,000 step route in Los Alcazaras and the beautiful restaurant we discovered that had an amazing menu de dia.

Join us for a relaxing walk along the stunning beachfront of Los Alcázares, located on Spain’s beautiful Costa Cálida. We take in the peaceful sea views, exp...

22/05/2025

Yesterday marked 31 years of marriage!

The plan was to go out for a lovely meal… but then the sun was out, and we got sidetracked by a walk and a “quick” drink at the beach chiringuito.

One drink turned into two, then three, then—well, you get the idea. Eventually we realised that going home, getting showered, and dressing up was far too much effort. So, we stayed windswept, scruffy, and slightly tipsy, and ordered Chinese instead.

Over spring rolls and sweet & sour, we found ourselves looking back—not just on the past year, but on the past 31. From raising kids to travelling the world, from chaos to calm (and sometimes back again), it’s been one hell of a ride.

We’ve picked 12 photos—one from each month of the past year—as a little snapshot of the fun we’ve had lately. Enjoying the memories behind us, and looking forward to whatever comes next.

Dean & Joanne xx

20/05/2025

A beautiful day exploring Los Alcázares!
Today we completed the 8km seafront walk from the lovely coastal town of Los Alcázares, located on the shores of the Mar Menor in the Murcia region of Spain. This charming town is known for its warm, shallow waters, golden beaches, and laid-back Mediterranean vibe. It’s a popular spot for both locals and visitors looking to enjoy some sun, sea, and Spanish hospitality.

Our walk took us along a scenic route that was a pleasant mix of paved promenade and the occasional paddle in the sea. The weather couldn’t have been better—27°C with a gentle breeze that kept things comfortable.

Just as we were nearing the halfway point, we came across a hidden gem of a restaurant called San Antonio, set right out over the water. It looked so picturesque we couldn’t resist stopping in for a drink. But once we saw the tempting menu of the day, we decided to enjoy a late lunch instead—and what a treat it was!

We were served four courses with bread for just €12.50, and we were surprised to see that the evening four-course menu is an even better deal at just €9.50. The food was delicious, the service friendly, and the setting absolutely perfect. We’ll definitely be returning to try that evening menu one day.

With full bellies and happy hearts, we set off again to complete the first half of the route before turning back.
14,000 steps later, we’re back home and ready for a well-earned rest!
If you’re ever in this part of Spain, Los Alcázares is well worth a visit—especially if you enjoy a good walk, great food, and stunning views along the way.

18/05/2025

Out for a couple of glasses of wine and some snacks at a lovely little Mexican restaurant. It's been another busy few days painting internal walls and ceilings, and staining windows and frames. It'll be nice to get back to the UK for a rest!

13/05/2025

One of my favourite past times is sitting on the beach looking out to sea drinking a cold beer and eating some olives and crisps.

11/05/2025

Our first visit to this fascinating market near Guadamar
One thing that stands out in this area of Spain is the way rubbish is handled. Unlike the UK, there aren't individual bins for each home. Instead, large communal wheelie bins are placed along the streets.

People often leave unwanted items next to or in them them. It's quite common to see people driving around, checking what’s been left behind.

After walking through the market today, it's clear that many of those items end up here—ready to be reused, repurposed, or reimagined.

A great example of how one person's unwanted stuff can become someone else's treasure—and all while helping reduce landfill waste!

11/05/2025

Great night at The Pavilion watching Abba Elite. Well worth seeing them if you are down this area.