Monasterio De Las Vinas – Wine Review

Posted on by John

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Our featured wine on this lovely Wine Wednesday is a 2006 Granacha, Tempranillo & Carinena blend created by the Spanish winery co-op, Grandes Vinos Y Vinedos, S.A in Valencia.  Monasterio is a part of this group and have created an excellent wine in this 2006 Reserva.  We enjoyed this vintage with a red pepper chicken, which complimented nicely the peppery plum bouquet and palate.  An extremely good value at 12.50 CAD.  We purchased here in Calgary at the Real Canadian Liquorstore.  If there was any downside to this wine, is that is nearing the end of its cellar life.  The vintner recommends a cellar of 6-7 years, meaning it is passing ts prime here in 2015.  Likely explains the price point.

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Tool Of The Trade – Sailboat Edition

Posted on by John

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We ran across this article recently that highlights the types of tools and paraphernalia that one should have in their tool box aboard their boat. We learned this one the hard way, basically starting from scratch.  Very good read, and one that is quite important to the novice sailor.

The Article is linked here.

 

Montecillo Reserva – Review

Posted on by John
2009 Monticello Reserva
2009 Monticello Reserva

The 2009 Montecillo Reserva is a Spanish wine, created with their finest Tempranillo grapes. Bodegas Montecillo has been creating fine wines since 1874.  The label says it pairs well with vegetables and stews, which worked for us as we were eating Chinese.  It paired up quite well at that.  The wine is full bodied with definite aromas of oak and berries.  It is reasonably priced $18 – $22 CAD and is available at most wine stores we’ve been in.  We usually buy at the Real Canadian Liquorstore as it is normally the best value.  If the 18-22 is a bit pricey, we have also enjoyed their red label version, which is in the 13 to 15 buck range, and still a good buy.

Their website is here

Border Tracking And Your Passport

Posted on by John

 

Cozumel, Mexico

This is directed at our Canadian readers.  Recent changes to border tracking now records departures and arrivals of individual Canadian citizens.  What does this mean to those who travel extensively., quite a lot apparently.   It could have an adverse impact on everything from your medical coverage to your pension benefits.  To find out more there is an informative article here

Some Thoughts On Retirement

Posted on by John
Cozumel, Mexico
Cozumel, Mexico

I found this article very interesting reading.  It is from Time Magazine and discusses 5 things the author learned when she quit her job and moved to Mexico. She breaks her epiphany down in this way.

  1. Less is more
  2. It is okay to be selfish
  3. It isn’t a race
  4. You don’t have to follow the herd
  5. There’s a big world out there

I think have had some of the epiphanies myself.  At any rate, Elle expands her thoughts in a persuasive way.  A good read that can be found here.

Safe Travels In The Caribbean

Posted on by John

Safe Harbor

How safe is the Caribbean.  Saw this video on Yahoo, and the headline had some immediate value to me.  Coincidentally, Barbados and St Lucia are two places on the itinerary for our next adventure.  Timely?  I think so.

In reality, we have never felt anything but safe anywhere we have been.  Likely a combination of naivety and good practices.  Every little bit helps.

How To Stay Safe in the Caribbean