Author Archives: Randy Devoli

As it was cheaper to fly from Lisbon to Medellín, rather than to Panama City, we decided to spend a month in Colombia. Robin was still healing her broken wrist, so we kept a relaxed schedule, yet full of fun adventures. Our driver and tour guide, Juan, picked us up from the airport and tookContinue reading “Our 2nd Visit to Medellín, Colombia, August 1-30, 2025”

Yes, we have stayed in Almada before, just across the Tagus River from Lisbon. We are actually in part of the Cacilhas area, close to the waterfront. We were scheduled to stay in the same 13th floor apartment, but the remodeled 12th floor unit was available, so we stayed there instead. We really love thisContinue reading “Almada, Portugal for the whole birthday month of July 2025.”

The Duomo was spectacular both inside and out. We really loved Orvieto, the medieval town elevated above the surrounding area. Our Airbnb was perfectly in the center of the village, with excellent access to historical sites, groceries, cafes and pharmacies. We were witness to the Corpus Domini celebration including a parade and performance. Unfortunately, RobinContinue reading “Orvieto, Italy June 17-30, 2025”

Bologna was simply amazing. It is a vibrant university city, full of historical monuments, museums, porticos, cafes and more. We stayed on the west side of the city, yet still within the center walls. We were able to walk just about everywhere, which was fortunate as Uber was only available as Uber Black and quiteContinue reading “Bologna, Italy May 7-June 17, 2025”

Rome was a whirlwind of tours, activities and sightseeing. Perhaps our most memorable event was our dinner with our Airbnb host, Lorenzo, wife Emma and daughters, Carolina and Sophie. What a wonderful evening of antipasto, delicious homecooked pasta amatriciana, enlightening conversation, and of course, a few card tricks. Our Airbnb was very unique,very Roman. WeContinue reading “Rome, Italy May 7-May 16, 2025”

We took a private shuttle from Antigua to Panajachel, which is on Lake Atitlán. Only 45 miles, but it takes over 2 hours with the twisting and turning roads. The population is only 20,000, but there are many restaurants and shops. From Pana, you can take a boat or “lancha” to the neighboring towns. WeContinue reading “Panajachel, Guatemala Nov 21-Dec 10,2024.”

Antigua has exceeded our expectations. We came here as it was a cheaper flight than to Mexico or Costa Rica, but we are so glad we did. A friendly town of 60,000 people, a UNESCO Heritage site, and with the year round weather of eternal spring. We chose an excellent location, adjacent to a nurseryContinue reading “Antigua, Guatemala Oct 9-Nov 21, 2024. We Love it Here!”

This post represents our last several returns to Panama, so off and on visits from November 2023 to the present. Rainy season is from May to December, but living in the dry arc, it is not as rainy as other areas of the country. We got a new king size bed!!! Christmas is a popularContinue reading “Back in Panama (November 2023 off and on to Oct 2024)”

We had an incredible visit to Las Vegas, staying with daughter Katy, seeing the sights, going to medical and dental appointments. Mid month, we flew to Sacramento and spent 4 wonderful days visiting my sister, Kathie and husband, Charlie and catching up with her family. When we returned to Vegas, my daughter, Rikka and herContinue reading “Las Vegas in May 2024 with a short stop in Sacramento”

After a 2 month respite at our home base in Playa Blanca, Panama, we are off to Colombia. Our Airbnb is a lovely unit in Punta de Piedra apartments. We are in the La Candelaria area, just north of El Poblado. We have easy access to malls, grocery stores, street food and restaurants. The City of Eternal Spring currentlyContinue reading “Medellín, Colombia Jan 9-Feb 7, 2024”