What’s Next? That’s the Question…

Greetings,

I’m writing this from a hotel suite overlooking a pleasant park in the core of Belgrade, Serbia. I’ve just come home from a long stroll through the streets without an agenda which is arguably one of my favorite things to do. I’ve been busy the last while here in the Balkans and now this is the first night of real dead time that I’ve had in a month or so.

Upon said stroll along the strange city streets, I couldn’t help but think what comes next? As I see the old man walking to the grocery store staring at the street with his humped back, I can’t help but realize it’s where we’re all headed. Cities start to blend together and the original act of discovery has slowly started to fade. All good things come to an end yes? In September I’ll of been doing this for the last 5 years which will be an interesting time…

You see, I quit my job at about a 5 years in, so once I pass that this will be what I’ve been doing for the majority of my adult life. I’m still loving the lifestyle but I’m starting to wonder what’s next? You need to be thinking what’s next or you’ll miss the move. If I wanted to see the entire world, I’d of done it years ago. I see many braggards boasting about visiting the entire world but even then, what’s next? There has to be an end game or you’re back where you started(physically) or lost in transit.

There are many pros to this lifestyle but one major con… When you go deep down the rabbit hole, there is no going back. It’s like you chose your pill in the movie the Matrix and you see things for what they are; but the question that plagues me is what’s next? I’ve booked a flight to Barcelona from Belgrade on the 6th of August and already with some basic research I’ve found flats for sale in Valencia which is on the Balearic Sea for as little as 10,000E.

Valencia is also the third largest city in Spain behind Madrid & Barcelona.

You realize, that at that rate, you can buy an apartment and just leave it one day to never return and it would still be less than a  car to which most have the keys in their pocket now which will be scrapped in a few years. This brings me back to the whole rabbit hole analogy, how can one ever live somewhere when they’ve tasted life on the road? Is the secret to have numerous homes that you rotate between on an annual basis?

What’s the best way to pass our limited time? It’s a tough question to answer.

P.S: This is one of Spain’s largest real estate sites.

This is a video from my time rafting in the Tara Canyon which is the second deepest gorge in the world after the Grand Canyon. it was rather calm when we went but still great times; if you’re looking for a crazy ride you want to hit it sometime in May when the snow is melting from the mountains.

The water is incredibly clear, the scenery stunning and you make a quick stop over in Bosnia as the river cuts through both countries. Also, the water is beyond frigid which is actually quite nice and refreshing. It can be done as a day trip from the Budva Riviera and the drive there alone is an event in itself; to say it’s scenic would be an understatement.

Just got back from Sarajevo and cranked out this post before it gets forgotten as I’m about to head out for a Saturday night in Belgrade. Much more on that later but do check out these photos and if you’re in the Balkans and get the chance… Go to Sarajevo and stroll the streets as it’s an interesting place to say the least…

If you go, do try the local dishes discussed in the post below; delicious.

Check out Sightseeing in Sarajevo, Bosnia.

Greetings from Sarajevo,

I spent two nights in Belgrade and wow, what a city. I’m in Sarajevo now for another night before heading back to Belgrade for a week or so.  If you follow the link below you’ll be introduced to lots and lots of images from my brief time in Belgrade.

Click here for LOTS of photos from Belgrade, Serbia.

I picked up some New Balance 420 shoes and they are basically what I’ve been looking for my entire life. I mention this as Belgrade appears to have some of the best shoe shopping I’ve seen anywhere in the world.

Tomorrow morning I’m flying to Belgrade because the show must go on. Seems like summer will be over in a blink or so and if I don’t go now, when will I? Also, I’ve heard nothing but good things about Belgrade, Serbia. From there I’m going to explore some of Bosnia before returning to Belgrade and from there, who knows?

Just wrote down some thoughts on the Balkans.

Italy is all the craze, why not mix it up and try the Balkans?

FYI – This photo is from Budva.

Good day,

If you’re in Dubrovnik and want to do a little something different one day, I suggest you look into taking a wine tour. Basically there are all these wineries in Konavle which isn’t far from Dubrovnik but still in the greater region. They have delicious wines and most never leave the area. In fact, some are created for personal consumption and the owners simply sell excess grapes to more ambitious outfits.

I went with my mom and it was good times. I was loaded up on antibiotics so I didn’t really get involved it but everyone did have a good time, including yours truly. You can click the link below for a full account of the day but it’s worth looking into if you like wine and are in the area. Also an opportunity to bring these fine wines to America. Ever notice most boring menus have wine from the same region as though that’s ALL THAT EXISTS?

It’s a big world…

Click here for my post on Dubrovnik Wine Tours.

Tips hat,

P.S: Guy pouring wine made my day, loved that stop.

Good day,

Last night I had the pleasure of visiting Victoria Restaurant overlooking the Dubrovnik Riviera which is just roughly a 10 minute walk outside the walls of old town. The restaurant is attached to a luxury hotel called Villa Orsula and situated on this old stone patio. The seating is limited which gave it an intimate feel and provided the waiters time to properly serve those seated.

I always feel the need to order fish when I’m near the sea so was sort of relieved when the waiter told me to venture into the meats. The rack of lamb came highly recommended so I ordered that for my main and Lobster California as an appetizer. Everything was cooked to my liking and most certainly recommend the place for people looking for a special dining experience on the Dubrovnik Riviera with a stellar view. Supposedly the desserts were good but I don’t usually venture into the dark side of the menu.

If it’s somewhere that appeals to you and you’re in Dubrovnik, I suggest you make a reservation as seating is limited and most tables did have a reserved sign on them. Dinner for two will set you back ~$200+ if you’re having appetizers, mains, dessert and a drink or so. If you’re in the mood to open an aged bottle, well that’s up to you.

Hvala to Adriatic Luxury Hotels for their hospitality; appreciated.

I just made a photo essay of sorts consisting of ~40 photos from my ~2 weeks here on the Dubrovnik Riviera. Your takeaway is that the area itself is beautiful and the old city is a bonus; don’t just go to old city and skip the rest of the riviera.

Full bloggery here: Photos of Dubrovnik, Croatia.

P.S: Take the cable car up Srd Hill & eat dinner at sunset.

Good day,

First off, the medical care here in Dubrovnik is top notch. Not only that but the nurse was from your favorite late night flick looking like the evil beautiful boss lady from a James Bond movie wearing a short skirt. I just went out for dinner but now sit here with bandages that have already started bleeding through.

Long story short, I got bitten by something and I have no clue what it was. The bite was on my left thigh and I’ve been ignoring it as I typically do for at least a week. A few days ago it looked ready to erupt and I welcomed a fountain of infection all over my leg.

Last few days it has been getting worse and this weird color of blood has been oozing every once in a while. Went to a pharmacy today to get some antibacterial spray and they suggested the good doctor. Thing is, living on a small island in the Caribbean; I’ve had all sorts of weird bites and whatnot and just toughed them out, apparently this was different.

So I go out to dinner with my mother, which was lovely and while strolling along Gruz Harbor on the way home we saw a medical sign so we stopped in. The idea was to see if it was alright and should swelling not go down have the doctor see it tomorrow afternoon. Turns out they close at 4pm but were open for an emergency so I said I’ll come back like any gent would. They asked what was wrong, I showed them and said “The surgeon will see you momentarily, please have a seat”.

I sit down and moments later I’m inside this operating room of sorts with a gorgeous nurse tall enough to be a forward in the NBA. The doctor was a sturdy man who probably would have been a berserker should he have found himself in medieval times. He gave it a look and said you need to get that lanced. He asked if I was a tough guy to which I nodded in agreement.

He put this needle into the wound and puss started to shoot out; this was the local anesthetic. Following that he took out a razor blade and cut in about a quarter inch or so and more puss and dark dirty looking blood oozed from my leg. That was weird but things got strange when he put these blunt scissors in to open up the wound. All this was a bit much to take but I’m a tough guy and compared to a compound frontal lobe fracture; walk in the park.

So then he drenched some gauze with iodine and stuffed it into the open wound, applied several more layers and taped it up. Following that, the lovely nurse gave me the largest antibiotic injection I think I’ve ever seen in my arm and they told me to come back the next morning. It sorta felt like I was in Requiem for a Dream and he explained to put lots of towels down as I may bleed through the night but won’t die.

I have an appointment tomorrow morning at 9am, I think I can postpone to 10am but think asking for Friday would be best yet? Said it should all be ok but there is the chance that it won’t be and I need to go under and they really cut it open as the puss must get out. This was a really weird experience which started with a casual stroll to a favorite restaurant with my mother.

Your takeaway, have medical insurance and don’t fear the doctor.

Hello from Dubrovnik,

I had an invite to Nice but had to turn it down as I have my eye on Valencia, Spain. You see, the real estate market is in trouble and some would guess it bottomed out but not this gent. What I learned hanging out around here and first hand is that just when you think things are bad, they get worse. Suffice to say, real estate and renting are a big time bargain in Spain right now.

Bargains aside, I’m keen on Spain because well, they speak Spanish and I need that for my new adopted country of Nicaragua. The more fluent I get at speaking Spanish, the better my life will be down there. Also, how can I run a big business in 2020 when that canal comes through unless I’m on the ball? (Joking but also stone cold serious). I have had Spain on my radar for some time now and the fact that the real estate market is seriously troubled only adds to my interest.

I’m in no rush to buy(if ever), but I do want to rent and get a lay of the land. I also love tapas and Spanish women but who in their right mind doesn’t? Also, Spain is strategically situated on the sea with easy access to London which is without a doubt my flight hub these days. I have a friend meeting me in Podgorica, Montenegro on the 22nd, the day my mother flies out. We’re going to rip through Montenegro, Albania and into Serbia before flying to London.

I have some cronies living in Belgrade so I may just stay a few days later; after that my eyes are set on Spain. That said, I’m prone to changing my mind and also keen to fly to Estonia and see what the Baltics are all about; albeit they will never be more than another spot to experience as the idea of living there for a gent with my needs is laughable. Also considering flying to Montreal, Canada to go fishing and surprise my dad with a “hey, I was in the neighborhood, fancy making me that braised beef you do so well?”

Time will tell but I’m sniffing out Spain and my senses are tingling.

P.S: Valencia is also very close to Barcelona and the Balearic islands…

Photo Credit: ParadiseinTheWorld.com; image here.