After being stuck inside for awhile during Covid we started getting a little antsy, bored, in need of something to keep us occupied. So we began making videos to entertain ourselves, our friends and family members. And we learned a few things about making videos along the way.
Flojohn Travel Magazine
This magazine is something I recently created from the content of this blog, which is about our travels and what we’ve been up to over the past year. In my previous life I was a magazine publisher and frankly, I’ve missed the process of putting a magazine together. So I decided to make one from all the photography I’ve gathered and stories I’ve posted on this blog. Thanks to short-run printing, I’ve also printed a few copies, but just for family.
Cinque Terre from the Air
Making the movie above nearly cost me my drone. On the last day of this trip to Cinque Terre I got perhaps a little too confident in my flying abilities, and that of the drone.
Continue reading “Cinque Terre from the Air”Aging and the Brain…
This post is a little different than those previously posted, but it’s relevant for all of us, no matter what age you may be at.
A couple years ago a friend recommended a book called “The Brain that Changes Itself” by Dr. Norman Doidge, a psychiatrist, psychoanalyst and researcher at the faculty of Columbia University. Dru had stumbled upon the book when investigating how one could recuperate from brain damage caused by a stroke, as her father had recently suffered one. Although that was her principle area of interest, she found the book to contain much more. In fact, each chapter is a journey undertaken by Doidge who travels to discuss with medical experts and neuroscientists what they have learned about the brain’s ability to change itself.
Continue reading “Aging and the Brain…”Obtaining a Driver’s License in Portugal
(If you’ve ever had to deal with bureaucratic red tape, you’ll love the short clip above)
We became residents of Portugal in 2017. Initially we purchased a small apartment in the Alfama area, the old town district of Lisbon, and then began the process of establishing everything else that comes with residency – bank accounts, home services, tax accountants, and deciding whether to buy a car/motorcycle or not, or both. We decided on both. And that’s where the fun began.
Importance of Projects in Life
It’s important we have projects that continually challenge us, keep us busy and engaged. When we are young play and school fulfill this role. As adults, we transition into work and hobbies. Education and employment are most often, however, obligatory. We don’t have to create our own projects, they (or our educators and/or employers), create them for us.
Continue reading “Importance of Projects in Life”Ten Good Reasons for an Electric Bike
I recently purchased an electric bike, which I prefer to refer to as “electrically-assisted”, as the bike only works if you are peddling, unlike an electric motorbike which uses electricity as a power source – there are no pedals. I also have a Cannondale road bike, which I very much enjoy, but for different reasons.
Continue reading “Ten Good Reasons for an Electric Bike”For expats, where exactly is “home”?
I was interviewed yesterday for a online publication whose theme was about people who move to foreign countries and set up businesses. After the interview, Flo and I talked about what such a move involves regarding family and the concept of “home.” I ended up sending the text below to the guy who did the interview. I think many of you could relate to this as well…
Continue reading “For expats, where exactly is “home”?”Work and Play
This past week we decided to take the #81 bus up to Eze from Nice and hike one of the trails close by. We chose a marked trail that would take us up to the Fort de La Revere (and goes by the same name), which is about a 4 km hike and would takes us a couple of hours. It’s a loop that leaves Eze, heads north and upwards, and there returns back down to Eze village. And all along the way there are amazing views looking back at the Cote d’Azur coastline. On this particular day the air was clear and you could see far down the coast towards Antibes and Cannes.
Continue reading “Work and Play”Pathways…
There’s something about paths that I find intriguing and appealing in a number of ways. Where do they lead to? Who has gone on this path before me? Where would it take me? So what is around that next bend in the path?
Continue reading “Pathways…”