Spain: A Journey of Beauty, Bonding, and Beyond

There’s something remarkable about stepping beyond your front door, boarding a plane, and finding yourself halfway across the world with people who begin as acquaintances and end as dear friends. That’s the heart of Beyond the Porchlight—not just the places we go, but the people who go with us.

My recent journey through Spain was more than sightseeing. It was a soul-filling adventure steeped in color, culture, and connection.

We began along the sun-drenched Costa del Sol, where our home base in Fuengirola welcomed us with stunning balcony views of the Alboran Sea. Mornings started with spectacular sunrises, and evenings ended with laughter on a moonlit beach where a few took a peaceful night cruise. Málaga offered us history and art—from the ancient Alcazaba to Picasso’s genius. We even found ourselves in the homes of gracious locals for lunch. The husband spent his typical work week in Madrid working in IT. However, he found himself at home due to the 2025 Iberian Peninsula blackout.  The beautiful home nestled by the sea, with the large windows open, offered refreshing cool air in the sunroom while enjoying home-cooked Spanish dishes. The lack of power didn't stop the conversation or the lovely prepared meal cooked on gas stoves. Without screens, we found ourselves more present, sharing stories and laughter.  The evening took us to Fuengirola for dinner at the Bar La Plaza. We didn't know what to expect with the electricity still out. However, we were all mesmerized by the service and welcome greeting; they seemed genuinely glad we were there. A few observed the local chefs cooking on gas grills with flashlights. I enjoyed a "Revuelto", a Spanish dish of scrambled eggs mixed with prawns, ham, mushrooms, and spinach. A dish I had never tasted, though I'm not sure why. It seemed simple, yet my palate felt like it had devoured a 5-star meal. We casually walked back to the hotel, unconcerned about the lack of power, simply living in the moment!

We crossed the awe-inspiring Puente Nuevo in Ronda and savored a wine and cheese pairing. Setenil de las Bodegas charmed us with its cliff-hugging whitewashed homes, and a flamenco show in Málaga brought passion and rhythm to life.

Marbella and Mijas swept us off our feet—literally—with a lively flamenco dance class, followed by seaside tapas and panoramic views from La Alcazaba de Mijas. We danced, we ate, we explored... and we bonded.

Granada was a highlight in every sense—the majestic Alhambra stole our breath, its architecture and gardens whispered tales of centuries past, and the snowy Sierra Nevadas stood sentinel in the distance.

From the coast, we boarded a high-speed train bound for Madrid. We navigated bustling streets and even busier metro lines, finding joy (and a few giggles) in every unexpected turn. Segovia gave us the fairytale ending we didn’t know we needed—ancient aqueducts, castle spires, cobblestone charm, and sunshine that wrapped us in warmth as we slowly said our goodbyes. But not before a lovely dinner at Los Galayos, where the meal seemed to go on for hours. Not because of slow service but because of continued tapas, savory delicacies, and spirits.

But the most beautiful part of Spain? The people I traveled with. They were kind, adventurous, and full of grace and humor. We may have come for the destination, but left with something even greater—deepened friendships, shared memories, and hearts that feel forever changed.

As I sit back home, porchlight turned off, I’m reminded that the real journey isn’t just across oceans. It’s into the hearts of those we walk beside, one unforgettable adventure at a time.

Hasta luego, Spain. You were a dream.

The Journey to Beyond the Porchlight

Why "Beyond the Porchlight"?

I never imagined I'd be writing a travel blog. But then again, I never imagined I'd travel far enough to need to leave the porchlight on for more than a night or two.

I grew up in a small South Georgia town rooted in faith and simple routines. Travel wasn't part of our lives. It was something for other people—something I saw in books or on TV, but never believed was meant for me. My daddy drove a big truck all week, and when he was home, we stayed close to home, too. And when we did leave—maybe to visit family—the porchlight stayed on. It was a quiet promise: "We'll be back soon. We're just away for a little while."

As a young mother of two, the idea of travel felt even more out of reach. But life has a way of opening unexpected doors. In my mid-thirties, I was allowed to travel for work. That "yes" changed everything for me, my family, and others. It opened my creative mind to the possibilities. People who, like me, may have thought travel was beyond their reach. Some had lost spouses and were afraid to go alone. But as more and more reached out and were brave enough to take the first step and to trust me, it became not just a job but a passion, and a ministry.  I have built genuine relationships through travel, and we quickly changed our roles from acquaintances to friends.

Over the years, those friends have become more like family. We've celebrated birthdays and anniversaries, shared quiet moments on balconies, and laughed until we cried on buses rolling through the countryside. I've stood beside them at funerals and weddings, hugged them through heartache, and heard stories about how the weeks between trips once felt lonely—until they had another adventure to look forward to. 

That's what travel has become for us: stepping away from the familiar, while still carrying it in our hearts. It's leaving the light on back home while we chase sunrises somewhere new.

Beyond the Porchlight is the space between home and adventure.

It's where memories are made, friendships are formed, and healing happens.

It's where we go when we finally say yes to adventure.

So whether you're a seasoned traveler or someone just now daring to go beyond your own porchlight, this space is for you.

To the first-timers.To the second-chancers. To a seasoned traveler. 

To the ones who whispered, "I want to go."

Let this be where the stories are told, the memories are honored, and the spirit of adventure never stops calling.