Back in 1978, during my university vacation, I travelled to the USA with my great pal Nick Mudge and we spent several weeks touring the States on Greyhound buses. We met an American in the queue for Skytrain tickets at Gatwick and he kindly put us up at his house in New York. His name is Toby Gilchrist and we have stayed in touch for 36 years. Today I got to meet up again in his city - truly memorable. He is a great guide and showed us places we might not otherwi...

After the transatlantic flight, my daughter Livy and I went straight out onto the streets of New York. It was rainy but colourful and wonderfully atmospheric with lots of Christmas or 'Happy Holidays' as the New Yorkers call this time of the year decorations and lights.

A very pleasant day, initially having a coffee on the beachfront at Fuengirola and then a drive up to the town of Mijas high in the Andalucian hills. It is a pretty town resplendent with its white washed houses. The view over the coastline below is also spectacular. I particularly like the way they have involved those who care about donkey welfare into the policies about their use in the town. This is my final say with Pete and Pam, perfect hosts as always and ve...

Today was a great drive up from Mijas Costa through the mountains to the town of Ronda. It is breathtaking how the buildings and bridges gave been built into the landscape. We had some very enjoyable time drinking coffee in the town square and walking down on the tracks which provide great views back on the town. The drive back along the twisty mountain roads offer spectacular views of the Rock of Gibraltar and the Rif Mountains in Morocco. The sunset near to Pet...

A quiet day and an enjoyable one spent in the company of Pete and Pam. Last night on the local train down from Malaga to Fuengirola, I was offered a seat by a younger Spanish man which made me smile. I did not like to tell him that this old grey haired Englishman had just walked across his entire country! The expat lifestyle here on the Costas has huge attractions, not least the lovely climate and the great scenery on both hills and coast. A winter spent 'hiberna...