First stop, Spain.

What's interesting is that in life, as the years roll by, you start to imagine all the places and things you truly desire to be. The world is like a cavernous hole that begs for exploration, and to fill your curiosity you must stop to look at each crevice. It's time to stop being the bystander in your own story and experience the beauty and wonder that awaits — not just read about something in a book or see a television documentary, but really see how the world lives.

You may be thinking that although daily rituals are mundane and expected, it feels comfortable to go through the motions of life. This is simply not the case. As our bodies and minds age, it's the experiences and social forces that drive inner peace and happiness. Adventures and experiences keep you sharp and always wanting more. Tangible things start to lose their luster, and new things readily take their place. And no, it shouldn't be a life-altering event that pushes you forward — a demand for more and shifting places should be as gentle as the ocean waves on a calm day.

The first chapter

So let us explore each chapter together as a planning piece for greater things to come. Our first stop: Spain. It's rich in history, culture, and traditions. Its capital city of Madrid — once the ancient seat of Toledo — lies on Europe's Iberian Peninsula. I'm hoping to highlight some of the most desired things to do with each location featured — historical sites and places worth seeing, not in any predetermined order.

Madrid

Madrid is the heart of Spain, with many museums to explore and immerse yourself in the culture. Mercado de San Miguel offers meats, cheeses, olives, and oysters to your heart's content.

Wine country and the coast

Traverse to Logroño, which holds wine festivals for that sip-and-sit experience, while Praia das Rodas — the so-called Caribbean beach — lets you run your toes through the sand or simply take a stroll along the shore.

Architects and old cathedrals

The prolific architect Antoni Gaudí can be found on the streets of Barcelona, while in Córdoba you can take in the site of the Mezquita, the great mosque-cathedral.

South and north

If you're interested in sport, try the expansive golf courses of Costa del Sol on the southern coast, or head to Bilbao in the north for art and culture such as Gehry's Guggenheim.

A painted forest, and tapas in Seville

For the idealist, the painted forest of Oma in Kortezubi can be mesmerizing — or partake in a late lunch or early dinner with some tapas in Seville.

Whether you're interested in food, sights, or adventure, Spain offers a place of travel for all the senses. My goal is to entice your senses and embed the feelings with each location featured.

It's time to stop being the bystander in your own story.

Until our next stop.