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Ruben Arribas

About the Author: Ruben, co-founder of Gamintraveler.com since 2014, is a seasoned traveler from Spain who has explored over 100 countries since 2009. Known for his extensive travel adventures across South America, Europe, the US, Australia, New Zealand, Asia, and Africa, Ruben combines his passion for adventurous yet sustainable living with his love for cycling, highlighted by his remarkable 5-month bicycle journey from Spain to Norway. He currently resides in Spain, where he continues sharing his travel experiences with his partner, Rachel, and their son, Han.

What Retirement in Spain Actually Costs: Retired Couple Tracking Every Expense in Málaga, Spain

Year One is the expensive year because you are buying your life twice, once in panic and once in reality. Year Two is cheaper because the city stops being a holiday and starts being a system. Málaga is one of those places Americans fall for fast. Sun. Walkable center. Cheap-looking tapas. A beach you can …

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Age Like an Italian: How Italian Women Stay Youthful Without Cosmetic Surgery

And what it reveals about visibility, softness, and why aging in Italy isn’t fought—but shaped In Italy, aging looks different. It isn’t hidden. It isn’t spotlighted. It doesn’t arrive with panic. It settles in like a guest that was always expected. Italian women, especially in cities like Rome, Bologna, or Palermo, don’t chase youth with …

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Casado or Gallo Pinto? Inside Costa Rica’s Food Rivalry

When you travel through Costa Rica, two dishes will keep showing up like old friends at every meal: Casado and Gallo Pinto. Both feature humble ingredients like rice and beans, yet they serve wildly different purposes and spark strong opinions. For locals, the distinction is cultural, even personal. For travelers, knowing the difference between the …

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Why Italians Call This Fiery Pasta ‘Angry: How to Make Perfect Penne all’Arrabbiata

Italian cuisine is known for its simple yet bold flavors, and few dishes embody that spirit better than Penne alla Arrabbiata. With its fiery kick from red chili peppers and rich tomato base, this Roman classic proves that you don’t need a long list of ingredients to create a dish full of personality. “Arrabbiata” means …

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Why European Doctors Prescribe HRT and American Doctors Hesitate

It’s Tuesday morning in a midlife waiting room. One woman is fanning herself with a folder of lab results. Another is being told to “try an SSRI first.” Meanwhile, in plenty of European clinics, the same symptom list triggers a boring, ordinary conversation about hormone therapy. Americans are not imagining it. Menopause care in the …

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Authentic Belgian Cuisine: 7 Must-Try Classics

When people think of Belgian food, two things immediately come to mind: crispy golden frites dipped in mayo and sugary waffles dusted with powdered sugar. While these treats are undeniably delicious and deserve their fame, they are only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to Belgium’s rich and diverse culinary traditions. Beyond the …

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5 Empanadas From Around the World You Need to Try (With Easy Recipes)

Empanadas are one of the world’s most beloved handheld foods, crossing borders, languages, and cultures with ease. At their core, they are simple: dough wrapped around a filling and cooked until golden. But behind that simplicity lies an incredible range of flavors, techniques, and traditions that make each version uniquely tied to its homeland. From …

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Before Visiting Spain, Stop Doing This: Why This Polite American Gesture Offends People in Spain

And what it says about subtle cultural differences in warmth and politeness Picture this: You’re dining with friends in a lively restaurant in Madrid. Your waiter has been friendly and attentive all evening. As he refills your glass of wine, you offer a quick thumbs up to say thanks. Seems harmless, right? In the United …

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Why Carnitas Deserves the Crown in Mexican Cuisine

Carnitas might just be the most comforting, indulgent, and deeply flavorful dish in Mexican cuisine yet it often plays second fiddle to tacos al pastor or fajitas on global menus. Originating from the state of Michoacán, carnitas literally means “little meats,” and it refers to slow-cooked, crispy-yet-tender pork that practically melts in your mouth. It’s …

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Korean Sauna Etiquette: 9 Korean Sauna Habits That Completely Shock American Tourists

(And Why None of It Is Actually Weird in Korea) If you’ve never been to a Korean jjimjilbang (찜질방), prepare to leave your cultural expectations at the door—along with your clothes. These public bathhouses are not a quirky side attraction. In South Korea, they are a vital part of daily wellness and relaxation culture. Entire …

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I Quit American Dairy for 60 Days and Switched to European And I Went Down 22 Pounds

So here is what actually happened. I stopped buying the American-style dairy we were importing into our routine and I replaced it with the stuff people in Spain, Portugal, and France eat every day. Sixty days later my weight was down twenty two pounds and the antihistamine I took every morning started gathering dust. No …

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Why This Cajun Recipe Never Fails: This Cajun Seafood Pasta Tastes Like New Orleans in a Bowl

If you’re craving a dish packed with bold flavors, creamy sauce, and a kick of Southern spice, Cajun seafood pasta is the ultimate comfort food with a fiery twist. This dish takes the rich culinary traditions of Louisiana and blends them with hearty seafood and pasta — creating a meal that feels indulgent yet approachable. …

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