Find Us On… … …
Jobs in Lanzarote – January 2012
Published January 11, 2012 | 
Suncare Central Spain is expanding and are currently recruiting enthusiastic Suncare Advisors to work with hotels and tour operators giving sun protection and tanning advice to guests on holiday.
There are two positions for fluent English AND Norwegian, Danish OR Swedish speaker, and one position for a fluent English speaker where Spanish is a plus. Customer service and sales experience is an advantage, but not required as full training will be provided. The success candidate will enjoy flexible working hours and a Spanish contract. Please send your CV to Jobs@SuncareCentral.com
A reminder that you can also post your details for jobs on this page:
http://www.lanzaroterelocation.co.uk/lanzarote-jobs/
Events in Playa Blanca – December 2011
Published December 15, 2011 | Sorry this is a little late as one day has passed for these events laid on by the local government… but hopefully you can catch one or two things anyway. With the exception of the walk on the Saturday..all events are held at the “Salon de Viviendas Yaiza” – behind the MVP Pools and Spas Showroom in Playa Blanca
Wednesday 14th 5pm. Open table for advice from experts on new laws for foreigners (sorry – this is now over).
Thursday 15th 4pm. Kitchens of the World. Food and recipes from the world’s kitchens.
Friday 16th 6pm. Pilar Sordo hosts “Vive la Diferencia”. Psychology.
Saturday 17th 10am. Meet in the plaza at Femés, and join the walk from there, down to Playa del Pozo, and then to Playa Quemada. Transport is available to return everyone to Femés again afterwards. The walk should take about 3 hours. It’s not suitable for kiddies really… and is quite a challenging hike (we’ve done it ourselves a couple of times now).
For more information – phone (in Spanish) the “Área de immigración de los servicios sociales del Ayuntamiento de Yaiza” on 928 836 834
Enjoy!
Elle’s 40th Birthday Surprise
Published November 25, 2011 | Some of you will know that I turned 40 this week… and so had plans to go out for dinner with our dear friends Ange and Dave from www.lanzarotelates.com and www.mvplanzarote.com to celebrate the event.
We headed to one of my favourite restaurants www.labocainarestaurant.com where we were treated to a bottle of champagne from the lovely Nina and Paul. Then we tucked into our fabulous dinner… washing it down with a Flirtini or 2!
After that we went to www.waxbars.com where the owners (Helen and Mark) had been plotting with Alan for some surprises for me. There were a number of our friends waiting… and we all had a few drinkies, and I wailed on the karaoke. However, another wonderful surprise was also waiting for me. My three best friends in the UK (Kate, Fiona and Tina) had recorded a special birthday message for me… to the soundtrack of our theme song. I hope the video works for you.
After that, Helen came out with a lovely cake… and just the one candle – because 40 would have been a fire risk! We shared the cake with everyone in the bar… including a large number of holidaymakers who had their evening hijacked by us – sorry guys!
After that it was off to Rooftops for more karaoke, some dancing (for which I am still aching) and to see more friends. We eventually rocked indoors at around 6am.
The following day I also had a lovely surprise parcel from my family in the UK. If any of you don’t know… my Mummy had a nasty fall from a height some time ago, and suffered some life changing injuries as a result. This has left her with limited movement, and an inability to converse and live every day as she was used to. Because of this, she didn’t want to be featured in a video to be screened for my special day. However… she, my Dad and my baby sister (Naomi) sent a card, a beautiful bracelet watch, my favourite chocolates and a letter. Here is what it says (yes, have cried more, in response). I do love my Mummy & Daddy, and of course my beautiful baby sister Naomi
“Our dear Eleanor.
I am so sorry that I am unable to do a video shoot for you but with the circumstances as they are I’m sure you will understand…… that is unless you want to spend a couple of hours trying to listen to me.
You do realize don’t you that you are not allowed to have a 40th birthday… You will have to stay in your 30s or it looks as if I am old and as I am only 50, I amn not sure how things work out. I know I was young when I gave birth to you but the age of 10 is going a bit far. Even Alan might quiz that a bit.
Seriously though, we will be thinking of you enjoying yourselves, eating cake and cucumber snadwiches, drinking orange juice and maybe even the odd sherry. I know you have to climb up on the table and take your clothes off to dance because it gets so hot and claustrophobic in Lanzarote. Just so long as you send me a few photos to laugh at.
Have a lovely time and give our love to everyone who has the misfortune to know us. Enjoy your party.
Love always, Mum & Dad xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx”
That letter was a wonderful surprise for me – and one that I shall always treasure. My Mum is such a strong woman. Previously she was a special needs assistant at the local school, whilst also running her own cake decorating business, dressmaking business, and being a well know pillar of the community. These days she cannot manage any of that – and so every moment is precious.
I would like to thank Alan for organising such a wonderful birthday… and for everyone whoi helped to make it special, and to keep it secret from me – I’m a true control freak… so it was very difficult for me not to try to get involved and to trust everyone around me. Thank you all so much for my presens too – dreses, shoes, handbags, jewellery, chocolates, champers… and much more. I love you all!
Here are some photos of the night!
Regulations for dangerous dogs in Lanzarote
Published November 23, 2011 | With the recent adoption of our new Billy Boxer puppy here – we felt it necessary to look into the regulations and insurance for dangerous dogs here… so here is a polite reminder for all of us.
All dog owners are required to register their dogs and have them microchipped. Rabies vaccinations are also mandatory. There are fines for owners who don’t have their dogs registered. Indeed when we first had Guido and were chatting to a couple of Guardia… they asked about his information and pet passport. As responsible dog owners we had everything needed – and we advise you to do the same. Irrespective of whether your dog is micro-chipped, it’s a good idea to give them a collar and tag with your phone number on it, in case your pet gets out and is lost. We never had the pet’s name on the tag… as they could be more easily re-adopted… and lost to you forever. We have also heard that it’s a good idea to have the word “Recompensa” (reward) engraved on the tag – as people may be more likely to return your fluffy pal. Continue reading
Our New Puppy!
Published November 12, 2011 | 
Yesterday I spotted a photo of a Boxer pup on a friend’s Facebook wall. This puppy aged approximately 12 weeks had been abandoned by his owner who left him in their garden whilst they flew back to the UK… just leaving an A4 note telling the landlord to put him into kennels. Luckily the landlord was close to the property later the same day… and found him with a little food, no bed, a tiny amount of shelter and about an inch of water left in a sandcastle bucket. There was also a pool with no easy means of escape for a young pup.
Feeling disgusted that anyone could do this? Yes, so are we!!!
Had the Landlord taken Friday off as he had intended… he would not arrived at the property until the Monday… and we do not know if the pup would have survived. He immediately made the decision to rehouse the puppy.
Anyway, that brings us back to the point where I saw the photo on Facebook, and started my plotting to get him here. I immediately suggested to Alan that we have a puppy… and the nagging went on all day and night. Finally…. very late last night… after rather a lot of wine, Alan finally uttered those immortal words, “So tell me about this puppy then”. He’d used exactly the same words when we were getting Pepper… so I knew I had him! I explained that such a gorgeous pup would probably have been rehomed immediately… and Alan was very disappointed. It was that disappointment that made me sure we’d get him… as long as he hadn’t been snapped up.
This morning I posted a message asking if he’d been homed or not, and said that we would love to have him. A quick phone call later and the deal was done. Off we headed an hour or so after that and collected the new member of the family. We have called him Billy, and he’s already settling in. We took him for a walk for over an hour before letting him in the house (as Cesar Millan suggests) and it worked really well. He was off the lead for most of that… and stuck close to our side the whole time.
So now, we’re home. Pepper isn’t too sure about him (jealousy thing… as he’s always been the “puppy”) so we can’t leave them unsupervised for a while, but Guido has been fantastic. We actually expected a lot more teething troubles but are obviously monitoring very closely.
Training has started in earnest already. He is going to be a very big boy… so we’re starting as we mean to go on.
Anyway – welcome to your new home Billy Boxer!
New Island forming off El Hierro
Published November 7, 2011 | Thought you might like to see these photos. They were posted on Facebook today. Enjoy!
And a video of the volcano off El Hierro, released 8th November by the Cabildo
Lanzarote recipe – “Huesos de Santo”
Published October 31, 2011 | 
November 1st is All Saints’ Day and a Spanish tradition is to eat “Huesos de Santo”, which are finger shaped marzipan pieces with a sweet yolk filling. So here is a nice and easy recipe for you to do at home! Anyone with a sweet tooth will love these! Continue reading
Walking in Lanzarote. 30th Oct 2011. Guatiza – Los Cocoteros
Published October 31, 2011 | A fabulous walk which started yesterday with 25 of us decending upon Guatiza. We headed to the coast from there, and through Los Cocoteros… passing the salinas. We then headed up over the hills overlooking Charco del Palo before heading back to Guatiza.
A big thank you to the staff at the Sociedad in Nazaret for feeding us excellent tapas after our hike. Tremendous value!
Other People’s Experiences – Cathy Hart
Published October 21, 2011 | 
Cathy has just recently celebrated her 1st anniversary of living in Lanzarote, and whilst she was waxing my eyebrows recently (which look fab by the way) she talked about some of her experiences. She has very kindly agreed to share her thoughts with you in here… so enjoy reading!
Name
Cathi Hart
Where did you move to Lanzarote from?
I’m originally from London but had been living in Edinburgh for 4 years prior to the move
When was this?
Exactly a year ago… October 2010
Where on the Island do you live now?
Playa Blanca
Did anyone move over with you?
My then partner, now fiancé, Andy
Why did you decide to move to Lanzarote?
I’d been holidaying here for about 10 years & had totally fallen in love with the idea of living here. It just took a while to work out how!
How long after deciding to move, did you actually arrive?
After a false start 5 years ago (I stuck a pin in the map and moved to Edinburgh instead!) it was actually about 18 months of plotting and logistics before we did it. Our first port of call was actually LZ Relocation…. and it really did offer invaluable advice! (Thanks Cathi – that’s what it’s there for! Elle xx)
Is there anything you miss from UK?
Actually not much! Shopping mainly… it never occurred to me how spoilt we were in the UK. I’d give anything now for a couple of hours in Boots!
How often do you return to UK?
I went back for a couple of days in June to see my Mum. Seeing my Mum was great but I hated being back and couldn’t wait to leave!
What are the real benefits to you personally in having made the move?
It’s been a total lifestyle change. I had a tough few years before we moved and being here has enabled me become a lot more positive and optimistic. It really is an island full of opportunities.
What are the downsides if any, of having made the move?
None really. The only thing I’d say that it really is a small island and the ex-pat community does have that ‘village’ culture. There’s not much goes on here without people knowing about it! That can also be a huge plus though… there are some amazing people on this island
Your friends in Lanzarote – what country are they from, predominantly?
Mainly British but not for want of trying!
Could you speak Spanish before you arrived?
Er, no. I could order a bottle of wine but I don’t think that counts?
How is your Spanish now?
I’m actually pretty pleased with how far I’ve come in a year. It’s constantly improving. For the first 6 months I threw myself into everything. I went to classes, the Intercambio groups and had private lessons. Now I just have private lessons and accost as many Spanish people as I can along the way. It is hard as most Spanish / Canarians speak excellent English, so finding people to practice with can be difficult. I do get frustrated with Brits who’ve lived here for years but make no effort to learn. There really is no excuse.
Is your lifestyle healthier, or less healthy, since moving to Lanzarote?
100% healthier! In the 18months prior to moving I really let things slide. Since we moved here I’ve dropped 2 stone and am so much fitter. I do 4 spin classes a week and swim. I have a lot more energy than I did. Touch wood, I’m rarely ill now. I’m sure a lot of it is down to the weather. Sunshine cures all! If there is a downside to all this though it’s the lure of cheap cigs and cheap vino…..
With hindsight, is there anything you would have done differently?
All the advice before we moved was to bring as little as possible with us and to buy new here. Big mistake! Furnishings and furniture are so expensive here and choice is very limited. If we did it again I would ship everything and then decide what we wanted to keep!
Tell us about what you do for a living here?
I’m a beautician and run my own home salon and mobile service – Bliss. I offer a full range of treatments, from manicures and pedicures, facials and tinting, to waxing and body scrubs. I also work with a number of villa owners and management companies offering a bespoke in-villa service for visitors.
Will you stay living in Lanzarote?
Absolutely! I can’t imagine wanting to be anywhere else right now. Living the dream!
What is your website address where people can contact you
www.wix.com/lanzabeauty/bliss or you can call me on 00 34 619 849 416
Lanzarote Retreat
Published October 21, 2011 | Many of you will know that Alan is in training for his upcoming charity walk of the seven main Canary Islands – and that this training is being overseen by the lovely Mitch.
Mitch has been chatting to Alan recently about a subject close to his heart, and dropped us the following email this morning:
“A friend of mine is setting up a charity to offer British Armed Forces Personnel and their families, who have lost a limb or become disabled whilst serving our country post 9/11, FREE holidays in a specialist rest and recuperation retreat that he is designing and building in Lanzarote.
He needs help getting as much support as possible, so could you please go to his website: www.lanza-retreat.org and if you think the project is a good idea, sign his petition in support of the project.
Please send a similar email to your family, friends and contacts to help build support for this very worthwhile project.
I will be working with him to help in the recuperation of Armed Forces Personnel.
The website is really worth a read and these guys need our help !”
Please do help spread the word. You can also follow them on Twitter HERE
Recent Comments