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Lost dog in Costa Teguise – May 2011
Published May 21, 2011 | 
Can anyone help?
The dog is a female white West Highland terrier called Rosa. She is around 2 years old. They were walking her in the Ciudad Garden area of Costa Teguise when a large dog scared her and she ran off over the hills towards Arrieta. She has an identity chip and a collar but it doesn’t have her phone number on it. The owners are due to go off Island at the end of next week so they are worried sick that she won’t show up before they are due to go.
If you can help – can you please phone me on 664 085 499 or email on elle@gandy-draper.com
Thanks everyone!
Haiti Fundraiser Garage Sale – 28th May 2011
Published May 16, 2011 | Haiti Earthquake; Giant Charity garage sale (for “Concern”) will take place in Calle El Barranco no 65, Guime, San Bartolome, Sat 28th May, 10am till 4pm.
Please go along & buy some very worthwhile sale items, and bring any unwanted gifts, items etc you would like to donate. This is a very worthwhile cause, all money goes directly to Haiti’s Disaster, no commissions are paid out. All work within “Concern” is voluntary.
Free raffle tickets with every 5€ purchase.
Phone or email enquiries or for directions to Trish at 928 522 244, email trish.foye@gmail.com or to Vicki at 928 833 719
“Concern” is an international humanitarian organisation dedicated to tackling poverty and suffering in the world’s poorest countries.
Other People’s Experiences – Carina Berens
Published May 16, 2011 | 
Carina is the smiling owner of Cafe Aroma, a favourite place of ours in Playa Blanca. Cafe Aroma does fabulous sandwiches, snacks, cakes and more… and is located in CC Papagayo (the Burger King complex) behind Playa Dorada. She is a regular stop-off for both Alan and myself. I love her hot chocolate – which I believe is the best in the resort.
Happy reading!
What is your name?
Carina Berens
Where are you from originally?
A small town near Cologne in Germany
And where are you now?
I live in Playa Blanca, in the south of Lanzarote
How did you get to Lanzarote?
I first went to Tipperary in Ireland, where I worked as an Office Manager for Ramada Hotels. Then I made the trip to this beautiful island of Lanzarote, and have been here ever since.
Why Lanzarote?
I came with a great friend of mine (Chrischi) who I have been close to for many years. She had suggested Lanzarote as she was already here working as part of an Animacion team in the hotels here.
When was this?
2005
What did you do when you first arrived?
I first worked in the German Cafe on the seafront in Playa Blanca.
What do you do now?
I took over Cafe Aroma in 2008, and we supply snacks, breakfasts, lunches, picnics etc for our customers.
Could you speak Spanish when you arrived?
No, not a word. I did however, obviously speak my Mother tongue of German, and was already fluent in English
And now?
I’m ok. I can converse. I understand most what I am listening to.
Your friends here – where are they from, predominantly?
They are mostly British and Irish, although I do have some German friends too.
Will you stay in Lanzarote?
I like to say that I am staying forever for now. I’m 28, and so still young. The world is my oyster… and I do not yet know where life will take me. I miss Chrischi, as she has moved to the UK now – but I have an abundance of really good friends here. Who knows what the future holds for me.
What, in hindsight, would you have done differently?
I would definitely have learned Spanish before I arrived. I would also have brought more money with me to settle in. You should always plan for tough times, then you have a nestegg to tide you over.
How can we learn more about Cafe Aroma?
I have had a page on Canary Nightlife since I took over the cafe. You can see me here: Cafe Aroma, Playa Blanca
Charity Event 20th May 2011
Published May 16, 2011 | We received this email last night from our pal, Lana. Happy reading!
Hope this message finds you all well. I wondered if you guys will help to support the Friday Night Fever Charity event that Rosemary Nightingale of the Gazette is doing for Alicia and Emma, late Gaye Perryman’s kids. We are helping to promote and organize the event.
I don’t know if you knew Gaye personally, but she sadly lost her battle with leukaemia last year, leaving her two lovely daughters Alicia (16) and Emma (13). Their father, and Gaye’s beloved husband José, died in 2009, making it a doubly cruel blow.
Many people have pulled together to help the family following Gaye’s passing, showing a wonderful sense of support for her two beautiful, bright girls. Rosemary at the Gazette has set up a trust fund to cater for the girls’ educational expenses – such as books, school trips, etc – that will be administered by Goreti Martinón at her Asesoria offices in Arrecife whose work with the Niños Del Tercer Mundo charity stands for itself.
This is why on Friday the 20th May we are throwing a party to let your hair down, dance to music YOU love, and have some fun.
The venue is Bahia in los Pocillos, Puerto del Carmen.
The party starts at 8pm until as late as we want to it to be, with a welcome drink, Soul Station will kick off with the best Motown the island has to offer, and then Scot will get the party hopping. We are providing a delicious buffet will be served to keep the energy levels high and there will be a raffle with amazing prizes to be won from generous sponsors. If you want to dress the era there will be a special prize!!
The tickets cost 35€ and all profit goes into the Trust fund, and the amount raised will be announced in the next Gazette with photos.
Please try to come and ask as many people you know to join us to make this night special, and if you and your friends want to get a table together for the evening just email or call me on 636984316 or let me know if you can help in anyway.
Many thanks and lots of love to you both,
Lana & Scott
Other People’s Experiences – Mandy Wood
Published May 12, 2011 | Many of you will know that I have extremely long, blonde hair. It hasn’t always been this way. When I arrived on the island my hair was barely skimming my shoulders, and was in my natural brunette. However… the power of the sun, and the fact that I was going greyer than a greying thing in a greying competition… meant that it was killing my hair by dyeing the dark in so often. My hair was growing so fast – and I felt I was fighting a losing battle in keeping on top of it. I tried a number of hairdressers on the Island, and apart from one lady (Alice) in the early days who has since moved back to the UK… I felt that not one of those that I tried (make or female) really cared about my hair. To them it was a way of making a few euros… and not about the client themselves. This had me quite downhearted as you can imagine.
Mandy came to us a couple of years ago to have a website built… and it was whilst speaking with her, that I felt brave enough to let her loose on my hair. By this time, it was way past my shoulders, with as much grey as dark brown. Mandy suggested I try some highlights in it… to see how I felt. I let her do it (against my better judgement), but I have to say she was excellent. She took the time to listen to exactly what I wanted… but also made suggestions for styles and colours that I hadn’t considered. She really cared about what I wanted. I have been going back ever since… and can honestly say that I trust her implicitly with my flowing locks. Anyway – enough about me and my nonsense… you clicked on this link because you wanted to hear about Mandy, didn’t you?! Happy reading!
When did you move here?
2003
Where did you move from?
Yorkshire in the United Kingdom
Whereabouts on the Island are you?
I’ve lived in a couple of different areas, but recently I moved to Matagorda. We’re really happy there, and it’s great to be able to walk along the promenade with the dogs, looking at the sea.
Did you come alone? Or if not, then who was with you?
I came with my 3 daughters
Are your girls still with you?
The eldest and the youngest are, yes. The eldest works for Ryanair at Arrecife Airport, and the youngest is still in education at the moment. The middle daughter moved back to the UK and is working as a hairdresser. They all settled into Spanish life really well.
Why Lanzarote?
I ran a very successful hairdressing franchise in the UK, and then when I started a family – I worked mobile, and had a great group of loyal clients. However – I always dreamed of running a salon in the sunshine… and Lanzarote just seemed perfect! And of course Puerto Calero being a five star resort suited me and my dreams even better! I had headed over on a girlie holiday, for some rest and recuperation – and I just fell in love with the place. I’ve never looked back.
How are your Spanish language skills?
I speak Spanish well. I have Spanish friends, and this has helped me greatly
What is one of the best things about Lanzarote for you?
My friends – they have been a constant source of support for me – particualry when things have been hard for whatever reason.
What do you do for a living here?
I have my own business – which is a hairdressing and beauty salon in Puerto Calero. It is called Mathparri. We also run training course through the salon, which is detailed on my website.
Speaking of websites? What is your website address, so that people can contact you?
www.mathparri.com
Walk. Playa Honda to Arrecife. October 2010
Published October 17, 2010 | It has been some time since I have been out wallking – for one reason or another… so I was looking forward to starting off gently with this stroll from Guacimeta at Playa Honda, to Charco del Palo at Arrecife. The weather was fantastic… with the sun beaming down the whole time. We weren’t the only ones with the idea… as there were plenty of Spanish families out with their children. Continue reading
Official Statement – Re: SARA Lanzarote
Published June 10, 2010 | Readers of this blog will know that historically we have fully supported the animal charity in Lanzarote – SARA Animal Shelter. SARA provides rescue and care for abandoned and unwanted pets on the Island – a service which is in dire need here. Indeed we adopted our first dog (Guido) from there back in 2006. Continue reading
Saving Money On Your New Property in Lanzarote
Published October 7, 2009 | We all like to be a bit canny with our funds… saving money in one area gives you more income to splash out in another. So how can you save money on your property in Lanzarote?
Here are our top tips to start the ball rolling.
1. Negotiate the price. Don’t accept the asking price straight away – particularly in the current climate, there are always deals to be made. This applies not only to properties for sale, but also for long term rental too
2. Transfer your funds over via a specialist currency transfer company. We use HIFX (banner on right of this page). Oh how we wish we’d known about services like this when we came over! We relied on the bank rates… and actually missed out on quite a bit of saving by doing it that way.
3. Pay property tax online. When it comes to paying property tax on your new house in Spain… there is a corker of a way to save money if you are paying from the UK. Have a look at www.taxesonline.eu as the standing charge is just €29 if you just need the paperwork raising. Or just €49 if you want them to pay it on your behalf. Needless to say, you calculated tax is in addition to this.
4. Shop around. Ask around. Don’t take the first price you are quoted for things. Ask people who already live here as no doubt they have found some real bargains. We were lucky and found some good people when we moved over, that were happy for us to just pick up the phone and ask. We still ask around now!
5. Dont be scared to use local businesses too! So many people stick to just using the British and Irish, because of nerves with the language. Don’t be scared… get to know the Spanish guys down your local garage, the lady in the butchers, the fella in the fruteria. You’ll save yourself a packet… get great quality goods… make new friends… and it always helps to have a friendly face that won’t laugh when you practise your new language skills.
Of course there are many ways to save money… but these are just for starters.
Top 5 places in Lanzarote
Published October 6, 2009 | We all have our favourite places on the Island… so here are mine in no particular order. We’d love to hear yours too!
1. Femés. I never tire of that view as you come out of Femés towards Playa Blanca. Of course the view is changing constantly since all the extra villas were built – but no matter what time of day it is, the vista is breathtaking.
2. The mountain road to Haria. Specifically the stretch from the wind farm on towards the valley. I have to say – it’s my favourite stretch of road…. and Haria is especially beautiful in the spring after the rain.
3. On the water. Every time we go out with Paul and Sally from Sail Lanzarote… I kick off my flip flops… lean back… and smile. Mooring off the Papagayo beaches for lunch… with the gentle motion of the waves – just heaven! Even better after I’ve eaten to sit with my toes in the water. Good food, good friends, good times.
4. Mirador del Guinate. I actually prefer the views to Graciosa from here than from Mirador del Rio – and it’s free too! Turn right out of the Guinate Tropical Park’s parking area, and go to the end of the road. Aim for a clear day if you can.
5. A tiny rocky beach across the road from Calle Anzuelo in Puerto del Carmen. If I have time when I’m up in Puerto del Carmen, then I try to give myself 10 minutes of sitting quietly in this little spot… and if I can catch the sunset at the same time too… then it’s perfection itself
Top 5 – Reasons to move to Lanzarote
Published October 5, 2009 | This is simply my personal Top Five reasons to move to Lanzarote – and everyone’s will be different. So what is yours?
- The weather. Yep, top of so many people’s lists… the year round springlike climate means barbecues on the terrace, beach walks whenever YOU want to, and a hell of a lot more time spent outdoors.
- The cost of living. If you smoke or drink, then the price of such here in Lanzarote is very low. The same goes for food too. Of course if you insist on your Kelloggs cornflakes, Branston pickle, and Lenor fabric softener – then your weekly shopping bill is going to be higher than those of us who have embraced local products. Of course if you’re really craving (and we all do from time to time) then I’m sure that Sue and Geoff at Maceys in Tias will be able to sort you out.
) - The social scene. One of the things we really love about the social scene in Lanzarote… is how vast it is. We have not only English, Scottish, Irish and Welsh pals here – but also Spanish and German. Hey we even broke bread with a French woman once! There is also a really good spread of age groups too. We have friends in the early twenties, right up into their seventies. People tend to gravitate to likeminded people… and often that has nothing to do with geographic origin or age.
- The food. Ok, so I’m off talking about my tummy again… but I have to say that I love the fresh vegetables, the array of fish, and the quality of the meat here. Added to that the variety of restaurants in Lanzarote, and you’re onto a winner. Oh, and don’t even get me onto the wine!
- Lay-ins! Hey – I like my bed… and of course the fact that rarely do I have to crawl out of it at 6am like we used to. Our day starts later here, and finishes later, which suits Alan and I as we are both nightowls. Of course working for ourselves means that we can organise our own diaries… but it’s great that we don’t have to get up in the dark anymore
Of course this is a just a silly list… and one very personal to me. What are YOUR top 5 reasons for moving to Lanzarote? We’d love to hear from you… so drop us an email if you’re shy, or pop your answer into the comment box below.
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