Caroline, Gavin and Emily

Caroline and her family are recent newcomers, having moved to Lanzarote in the summer of 2008. A big thank you goes out to her, and her family, for agreeing to share their experiences of moving to the Island.

Name/s
Caroline, Gavin and Emily

Where on the Island do you live now?
Playa Blanca, Lanzarote

Who came with you?
Husband Gavin and daughter Emily who is 17 and has Down Syndrome

Why did you decide to move to Lanzarote?
The weather mostly and every time we came here it was like coming home. We chose Lanzarote because of it being laid back and friendly and of course the year long sunshine.

How long before deciding to move, did you actually arrive?
Thought about it for 7 years and been looking into it ever since, we waited till kids had left school.

Did you rent or buy your first home here?
Currently renting

How did you choose your home? And what were your experiences?
We chose the villa we are currently in as it looked a homely place, we didn’t want an apartment as we wanted space and a garden and thought it might feel like a holiday if we went down that road

What are the downsides if any, of having made the move?
We’ve only been here a couple of weeks, but quickly realise nothing is done quickly and weren’t told the complete truth about the locality of the villa and its surroundings, probably our fault for not viewing villa , only on the website.

Is there anything you miss from your old home?
At the moment we miss family and friends, other than that nothing really.
The benefits would be the outdoor living and having to become more laid back and less stressed, hopefully.

Your friends in Lanzarote – what country are they from, predominantly?
The couple of friends I have made are both English so far.

Could you speak Spanish before you arrived?
I did try to learn Spanish before coming out, I can read more than I can understand when it’s spoken.

Have you had Spanish lessons since you arrived?
I am intending to have Spanish lessons as I like to interact with the Spanish people and find them much more friendly when you try and speak there language.

Is your lifestyle healthier… or less healthier… since moving to Lanzarote?
I think we are more healthier, we swim every day and walk more and are not stuck infront of a tv for hours on end.

With hindsight… is there anything you would have done differently?
I dont think we would have done anything differently, we looked into it for 7 years and  don’t know everything but will learn along the way.

Are you working here? If so, what line of work are you in?
We do intend to work, probably in cleaning or maintenance.

Is this the same line of work that you were in previously?
Our jobs in UK are completely different, Gavin was a Transport Manager for DHL, and I was a nurse for the elderly.

You may also be interested to read articles that caroline has kindly shared with us, about Emily. Click here for “The Upside of Down’s”

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