Why?

So many people ask Why!

• Why now?
• Why Gran Canaria?
• Why did you want to leave?

So I will answer these questions for you.

Why now? and Why did you want to leave?

The above two questions have the same answers. Everything just kind of fell into place all at the same time. My job was stressful, my relationship was going through major changes, of which I did not feel included in, my children had left home and I began to realise I don’t have to be here, I could go anywhere.

I was torn between moving to London in a relationship that was struggling, moving back to my home town in Stoke-on-Trent, which felt like going backwards, or staying put in the same area but in a new house and alone, or, doing something completely different. There was no stay put option to see if we could work through our difficulties, it was change or change.

So as you can see after much thought and consideration, I opted for the later. I felt this was my time to do something for me. My children are finding their feet in their own lives and don’t need mum about so much, but they always have a home, where ever I am. My parents are fit and well and I didn’t mind giving up my job to find something completely new. Also, Brexit is looming and in a couple of years time, moving to another country may not be so easy, so I felt if I did not do this now I probably never would.

I have always said that I could live quite simply, somewhere warm and in the sun, so this was my chance to see if that was true. I must lead by example as I have tried to teach my children that there is a big world out there and they should explore it and always live life to the full. So many youngsters travel after University before working. I thought if they can survive it on their small amount of life experience, then I will be fine! I am just doing things in reverse to the norm.

And here I am.

Why Gran Canaria?

I have been on many holidays to the Canary Islands as well as Spain over the years and other countries. I have also loved the Spanish culture and music the most. I have been to most of the Canary Islands at least twice. I was in Gran Canaria in April with a girl friend and as you do on every holiday, you dream about staying, so that was still on my mind.

For me the most important part was that I had found a dance scene here, Salsa, Bachata, Kizomba that was similar to the UK. Friendly people that all danced with each other, with lessons and teachers etc. As all my dance friends will know, you are always welcomed into a dance community no matter where you are. You don’t need to know the language, it does not matter where you come from, but you can still socialise and make friends.

My favourite place here is a lovely, friendly bar called Stop in Brazil. It comes highly recommended to anyone that visits the South of Island, whether you dance or not.

I also felt and feel very safe here. Whilst, yes, there are a lot of tourists, the local community really is quite small. I often joke and say I can make friends just walking down the street, well here that is literally true. I have made so many friends. My short walk to Stop in Brazil can take 20/30 minutes by the time I have said hello to the people I know along the way.

Finally why would you not choose Gran Canaria or any of the Canaries for the lovely sunny weather. I know the locals here actually get fed up of the sun but coming from the grey and cloudy England I can honestly say, it is going to take me a very long time to get fed up of the sun! It changes your life in so many ways, and makes life more of an outdoor life, people are happier, your days feel longer. You are so much more active. I know I am getting fitter by the day with walking more, swimming, dancing, and that is before I start any other activities.

I chose to be in Playa del Ingles for work reasons. I don’t know much Spanish yet, but as this is the tourist area, to work here English or German is the key language that you need. To start with I don’t mind what that job ends up being whilst I find my feet, I realise I have a lot of learning to do so at the moment any job is a new experience.

Hopefully this has answered the why questions but please ask any other questions in the comments if you have any.