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Our Lanzarote Adventure:
The Ultimate Leap
Hey there! We’re Ian and Terry, two should know better, adventure-seekers who decided to swap the dreary skies of the UK for the sunny shores of Lanzarote. We’re not your typical couple – Terry’s an ex-costume designer with an eye for flair, and I’m an ex-PR with a penchant for Bretton tops and a jacket and trainer collection that's got considerably out of control.
Together, we’re navigating the wild and wonderful journey of becoming expats, and we’re here to share every thrilling, chaotic, terrifying, confusing and hopefully heartwarming moment with you.
The BIG Decision
Picture this: a cold, rainy evening in London, sipping on a glass of white wine dreaming of warmer days. That’s when the idea hit us – why not move to Lanzarote, with its stunning landscapes, vibrant culture, and endless sunshine? We had been visiting for over 15 years and it seemed like the perfect choice and a real no brainer.
So, after countless hours of research, impromptu Spanish lessons with our friends at Duolingo, and a few additional glasses of wine or two, we decided to take the plunge. This is the story of how our spontaneous dream is becoming an exhilarating reality.
Mad
Packing
Tales
Our journey to Lanzarote is nothing short of an adventure. From the moment we started thinking about packing, it was clear that this would be a wild ride. One of our biggest discussions was about what possessions to take, especially since my wardrobe threatened to fill every suitcase. We had to make some tough choices: Terry’s watercolour materials versus my beloved and excessive clothing. But we are making it work, and we cannot wait to navigate airport security with what will feel like our entire lives in suitcases.
But we know that when we land in Lanzarote in early November, we will be greeted by the warm island breeze. When we are standing in the taxi queue with our luggage piled high, en-route to our short-term rental apartment we we will know we've made the right choice.
The
Brexit
Twist
Now, we’d love to say everything has been smooth sailing, but thanks to Brexit, getting where we are today has been complicated. Navigating the post-Brexit red tape is like playing a never-ending game of bureaucratic whack-a-mole.
There's a new form or rule around every corner, from visas and residency permits to healthcare and driving licenses and we've spent six months trying to plan for every event.
And...just don't get me started on financial advisors and taxes - who knew you needed a total of four - two each for the UK and another two for Spain?
Trust us, you also can’t rely on internet forums either – they’re full of over-opinionated people who often aren’t qualified to give advice and some people have been damn right nasty in the process.
However, we have met some lovely people on this journey who have provided invaluable advice.
That’s why we’re here: to help, inspire, and give you the real scoop as we make our dream a reality.
Photo Diaries
A picture is worth a thousand words, so we’ve put together a visual representation of why we have decided to live on the island. Each photo captures a unique reason why we fell in love with it. From the mesmerising volcanic landscapes of Timanfaya National Park to the tranquil, azure waters of Papagayo Beach, every image tells a story of discovery and enchantment.
You'll see snapshots of charming villages like Yaiza, with its whitewashed houses and colourful bougainvillea. We’ve also included breathtaking panoramas of the rugged coastline where we we've spent countless evenings watching the sun set into the Atlantic, filling the sky with a palette of warm, inspiring colours.
We hope these photos will give you a taste of the island's charm and inspire you to embark on your own adventure.
Our Mission
We want to be your trusted guides and help you on your own adventure. We’ve experienced the highs and lows of moving post-Brexit firsthand - and we are still going through it - and we’re here to share our hints and tips to make your transition smoother.
Whether it’s cutting through bureaucratic red tape, wielding out the downright untrue and misleading or finding the best local hangouts, we’ve got you covered.
We hope our story inspires you to take your own leap of faith, wherever it may lead.
Stay tuned for more of our escapades and insights on making the most of expat life in Lanzarote, the rest of the Canaries or even mainland Spain. Trust us, this is just the beginning!
Ian + Terry
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