British migrant, gypsy quarter, mid life adventure, exploring Almeria, Andalusia, Spain
This is it. The year is up. At the 12th stroke of midnight will my La Chanca Life turn into a pumpkin or will it be the fairytale ending I was searching for at the start of the year? In many ways my move to the gypsy heartland of Almeria has been like a fairy… Continue reading A year in La Chanca
Yes, I'm still alive and kicking in La Chanca, where it's actually been quite peaceful recently. No more fights or murder reports, just me nearly dying from the shock of returning to real life with an almost proper job! I decided to supplement the freelance legal-admin work I've been carrying out over the last few… Continue reading Still alive
I can hardly believe that I've been living in La Chanca for six months now. On the one hand it seems like only yesterday that I was packing up my things and saying a tearful goodbye to the pets, but on the other it feels an age away. Now is a good time to take… Continue reading Six months in!
I've finally joined a local association - La Guajira, a cultural group that runs a venue for flamenco and music events. It's not exactly a residents' association, but it is just round the corner opposite the Alcazaba castle and it has a good ethos of promoting local culture in an inclusive and low cost environment.… Continue reading Time of my life V. my time of life
Not strictly speaking a bar, as it doesn't serve alcohol, this Morroccan teashop and restaurant is on my list as it's one of my most frequented places in town, and I love it. Just down the road from the Alcazaba, on Calle Paz, it is a little oasis among the closely packed buildings, with its… Continue reading Best bars in town: No 2 Teteria Almedina
Going out from La Chanca into the middle of town on a Friday night is like crossing a divide between two worlds. I get on my bike, make up done for a Friday night out, my attempt at glamour slightly undermined by my green cycle helmet (but I must be safe for the sake of… Continue reading Between worlds
This week La Chanca Life has mostly been La Cycling Life, as I got to grips with my power assisted mountain bike.For four days I cycled everywhere, developing an obsession with following the impressive network of cycle lanes (a brownie point to Almeria city council) to the stage where I could hardly bear to leave… Continue reading Castle, caves and cycling
It's now been officially eight hours since I have been on my own in the new house. And I am loving it! I know it's hardly long enough to tell, but it beats being alone in a massive house where you have to keep two wood burners going to stop your breath clouding in the… Continue reading I’ve moved!
The first week of the year in Spain is a double celebration – New Year itself followed by the arrival of the 'Three Kings' of Biblical fame who followed a star to bring presents to the baby Jesus.This year it seemed the Magi managed to load their camels full of vehicles of varying types and… Continue reading Bearing gifts
La Chanca Life 