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
I've said goodbye to La Chanca for a couple of weeks, swapping the view of the castle for the view of the Cariatiz hills. It's Sunday morning and finally after a hectic few days I can feel peace and goodwill to all (wo)men. I'm back home with an average of three teens at any given… Continue reading Home for the holidays
Things have been a little volatile in La Chanca. A murder and a fracas to be precise. This was the headline in the local news this week: “Suspected murderer from La Chanca-Pescaderia arrested in Roquetas de Mar”. They showed this police photo of the suspect: And the story goes that on September 4 a black… Continue reading The darker side of La Chanca
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
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
La Chanca Life 