The lure of the Canary Islands

[John Kirkham]

In the last 4 months I have done Tenerife, Lanzarote and Fuerteventura although they are all different eg climate, landscape and cost of living they hold for me a magical charm, Im a lone traveller since losing my wife in 2005 and always "landed" fear in my heart of being lonely for the whole 2 weeks, it is never long before I find how friendly the Canarians (I think that is right) are. At this present time I have had 4 invites back to various events from birthdays to christenings the 1st invite being July 27th Fuerteventura. I am 70 years young and kept fit by having good fun and laughter (see photo) If I can give anyone the encouragement to have a go I have done my job. Just take your euros and sun cream, GOOD LUCK......................John.

[Bob Cunningham]

Well done John,
I to love the Canary Islands,
But i have only been to lanzarote,
I love the Island so must.

  BoB

[Alan]

The islands pretty much have something for everyone. I can only speak about Lanzarote in any depth (I live here), and for me there's something very special about the place - the harsh landscape, the laid back lifestyle... It has a unique atmosphere. Any friends and family who come to visit always love the place - my dad, about the same age as you John, came over. After a couple of days he told us that on the approach looking down on the island, and for the drive here from the airport was "Wondering what the hell he was doing here", it seemed bare and and like there  was nothing nothing here. A couple of days in and driving them around some of the sights of the island, El Golfo, the road to Haria, the vineyards they were absolutely smitten with the place....

[John Kirkham]

yes visited the vineyards and joined the queue a few times to have a few samples of free wine (hic)

[✈ Elle ☀]

John - it's always heartwarming to hear someone else lauding the attributes of these islands. I've been to Fuerteventura in the early 90s, and recently too. I now live in Lanzarote with Bart. This Island has something that just grabs you by the scruff of the neck, and shakes the stress out of you. It was home within a very short space of time.

We know of a few lone travellers that come here, and say the same as you John. Mick in this forum (Currylover) has just spent a couple of weeks here. He says exactly the same as you hon.

I know I've said "welcome" before, but I'll say it again. Good to see you here. Would love to hear  more about your favourite places in the Canaries!

Elle xx

[John Kirkham]

Hi Elle & Bart,
               Thanks for your mail, its reassuring to know there are other lone travellers out there, as Ihave said before I always have a great time I wont say I dont have my dark moments when the parties finish and one goes back to a lonely room, but for a while I think this could be normal after experiencing a marriage made in heaven for 42 years. I will be in Fueste in July meeting "Paddy" from the Curragh, "Jimmy" oil rig worker from Scotland and little "Tina" cockney girl as you can see we are all in the photo. The weather in Britain at the moment compares to your great climate so being away from the isles isnt so awful........John.

[Alan]

Have heard the weather over there is pretty good at the moment.

[Mick]

Good on ya John.
As Flooey quite rightly said, I was over for 11 days a short while ago. In fact I only came back last Sunday. I actually had the priveledge of meeting Flooey and Bart whilst I was over, fantastic people. Like yourself John, I cannot sing the praises of the Canarian people enough, I always seem to be yelling it from the rooftops !! Equally so of a lot of the ex pats as well. I too can only speak of Lanzarote, I have never even considered holidaying to any of the other islands, not that I wouldn't like them. Its just that I went to Lanzarote about three years ago for the first time, fell in love with the place, and have never been anywhere else since. The climate, the people, the laid back way of life, the beaches ohhh John I could go on & on, but I know that you know what I mean.
I understand what you mean about the "lonely for 2 weeks" syndrome John. Even though I've never been married, I have always more or less gone on holidays with friends.. The first time I did the "lone traveller abroad" bit, ohhh my goodness. When I arrived, I sat on the edge of my bed in my apartment and thought, "what have ya done?? strange place, don't know anyone etc etc". To be quite truthful John, if I could have got a flight home within the hour I would have gone. I'm so so glad I didn't. Again, like your good self, I now seem to have more friends in Lanzarote than at home !! ha ha ha,,, its great innit eh. We're not brave John, we've just broadened our horizons a little thats all. To be quite honest, I wish I had done it years ago, but, I'm only 47, so "hopefully" there's plenty of time left. I'm gonna take your advice John; good fun & laughter are two of the best ways in the world to keep ya young. I just hope that "if" I get to be 70 years young, I'm still having as much fun as you John,,,,, keep it up matey...
I will echo your sentiments John.... For anyone out there on their own who would like a holiday,,, NEVER NEVER EVER be afraid of going to the Canaries...You'll be amazed at how brave you "DON'T" have to be..... There are only 2 rules,,,,,, Relax & enjoy yerself....Ohh, and as John says,,,"Don't forget yer suncream",,, That must be rule number 3 eh !! ha ha ha
Mick

[Mick]

One last little word John.
I fully understand how you must feel sometimes going back to your room when the parties have finished,,,. But,,,,,, add your happy Canarian holiday memories to the memories of 42 years of marital bliss that you had the good fortune to share with your lovely wife..Dwell on the good times John. Pour yourself a glass of wine, whiskey, Brandy or whatever on your balcony,,, and re-live them all pal,,,,,,,,, Because in my herart of hearts, I'm sure that that is what your good lady would want you to do..BIG SMILES pal,,,,,,, never a frown....
Mick

[Bob Cunningham]

That was so nice Mick,
Things i feel about Lanzarote you have said.
      thank you

[John Kirkham]

Hi Mick,
          Read your reply and thank you very much, even though tears were streaming down my face, I know she would want me to enjoy myself still very hard but with good friends and " Smiggys " bar, we will get there!! cheers..........John.

[✈ Elle ☀]

Mick - that was a lovely post... and as we´ve met you, we know it was right from the centre of your heart hon! Sound advice for John... and methinks he´s taken it.

Flooey xx

[Mick]

It certainly was from the heart Flooey,,,,I might have a crusty exterior, but I'm as soft as a dumpling on the inside,,, You know that eh hon..
No need for thanks John. We've all been there mate. John, I put a post in "Lanzarote Chat" on this forum a few weeks ago entitled; So simple, but so nice. Give it a bit of a read when ya have the time (inbetween holidays) !! ha ha ha,,,,, I think you will be able to relate a lot to what I wrote, and the common kudos that we share for the Canaries....
One last thing John,,,,,, I'm so so jealous mate,,,, your going back in a few weeks time,,,,,,, I'm not for quite a while yet, (gotta pay mi sister back for my last one yet) !! ha ha ha,,,,, I just wondered,,,,,, do ya need anyone to carry yer case !! ha ha ha...
Send us the write ups matey,,,,, It will be good to hear your "next instalment".... Plus it makes me feel "that bit" closer to the magical place we love.....
Have a gud un pal,,,,,,keep smiling
Mick

[cymmon]

Crusty exterior??
Thought you were that through and through!!!! 
Lovely comments, I lost my mum and grandma close together, wish I could tell them about my adventures in Paradise (Lanzarote) but still got my dad.
My dad hurt very badly when he lost my mum but now enjoys a full life again.
Time is a great healer and helper.
Keep thinking what they would have said and wanted and keep going, if not for yourself, for them.
Love life!

[John Kirkham]

 Hi Cymmon,
             Thanks for words of encouragement, How long is it since your dad lost his love?.John