Let’s meet another Lanzarote resident 🙂
This is John. Many of those who live in Costa Teguise have met John who both brightens up our days and trims our errant hairs in his salon, U.K.barber. If you’ve not been, it’s a few doors down from the Hotel Coronas Playa.
Whilst we were having our beard tamed, we settled in for a chat about John’s life here in Lanzarote.
Originally from Romford, John moved to Lanzarote 24 years ago. That puts him fairly in the pioneers-bunch who settled when our resorts were still developing and most tourists were only aware of the bigger towns on our map. However it wasn’t the bars and cafes that drew him, it was the waves.
“I came to Lanzarote to windsurf and escape the daily routine and for a simpler way of life” he says with a gleam in his eye that’s never faded. There’s something about John’s warm welcome and genuine smile that reflects those years embracing the sea.
Like many people here, the key resorts might be their place of work but home is often in the capital city and integration is the key to successful living.
“My advice to anyone moving to Lanzarote is to integrate into the Canarian ways and culture of the island, embrace the differences. For me personally Arrecife is the best place to live, as long as you are able to speak Spanish. There is a sense of community I haven’t found anywhere else i’ve lived since moving here. The mixture of nationalities makes life interesting and full. Not a weekend goes by without some form of entertainment laid on for free by the government. The commute to work is hassle free, the bus service is spot on.”
Few of our tourists ever venture into Arrecife. Although the cruise port is busy and there are plenty of beautiful restaurants along the reborn Charco de San Gines, it still lacks the selfie-allure of Puerto Del Carmen or Playa Blanca. It’s a shame and the government is working on making it a bigger attraction. As John says, it’s a vibrant place, a real melting-pot of intercultural history. Plus if you’re considering moving here, it’s affordable and perfectly connected.
I asked John he ever bores of the day job, knowing those waves are still calling a block or two behind the salon…
“I’m a freelance barber, although my training is in classical barbering my cuts and styles are as varied as my clients. I work in Costa Teguise with locals, holidaymakers and expats of all nationalities which makes my job very fulfilling. My services include haircuts, from trims to restyle, traditional luxury shaves, beard shaping. My philosophy towards barbering is to always go the extra mile, making sure my clients leave clean fresh and looking forward to their next visit.”
You’ll find this passion for work running deep in our community. Whether people have come here to continue their trade in a sunnier climate or have found a role on arrival, people have to love what they do to survive and thrive here. John does and if my previously unruly beard is anything to go by, he’s a master.
Visit John at U.K.barber, Costa Teguise.
PS We do not accept freebies or payments for interviews. If you’d like to feature, get in touch by direct message.
