Dog Days in the Fortunate Islands: A New Life in Hidden Tenerife
Author John Searancke
Available from Amazon
On the brink of retirement, John and his wife Sally are determined to end a life at the grindstone in grimy and wet Lancashire. Together with their beloved Jack Russell/Staffie cross, Freddie, a rescue dog from the local RSPCA, they embark on the journey of a lifetime and relocate to the island of Tenerife. Selling up, they make the move to the north of Tenerife, a part almost unknown to the casual tourist, their very own hidden paradise, a world away from the ‘tourist trap’ that is the south of the island. Relaxed and surrounded by stunning coastal views, life in their new home, set amidst orange groves and banana plantations, is very different indeed! The weather is fantastic, the temperature idyllic, the people so friendly and the cost of living outrageously low…what more could they ask for? Adjusting to life abroad, and all of the costs that come with it, are explained in the book, from buying a new home and sorting out living taxes, to integrating into the local community and taking the dreaded Spanish driving test.
Follow John and Sally as they learn a new language and take on a couple of new hobbies, while Freddie takes off on some unbelievable (but true!) exploits with his new canine friends. With a colourful collection of characters, travelling anecdotes that stretch from the English Midlands and all the way through mainland Spain in an old classic car, and some not so perfect moments that bring us back down to earth from time to time, this is a series of adventures that you will not want to miss. Dog Days In The Fortunate Islands is an ideal read for those contemplating retirement, moving to the Canary Islands or an extended trip through Spain. The book will also appeal to any dog lovers and holidaymakers who enjoy an interesting story.
About the Author – Born in 1943, John Searancke lived his early life in Ashby de la Zouch. Following an education at Kings Mead Preparatory School, Seaford and Rugby School, he later joined the Territorial Army and has worked in engineering, the hotel industry, marketing and legal services. He has enjoyed working in England and Switzerland, and spends time between visiting family in England, and northern Tenerife where he now lives with his wife, Sally, and their beloved dog, Freddie.
Review – Amazon 5 stars – I found Dog Days In The Fortunate Islands to be a gentle book written by a true gentleman. I now feel I know a lot more about the ‘real’ Tenerife – I did visit the Island many, many years ago and I clearly went to the wrong end! The human and canine characters bought the book to life – Freddie the Jack Russell and his poodle friends made me smile more than once with their antics. I chuckled aloud at some of the stories regarding dealing with Spanish red tape, only too aware from personal experience how frustrating settling into a new country can be. The restaurant reviews were an added bonus as I’m a bit of a foodie myself and I enjoyed sharing John and Sally’s long journey to drive their classic Mercedes all the way from the UK to Tenerife. Beautifully written and very entertaining I highly recommend this charming book.