Originally from Turkey meet mechanical engineer, Çiğdem Balçık. Having explored a few different places in Southern Spain, Çiğdem has now settled in Malaga. Read her story.

Why Spain?

My first reason for coming Spain was to learn Spanish …

And where are you now?

For a while I lived in Sevilla then now I live in Malaga which I like a lot… I travelled a a lot around south of Spain like Cadiz, Cordoba, Granada, Malaga, Huelva, Sevilla and so on. Every site has their own characteristics and at the end I am located in Malaga.

Here in Malaga people are so friendly and you can see all type of lifestyles. There is good food, good people and good weather 🙂

What was the biggest challenge for your move?

Just after arriving to Spain Covid-19 lock down came and almost more then one year we were not able to move so much 🙁

Do you have any advice for Women thinking about making the move?

I think my first advice would be ‘just do it’.

How do you spend your days? 

I am mechanical engineer and entrepreneur and I worked almost 20 years in electronic production business.  I like doing consultancy for my clients and also I am looking for the opportunities if I can start doing some business in renewable energy business. I am also amateur photographer with 20 years of experience and of course I like travelling.

Something you are grateful for?

First I had established my first company then I had my daughter.  Almost 15 years later I sold my shares in the company and now I am grateful for that experience and for my daughter.

Who would be at your special dinner party?

Would be my grandfather whom I lost 1 year ago. He was my first teacher and supporter. 

What’s your secret weapon or accomplishment?

For me most secret weapon is listening which we are having difficulties for doing it.

Do you have a favourite song?

My favorite song is Chan Chan from Buena Vista Social Club.  I was very young first time when I see this documentary about this group of people and I really loved their enthusiasm and energy at their age while doing the business which they love about.

One thing you had to bring to Spain and could never give away?

Freedom!

Do you have a favourite book?

High Tide by Mark Lynas … Very good and old book about which is written about Climate Crisis many years ago.

Something you would tell your younger self?

Have children when you are young!

Thank you Çiğdem Balçık, where can we find out more?

Instagram : paikea

Linkedin: Cigdem Balcik

Image taken by Kat Kan at Costa Women 2022 Conference.

 

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