From her 20s, Katrina Jones has kept believing that Spain is where she needs to be. Now at 60 she is celebrating life and her home in Torrox. Read her story.
Why Spain?
I’ve wanted to be here since I was 25 (I’m 60 now). Although I’d never been to Spain I just felt it was where I needed to be. It took me 3 attempts until I finally got here 6 years ago. The minute I arrived I knew I was home.
And where are you now?
Torrox is an amazing place to live as it has easy access to so many different parts of Andalucia. You can enjoy both the mountains and the sea and although it has an expat community, it is still very much a traditional working Spanish pueblo.
What was the biggest challenge for your move?
Bringing my dog Pepe. Coming from N Ireland proved really difficult as I didn’t want to bring a right hand drive car to Spsin. In the end I took the ferry across to Scotland, then hired a car there and drove to my brother in Winchester. I left Pepe with him to give to the pet carrier, while I flew over and got settled. The carrier was fantastic. They sent me updates from France and Spain as he travelled and I met them in Fuengirola.
Do you have any advice for Women thinking about making the move?
Do it. Also don’t worry about being on your own. There are loads of single women here and with the outdoor life etc it’s very easy to meet people and build a good support group.
What keeps you busy?
I’m a Rapid Transformational Therapist/Hypnotherapist so I work hard running my own online business, specialising in Anxiety and PTSD. I live in the campo and spend much of my free time walking in the mountains with my dogs. I also help the local dog charities and have fostered 6 puppies.
Something you are grateful for?
My two wonderful children. They have become amazing adults and having raised them on my own we are really close.
Who would be at your special dinner party?
Greta Thunberg – I admire her passion and perseverance in highlighting the need for climate change. Michael McIntyre – I’m not really into comedians but he makes me laugh so much. Clint Eastwood – I met him in Carmel some years ago and as well as being very interesting, despite being in his 80s, he still had it! My mum and dad – simply because it would be lovely to see them again.
What’s your secret weapon or accomplishment?
Sheer determination. And a sense of humour.
Do you have a favourite quote?
“One crowded hour of glorious life is worth an age without a name. Because life is for living.”
One thing you had to bring to Spain and could never give away?
Pepe the dog. Some people were surprised I was bringing him with me. How could I not? He’s family.
Do you have a favourite book?
Circle of Friends by Maeve Binchey. She was a consummate writer, who made you feel you knew the characters personally. This particular book focuses on the university years, which for me contain some of my best memories.
Something you would tell your younger self?
You are enough.
Thank you Katrina Jones where can we find out more?
Check out my website www.heavenlyhealingtorrox.com
Facebook page: www.facebook.com/heavenlyhealingtorrox
And Instagram: www.instagram.com/heavenlyhealingtorrox