So what goes down on Tenerife?

[Perikles]

I'd hold out for 10kg. 

To do what, exactly? 

[Nova]

I'm a rat-racer working the equivalent of 9 - 5 in the private sector, for the same company that paid for my flight here 6 years ago.  Well, as much of a rat-racer as I can be living a five minute walk from the office so that I can pop home in my coffee break if I want to   And I have fantastic views of the sea from my apartment.  I live in a fishing village on the south coast that grew up to be quite cosmopolitan, with a busy high street where you can find just about anything.  It's a residential place rather than touristic, but the row of bars and restaurants along the seafront draws the tourists and swallows (those who migrate here for the winter), mostly retirees,  who prefer the quieter, more characterful surroundings than the tourist areas can offer.  The residents here are a mix of everything: some Brits, probably majority Spanish (Canarian), but with hordes of Belgians, Germans, South Americans, even Russians and East Europeans!  The neighbouring village is home to many north African immigrants too.

Spain used to have some of the strongest employment laws in Europe in favour of the employee, but after some controversial labour reforms were passed a year or so ago, many employees are nervous.  It wouldn't be cheap for them to get rid of me now but certainly cheaper.  All companies are cost-cutting, including the one I work for, and I'm fortunate enough to be working for a multinational that's actually making a profit!  For those of us who do work here, I think it's much like being anywhere else.  You look at the insides of an office for 7 1/2 hours then you go home and chill out in front of your computer.  Except that I only have to turn my head 90 degrees and I can see the sea as far as the horizon, and right now the last remains of a rose-pink sunset 

[Myrtle Hogan-Lance]

I'd hold out for 10kg. 

Imagine how wonderful my lessons will be during the trumpet solo.

[El Profesor]

I'm retired from the aerospace industry but I'm only 55.

I'm younger than you, but I did it backwards .....  I retired in my twenties ..... started working hard again when I was 40 and I can't see myself retiring again ..... I've got kids.

Tenerife? Recognised as having the best climate in the world.

I'm in languages ....... there are loads of them around here, all over the place - very cosmopolitan.