Carlos
My Dartmouth - Carlos Rodrigez Perez
Who are you?
Carlos Rodrigez Perez
How long have you lived in Dartmouth?
I live in Townstal and have been in Dartmouth since July 1997 when I moved here from Gran Canaria.
Where do you work?
I work behind the bar at the Royal Castle Hotel in Dartmouth – where I make the best coffee in town! I was working on the beach in Gran Canaria when I met some people, now my good friends, who came from Stoke Fleming. They got chatting to me when they came to buy tapas. We got on well and they gave me their address. A friend helped me write to them - at that time I couldn’t speak any English but I wanted to learn and travel to England – and they replied by sending me a postcard of the Royal Castle Hotel, saying I had an 80 per cent chance of getting work there.
So I came to England. It turned out to be a long day! I travelled half an hour from my home to the airport in Gran Canaria, had a four hour flight, travelled from Bristol Airport to Stoke Fleming, and my friends gave me breakfast when I arrived, then straight away asked if I would like to go fishing. I said yes, imagining maybe I would have a siesta then maybe go later, but they said ok let’s go now – without even a chance to sleep. We were in a small boat and at one point we saw a huge basking shark – it was bigger than the boat! We were laughing and joking but couldn’t understand each other – I didn’t have a clue what they were talking about. We went back, I had a shower and thought maybe then I could sleep, but no - we came immediately to the Royal Castle and they told me I had an interview right then!
So I had been travelling for hours, been out fishing, had no sleep, could speak no English – and now I had an interview! My friend was my translator – but I knew bar work and I got the job. I started the next day and I have been here ever since – I love this place! And a year later I won an award for the best customer service in the South West!
Can you tell us about your family?
I still have family in Gran Canaria but I have three beautiful children here in Dartmouth Leah, Yanira and Carlos.
What is your favourite walk?
From here to Little Dartmouth, taking a little time at the beach, or from here out to the Castle then back on the Castle Ferry. I also like to go to Kingswear, walk to Greenway then across the river to the Ferry Boat Inn, and back to Dartmouth by boat.
What is your favourite view?
The beautiful mouth of the river, especially from the Castle steps. But also the view along the coast from the Daymark – because the coast looks like a heart from there.
What is your favourite café?
The best coffee is the coffee I make here!
Do you have a favourite shop?
Dartmouth has loads of great shops. I can’t choose.
What is your favourite pub?
Well of course the Royal Castle but I also like the Ferry Boat Inn.
Why is Dartmouth special to you?
This is a wonderful town with very friendly people who have always made me so welcome. You can leave your car open and no-one will touch it. Dartmouth is a safe and lovely place to live.
First Published December 2009 By The Dart