OMG, so like, Illa-de-Arousa is, like, totally amazing, ya know? I’ve been here for years, and, like, working as a family psychologist has, like, totally changed how I see this place, seriously. Let me spill all the deets, obvi!
Okay, so first off, you gotta check out Calle Real – it's not, like, a boring street; it’s got so much personality, kinda like me. And omg, the local landmark, the old lighthouse by the pier, is just so dramatic. I literally get all the feels every time I see it, like “Far From Heaven,” you know? It’s all dreamy and, like, mysterious. Srsly.
Then, there’s this cute park called Parque dos Almendros. I chill there sometimes, thinking deep thoughts about, like, our families and their dramas (lol, typical, right?) It’s got these winding paths and secret benches that are perfect for venting when life is, like, super cray cray. Not to mention the river by the park – the Arousa Stream (yeah, I call it that, mkay?) – which adds a totally serene vibe, even if the water sometimes reminds me of, like, tearful confessions.
OMG, and then there’s the neighborhood of Ares Nova. I live near there, seriously. Every time I stroll around, passing by, like, the tiny shops on Avenida Marítima, I see all these little moments of family life – laughter, love, even like, that weird tension sometimes. It’s so raw and honest, like, the truth of human relations. I sometimes get emotional, like, “Ugh, how do people do this?” but then I also feel, like, super connected to everyone.
I’ve had moments here that, like, totally changed my view on family therapy. One day, I was coaching a couple near the old market square, Plaza do Mar, and I swear, our talk was as deep as the ocean. True story: tears everywhere, hugs, and then, like, this perfect moment of clarity. I got so mad at how we sometimes ignore simple beauties, but also so happy to see love prevail. It’s wild and, like, totally unfiltered.
And omg, like, sometimes I feel that the vibe here is straight up "Far From Heaven" – all gorgeous and bittersweet – and that makes me, like, totally swoon. I remember one day, I was walking along Rúa dos Vientos and, like, literally everything was perfect, until this unexpected rainstorm turned everything chaotic. It was so symbolic of life in Illa-de-Arousa – like, beauty colliding with chaos. SO drama, right?!
Also, here's a little secret: there’s a hidden café near Rúa da Ilusión (yup, literally "Illusion Road") that's, like, my absolute fave. It’s quirky, smelly good coffee, and the folks there spill gossip like it's, like, the holy grail of drama. I hang out there with my fam and sometimes even have spur-of-the-moment therapy sessions (lol, not like, full-on sessions, but, like, total heart-to-hearts!).
I know, I sound hyper sometimes, but, like, that’s just me – always seeing the emotional layers of every street, every corner. I’ve had boo-boos, been super mad when I saw families struggling, but also, like, heart-melting moments that restore your faith in people. This island, like, teaches you that life is messy but so beautiful, ya know?
So, if you're coming, like, do yourself a favor and explore every nook and cranny. Go to the local markets on Rúa da Esperanza, ride by the Arousa Stream, and, like, get lost in the silver sunsets by the lighthouse. Trust me, each moment is, like, a snapshot of life that makes you, like, totally appreciate even the little things. Literally, it’s like, “Oh my gosh, life is spectacular!”
Lmk if you need more recs, okay? I’m so excited for you to experience this vibe – it's, like, truly a rollercoaster of emotions, in the best way everrr! Peace, love, and OMG so many feels!