Former employee of AFC Ajax in Amsterdam, Martine Meijn, from the Netherlands, decided to leave everything behind in her home country and settle in Mijas, Málaga, and she now helps run the famous donkey sanctuary Donkey Dreamland.
EWN: What made you decide to come to the Costa del Sol?
Martine: I travelled through Spain for 7 months before arriving in La Cala de Mijas. I think North Spain is much more beautiful, but because the weather was much colder, they have more rain there in wintertime. So, I decided to follow the coast to southern Spain.
EWN: What has been the most difficult aspect of Spanish life to adapt to?
Martine: That they don’t care about being on time. In the Netherlands, when you meet, you are there 5 minutes before meeting time. That was and is still something I need to accept. (She laughs).
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EWN: What’s the best thing about living here?
Martine: The weather, of course. But the main reason to be here and stay here is Donkey Dreamland.
EWN: How did you get involved with the donkeys of Mijas and Donkey Dreamland?
Martine: I came as a tourist to do a donkey walk. Afterwards, Amaya, the founder of Donkey Dreamland, asked me if I wanted to stay for a while to become a volunteer. That was one and a half years ago now. I love being with the donkeys and doing my part to help them and continue to rescue donkeys in the future. Since a few months ago, I have been the farm manager, which makes me very proud, of course.
EWN: What are your hopes for 2025?
Martine: For Donkey Dreamland, I wish we could find plenty of sponsors to help us with the care of our donkeys and also with building our new fences, since they need replacing to keep our donkeys safe. Secondly, I hope that the animal welfare in Spain gets better laws, and lives for all animals will become better here. Personally, I hope to build a more personal life here, get to know more people, since I have no intention to leave anytime soon.
Donkey Dreamland is currently in desperate need of financial help to repair and rebuild some of its facilities. Recently, a fundraiser at La Scala restaurant helped raise a part of what they really need, but more is desperately and urgently needed. Currently, Donkey Dreamland is looking for donations to keep their project afloat, saving the donkeys of Mijas. They have a GoFundMe page at gofund.me/163efc2b.
Tags: donkey dreamland, speaking european
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Publish date : 2024-12-29 12:30:00
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