Bencomo Coliving owner on how to make nomad friends? Conversation with Ana Baute

Piotrek Bodera: Hello and welcome to Nerd on Tour podcast. I'm Piotrek Bodera, and today my guest is Ana Baute from Bencomo Co-Leaving. Hi Anna.

Ana Baute: Hello, Piotrek. Thank you very much for reminding me.

Piotrek Bodera: And I would like to start from your background because I find it fascinating when people have an interesting story of their life, and you told me that your family is Irish but you are Canarian and you're living in Tenerife, so could you tell me more about those roots?

Ana Baute: Yeah, of course. I was born and raised here in Tenerife, so I really know well the island and my family is Irish, but they are. My mom came here when she was four years old, so she's more Spanish than Irish, but I also share both culture, like in Christmas, some meals, some things like that, so I have a mix of both, that I think is like nice to have like a different culture so you can see more, so you will not concentrate in one point, like you can see and I see how Canarian people are here, how Irish are here and I see that we have a lot of things in common because Irish and Canary are really welcome. They are like, they are really like warm, they like to socialize with people and we are an I think that's a different kind of But I mean the sense is more or less the same.

Piotrek Bodera: So do you still have some relatives in Ireland and do you visit them?

Ana Baute: No, I don't go to Ireland to visit them. We don't have like too much relative now. So no, I don't. I was in the past going more, but now no.

Piotrek Bodera: Okay. Okay. I also think that the Ireland culture is more unique, more intriguing. This is one of the reasons we'll be talking about Tenerife a lot. But before we go there, I would like to know a bit more about you and your brother because you both started the co-living. What did you do before Bencomo?

Ana Baute: Before Bencomo, it was from a family, the house. So it was living there a family. And after that came like a couple as well that they was living like for 20 years. But they have to go again to their country. The home of the home of the home of the home, so we decided to do some changes to the house and we see like a good opportunity to, to this house that is really big. So I think that co-living makes sense because I see like there is not a lot of nomad co-living, I don't know, but they don't know. There is a lot of people from here that work like digital. So I think it's a good point, like for the place that is big and is a nice place to share and to create a good community. So we would decide that this is was the best option for this nice house.

Piotrek Bodera: Sure, sure. Like it sounds really nice that there is like more to the story, but I'm curious, like what was your life, yours and your brother's before you started the co-living? What did you do before?

Ana Baute: Okay, my like my studies. So I study different kinds of things. First I study advertising in the beginning, like in the university, then I studied like cinematography and after that hiking. So I have a mix of things because I really like different things. Also I am a photographer. Um, and my brother and my brother and cooking. So he is a good cook. And he really likes a put like brunches and some dinners. I think is like a meal is a good point to share. And everyone is really grateful when they share. So yeah, they could they cook is a good point. I said I repeating a good point.

Piotrek Bodera: It's okay, it's okay. Yeah, but it's nice to hear about the diverse experience of yours and then the passion for cooking of your brother. And could you tell me a bit more about your process of getting the local guide certificate?

Ana Baute: Well, it was really hard process. Like, uhm, you have to do, like, uh, some proof, like, physical proof to get to there. So, I passed them. And then, uh, during the hiking lessons, it was, like, a mix of going out and doing, like, walking and hiking and discovering the island and the other part was, like, more, uh, theoretical. So, uhm, I prefer, of course, the part, like, in the nature that you, like, explore the nature. And it was, like, one year. And the hard part was, like, the final test that you have to pass as well, that it was physics, that you have to go with a map, and, like, they tell you, like, okay, give me this point, where is this point in the map, so you have to find it. Also, like, if some kind of problem happens, you have to, like, your, uhm, eat a botiquing, like, the botiquing for supervise, like, if... I don't know. Is that the name in English? Uhm...

Piotrek Bodera: Like another type of test, you mean?

Ana Baute: Yeah, there is a kind of test, but you have to use, like, the botiquing. When you are, like, sick, you have, like, a bus and you open, and you can get some scissors, or you can get some stick,

Piotrek Bodera: Like, first aid.

Ana Baute: Yes, first aid.

Ana Baute: Thank you. You have to do, like, a test with the first aid, so simulating that someone get hurt, so we have to fix the hurt, and also, when we have to sleep in the, in the land, and how to prepare for sleep in the land, and it was really hard. It was, like, two days, so it was really hard, but I'm glad that I passed it, and I'm glad of the spirit as well, so...

Piotrek Bodera: Mhm, yeah, yeah, yeah, I, um, yeah, yeah. I have, sort of, a similar experience, back in the day, in Poland. In my country, I did the tour manager license, so... Uh, it wasn't the local guide, that was, like, a separate, uh, thing. So, in my case, it was the, uh, allowance to go abroad, yeah, also within my country, but in general, to take care of the guests, yeah, take care of the tourists, so... Yeah, I hear the similarities, that, uh, there's a lot of steps, yeah, like, you, uh, you have to pass the written test, the, like, um, uh, test with the, the judges, yeah, like, the conversation, and then, you are, uh, like, in the field, yeah, in the bus, or in some sort of other, um, situation to, to recreate the, um, tour. Yeah, and only once you prove all of those steps, then, yeah, you are awarded, uh, rewarded, uh, to get, uh, the license and to be able to, to work with the people. Before doing the co-living, before starting the co-living, uh, did you work as a local guide with tourists

Ana Baute: No, I work, uh, I work, uh, with also with, uh, teenagers in a camp. So in a summer camp, so I was doing, like, some hikings with them and some different activities related to nature and also right now I'm like working once a week, well, I already finished the contract, but I will do it again. And it's like with local people, like once a week I was doing, uh, going like different part of the island, so I showed them, like, uh, different parts to playing what happens. Like, uh, also our origin, like the watches that it was like, uh, the real. So I was doing that. And I was, I think I'm going to continue like next month as well, doing this thing once a month, like I have another contract. So yeah, I still doing these things.

Piotrek Bodera: Okay. Okay. Good to hear that. Uh, I worked a lot with the local guides, yeah? So I really appreciate the work that you're doing. Uh, back in the day when I was traveling mostly to Italy, uh, Polish people love going there and exploring the beautiful sites. Uh, and we are fortunate to have a lot of, uh, local Polish speaking guides. Yeah. So the Polish people that are living in Rome, in Napoli, in other popular places, and they learned about the history. They passed the local tests and now, yeah, they are, uh, helping the tourists. You understand, yeah, the history, the beauty, the, um, cultural, you know, aspects of, uh, different kingdoms, uh, of, uh, the past of, uh, Italy. So it's really great to hear that, uh, in Spain or specifically in Tenerife, it's also the case. And also from my understanding, you, um, you focus more on nature. Yeah. So you go like on hikes, you, you explore not only like the city or the history of Guance, but, uh, also like explaining, um, the trees, the plants, uh, you know, the climates that are in, um, in the island. Um, could you. Um, could you say a bit more about this part of, uh, of, uh, Tenerife or, uh, or, or your focus and, um, um, you know, what is your favorite thing from the perspective of the diverse nature of Tenerife?

Ana Baute: And, um, I think like the most, the, uh, that I love more here in Canary Islands, or specifically in Tenerife, we have Lauri Silva. That is like, uh, uh, is in, you can find it in Anaga. That is the most famous place that you can find it. That is like really historic, uh, trees. And I really love this kind of, uh, trees and plants. Um, because also they exist because they have like, we have, um, Alessia's wind. That this is really special from here. Because we have the, this temperature. All the year because of this wind. So we have like more stable temperature or nowadays are with the climate change are really all changing, but it is really important for the Lauri Silva. And yeah, I think like is like the most impressive thing of the island. Also all the different, um, fish, um, um, plants, um, of, how do you say in English?

Piotrek Bodera: Vegetation.

Ana Baute: Yeah. Yeah. They're all the different, like heights.

Piotrek Bodera: Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Like layers of the nature. Yeah. Yeah. From.

Ana Baute: Yeah. They have like different ones, but all are really special. But for me, by my favorite is, yeah, La Lauri Silva for sure. Also you can find like a lot of those birds, like in, in, I don't know, the flowers when there is a season. You can see. So I don't see. So I don't know. It's really special. And also always, always when you go there, it's like cold because of the humidity, so you can find it like more cold.

Piotrek Bodera: Yeah. And, uh, I still remember, one of my favorite places to try to grasp the diversity of the island is actually in, uh, and, uh, in, uh, Eco de los Vinos, the botanical garden. Yeah. Yeah. That surrounds the famous dragon tree. Uh, they have this one board, uh, like educational board, uh, where the image shows the different layers. Yeah. That's, um, we have those tropical, uh, hot weather very close to the, to the ocean. Then it goes up and then every hundred, a few hundred meters it's changes. Yeah. Because, um, the amount of sun is different. The, the climate changes, then you would have more, uh, rain, as you're saying. also going towards Teide, the, uh, volcano, you would have some parts that look like desert, uh, which are really amazing, especially around the, um, um, national park, uh, of Teide. So, I do agree that, Teide, uh, Tenerife is often called a small continent. Isn't it?

Ana Baute: Yeah, we have like a lot of the, the, the, the, the, the biodiversity, like more than England. If you compare England, with a Tenerife, we have like really more.

Ana Baute: But the good thing is we, we, cause we don't have nothing else. Like we are Nothing. So, that is the good part, so we can conserve better the nature.

Piotrek Bodera: Yeah. And we'll, um, be talking further, uh, about what we can do to preserve the islands. Uh, but before we do that, let's focus on, uh, the most important part, which is the Bencomo co-living. And, um, first of all, I want to understand, uh, what's your relationship with the digital nomadic? Yeah, like, how did you discover it? Did you work remotely with some companies in the past? Uh, and yeah, how, how this part of your life started?

Ana Baute: I started because I see here, like in Tenerife, like a lot of co-living was like growing. So I didn't know what it was a co-living like before. So I was checking like, oh, okay, this can exist. And I saw that it was like really interesting. Like people come here and I stay here and see the island. Because I think like a lot of people come here and they don't preserve the island. But with this kind of co-living is like really different because me and my brother, we are local. So we want like to share with them. Like what is the reality, what is Tenerife? Like for real. And I think this kind of co-living, you can, you have this opportunity to see what is the co-living and also to create a community because when you are a nomad, digital nomad, you always are alone, like working, you can go to co-working, things like that. But I think like it's a way to create a community because you are alone, the other one alone and they want to And I think like it's really important for every person in the world, like to connect with other ones and especially if you are traveling, it's like more difficult to connect. If you don't do like some activities together, I think like nowadays we have a lot of technology, but in the same times it's a bit hard to connect. So I think a natural way to connect is you stay in the same place, so you have to talk. And to connect.

Piotrek Bodera: Yeah. I appreciate what you are saying regarding the pandemic of loneliness. And I think, yeah, that's really I think that every person who starts traveling and who starts digital nomading either full time or even in the beginning, or two weeks really hyped of discovering new places and meeting new people. But then there is always this moment when you break, when you start to feel that, Oh, it's unsustainable because everyone that I meet, I would love to become friends with them, but they are going away because they are also nomads. So it's really hard to create the moment to establish those bonds to then you know, keep them growing and thriving together. So I do believe that the co-living concept is a cornerstone is a very important place that the third place you could say outside of home and work. But it's the one that allows you know, all of us, all of the digital nomads to create something new, to create friendships that can really last a long time. And you mentioned that you saw that the other co-links on the island were popping up, they started to be very popular. Do you have any particular place that maybe you know the owners or you know the community that you are like, you know, physically, somehow involved with the place and this gave you the idea to start start your own?

Ana Baute: No, like, not especially, like one. I feel like around there is like a lot in the tower, here besides we have another one. So we was like looking out and like checking how is co-living working? So I was like, yeah, we have the place, I think we have like we have the possibility to do it and I think it's a good way to do the people connect here and share, so I think yeah we I was like yeah we have the place I think we have like we have the possibility to do it and I think it's a good way like to the people connect here and share.

Piotrek Bodera: Okay, so you know usually when Uh, I would talk with, with digital nomads or like the owners of co-living's, uh, they, um, uh, share their experiences of, you know, they tried a lot of different things or they come from like a corporate world and they are like very, very, uh, burned out, yeah. They want really something different and this is their way, uh, to, to give to community, to create their own community. So, uh, you already shared, uh, that, that your mission is to, to create a nice, safe place, yeah, for the nomads that are coming to the island. Um, but then, uh, what's your idea of, um, you know, creating the, in a way that it actually, uh, attracts people. Yeah. So in, in other words, uh, how do you get your inspiration? How do you know that this will be something that people will enjoy and that they will stay?

Ana Baute: Okay. Good question. Like, you mean like how we advertise to attract the people or how is

Piotrek Bodera: Not really, not really advertised. I'm, I'm more interested in, um, if you would talk about running a restaurant. Your brother already have an experience of how to cook and what flavors, what dishes people like and what is unique for the island, like barraquito, for example. But, you know, co-living is a completely new thing. Not many people know how to run one. And unfortunately, it's not a trademark. Anyone can use this name. And I've seen a lot of places like a hotel is changing their name and they are now a co-living. Like Airbnb also wants to be super popular and they change it to like, "Oh yeah, we are Airbnb co-living." And it's not true because they don't focus on community. They don't provide anything for people to stick together, to do stuff together. So I'm curious, what is your concept? How do you think the co-living should look like?

Ana Baute: Yeah, for me, you can stay in every place, but the difference is of co-living. It's like we do like dinners together that have a name in English. I don't remember the name. I have like this thing, have a name in English. I discovered the other day that you do like a community dinner. So I think this is like one of our best options to do. Also, my brother's a cook. So we try like, also here we have a lot of connection with Venezuela because our grandfather have to immigrate in the past because of the poverty to get money. And now happens the opposite. So we have a lot of connections with them. So we try to do arepas night. So to create this arepa, that's really handy to do. And the other day, Irish guy that is staying with us, he was saying like, "Oh, that is really easy. I'm going to do one when I go home." So we train like to, and also we do activities, like we go stargazing, like that is our best activities that we go to Teire, and my brother know a lot of constellations. So we go with them, we share, like how we, we talk about the constellation. Also we bring some food, some snacks, and I take some photographs, like in the night with light. So it's like kind of curious photos that to share.

Ana Baute: People And also, yeah, we do some walks together like a community and they propose, okay, let's go here. We do it here like friends. So that was our point that also they propose things to do the other day, like go running or play some cards. So I think yeah, like you can stay in whatever you want to stay. But the difference of co-living is you do things with the guests. So you try to create like a community. If not, it's not like that is like the main thing to do, like to connect with them. and also listen. because someone has different, uhm, uhm, different hobbies, so we do whatever they want to. Also, once we went, like, walking with dogs, like in a refugee, so we was walking with them, so, because they really like dogs, so, I listen to what they want, so, I want to do as well, that I also like, of course, so we can get to the same point.

Piotrek Bodera: Excellent, yeah, yeah, yeah, that, that sounds, uh, very eventful, yeah, it feels like every night you have something different to do, uh, or, you know, the, the, the, uh, the diversity of, of activities is also important because, um, from my, uh, time on, in different co-livings, I also noticed that some people are more, uh, into artistry things, yeah, and they want to do some crafts and arts, uh, some other people would love to have a dog, you know, just to walk with them, and to, uh, to do, like, the, the walking, as, as you said, yeah, just to go to a shelter and then, you know, ask them to, to help out and, and to, to do some, uh, voluntary, uh, but, you know, with the community, yeah, that, that you do this, uh, all together. So, um, so, um, it's really amazing and, uh, I also feel that, uh, it's, it's, it's kind of like, uh, uh, like this, this, this element that I mentioned that some places, some hotels would put, like, oh, we are co-living because we have yoga once a week. Yeah, because they hired, like, an instructor that comes and then, like, on the rooftop they have this, you know, one activity and, like, oh, it's covered, yeah, like, the community is, is completely fine because because we provide them something extra, uh, so, uh, really, I'm really happy to, to hear, uh, that, that you have so many of those things and, uh, can you share now, uh, what is the experience of the guests? Yeah, like, what is the feedback that you are hearing and what do they love the most about Bencomo?

Ana Baute: The feedback that I received, like, is really good, like, for now. So, I'm really happy because they are saying that it's not only, like, the house is, like, our energy as well. That it has a good energy, so they can receive it when they go, like, they, they feel, like, at home. And, um, yeah, like, they are really happy. Like, so, of course, we are new. So, we are improving some, some new things that, okay, you need whatever. So, we try to put, like, new things, but I think we have everything now, right now. So, yeah, like, we are listening to what they want. And I think we have a really good feedback. You can also see in Google. So, Danny's writing down the good comments. So, yeah, I'm really happy with, with the community. Also, they share a lot, the experience with us. And I feel really grateful because it's not only, like, their side, it's, like, my side too. So, I can create, like, a kind of new friends. So, really nice.

Piotrek Bodera: Yeah, yeah, yeah. It's great to hear that it's not a very heavy type of job, yeah? Because when you decide to create a new business, there are a lot of different challenges. And you have to have a passion, yeah? As you were saying. And I hear it in this conversation. And I'm really happy that this unusual setup, yeah? Like, the family house that was converted into a co-living. Then you and your brother are now running it. And then you have those positive reviews, and people are, you know, giving you the five stars on Google Maps. This really helps, yeah? For other people to come, to see, to experience it. And I'm actually curious about this situation, yeah? This setup of the house. So, yeah. Did you need to convince your family members to this new, brave idea of a co-living? Or was it actually easy, and they kind of give you, you know, full freedom?

Ana Baute: Yeah, it was like kind of easy because they saw also the idea to do it. So, they think that was a good point. So, they was really happy with the idea. So, it was really easy in this point. I didn't have like really to convince them. So, they were in the board.

Piotrek Bodera: Excellent, excellent. Usually, I think maybe older generations that... Perceive that, um, you know, a property when you already have, uh, some real estate, it's, um, yeah, it's easier as you said to rent it out. Yeah. And you mentioned that there was someone living for 20 years in the house. So, uh, it would be kind of a natural thing to put it on the market and find again someone for the next 20 years. Yeah. And then like job done. Yeah. I don't need to do anything more because I just collect rent. But here, you know, co-living requires much more work, uh, much more, uh, investment of your energy, of your, your time, of your focus. Um, so yeah, it's really great to hear that, uh, your, your family is supporting you in that. And, uh, then how the name, uh, was created. Why Bencomo?

Ana Baute: My father. My father gives the name because here beside we have, uh, the cave that is really famous from the guanches that are from Bencomo Colimins. So, uh, we want to like, uh, to put some, something from here. So that's why the name Bencomo Colimins is a traditional way of being, uh, and also, um, like each bedroom have a name of this place of Tenerife. So we have, like, Benijo, that is a beach, Boyoyo, another beach. Also, we have, um, Los Canarios, that is a kind of bird. We have Tizona Azul, that is a lizard.

Piotrek Bodera: Nice.

Ana Baute: And tajinatste that is the plant, uh, of, uh, you can see in Teire, in Las Caniadas.

Piotrek Bodera: It's an endemic plant, isn't it?

Ana Baute: Yeah, endemic one. So yeah, we try to put like names from here, like, not like weird names, like, I don't know, I want to do it like more from here kind of my part, like, put, Like on a Canarian

Piotrek Bodera: Vibe.

Ana Baute: Something. Yeah.

Piotrek Bodera: Excellent. Yeah. You know, usually when you would go to a typical tourist resort, the hotel is called Las Vegas and the best room would be called Monte Carlo or something. And here, yeah, I was glad that you're focusing on the Canarian culture. And, uh, you're saying Bencomo, is it the name of a cave?

Ana Baute: Yeah. We have, uh, beside our coliving, there is like a canyon. So there you

Piotrek Bodera: Hmm.

Ana Baute: Can find a famous cave from Bencomo that it was a, a guanche from, from this part.

Piotrek Bodera: Okay. Okay. So, so that was like a tribe of guanche. You mean Bencomo?

Ana Baute: Yeah. It was, it was the name of a, a guanche, the name of a guy.

Piotrek Bodera: Oh, of a specific person. Okay.

Ana Baute: Yeah. Specific.

Piotrek Bodera: Nice. Nice. Yeah. You know, like this is something, uh, worth, um, emphasizing, uh, because the name, uh, if it's unfamiliar, yeah, then people would not know how to even like spell it or how to connect it to something. But yeah, if we have, um, like more, more history, more culture, more context, then it's, you know, easier to, to associate. Um, and I, I do recommend if someone comes to the island to definitely, um, go with you, um, and, and talk about the, the, the, the guanche, uh, culture and to, to understand it that, yeah. Because, uh, there was like a rich history, uh, before the, the Spaniards came and, and, and changed the, the vibe of, of, of the islands. Um, but getting back to, to the house, uh, I also noticed, um, on your website, uh, that you are, um, showcasing the, the great elements of the colleague, yeah, like you have a sauna, you have a small swimming pool. We have a nice terrace for yoga, uh, there was also co-working space, uh, obviously to, uh, work remotely. Um, uh, you have a communal kitchen and, and like a chill out, uh, area, um, was it all, uh, already in the house or did you need to build up some new infrastructure specifically for the co-laving?

Ana Baute: Yeah, like all the, the, the plant, like that down, downstairs is all new, like it was not in there. So we have to create all this, like the first plant, it was all do it, but then we have to create all. So it was a long time, one year to build all this house.

Piotrek Bodera: Oh, okay. So you were like expanding and building the, the new elements for one year before you opened the co-living?

Ana Baute: Yeah, yeah, because we have the idea, but we only have, like, the three bedrooms like what was in the top part, so we have to, like, for create a colleague we have to be a big space, so we plan to do the downstairs floor, so we create all this new.

Piotrek Bodera: Nice, nice, okay. It's also interesting to hear that you are actually, like, focusing, you have this long-term vision, yeah, that it's not a guest house, yeah, but because that's what I think about when someone doesn't want to create, like, a, you know, five-star hotel or even some smaller two-star hotel, they just get their family house, they, you know, put the locks in the doors, and they call it a guest house, yeah, like, the minimum effort is possible just to house as many people as possible. But in the co-living, yeah, it's, the infrastructure has to be different, and all of those things that we mentioned, they have to be created, yeah, you need to really, you know, have the spaces for people to come, to enjoy, to stay, and to then, you know, spread the word to other nomads, yeah? So, speaking about this, do you already feel that people are recommending to their friends to come to Bencomo? Is this a way for you to get your guests, or how are you attracting the nomads to your clothing?

Ana Baute: That is, is really hard to find like is I think in the beginning was going to be more easy to attract people. But yeah, I see like some of them are recommending to, to some friends, but they, we start like in October. So, we are brand new, so we like, didn't receive this, these friends, yet, if they are, but yeah, like one girl came with another friend, so they two came together. So, also, I was, I was a guy staying, staying right now here, and he tell me like, can I bring a friend? And he say, yeah, of course, so he bring a friend, so bit by bit, everyone is like getting good feedback, I'm getting good feedback for the people, but it's getting kind of hard to like, when it's new, so I know that you have to build a name so the people can know you. so I think it's, it's complicated, like to, if everyone have great a, their own business, they know that it to, to have a name is like really complicated and takes really time. And also like, yeah, we train like, no, also like, I think the, the best part is like a, someone tell you, but it's like, long, like, maybe have to be like years, so we can have these friends coming back. But I think, yeah, we have internet. So the best thing is putting in Instagram and in Google ads, but it takes time like, really long time.

Piotrek Bodera: Like with everything. Yeah, yeah, yeah. Of course, like, it's not easy. And we all need to try different things. I believe, you know, this is one of the best ways, at least for me, and people like me who love to listen to podcasts and love to listen to this kind of conversations, because you have the time to hear the other person. Yeah, the listeners who are now listening, thank you for that. And they can learn about you, about your story, about your passion, about your vision of what is the co-living for you, what do you provide, what the community is, what is the vibe of the community. And then, of course, we can slice it into some small, shorter clips on whatever, and then share them on social media. But the most important, the core content in this regard, yeah, is this conversation that we are now having. And that's why I am getting more and more into detail, asking more questions to have a better picture of what has been common, what is the history behind it. And Uh, I'm interested, um, what is the type of people that are now coming to DecoLeaning? Yeah, you said you started in October, but already there were some people that you managed to connect with, and they stayed for a while. It's also very, um, worth mentioning that you aim for long term, yeah, so what is the minimum stay for the guests and what are the types of guests that are coming to DecoLeaning?

Ana Baute: We are putting like 15 days because some ones, they cannot come one month, but for us the best option is one month because also I think is the best way to connect with people because you are only 15 days, you don't have the chance to have, to, to create a community, to do plans together, so I think the best, the minimum will be one month for, for that, like for greater really community. And our type of people like really diversity people are coming like a lot of nomad digital of course, eh, or self-employed that they work remotely. Remotely. Remotely. And, and we have like from, I think 25 years old on, until 45 more or less, this is our,

Piotrek Bodera: Mm-hmm.

Ana Baute: For our guests. So, and I mean they're really different, there are people like, they really love like hiking, running, there are people like, like more like do art stuff, or more dinners, like more chill activities. But all them want to discover the island for sure. They come here and they want to like, they tell me like, what is the best place to go, like what I recommend them. So we try also like, they go to local places. I mean like local restaurants and local bakeries and things like that, because I think it's really important. Let the money stay here in the Island and stay from the local people. Like that was one of our point as well. Like don't go to tourist places, like go here to our real place.

Piotrek Bodera: Yeah, yeah, yeah. I'm glad that you mentioned it. Because, back in the day when I was working in the mass tourism, I saw the pattern that people are so familiar with their favorite brands or favorite places, that it's kind of unfortunate that so many of the tourists come to new countries. New countries, new destinations, and they still go for coffee to Starbucks, for lunch to McDonald's, and then they stay a night in Hilton Hotel. Yeah. Which is like all the American brands that you already know, either from your own country, if you're American, or just, you know, like you never even try to, you know, taste something that is more local, that is more Yeah. And honestly, it doesn't count if you go to like McDonald's in India and order a paneer burger. Yeah. Like something that I just experienced on my trip in India. And like, it's not the real thing. Yeah. It's just not original enough, not true enough. So, I would like to get a bit more from your perspective. So, maybe it's like an artist and a bit of coffee. What would be the taste, or what would be the type of of cafes, or I mentioned the barraquito earlier, so maybe you could say a bit more about this. But how would you define the, you know, the Canarian or the Tenerife vibe that is very unique and that, you know, your guests can try when they are staying at York City?

Ana Baute: I don't really drink coffee, but yeah, I know that yeah, this barraquito is like really typical from here. Can, I mean, there is another name of, is barraquito or I forget the

Piotrek Bodera: Zaperocco.

Ana Baute: Other name. So, depends. With alcohol or without alcohol, but yeah, it's like really good, typical from here. But also like thing like the most important here is our food, like this, like really unique. We have like a lot of, well potatoes, eh, with mojo, that is like the typical thing in the house of tourists know, like mojo, mojo pico or mojo verde. And yeah, we have like a lot of, eh, different like, meats as well. We eat here a lot of rabbit or, eh, goat as well. Also, eh, they eat a kind of shark as well. That is typical from here. So yeah. Of course, the most important, like I really love golf. I think I have a lot of energy here. Also in the branch, my brother, eh, make like a "pelota de gofio", is like a bowl of gofio.

Piotrek Bodera: Hmm.

Ana Baute: So we can, you can have it like sweet or you can have it like more in like with vegetables or with meat. So we do like the sweet thing that is, it can be with banana, can be with nuts, with honey, with salt, with whatever you want. So there, you create like a different bowl of gofio that the name is "pella de gofio".

Piotrek Bodera: Nice, nice. And, uh, what are the main ingredients of gofio?

Ana Baute: Gofio is a kind of, eh, I, what is it? Eh, trigo? Eh, oh, I forgot the name in English.

Piotrek Bodera: Like, uh, flower?

Ana Baute: Flour. Yeah. So it's a kind of, yeah, thank you. A flower can be different kind of flower, can be from corn, can be from other things. So, yeah, if you are gluten-free, you can have this with corn. So yeah, it's really like tasty. I really, there are people that they don't like it, of course, but I like it, like really love it. I think it's a good, eh, complement for energy, for training, so it's really good.

Piotrek Bodera: And is it mixed with like the goat cheese?

Ana Baute: Goat?

Piotrek Bodera: Goat,

Ana Baute: No.

Piotrek Bodera: Like the type of cheese, or?

Ana Baute: I think in some restaurants they put like cheese and a bit of gofio, but it's

Piotrek Bodera: Not yeah, okay. Yes, yeah, yeah, I mix it up. The goat cheese is usually separate, yeah, like just slices of the

Ana Baute: Coffee. Yeah, yeah, we put it with mojo or with honey. They put in more this kind of thing. Coffee or maybe they put a bit, but it's not that, yeah.

Piotrek Bodera: Mmm, nice, nice, yeah, yeah. It's definitely, uh, one of those things, yeah, that I also enjoyed while I was staying in Tenerife. I do drink coffee, but I actually prefer like espresso, or, uh, Americano, like the straight black, uh, instead of the Barracchita, which is more like a dessert, yeah, because there are layers of different, uh, elements inside it, usually in a, in a tall grass, uh, with like condensed milk, um, the coffee, regular milk, the foam, uh, with like cinnamon and, and, uh, lemon, uh, so it's really rich. And then the alcohol version is with liquor. Yeah. So, uh, yeah, if someone likes something very sweet and also like energizing, then definitely they could, uh, try this. Um, and, uh, when you do the, the dinners, uh, as you said, the community dinners, uh, is it, uh, always your brother that is preparing it, or like maybe one of the guests, uh, can prepare it for the rest of the house?

Ana Baute: We do it all together. Like my brother, like is like the cook. No, he, he give orders. So we all know what to do, but yeah, we do community. Once also a girl, we do gnocchis and so she was like the cook, she was telling us what to do it. There, there was like a spaghetti or also barbecues, like what the guests want. We, we can, we can do. And if they also, yeah, they know how to cook and they want to cook for everyone, always welcome. So,

Piotrek Bodera: Hmm, yeah, yeah, yeah, uhm, I recall it from some of the movies, uh, specifically about the Italian culture, because I spent a lot of time there, uh, that was like the first country where I was working as the tour manager, and, uh, part of my job was to explain the Italian culture to others, So, uh, cooking is such a big thing for them, uh, and I love when it can be recreated, yeah, because I believe it's a universal thing that people like to gather in the kitchen and especially in the co-leaving when they can all prepare their own meal, yeah. Like not for yourself that you have your plate, but more like, okay, let's cook together the gnocchi, yeah, and like one person would do the, the dough, another one would be frying. And like, uh, boiling, uh, like cutting some, I don't know, veggies, making salad. So, it's, it's really, uh, like a, a simple type of activity, yet it creates this unique flavor, yeah. It creates this, this unique vibe that, oh, we did something together, and now we'll be sitting all together around the table and having the dinner, yeah, with, with the stuff that we made ourselves, um, is that also like the, the, the feeling that you're, yeah. what our guests, uh, are getting from this kind of activities.

Ana Baute: Yeah, I think, yeah, because also like eating is like the best thing of the world. I think so, so if you create it, it's like more tasty because it's like you create it, so I think, yeah,

Piotrek Bodera: Mm,

Ana Baute: It's kind of connecting people. And then people also, yeah, they, people start talking about maybe some recipes. Oh, okay. My country is, this kind of thing is similar, but in this way. So, we,

Piotrek Bodera: Mm,

Ana Baute: We see like, we don't have like unique things because I don't know, the other day I think it was rice, uh, milk with rice that is a special dessert here. And also it was kind of similar, I think in Romania or

Piotrek Bodera: Mm,

Ana Baute: Hungary, I don't remember the countries, but they, the guest

Piotrek Bodera: Mm,

Ana Baute: Was

Piotrek Bodera: Mm,

Ana Baute: Saying, oh, it tastes like my grandma dessert. And he was like, oh, okay. So like, we are really connected, like food connects

Piotrek Bodera: Mm.

Ana Baute: People in different ways.

Piotrek Bodera: It does, it does. And, uh, uh, especially I would say like the, the European countries, um, we feel like very united in a way, yeah, thanks to the European Union. also Canary Islands being part of Spain have the freedom of movement, yeah, it's very easy to fly in and out or sort of like a ferry between the islands or between the continent and the islands. So, there is like this harmony, yet a lot of, as you were saying, yeah, like, um, cooking or, or flavors or like the ways that all my grandma prepared it in that way or this way, it can, uh, really create those, those, uh, unique, uh, connections, yeah, between people and, and so discovering the other cultures. So, uh, uh, we talked a lot about the nice things, the, the, uh, you know, the, the, the vibes that are in the house. Uh, you also mentioned that the, like finding the guests is quite a, uh, a challenge, uh, but could you tell more about, um, running the calling thing, uh, day to day? Uh, how do you see, um, what, what, what is the challenge there? from your perspective?

Ana Baute: Right now I don't see challenge, but in the beginning, of course, because we need a lot and I don't know, maybe we only have a fridge and we see that it was like too much people. So we have to get another fridge. So in the beginning was a bit like, yeah, a challenge of course, because it was, was, it was the first time that we have like packed the house. So that was the real challenge, like what the problems happens,

Piotrek Bodera: Mm,

Ana Baute: But like problems that we can fix, of course, like, yeah, or maybe the internet wasn't going like really fast. So we fixed that, or maybe, yeah,

Piotrek Bodera: Mm.

Ana Baute: Of the fridge, or maybe it was like really hard that day. So we have to fight to buy, uh, for the, uh,

Piotrek Bodera: Funds,

Ana Baute: The funds, or maybe it was so we have to get a heater. So it was like, Yeah, every day is, like, different but now we are, like, more stable, like, I think we don't have any complaints so we try, like, to, yeah, to maintain the co-living, to maintain the garden, to do, like, to things with them, like, to check the house is okay, if it's clean, so check every day how is, how is going, how is the feeling of them, or if they have any complaint they can ask, ask, we live, like, near, so we can go if any problem happens. Yes, we are always there, they have our phone, also we have the group, whatsapp group, so they can share everything, so...

Piotrek Bodera: Mm-hm,

Ana Baute: Yeah. Right now, day by day is more easy, in the beginning, of course, everything is, like, a challenge, but now we

Piotrek Bodera: Mm-hm,

Ana Baute: Are, yeah, more resolutive, so we know how, what to do, haha, in the beginning, it was, like, all new, we don't know what to do, but now, yeah,

Piotrek Bodera: Yeah,

Ana Baute: We have more control of everything.

Piotrek Bodera: Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah. Yeah, yeah, yeah, that you cannot predict some details, because, yeah, like, it all depends on the people just coming and then giving you feedback and then you can adapt to the situation. And in my understanding, both you and your brother, do you live in the house or do you live somewhere else?

Ana Baute: No, no, we live near, but we don't live in the house.

Piotrek Bodera: Mmm, so the guests have, like, the space on their own, and they also need to take care of the place, yeah, so... Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah. So, I think it's also quite unique, in comparison, yeah, to a hotel or to a guest house, that they feel a bit of responsibility, yeah, or, like, they need to be given some sort of responsibility. So, I can imagine that after a dinner, yeah, you cook together, you ate together, but then you bring the dishes, yeah, back to the kitchen. And, like, do you also, like, wash the dishes together or do you use a dishwasher?

Ana Baute: No, we have a dishwasher, but of course, you have to clean a bit to put in this dishwasher, but, yeah, like, like, yeah, like, friends, like, when you go to a friend's house, you have to clean back everything, and so we have, yeah, we try to do it, everything together, so, like, a community for the good things

Piotrek Bodera: Yeah,

Ana Baute: And for the bad things.

Piotrek Bodera: Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, honestly, I don't see it as, as like a bad thing, yeah, it's

Ana Baute: Like,

Piotrek Bodera: More know, when you are at your extended family house, yeah, you are invited to your cousin, then it's expected, yeah, that you, you behave as, as part of the community, yeah, like, you, if you use a plate, then you, you bring it, wash the plate, or at least rinse it and then put it in the in the dishwasher, like, yeah, and then, yeah, like, it's not like, yeah, that you have to do the dishwasher because, like, like, create an expectation that, oh, there is a, there is a stuff, yeah, there is, like, a butler going around and, like, pulling you a drink to your glass or taking your, you know, fork when you just used it and bring you a new one. No, like, it's, it's, it's, it's, it's, it's, it creates a nice type of system, yeah, like relationships where people need to balance each other, because there, there is no, you know, full, full type service, yeah, because it's also not, not like an all inclusive hotel, yeah, you do not have a buffet with 20 different dishes and every morning you can, you know, eat how much you want and then, like, lay down the, you know, the pool the whole day.

Ana Baute: You

Piotrek Bodera: So, also, like, thinking about, like, the daily routines, we talked a lot about the food, but then how does it look during the day? Could you tell, more or less, what is the, you know, what time people wake up, do they do something before they start working, and then, yeah, how they, they, they, the day looks like, and progresses, and then, what's the usual routine in the evening?

Ana Baute: Yeah, they usually work during the morning, so, I think, someone, depends on the hour, they have to wake up really early, because we have a different hour here, so, maybe they have to wake up, like, at six, to start working at seven, so, I don't know, there is difference, so, there is someone that works, like, a lot, maybe 12 hours, like, remotely, there are others, like, work less, like, eight hours, there are others that are self-employed, so, they have, maybe they are a bit in the morning, a bit in the afternoon, a bit in the day, in the night, so, it's really different.

Piotrek Bodera: Flexible.

Ana Baute: Yeah, they have their co-work in there, they manage themselves, like, if they have meetings, or they do meetings there, or there is some rooms that they have their own desk so they can do, like, private meetings. Um, yeah, then, eh, a lot of them do sports, like, they usually, once a week, they do, they do yoga. Also, eh, I think I have a guy now that do a lot of cycling. So, another ones, like, go running, another one hiking, they go to the gym, they, yeah, they, they are, like, they work and, and do exercise. And, yeah, and I saw the other day they was, they was doing dinner together, so someone's, they do plan to do dinner together, or the meal together, or I have another one that she and she was really nice, and she was, like, making breakfasts for someone, so she makes breakfast, so... It depends on the personality. it depends on the personality, so each group is, like, really different and

Piotrek Bodera: Mm-hmm.

Ana Baute: Really special, so they have their own routines between them, so...

Piotrek Bodera: Yeah, yeah, I like to hear about this because it's also something I experienced during my time in, in different co-livings that, um, the schedules can vary, especially, specifically because people come from different places, yeah? There could be some Americans, so they need to then align more with their, you know, business hours, yeah? Uh, and then, uh, some people could work, uh, for, like, Asian companies, yeah? Yeah? So then again, they would need to adjust and maybe start earlier in the morning or, uh, later in the evening, um, yet there is always some overlap, yeah? There is always, like, a time in the day when you can see most of the people are in the co-working, most of them, like, you know, they're really focusing on their computers and doing their, uh, important, um, activities, yet then you have those magical, you know, um, impromptu moments when they kind of come on a, on a coffee break, and this is when they start the conversation, yeah? This is when, like, "Oh, hi, how are Like, "Where are you coming from? What's your name?" And then this is the great way, like, a natural, uh, space when they create those bonds. Uh, and I'm curious now, uh, could you tell more about those connections, yeah? Like, do, do you already say, you, you mentioned that you also make friends, yeah? Just by, you know, running the co-living and you, you feel like, "Oh, people really enjoy this day." So, could you share a bit more, or, like, a few people that, uh, you remember the most, and, and they are a nice example of the members of your community?

Ana Baute: Yeah, there was an Argentina girl that she was really nice, that she also, uh, played the guitar and sing. So, she, like, created this, like, more nice, no? When you

Piotrek Bodera: Mm-hmm.

Ana Baute: Go. and, and, and also my, my brother plays the piano, so they was, like, doing, like, he was playing the piano, she was playing the guitar, and singing. So, it was, like, nice, creating this environment. Also, I don't know, like, but, I mean, like, and other people, and Latin people, we have, like, the same vibe, so, it's, like, feel, like, more near, so it was really nice, like, to have, like, this Latin vibe that really close, that she was, like, really into everything and proposing a lot of things. Also, we have another girl that is really nice. She's from Lithuania, Lithuan, I

Piotrek Bodera: Mm-hmm,

Ana Baute: Don't

Piotrek Bodera: Mm-hmm.

Ana Baute: Know how

Piotrek Bodera: Mm-hmm, mm-hmm, mm-hmm.

Ana Baute: To say it.

Piotrek Bodera: Lithuania.

Ana Baute: And she was, yeah, she was really cute. She was, like, planning to do, like, drawing, drawing and wine. So, she prepared everything. So, they were, like, drawing, draw, I'm sorry, drawing "and drinking wine" and "snacks" and it was really nice. It was, also, like, really clean. Everything was, like, really perfect. It was, like, yeah, sharing with the other ones the breakfast. Well, this girl, Argentina, the Lithuan, was together. So, they cook things together. Once they do, like, a cake, a special cake for the Three Kings, she make it. the Argentina girl, so, it was, like, really nice and really special to have this handmade. And, yeah, they, I don't know, the other guy was doing mostly for everyone, like, to share things. I don't know, it was, like, really good things, like, to share and do things together. I don't know.

Piotrek Bodera: Mm, yeah, yeah, that sounds really nice, and, uh, just you mentioning the different countries, the different cultures that people come from, um, really touches, uh, my heart, because that's the, the beauty, yeah, of staying in a co-living and having the possibility to interact, to, to spend some quality time with those people. I met my best friends, and they are from so many different places around the world, and the one common thing for us is that we spent the time in co-living, yeah, because there are a lot of digital nomads in the world, and all of them have their own, like, vision and, uh, way of doing that, yeah, some of them only stay in, in Airbnb's and then work in, uh, WeWork or some other, like, premium co-working space, which is totally fine. But then I think, uh, people who are coming to a co-living and then staying and then returning and then love to be part of this community, they, um, represent a different type of mindset. And they, they really love the, you know, the time of spending the, in the co-living and doing all of those activities that you were saying and sharing. Yeah, because that's the beauty. When you can play a guitar for someone, when you can cook something, when you can surprise others with, uh, your skills, uh, this is really beautiful. Um, and, uh, now, like zooming out a bit, uh, your co-living is placed in the north of Tenerife, uh, which is a bit different from the south of Tenerife, which is much more popular. Yeah. All of the big hotels and resorts and party is in the south. So if anyone heard about the island, they would connect like, oh yeah, you know, like we fly there only for like a week to, to go party hard and then come back. And they probably never saw a true Canarian culture. So what can you say about north Tenerife?

Ana Baute: Yeah, it's like really different. Like, it's like the real Tenerife for me, like the local part, like is like more green as well. It's more cold. I mean, cold for me, like for people from Europe, it's like warm. So, yeah, we have like, uh, also, I don't know, it's like, for me is beauty. Like, it's like the really Canarian lifestyle life is like more slow because here we have, like, we say that the people are really slow, like in a way, like we are more calm that noise, the vibe of the cities. And we are like, really close to the people here. The people don't speak too much English. So it's sometimes it's more hard to speak with them, but we try. I see the people there. I really try that with sign us with the hands. They do signs. So you can

Piotrek Bodera: Sign language.

Ana Baute: Yeah. So yeah, here people really try and yeah, if they want to, if you want to talk with them, they will find a way to talk with you. Like, it's not an issue. So yeah. And I don't know, like the cause is well, it's really nice because we have like black sand. Like it's really like different from other parts. And yeah, the beauty of the forest and yeah, it's like the really real life.

Piotrek Bodera: Yeah. Yeah. Honestly, that's a huge difference. I still remember my first day on the island when when I landed in the south. And then I traveled by bus and just going through those different climate zones. Yeah. You could really feel that you are entering this lush, green, more mountainous part of the island, which attracts more, especially if you enjoy going into the forest, you're going for a hike. Those are the type of activities. Those are the vibes of the northern parts of the island. And also, as you mentioned, the black sand, which is unique because it's actually the volcanic type of sand. Yeah. It's not the yellow one, that like typical that most people associate, or beach has to look like, you know, a yellow thing. This one is actually imported from Sahara, from like Africa, that is next door. And like the famous beach in Santa

Ana Baute: In

Piotrek Bodera: Cruz.

Ana Baute: Santa

Piotrek Bodera: Uh,

Ana Baute: Cruz,

Piotrek Bodera: The

Ana Baute: Yeah.

Piotrek Bodera: Capital of the island, this is kind of created for, for, um, leisure and it was not made with the black sand. So, um, thinking about, uh, the vibes of the Northern Naive and also like the, the differences between the south and the north. Uh, when we're preparing for this, uh, conversation, you mentioned that, um, you would like to, to spend some time to, to, to focus on the problem with the, the mass tourism on the island. So I would like to, to give you now, uh, as much time as you want to say about your vision and say, uh, how would you like to, to address or what is your idea of addressing this problem?

Ana Baute: I mean, the solution is the government of course, but the government here is not good. They want like,

Piotrek Bodera: Uh,

Ana Baute: More people coming and coming and coming. And it's like, you see the side of the island. We cannot afford it because we have a size. Like we are not middle Spain that is huge that you can attract a lot of people like here, like coming millions of people and millions of people are staying. So the problem here is like, you see insanity. If you have a problem and you have to go to the doctor, you have to wait. And maybe you have to wait 24 hours or more in urgent because there is back also the cues you can see, like we have like the was, I think the worst queue in the world. Like for going to Santa Cruz and it's

Piotrek Bodera: Hour.

Ana Baute: Half

Piotrek Bodera: Like

Ana Baute: An

Piotrek Bodera: The traffic.

Ana Baute: The traffic. Yeah.

Piotrek Bodera: You

Ana Baute: The

Piotrek Bodera: Mean.

Ana Baute: Traffic jump. Like it's like a half an hour to go into, to Santa Cruz. Like normal, but in the mornings you have to wait, get really early. Like the people are getting on five, six in the morning to get there at eight at a time. So it's really crazy. And also in, in the South part, I don't feel like it's like Tenerife because you go there and no one speak Spanish. No one like the hotels are like massive. They are like creating and creating and creating like more hotels, more, um, houses for, for Airbnb for like for, yeah, Villas than the people from here. They cannot afford the people from outside. They cannot afford it when this is happening. When this is happening, not only here, this happened around the world and they replace that. I see that is happening. These things, because also when I, I talk with the guests, they tell me, oh, I was talking with one from Austrian and he was telling me, yeah, this happened in Austria. They put in a lot of ski places and resort like for nothing like, and they are, and maybe they are protected this land and they created. So here is happening the same. There are a lot of parts, like they're really protected because they are unique in the world, unique because we don't have, you cannot find it in another place on the world. So I think the best way to have here the tourist is like a change the model of tourists. Of course we need to, that is absolutely sure, but not this kind of tourist because the government are attracting the tourists that go to the South, stay in the hotel and don't know everything about the island. So we need less tourists and more quality. like people that they come from, they come here, they stay here, they go to local places, they want to know the culture about the place, like not to have sun and and swim in the swimming pool. So I think, yeah, this is a huge problem that the people need to know. And yeah, I think the solution is to reduce like the tourists are coming and for high quality because in the past, I remember that it was like less tourists, but tourists, like, yeah, with money, like more money, because here is like cheap, a flight to come here. So cheap to stay in the hotel with the, with the, how do you call it?

Piotrek Bodera: Like all inclusive, like when you have a band, you mean?

Ana Baute: Yeah, with the band all-inclusive.

Piotrek Bodera: So you don't need to buy anything because everything is provided by the hotel. Yeah.

Ana Baute: Yeah. And most of the hotel, they are not from people from here, the owners, they are from outside. And also when you buy it, you buy to an intermediary and the intermediary is not from here, from outside. So the people here are really bad paid, that the people that work in the hotels. So, so it's like really a huge, huge, huge problem that happening and no one is controlling it. And I don't know when they are going to control. There are massive, like. And there was years ago a massive concentration against the government. Like, please, stop. Like, we have a

Piotrek Bodera: Yeah,

Ana Baute: Limit.

Piotrek Bodera: Like protests, yeah, hm,

Ana Baute: Here we say, yeah, Canada has a limit, and we have a limit, you see the dimensions, so, if everyone in the world live here, like, no, of course, no. We don't have, like, enough land for everyone, so I think, of course, everyone is in ha- I mean, also, tourists, I want to go around, but if it's maybe not the time, I don't go, like, maybe put it, like, I think in other places, you have, like, a limit of people, how much are visiting to that year,

Piotrek Bodera: Hm.

Ana Baute: So put it, like, enough, a limit. Like, not provide, like, no, no.

Piotrek Bodera: Like, cap it?

Ana Baute: No, like, they cannot come, like, prohibit, like, no, no

Piotrek Bodera: Yeah,

Ana Baute: Prohibit.

Piotrek Bodera: Yeah, yeah, yeah,

Ana Baute: So they can come, but when the time is right, and

Piotrek Bodera: Yeah,

Ana Baute: Also, like, for tourists, like, if you go to a place that is really massive, that is not nice. Like, for the tourists

Piotrek Bodera: Yeah.

Ana Baute: Themselves, like, I go to a place and it's a lot of people looking the same, or maybe it's all dirty or...

Piotrek Bodera: Mm-hmm.

Ana Baute: I don't see, like, for that I don't go. I prefer to a place, like, it's, like, more nice, like, more unique, and, yeah, I don't know, respect more, like, the people. And... Mm. That is, like, my point of view of how the island is going. Of course, it's really nice, but, of course, I have to control what is happening.

Piotrek Bodera: Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, I'm totally with you on this point. I heard about it some time ago, that Iceland, yeah, the country of Iceland, have a similar situation where they are physically limited, yeah, because it's a country on a, you know, small volcanic island on the Atlantic Ocean, and there is a limit of people that can come every year, yeah? Yeah, they are all fascinated by the amazing sights popularized by Game of Thrones, yeah? Or other movies when they are shooting, and then they showing those amazing glaciers, or the eruptions, also the northern lights, yeah? All of those things attract people, yeah? We all want to see it. But you can do this in a more sustainable way, where you limit the amount of people that can come every year. And that's, in my view, it's very functional, yeah? Like, it's a number, let's say, I don't know, a hundred thousand people can come every year. And then, you know, you incentivize the guests who actually think about it and plan it in advance. Yeah, yeah, like, if I really want to spend a lot of time with a lot of money, you know, if I really want to go to Iceland, then I would think, okay, this year, I cannot go because the cap is already limited. But I love it. But I love it. But I love it so much. I love this concept. I have to be there, that I can go next year, or in two years, yeah? And I'm ready to wait, yeah? I'm happy to pay, yeah? I'm happy to pay, you know, the fee for my flight or for hotel or something. But I know that, okay, my window, my opportunity, is in a specific time, because the goal is to preserve it. And I know that, you know, the goal is to keep the nature as much intact as possible. And then also to have the space for the locals, for the residents. And I also know that the residents of the Canary Islands, when they have their own IDs, they have cheaper flights, yeah? And cheaper ferry rates to go between the islands. And, you know, that's already a system that works. Yeah? You can, if you are the resident of the island, then you are not, like, part of the cup, yeah? Because your home is there. You should be allowed to come and go, you know, as much as needed. But then, if you're a tourist, if you just, you know, come here for the very first time, then, yeah, definitely like a number would be better and create more sustainable tourism on the island. But specifically then looking on Bencomo or like co-living in general, as a industry, as a way of a different type of traveling. Do you believe that, you know, at least two weeks or one month staying on a co-living is part of the solution?

Ana Baute: I think, yeah, it's a bit more sustainable than staying in a hotel or in a rental house or something like that because I think it's a house that in the maximum is 10 people that I can stay here so it's not the same like 10 people in different houses like 10 people in a house. So I think it's also a better solution because we don't get in like land for another person and also, yeah, you are creating, um, and staying with us. Like we are local, so you are like contribute to contribute

Piotrek Bodera: Contributing

Ana Baute: To a local business as well. So I think yeah, co-living is kind of solution. Of course, like we are not going to create all the island of co-living is not the solution either. Of course, no, we have to be a balance, of course, and be logical. But yeah, I think it's a good way like to be a tourist and a nomad, a digital nomad and to contribute to the island.

Piotrek Bodera: So besides the numbers, yeah, like the specific cap of tourism that could come every year and the length of the stay, which would also contribute to like more sustainable tourism on the island. I believe incentivizing people to come for at least two weeks is a good way of, you know, creating it better. Do you think that the type of traveling, yeah, because we were talking about what people do in the co-living and what is the way of doing that? You can actually combine your working if you already work remotely, if not, then convince your boss or set up your own company and start doing that because you can see more and experience more and travel to more places. So, how do you feel about it? Because like for me, it's clear that we, the co-livings are incentivizing a new type of traveling, but then I would like to hear from you. Do you think it's also part of the solution that people can combine working and leisure and then, you know, do this specifically in a co-living?

Ana Baute: I mean, yeah, if you come in a short time for sure, like you can combine this thing, but if you like living here, no? And working outside is not good for the island because you don't. I don't know if that was the question.

Piotrek Bodera: Okay. Let me try to rephrase

Ana Baute: Yeah.

Piotrek Bodera: It. I'm curious because when we talk about tourists, it's usually just people on holiday. There are people who do not work, people who, okay, I have a week or two weeks of vacation, I want to go somewhere where it's sunny and nice and I want to relax. And their first thing or like the obvious choice is, okay, I'm searching online. There are those nice hotels and we have the bands for all inclusive. Let's go south of the reef because it's popular and people recommending it's good. But this is only one type of tourist. So that's why I'm trying to think about if, for example, the local government could incentivize digital nomads or remote workers to come to the island because it's not a type of tourist that would like, you know, spend their whole day just partying and not contributing to the local economy because they have the band or they don't go outside of their hotel. So this is, you know, my vision and do you, do you agree that this type of traveling or this type of tourists, this type of a new type of people, the digital nomads is something that could be a part of solution to address, you know, and make it to make it more sustainable.

Ana Baute: I think yes because what what are you saying like the people come to parties and they destroy a lot of the south part of the island so that is a lot of money that the government have to fix it. So here the people go in a different vibe when you go like to work, you are like more chill so you have like a routine and also like you have the weekends of course for joining the island but in during the week like you are really chill so you don't have any problems with the neighbors or like you are really respectful, respectful. So I think it's a good kind of way like also the same like controlling and like not massive remote people coming here like also controlling how much people are coming here but it's a good solution because yeah they, they want to, I mean if you go to a Colombia you want to be part of the community and part of the island so you to try a different way. Like you make sure you do, you know, like the way to be part of the island so you don't go like to, I mean a, to have a crepe because you are from France and you like crepes you want like maybe to eat like more things from here. things from here so you want like to explore more, I think you're more open to these things in the other way you are like more open to your routine. like you, like you eat what you eat in your country and don't like contribute a lot but I see here that the people are like more open, more open to listen to me. like also, like also the last meeting so I'm really clear what,

Piotrek Bodera: What,

Ana Baute: What, how is the island so I don't have any problems to explain them like this is a reality. but I see like the problem is not only here, it's in the world so.

Piotrek Bodera: Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, I totally agree with you and I'm happy to, to hear that you're mentioning about the mindset that are people who are coming to a colony, the remote workers, the digital nomads, the people who want to try something different. even if, you know, in the past they were in the south of Tenerife, they were in some other resorts and they, they know this type of traveling, I spend a lot of time working in those places. So, I kind of know the, the mass tourism from the backside and that was one of the reasons why I decided that I don't want to do it my whole life. Yeah, it was a nice adventure, it was a good experience for me to see the world, to get my career going, but now yeah, I, I am definitely this type of person who's seeking something more, yeah, who, who wants to be connected to the local culture more, to spend more time with, you know, like you, like the local, who knows the island, who can show me around, who can tell me stories about Guanche and, you know, the life of you, like, coffee or some other things. So, yeah, I'm really happy that we have this opportunity. And I would like to also emphasize that, to book a stay, yeah, in Bencomo, to, to like start even asking you questions, it's a different thing than, you know, just going to booking.com or Airbnb, where you have the marketplace. And you know, all of these people are searching because they have different preferences and filters and like price, blah, blah, blah. Here, you are very conscious, yeah. You, you hear the story, you, you listen to this podcast and you are thinking, oh, I, I would like to learn more. Yeah, like, oh, I have some additional questions. Yeah. And I, I want to reach out to, to Anna. Um, would you say that Instagram is like the, the best connection to the best way to start the conversation and to, to talk to you?

Ana Baute: Yeah, Instagram or WhatsApp as well. The people or email depends. The

Piotrek Bodera: Business,

Ana Baute: Best on the they have some questions like how much people are staying, how's the community, how I have to go there. Like is, I need a card or not. Like, um, I don't know. This is like, how is my room type. I have a

Piotrek Bodera: Mm-mm.

Ana Baute: Desk. Private meeting. So I really need a desk in my room. Or, yeah, they mostly ask me these things.

Piotrek Bodera: Yeah, yeah, yeah. And I'm happy that there is a direct connection, yeah, to the owner, to the person who's running it, because they can really see that this is something for them. And it's already different than booking a hotel that they know nothing about, yeah, like it's some organization with like faceless thing that they book, they pay the money and they fly. And they, you know, they, they, they come, they get a room, the key to the room. And there is not even, you know, one moment when they have a interaction with a human being. So I'm really glad, really happy that the co-living from the start is a different experience, because they can go to, to your website, ben.com.co-living.com. They can find you on Instagram and see, you know, the vibe of the community. Yeah, and so recently, the video that you shared with the drone, yeah, that is like flying around the house, it was great. Excellent. I love it because it's, it's really showing the spaces and how much, you know, there is to the house and the amazing view. And so, yeah, it's actually one of my favorite things, like I was spending a lot of time in La Oratava, but then Santa Ursula, where you are, it's even higher. Yeah. So the view for the whole, you know, west side of the island is just beautiful. Yeah, it's just amazing sunsets and just observing the whole thing. Also something you can see on the Instagram. And then once you are sure about, okay, let's, let's book my stay. They can do this directly on your website. Yeah, and I'm glad that you are using Mangobets, yeah, which is the tool from my previous guest, Ramon, my good friend, who created the platform. Yeah. He, me and him actually, we met in the other co-living on Tenerife, spent a lot of time. And for him, it was the first experience. Yeah. He just started the digital nomad journey. He saw like, oh my God, co-living is the best in the world. I need to help them. Yeah. I need to help other nomads and to create the platform for easy booking and spending time in those places around the world. So we are slowly coming to the end of our conversation, but I would like to ask you a few more things about you specifically, how do you keep yourself healthy and calm? What do you keep you, how do you keep yourself healthy and calm? Because there was a lot of challenges, a lot of stress, you know, running a new thing, getting the clients, fixing stuff, addressing the concerns when your guests are asking about new things. What do you do usually? Do you do yoga or some other type of sports?

Ana Baute: I do pole dance and run, I start running as well. Not that much, but I try and hiking of course. I love hiking.

Piotrek Bodera: Yes, Ireland is like one of the best hiking hub in the world. There are so many paths that you can go every weekend and discover something new. The pole dancing. Do you have the pole at home? Do you have the pole at home to actually like spin around or do you go to like a specific studio?

Ana Baute: I have in my in the past? I have in my in my house, but not right now. I go to a place like to train and also have a lot of friends there. So I like more to train with them, like together it's like more, I don't know, it's like more energy. So spring day.

Piotrek Bodera: Nice. Yeah. Yeah. With more people. Cool, cool. That's that's very original. Yeah. Not many people do this, but I can imagine that you can really get fit by, you know, doing the acrobatics on the, on the metal pole and then, you know, kind of release the daily stress. Um, do you also do any kind of mental activities like meditating or Um, Do you want to do any kind of activities like meditating?

Ana Baute: No, I have to. I do it like sometimes like when I really stress, I meditate, but yeah, I don't want to get to that point to meditate. I need to get a routine to my self care to the

Piotrek Bodera: Uh huh.

Ana Baute: Meditation, a bit of stress and yoga because of course you have, you need mental health. Is it more That's very important.

Piotrek Bodera: Yeah. Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah. And like, it is quite important aspect of the digital nomad life. I like to ask this type of questions to my guests because, uh, for me, uh, it's a fundamental, you know, core routine. I do my yoga every day and, uh, it allows me to, you know, keep my spine strong and then especially in like cramped, uh, flights or, or other spaces that are not designed for tall people like me. Um, it's, uh, really, uh, important. Um, and then I discovered that many people, uh, have similar problems. Yeah. They, they, they like to share their, their journey or their ways to address it. So yeah, I'm, I'm glad that, that, uh, you also think about, um, those kinds of things. Um, and, uh, yeah, before we, we finish, uh, are there any other, uh, recommendations or, or like a message that you would like to, to send to the listeners and to the guests of, uh, the encomo.

Ana Baute: I want to say that you are really, will come to come and enjoy the experience by yourself. I hope so. Like the, you like the podcast and you have any questions about your coming here with us. And yeah, you're really, will come like for, for everything. I'm really excited to have like more international people. And to meet, meet new people and to talk them and experience the, the co-living and have more challenge, I open to all these things.

Piotrek Bodera: Excellent. Excellent. Thank you very much, Anna. It was a pleasure. Uh, I'm really happy to cover so many topics and to, to, to share your story, to share the story of Bencomo. And I highly recommend to everyone to try. Yeah. If you've never been to any co-living, this could be your first adventure and really feel that the digital digital nomad journey doesn't have to be lonely. You can find your true friends and your long-term friends, but, a co-living is a place to, uh, do so. So thank you.

Ana Baute: Thank you very much to you, Piotrek and thank you for inviting me. I, I think I didn't say right your name, no?

Piotrek Bodera: It's fine. It's fine. It's Piotrek.

Ana Baute: Piotrek.

Piotrek Bodera: But it's…

Ana Baute: Thank you very

Piotrek Bodera: Piotrek,

Ana Baute: Much.

Piotrek Bodera: Yeah, yeah. It's all good. No worries. No worries.