ELI & KARINE — OUR STORY
FROM PARISIAN WOMEN TO "GUIRITANAS," WITH THE TIDES
From the call of Cadiz...
Our story with Cádiz began when we swapped our Paris apartment for Paco’sático (penthouse).
At that time, we knew nothing about Cádiz, except for an operetta tune called“La belle de Cadix,” which is now forgotten in France and little known in Cádiz.
... at the call of the tower
Oppositethe penthouse stands a watchtower. Perched on the neighboring roof, it must offer a spectacular panoramic view of the city and the sea.
We looked for the owner, found him, and lived in the tower for a week over Christmas. And for six summers, drawn just as strongly to the city, we watched it from Paco’spenthouse. Eventually, it passed (right under our noses) into the hands of a new couple.
But no one could have anticipated (who could have?)…COVID. The tower has lost its last student tenant.
For distraught landlords and savvy tenants.
It was a great opportunity, so we seized it and signed a long-term contract...
“GUIRITANAS” was born from the shared dream of two Parisian women who arrived in Cádiz on a blazing hot day in August 2015. Those two women are us: ELI and KARINE, who, over time, became the “GUIRITANAS.”
GUIRITANA (adj. and n. f.): Affective neologism, blended from the Spanish guiri + gaditana (inhabitant of Cadiz).
- The origin : In Cadiz, a guiri is someone who does not live in the Casco Antiguo, the historic district sheltered by the city walls.
- By extension : Refers to a foreigner, a tourist, someone who is not yet initiated.
- Today : State of grace of the foreigner who, delighted by her love of the changing light, smiles, and Atlantic mood, ends up feeling like a native of Cadiz.
Over time, Cádiz has become our second home.
Eli
“My sacred ritual? A ‘mocha’ at Le Poème, after my morning swim at La Caleta Beach. A short wait, and there I am on the terrace.”
Karine
“The door seems to hide an abandoned place. Wait until 11 p.m., and the Taverne del Admirante opens for a beer or a cocktail.”
YOUR CADIX DOESN'T EXIST YET. WE'LL CREATE IT
Do you have a wish, a project, or an occasion to celebrate? Tell us what you’re looking for—we’ll take care of the rest.