Margaretta
22-10-2013, 19:13
For a long time I've had two ambitions which were fulfilled last holiday in Tenerife. I want to share these visits as I thought they were wonderful and hope that those who haven't done them yet will make time to do so on their next holiday. Our visits took place in September.
Hubby had a foot problem and wanted a day to relax...it was also Saturday.....football. He dropped my old schoolfriend and myself at Los Cristianos Bus station and we bought our bus Bonos. So easy,we took the bus to Santa Cruz bus station, crossed the road and bought tickets for about two euros 50 return for the tram/train to the end of the line at La Laguna. Just a very short walk ahead and into the main town which is absolutely enchanting. We were so lucky...a huge procession was just starting and all the church, mayoral and council silver seemed to be on display with fantastic orchids and bands as the crucifix was carried along with lots of very well-dressed citizens. The streets are cobbled, the balconies wooden and traditional and on that day bedecked with red banners. So many eating places, masses of history, trees, gardens and great shops with really original products. The famous palm tree walk was quite something to see and the tourist office was really helpful. On two mornings per week they give an hour tour in English. The cathedral is currently closed for refurbishment but the Church of la Concepcion is well worth a visit for its ceiling despite some gruesome statues around. Fabulous buildings and museums...can't wait to go back this time with hubby.
I was ironing and about to cook dinner when he said "Pack a picnic and we'll go up the mountain to see the stars." I can't tell you how very many years I have wanted to do this. We set off at around 19.10p.m. with a very ill-considered picnic and took the San Miguel/Vilaflor route with jeans and jackets on the back seat. We certainly needed them. What a breathtaking sight to see that red and orange bar sunset! We didn't stop at Vilaflor but it was fantastic to pause several times beyond that to see the effect of the setting sun on the sea, La Gomera and mountains. Great for photos. Bizarre to be in the only car facing the Roques de Garcia and eating ham and Branston Pickle sandwiches as the sun disappeared and the light from Venus sparkled like the Koh-in-Or diamond. Only small lights from the Parador and Cablecar building shone faintly. Then the stars appeared and I cannot describe the awesome magnificence. We stopped at various pull-ins with the binoculars and wished we had deckchairs as it was so dizzying to crane you neck for a long period.
Not a night for alcohol although I felt very green winding down to the motorway via La Escalona but it was well worth it and it's another visit we can't wait to repeat.
Hubby had a foot problem and wanted a day to relax...it was also Saturday.....football. He dropped my old schoolfriend and myself at Los Cristianos Bus station and we bought our bus Bonos. So easy,we took the bus to Santa Cruz bus station, crossed the road and bought tickets for about two euros 50 return for the tram/train to the end of the line at La Laguna. Just a very short walk ahead and into the main town which is absolutely enchanting. We were so lucky...a huge procession was just starting and all the church, mayoral and council silver seemed to be on display with fantastic orchids and bands as the crucifix was carried along with lots of very well-dressed citizens. The streets are cobbled, the balconies wooden and traditional and on that day bedecked with red banners. So many eating places, masses of history, trees, gardens and great shops with really original products. The famous palm tree walk was quite something to see and the tourist office was really helpful. On two mornings per week they give an hour tour in English. The cathedral is currently closed for refurbishment but the Church of la Concepcion is well worth a visit for its ceiling despite some gruesome statues around. Fabulous buildings and museums...can't wait to go back this time with hubby.
I was ironing and about to cook dinner when he said "Pack a picnic and we'll go up the mountain to see the stars." I can't tell you how very many years I have wanted to do this. We set off at around 19.10p.m. with a very ill-considered picnic and took the San Miguel/Vilaflor route with jeans and jackets on the back seat. We certainly needed them. What a breathtaking sight to see that red and orange bar sunset! We didn't stop at Vilaflor but it was fantastic to pause several times beyond that to see the effect of the setting sun on the sea, La Gomera and mountains. Great for photos. Bizarre to be in the only car facing the Roques de Garcia and eating ham and Branston Pickle sandwiches as the sun disappeared and the light from Venus sparkled like the Koh-in-Or diamond. Only small lights from the Parador and Cablecar building shone faintly. Then the stars appeared and I cannot describe the awesome magnificence. We stopped at various pull-ins with the binoculars and wished we had deckchairs as it was so dizzying to crane you neck for a long period.
Not a night for alcohol although I felt very green winding down to the motorway via La Escalona but it was well worth it and it's another visit we can't wait to repeat.