Wandering

Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Canary Islands 70's F Sunny with clouds

Tenerife is the largest island of the Canary Islands and Santa Cruz is the largest city on the island and also a provincial capital. The Canary Islands are divided into 2 provinces and each province has its capital. It is officially categorized as an autonomous community of Spain.

Most of the cruise tours were going to Teide National Park highlighting the Teide Volcano. It is the highest point in Spain and the 3rd largest volcano in the world, measured from the ocean floor base to the top. I decided that I wanted to spend time in town so chose to wander on my own.

The port of Tenerife is the main port for the Canary Islands, and we were once again parked amongst cargo ships, ship repair facilities, ferries and other cruise ships. We were so far out in the port that they provided a shuttle from the boat to the pedestrian bridge into town. It was maze to go in and out so that was quite helpful.

Like most towns on mountainous terrain and on the sea, the town is built up the mountain. Walking had that built in common sense - if you are walking up, you are walking away from the port. Navigation was pretty easy at that understanding and I wandered around the streets enjoying the good weather and eventually people watching at a cafe.

Walking into town, you got a good view of the seaside promenade and the Tenerife Auditorium. Designed as an Opera House, it is also used for conventions, music concerts and commercials. I learned an episode of Dr Who was filmed in the Auditorium. I don't think I've seen an episode of Dr Who, but someone might. This very contemporary building was designed to portray a wave crashing over the sails of a ship.

The city is full of art work. From lighted discs in trees to WWII monuments to sculptures, there seemed to one around every corner. This one was located in a lovely park.

The Teatro Guimera was built in 1849 in a classical-romance style and was the original opera house on the island. In the picture below you can also see tram tracks and the tram towards the back right.

I found the housing to be very interesting and of all different styles. Here for example is a more traditional house next to a renovated house with a very contemporary facade.

This house at the end of a tiny alley, has interesting tile work that I did not see repeated elsewhere.

Doorways are still fascinating me but really, doesn't this just remind you of a pair of eyes?

Many of the streets in the old town were pedestrian only and also appeared to be a main shopping area. There was no lack of high end, well known stores to peruse. I however walked to the end of this delightful street and took time at a cafe with a cappuccino enjoying the people watching and wonderful weather. You can tell by the downward slope of the street that this was on the way back to the port.

We are steaming ahead to Barbados. Kristin informed me the boat is traveling 23 miles/hr just burning up the seas to make it on time. I'm pretty sure there are several circles involved along the way. The next post or so will show some pictures of the ship and an idea of what life is like for 127 days.

Adios