#AtoZChallenge: P is for PUERTO DE LA CRUZ

22 Comments#AtoZChallenge 2014, Travel, Writing/Blogging

Puerto de la cruz

Welcome everyone, to the #AtoZChallenge Blogging Extravaganza, where hundreds of bloggers publish 26 posts in 26 days – one for each letter of the alphabet – covering a myriad of topics!  “Travel & Culture” is my theme.  Click HERE to see all posts.  Please support our efforts by visiting, sharing and commenting. We have all worked long and hard on this project. Click on the banner at the top right sidebar or near the bottom of this page for the list of participants. Have fun and thanks for reading!

 

#AtoZChallenge "P" is for Puerto de la Cruz
Day 16: April 18

[Excerpted from an article originally published Jul. 24, 2013.]

My mother took me to Puerto de la Cruz on the island of Tenerife, Canary Islands for the March school break in 1967.  We were living in Germany then and travelled extensively.  I was twelve, “going on 20″.

canary islands
The Canary Islands are off the northwest coast of Africa and belong to Spain.

#AtoZChallenge 2014: P is for PUERTO DE LA CRUZ #dogladysden Share on X

These islands were formed from volcanic rock and have some fascinating vistas.  Unfortunately, my personal photos didn’t capture much of that, but you can see more details here.

The first thing that struck me was the interesting mix of Spanish and African cultures.  Strains of Flamenco music wafted through the open bar doors, while people rode on camels through the streets.  We fit right in among the mostly German and British tourists.

Hotel Guajara, Puerto de la Cruz
Our hotel. It was new at the time.

Most afternoons, there was a stop at the Cafe’ de Paris on the main promenade for traditional German “Kaffee und Kuchen”, (coffee and cake).  I especially enjoyed this, because of the young, handsome waiter who always flashed me a dazzling smile. To this day, the dark Latin types appeal the most.  I even married one!

Cafe de paris, Canary islands GUANTANAMERA | #AtoZChallenge
Café de Paris

While wandering about, we discovered a quaint little bar with Flamenco dancers.  I can’t remember the name of it and wonder if it’s still there.  The furniture was all hand carved and there was a small bull ring out back, complete with a live bull, available for jousting with the patrons.  He was old and tame, so it was all in fun.

Flamenco and Bullfights, GUANTANAMERA | #AtoZChallenge
Flamenco and (friendly) bullfights

My favourite song there was Los Beta Quartet’s version of “Guantanamera”.  I bought the 45 as a souvenir and still have it. Such wonderful memories!

This was one of the best trips ever and I’ll never forget it! 

Do you have a fond vacation memory?
I’d love to read about yours, in comments below.

Canary Islands Books

atozbanner 2014



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22 thoughts on “#AtoZChallenge: P is for PUERTO DE LA CRUZ

    1. Yes, that’s true Carol, plus being an only child and spending a lot of time with adults. 🙂 I was always mature for my age, growing up. Now, I’m going the OTHER way! 😉

  1. You sure have traveled to a lot of fun places. Tall, dark, and handsome is for me, too – or did you just say “dark?” Either way, great song.

    1. Hi Joyce. Yes, I’ve been fortunate to have had so many travel opportunities. 🙂 I said “dark Latin types”. Tall? Not so important, LOL. I married one my own height. 😉 Thanks for visiting.

  2. I remember that song when I was a little kid. I recall singing along and having my older sister tell me that it wasn’t “one ton of matoes” Lol. I wonder if she remembers that?

    Fantastic memories you’re sharing this A to Z! Thanks Debbie 🙂

  3. Love it, Debbie. Thanks for sharing another one of your fascinating trips. I’ve never been to the Canary Islands so appreciated learning about them. Must have been an exciting trip for a young person. No wonder you still remember it.