[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″.
#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.
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!
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.
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.
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Dog Mom and (retired) Canine Innkeeper in suburban Toronto, Canada, known as The Doglady. Former corporate workaholic. Writer, photographer, digital creator. Animal lover, music fanatic, inveterate traveller. Eternal hippie/rockchick. History, literature and cinema buff. Hockey and soccer fan. Dedicated night owl. German/Canadian binational, multilingual. Let me entertain you!
22 thoughts on “#AtoZChallenge: P is for PUERTO DE LA CRUZ”
Well I loved the way you described the place making it more interesting by adding the pinch of your handy humor
Thanks! 🙂 It was one of my favourite vacations.
12 going on 20. Don’t you think part of that was the travelling you did that made you more sophisticated?
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! 😉
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.
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.
That must have been quite exciting … The waiter sounds very charming 🙂 beautiful memories.
I definitely had the hots for that waiter! LOL It was a beautiful place and I loved it there. Thanks for visiting.
What a lovely and memorable vacation! Nice post.
Yes, it was my favourite trip, at that point. Glad you enjoyed the post, Laurel. 🙂
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 🙂
That’s hilarious, Teresa! 🙂 Glad you’re enjoying my posts and thanks for taking the time to visit.
That sounds like a lovely vacation. I’m completely envious!
It was memorable, Rhonda. 🙂 Thanks for visiting.
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.
Glad you liked it, Cathy. 🙂 Yes, it was one of the most fascinating trips of my youth.
Thanks for sharing this information abt place never knew abt
It was so interesting there! Thanks for visiting. 🙂
Beautiful! Another place seen through your eyes..
Yes; I loved it there! 🙂 Thanks for visiting.
Great pick! I was there also in the wintertime once in the happy 80’s … 🙂
Interesting that we have so many places in common, Eli. Glad you enjoyed the post. 🙂