Agatha’s View

 

 

    A set of stairs leads towards the popular la Sala Teatro Timanfaya, a theatre popular for artistic and musical folklore productions. But, looking beyond and towards the sky ahead, a hotel that once dominated the skies of Puerto de La Cruz is surrounded by scaffolding and is clearly undergoing restoration and renewal.

 

    El Gran Hotel Taoro, built as a luxury hotel in 1890, endured financial crashes, civil wars, and world wars. It played host to some of the most prominent dignitaries in society; the list is long, but being a writer, I have to mention one of its most famous guests in my eyes, Agatha Christie.

 

    But not everything can stay in the past, and El Gran Hotel Taoro grew tired and outdated. Unloved and occupied by various businesses, it finally closed its doors around half a century ago. 

 

 

 

    The new owners, the My Way Hotel Group, are rehabilitating the facade and interior of the building. However, what will never change is the significance the building has played in the city's history. Future guests can take in the marvellous vistas below towards the magical blue sea as Agatha did and maybe even be inspired to write a book or short story.

 

 

 

 

 

https://granhoteltaoro.com/en/ 

Over-Egged

 

 

I am increasingly frustrated when I read news articles and media posts that are “over-egged.” They are sometimes so exaggerated that they fall into the fake news category. Unfortunately, many are written to exacerbate social unrest, bigotry and hatred.

It is disappointing that many journalists and media writers are selling their souls to the devil and are gaining notoriety by writing truly fictional pieces.

 
It’s my opinion that many of these writers are just lazy when choosing this easy option. It would be nice if they could be true to at least themselves and use the gift they were given positively.

Okay, my rant is over. Thank you, as always for reading the blog. Have a fabulous weekend.

 

 

 

Creative Slowdown

 

 

 

 I’m sorry I haven't been blogging much recently. Why? I've hit a bit of writer's block when it comes to writing posts. It's not that I haven’t been writing; I have. My brain has been finding it difficult to concentrate on more than one thing at a time in the writing field, I’m writing a new novel, and I've been focusing on that.

I'm venturing into the adult romance field this time, something slightly different for me as a writer. I want the story to be realistic, and I've spent time doing research, which has been time-consuming. 

I'm now halfway through the first draft, and hopefully, I'll soon be finished. But, of course, the draft is only the start of the hard work. Wish me luck.

When the Beast Became an Enchanted Rose

    Since being established in 1496 by the Genoan banker Cristobal de Ponte, the town of Garachico had played a principal commercial role in trading the island's wine and sugar commodities with Europe and America. 

    However, this changed when Arenas Negras poured its hot temper onto the inhabitants at the bottom of the deep ravine. The molten lava completely drowned the port, and the city of Puerto de la Cruz became the new trading port.   

    Now, the town is resurrected from the ashes and finds itself the centre of attention because of its rich history and outstanding beauty. A mixture of the old and new architecture blends into the mountainous backdrop. As the great Albert Einstein said, “In the midst of every crisis lies great opportunity.”

    Having visited there for the first time recently,  I found the place very enchanting. I have included some photographs, but if you want to be enchanted by this rose, visit Garachico and see there for yourself.

The Best Days Ever

     

 

    I enjoy watching cookery programmes, and I have my favourite go-tos. The other day, I viewed an episode of a series of programmes that featured picnic food. It got me thinking back to when I was a kid and when my grandmother used to take me on a picnic regularly.

    The food we ate on the picnic was very different from the food suggestions on this programme. There was no quiche, sausage rolls, scotch eggs or Battenberg cake, washed down by iced lemon tea.

    Our feast usually consisted of jam or cheese sandwiches accompanied by a flask of tea. They were the best days ever.

 

    I’ve included a classic poem today, written by African-American Julius C. Wright. I hope you enjoy it.

 

 Going to the Picnic

 

There is a large crowd of folk

Hurrying down the road

They are going to have a picnic now 

And spread the news abroad

They're wearing beautiful bouquets

And carrying bright tin dippers

New straw hats are waving high

And patent leather slippers

Their hats are made of fine chiffon

And decorated too

There will be plenty of goodies

For your friends and for you

They will have a big barbecue

And a lot of other stuff

They are going to eat and drink

Till everybody puff 

They will have cakes and candy by the heaps

And ice cream pressed in cakes

Peanut parched fresh and hot

And a lot of fine milkshakes

They will have fish croquettes by the bushels

And coconut jumbles too

They are going to feed their friends and foes

And have enough for you

They are going to have a big dance

And have a Jolly time

They want to show their handsome looks

Because they look so fine

 

One barrel or two of lemonade

Mixed all through with ice

Lemons cut and thrown therein 

Gee! it’s awful nice 

 

Of all the fun and jollities

And all the places of rest

Just go to an old picnic ground 

They tell me that's the best

 

 

 

 

 

Not Unusual !!

 

 

 

 

    Sir Tom Jones took part in the 80th anniversary Word War II D-Day celebrations held in Normandy, France, on June 6th. He performed an exceptionally moving rendition of, I Won't Crumble If You Fall, in memory of his grandfather who died in the First World War and was buried in France. His performance was an honour to all who have fallen for their country and those whom continue to fall.

    Last night one of the TV channels featured him in a series of entertainment shows honouring him on the occasion of his 84th birthday. The shows followed his career from his early years of becoming a celebrity performer until now.

    I saw him perform on stage many years ago, a memory I should treasure forever. I will explain my use of the word, should. I was the ripe old age of ten when my aunt and uncle treated me to this theatre trip, something that they did regularly. On this occasion, my time in the front stalls  only lasted for 10 minutes before they removed me rather rapidly. 

Now you’re all thinking because of my age, I had misbehaved, which kids do. However, it was some of our fellow audience members whose conduct was a little unexpected but not unusual when it came to Sir Tom performing in the past. To my aunt and uncle’s horror, some of the young women had thrown their underwear onto the stage. This behaviour they didn't think was appropriate for a child of my young years to experience and certainly not one under their care. 

    That night will stay in my mind forever, and will always bring a smile to my lips.

     

Victoria's Garden

 

 

 Mausoleum of the Marquis of Quinta Roja

    Born on 24 May 1819, Queen Victoria began her reign in the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland in 1837. She was a mother of  9 children and while I’m sure she had lots of help, this lady managed to balance work-life for over 63 years. Mothers worldwide will know how difficult that is and we certainly have to admire this accomplishment.

    Here in Tenerife, she is also recognized for her achievements and in La Orotava there are gardens dedicated to this great lady.

Victoria Gardens

    This magnificent space you will find next to the Plaza del Ayuntamiento and the Liceo Taoro. Designed by French architect, Adolphe Coquet and commissioned by the Family De Ponte  are filled with an abundance of lush greenery and have the best views over the Orotava Valley.  

Victoria Gardens

   The purpose of this garden was to be the final resting place of the Marquis of Quinta Roja, Diego Ponte Del Castillo in a mausoleum, after being denied a Christian burial by the catholic church because of his connections to Freemasonry. 

    When I visited there, I found it one of the most tranquil places I've ever been. If you ever have the opportunity and want to step back in time, it's a must place to visit.