Feliz Dia de Canarias

Amarilla Bay, Costa Del Silencio, Tenerife



 

    I can only apologise for my rather erratic blogging over the last couple of weeks, but I was visiting Tenerife, one of the seven islands that make up the Canary Islands. Although the language, climate and culture is different from Scotland, it's a place that many of you will know has captured my heart and soul. 

 

Mount Teide

 

        Apart from my affection, Scotland and Tenerife do have other things in common, such as beautiful scenery, including mountains, a rich historical past, the drums and pipes also feature in their traditional music. The tabor pipe being their choice, rather than bagpipes.



A rich historical past

        The old towns and villages there, bear some similarity to those in Scotland, the narrow streets are sometimes cobbled; the doors and windows of the houses also demonstrate that the population of today is considerably taller than it used to be.


Example of narrow streets; Puerto de la Cruz, Tenerife

       They too in the past had communities that depended on fishing, but as stocks and quotas now dictate this industry, the individuals being supported by this occupation is slowly dwindling. The harbours of Tenerife have been able to diversify and many now moor luxury yachts rather than the fishing boats that once was. Nevertheless, the small fleets that still manage to exist in both countries, provide a quality catch that can be sampled in the fine restaurants throughout.



Las Galletas, Tenerife

        Our flags, the white cross on a navy background, symbolises that both countries have chosen, St Andrew as saint protector and today the mutual flag will be flying high, along with the Canary Island's flag, on the official buildings of Tenerife. Because today is, Dia de Canarias, a day the populace rejoice, the people and culture of the Canary Islands and observe the day that the islands received autonomy from Spain.

    Whilst I'm back in Scotland, my heart is there. So, Feliz Dia de Canarias, amigos.

Fine Dining  in Tenerife