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    But not everything can stay in the past, and El Gran Hotel Taoro grew tired and outdated.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/ 

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.

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.

 

The Bells Are Ringing

 

     All over Puerto De La Cruz, the name of Tomas De Iriarte is celebrated, with a street, a school and a library bearing his name. Born in the city in 1750 the poet was educated in Madrid under the supervision of his uncle Juan De Iriarte, who was librarian for the King of Spain.

    Every time I visit the city, I can't help but take photos of the cathedral and churches of the city and surrounding areas. Since it's the time of year when church bells ring out regularly, I've included a fable by the poet and some of my photos.

   

The Cathedral Bell and The Little Bell

In a certain cathedral a huge bell there hung,

But only on solemn occasions was rung;

It's echoes majestic, by strokes three or four,

Now and then, in grave cadence, were heard never more,

For the stately reserve and its wonderful weight,

Throughout the whole parish, its glory was great.

In the district the city held under its sway,

Of a few wretched rustics, a hamlet there lay;

And a poor little church, with a belfry so small,

That you hardly would call it a belfry at all,

There a little cracked cowbell, that in it was swinging,

For the poor little neighbor who did all the ringing.

Now that this little belfry might ape in renown,

The cathedral's huge tower, that loomed up up over the town;

That briefly and seldom on festivals noted,

The safe little bell should be rung it was voted,

By this cunning device, and their rustical eyes,

It's tinkle soon past for a bell of great size.

 

A fable by Tomas de Iriarte

Here Comes the Sun

 

    April 1963, three young men from Liverpool, UK packed their suitcases and headed for Puerto de la Cruz, Tenerife, the Canary Islands. They had been recording their first album in the EMI studios, in Abbey Road, London and now needed a break.

    These, lads were called Paul, George and Ringo. The fourth member of the pop group, John had decided to go it alone and holiday elsewhere in Spain. Whether, you were born in 1963 or not, I'm sure you will recognize the name of the band, The Beatles.

    If you read my blog, or follow me on Instagram you will know that I’m a regular visitor to this beautiful city and when I was back there in May I couldn’t help but think about them walking the same streets and taking in the same beauty as I was.

    I’ve included a few photographs of some of the same places that I know they visited. Although sixty years on, the place has probably changed a little! 

    It’s the first time I can say  that I’ve followed in the Beatles footsteps. If you want to see any more of my photographs, catch me on Instagram @christinarowellauthor.

  Hoping you’re having a great week guys and we’ll catch up soon.