Canary Islands

November 4. St. Cruz de Tenerife. La Laguna & Vineyards. Maybe it's the wineries we're visiting each day, but I'm loving the Canary Islands. Tenerife was named the "Happy Island" in the 16th century, and it holds true today. In 2012, the British newspaper, The Guardian, included Santa Cruz de Tenerife in the list of the five best places in the world to live.

We started early and were ashore, loaded on our bus with our guide Lola (Inter Island Tours) and driving to our first stop, La Laguna (A UNESCO site), by 8:30. It was cool, perfect weather with the sun shining and just right for the two hours walk through 16th century La Laguna. La Laguna was the first Colonial city built by the Spanish without defenses, (with the ocean and mountains, the island provided it's own natural defenses) and was the guide for all Spanish Colonial cities built in the New World. We enjoyed the cobbled streets, plazas and beautifully restored and maintained 16th century buildings. Most started as private homes and homes to the Spanish aristocracy now converted to museums and businesses. The courtyards were beautifully planted and manicured, surrounded by wooden balconies and windowed private rooms, now offices. Oh, so Spanish! The columns were made of local volcanic stone or a local dark wood called Tea. Along the route, we passed many doors made of old wood and decorated with magnificent etched old iron hardware. We had a few minutes in the cathedral and I was  impressed with the amount of beautifully handcrafted silver covering the main and side altars.

We made our way back to the bus and Bodegas Alvaro for our first wine tasting. This is a co-op wine cellar with wine purchased after the initial must fermentation stage. The kegs along the wall are impressive dating back about 10 years while the bottles served were of new wine. We tasted a white, rose, red, Moscatel, and a Demi Seco Cava. All of the wine was quite good, but I particularly enjoyed the Demi Seco Cava... and have a couple of bottles for the cabin; a lot cheaper than Veuve Cliquot! The tasting included plates of ham, cheese, salami, Spanish chorizo and small potatoes... along with "Mojo Picon" a tasty "Typical Canarian Sauce" made from red pimiento, oil, vinegar, salt, and cumin. Very tasty!

A short ride to Casa del Vino de Tenerife and more wine! But only a white offering this time - just as well. A lovely 17th century estate acts as the headquarters of Casa del Vino and there are magnificent views from the balcony down to the ocean and to Tenerife Bay. There is a plaque on the wall honoring Stephen Hawking for his 3rd visit to the Starmus Festival mixing astrophysics and stargazing. Casa del Vino had an amazing selection of over 300 labels - from both Tenerife and beyond. Oh, one last footnote, they are now producing a white "wine" from bananas! (didn't try it, thanks anyway!)

Tour over and back to the ship - it's time for a light lunch and perhaps a nap! Tonight is the on deck Barbecue as we don't sail till midnight... now lest you turn up your nose, we've had it on good authority that lobster, shrimp, grilled fish and other delights will be available as the staff will set up a feast as we dance to the 60's, 70's and 80's hits!

Tomorrow Las Palmas and after that I'll really be ready for a couple of sea days!