We have a cute little French ship opposite, a bit too small us but she looks nice nevertheless, with only 65 cabins. She’s doing eight day circuits just around the Canaries.
Our second full day in Santa Cruz is an upside down day – we spend the morning lazing by the pool, and then set out at midday. We head north past the port area and towards the small town of San Andrés and Teresitas beach. Here we turn left and head up into the mountains that form the northern part of Tenerife. The road twists and turns like an Alpine pass, before long we’re half a mile above sea level.
Known as the backbone of the island, it’s possible, vegetation permitting, to catch glimpses of both coasts simultaneously as one drives, but it’s a hazardous journey so we stop at various places to take in the views. Unfortunately the photos don’t do justice to the magnificence.
We stop at a very simple bodega for tapas, all traditional dishes like padrón peppers, sweet potato salad, fried cheese and chicken croquettes. It’s interesting to see how many people are walkers, and we plan to return here soon to enjoy the routes.
Stopping a few times more we take in a great view of Teide and then the ‘garden’ where we overlook the old capital La Laguna.
It’s an easy drive down the TF-5 motorway until the junction with Tf-1 where we say goodbye to Jacs and Mike, they drive home and we walk back to town, passing through areas of Santa Cruz we’ve never seen before, including parks, a prison, schools and the ‘other end’ of Las Ramblas before we hit the tram tracks which we follow back towards familiar territory.
As we walk we see some early indications of the forthcoming madness – the world’s second largest Mardi Gras opens next Friday. The many costume shops seem extra busy and extra colourful, mannequins dressed on balconies, staging and fencing everywhere.
Dinner this evening is back to Glass House, the menu has changed somewhat and we get to try Curried Scallops, Thai Beef and Spicy Oxtail, followed by Lemon Chicken, Coq au Vin and Southern Fried. All starters are good, the latter two mains are the best. Puddings are gorgeous Red Velvet Ding Dongs (no idea why this name) and Sabayon Delice Cake. I seem to have driven Hubby mad at some point!
We set sail during dinner and watch our island slide away, passing the bright sea rig we saw arrive yesterday, and then San Andrés and Teresitas beach as we head north to Madeira again.
Tonight’s turn is called The Four Harps which is a group of four Irish Singers, they are very good and with the ship’s band too we really enjoy the performance.
