pirates of teguise

 

Just to note again I am only doing a social media share every couple of days so if you want to catch up on yesterdays active resort day then you can do so here 

Up and at 'em for my last day at school, my pirate swagger quickly cut short as I seemed completely unable to put together all the things I'd been taught the last two days.  Problem is, I can just about work out one thing (breathing) only for 4 others to collapse (stroke, kick, stretch, relax).  So the walk was the second best part of my final day, a reminder why people like to move here, just a glorious start to the day.

The best part of the day was finding out more about my coach Kimbo - pirate captain - Juan Carlos, Olympian in 1980 and 1984, what on earth he made of my flailing around I do not know, but we had good banter, and utter respect for a guy who swam in USSR and LAX Olympics, and just a top all round fella.  How he didn't laugh at my inability to do the basics I do not know but he did commend me on my enthusiasm and positivity (which is a first for me) but probably what all the teachers say to the dullards who don't misbehave.

Back at the appartment by 10.15 and the bus stop by 11. A bit of research by Chrissi had found that 3-4 buses a day head up to the old island capital in the mountains, Teguise. They have a big market on a Sunday, but this would be quieter. I had considered cycling there, but for a number of reasons (and whilst probably do-able) it was nice to be a passenger on the inclines up, just the odd feeling of envy as we passed a few cyclists putting in a little bit of energy, quickly alleviated by the air con and the rest.  It wasn't a rickety one, all the mod cons.

On getting off the bus into the heat I spotted a fortress high up on the hill so there was a bit of a test yet to come. A stroll through the town past a few municipal buildings, I think a bit of Island administration does still sit in this place.  Slowly began to climb out of town, couldn't immediately see a path up to the castello, but we did see a famous monastry, also showing a nervousness of pirates. Chrissi saw a sign outside a building that said Informatica (her Basil Fawlty language skills read information) to get some help on direction, turned out they wanted to sell her a hoover.  (electronics shop)

They did provide one piece of information saying the castle was closed, it really wasn't their forte (no pun), as when we did eventually get up to Castillo (fort) de Santa Barbara it was very much open for business ... and free! The climb up on an asphalt road steep but comfortable, and the views behind us became more and more breathtaking. A bit windy at the top, but a job well done, only cyclist we saw going up was on an electric, strangely saw a few coming down though!

Not being a military man but I could see the position of the fort was as good as it gets on this Island. Can pretty much see the sea in every direction, so none of those pesky pirates going to creep up without being noticed. And a moat at the bottom to slow them down even before that steep climb.  A little museum inside celebrated all things piracy, there is clearly a bit of counselling needed for your average canary islander, they are coming to get you ... cutlasses and all.

The views from the top really were excellent, be it of Teguise, the rolling volcanic mountains and beyond to the sea. The fortress itself very much perched on a dormant volcano, as the crater clearly indicated.  Feeling a little hungry we picked our way down into the town, had a short walk around some of the old squares, churches, cheese shops, and then found an alley way that had a sign that pointed towards crepes.

A beautifully appointed cafe with a range of tapas, crepes, some quirky music and waiters. We both went savoury, my goats cheese, walnut and rocket salad a winning combination I felt to Chrissis cream spinach and cheese. That cheese shop had clearly got in our heads. We were on the clock to get one of the few buses back down the mountain, but we did so in good time with a bit of history in our pocket.

Mid to late afternoon back in resort and chance to enjoy the more relaxed side of life, a bit of beach / swim for Chrissi, and a jog around the resort for me. With the day ticking on balcony time was limited, and didn't even have an aperitif. Would this be the non alcoholic day?

Spoke to soon, after a little wander around the locale with a surprising number of restaurants closed or full we found a quaint but slightly upmarket one tucked in the corner off the main drag.  My gangsta hoodie did not deny be entry and we were soon sitting down tucking into warm bread, and salmon (me), vegetable rissotto (Chrissi) and a lovely bottle of Spanis rose. Very convivial atmosphere, great service, and tasty food, my fish was drizzled in a lovely bit of soy. la gaviotta was its name and another one to heartily recommend to those who like to eat heartily. So impressed I forced down an american style blackcurrant cheesecake as was caught up in the moment. They even threw in an amuse bouche (olive pate) and a limincello for good measure, and for around 60 - 70 euros with tips it didn't feel a huge amount more than what we would spend elsewhere (apart from maybe in the cheap and cheerful brit pubs)

Still got to follow the football from home from afar and online ...