Tropical Park Tenerife

Its been ages

2011-09-26T15:25:00.002+01:00

It has been ages sinece I have dropped you a line although I have been linking interesting things on the Facebook page. Things that I though might interest you. As you may have heard Martina is working with Thomas in Tropical Park and she is enjoying it. I hope you will all be nice to her. She tells me you all mention how much you miss me but almost no one makes it as far as Playa Fañabe for a visit. It is always great to see a friendly face and I promise not to make you buy a football shirt. I will try to get Martina to take some photos of the welcome meeting each week and link them so you can see who is there each week. As to more than that I don't really know enough as Thomas only tells me bits and pieces.The reason I wanted to write was I found there great photos on the Tenerifeforum.org from another blogger the address is http://www.raicorosenberg.com/ and the photos are awesome.I have tried to link to the album I wanted to show you but you will need to link back yourselves click here: http://www.raicorosenberg.com/tenerife-sunrise-sunsets/slideshow They are awesome. Have a great day.

Day of the working woman

2011-03-09T19:08:00.000Z

This was actually yesterday but Tuesday is a big turnover day in Tropical Park so it was decided that the female members of staff would go out for lunch today. 15 members of staff and me where present for lunch in Buzanada at a restaurant I haven't been to before but certainly will be going to. We had cheese and olives, bruchetas with breas sauce and serrano ham, chickpeas, black pudding with almonds, a wonderful salad, chips and fried eggs and chorizo then fried pork and chips. For drinks most were driving so soft drinks or non alcolic beers although there were one or two shandies, and coffee and liquer afterwards. not to forget a cream caramel, iceceram strawberry pudding. I paid 15 euros for this feast and the rest paid slightly less as it was subsidised.

Here is one of the chambermaids doing something but I want to confirm she was sober at the time as it was before the meal.

Have a great evening.

Links on facebook

2011-02-26T12:32:00.000Z

I know a few of you who follow us on here don't have facebook so I thought I would tell you here what we will be doing in the future.
I will be putting the links to other blogs on the facebook page rather then listing them here as it is quicker for me and time seems to gegt less and less each day.
You don't need to hae a facebook account to see the Aparthotel tropical park page. All you need to do it click here and the page will come up. You then need to click on here and then add that page to your favouriites and click on it as you do here. All the new info will come up on the section called wall.

I have a photo of Isabella but can't find the cable for the camera. On my list tomorrow is to find it so I can connect the camera to the computer so you can see who is answereing the phone in Public relations when Thomas isn't there.

Complications

2011-02-21T18:02:00.000Z

Nothing here is ever easy although I am sure that business paperwork isn't easy in the UK.
There is some government money around for new start up businesses and we are trying to apply for this. The local town hall will help but everything is very slow. I had a meeting in the town hall this morning and it took nearly 2 hours to photocopy papers I had so the town hall now have copies and can fill out some further forms for me. They promise that this will be done by the end of this week, or maybe next week. As they aren't charging for the service I can't really complain. What I don't think is fair is that Thomas always sends me to these meetings. Always! Whenever we have a date for a meeting he always finds some other thing to do. Do you think this is fair?

I was trying to explain to some clients how tax is assesed for small businesses and they didn't belive me. You can either do paper work or you can pay a fixed some every quarter relating to how many staff you have your square metres and your electric bill. I am not complaining as this is much easier than keeping accounts but I am not sure the government does as well out of this.

The sun is shining again here and this week looks like the weather will be lovely. I am pleased to say that it is light until past 7pm now which is lovely. I forget how much longer light it is each day but what ever it is I apreciate it. Soon I will finish work in the light which will be much better. The patisserie next door is open longer in the spring/summer too so I will soon have company for the last hour here in CC Fañabe Plaza as I am often the only person inside the Comercial centre for the last hour.
I haven't managed to check out any other blogs today but will look around tonight so I can tell you more about whats going on in Tenerife soon.

Candelaria

2011-02-19T19:08:00.000Z

Candelaria is a lovely town a great place to stop on your way north or even on the way home form an island tour.

On the red queen's blog here there is a great description.
I like to get there mid- morning or mid afternoon and eat cakes as they have some really yummy cake shops.
The cathedral is outstanding and the Guanche King statues stand on the edge of the shore protecting the island from invaders.
You can get the 111 bus and get off on the motorway walk 200 metres down the hill and from the petrol station call a taxi to take you into town or you can book an excursion in reception

The beach in Callao is moving on and there is a team working every day.

Have a great weekend

Round up

2011-02-17T17:09:00.000Z

This has been another busy week and I haven'r written often enough.

We went to the mongolian Restaurant for Valentines day on Monday I would reccomend this to any one. It is new and spotlessly clean. The prices is 13.50 a head and this included a drink.

First we had soup. Thomas had hot and Spicy soup and I had Fish soup with orange. This was yummy and completely differet form anything I would cook.

when we got back to the table we had Nan bread on the table and this was replaced later when we had eaten it.

After the soup we headed towards the kitchen area where you take a bowl and fill it with firsty rice or needles then veg and then meat. All the ingredients are raw and when you have complied them you go to the area where the chefa are cooking and they will cook your selection with the sauce of your choice. There were 12 sauces and we tried 4 between us as we went back and had another dish. I started with fish and then beef and venison and Thomas did meat first and then fish.

There is a photo of the cooking area here

and the cold food here and here.

Whilst looking for photos to add to this blog I found this great article written about tapas by Andy Montgomery on the Tenerife Magazine Have a look as he describle lots of the food on offer on the ialsnd. Of all the things I like the chopitis best which are baby squid but I have been here a long time. The are other less scary things to try.

Have a great weekend.

Round up

2011-02-12T13:23:00.000Z

I am still waiting for the photos of the welcome meeting and one of Isabella.
Today I have a round up of several blogs that I like to read and their interesting stories.

The Red Queen talks about Canarian food.

Colin Kirby talks about the European 112 day, the new buses, and care needing to be taken when boarding buses

Andy from Island drives talks about the fiesta in San Abad in La Matanza

All of which give you a little feel for the island. Gossip says there is about to be a second Clash of the Titans film made on the island but I can't find confirmation.
Have a great weekend

Time out

2011-02-09T09:15:00.000Z

As many of you know I am the one who writes the blog and I have in the mean time changed jobs. This doesn't mean I have abandonded you although perhaps in the last couple of months it has seemd like that.
In Tropical Park things seem much the same. Thomas has a new assistant Isabella who I will get a photo of as soon as I can to introduce you. Other than that the resort is busy, we shouldn't be pleased when other nations have things bad but the troubles in Tunisia and Egypt has bought half a million more people to the Canaries in the next three months. Some of these will be visiting Tropical Park.
The beach is coming on in leaps and bounds and there is now a sand making machine down there. This machine puts rocks in at one end and sand comes out at the other. This has been used with great sucess in Playa San Juan and Playa Paraiso. It is much cheaper than ordering a dredger to come and bring sand.
I actually like the look of the dredger better and can remember nearly 20 years ago the one which filled the beach in Playa Fañabe. (Showing my age again.)

Carnival is coming up soon and Thomas is setting up plans for the excursion to the big parade on Shrove Tuesday. This is outstanding and if you are on the Island that week you really should go. I quite ofen get to accompany that trip as I really like the procession, the people and the whole carnival atmopshere. If you search the blog you will see photos and video from previous carnivals.
I hope you have a great day and I will try no to leave it so long between the posts again.

History of the Island forts

2011-01-27T17:26:00.000Z

The island history is very interesting as it was a stopping port on the way to the Americas and the far east.
This article byAndy Montgomery here tells of the fost along its coastline. Interestingly the first photo reminded me of a fort in Lanzarote.
There is also a strong house in Adeje which is still in private hands and the local council are trying to persude them to turn it over to the council so it can be used as a museum.

San Sebastian photos

2011-01-22T19:43:00.000Z

The fiesta was great and here are some photos.

I have to admit I wasn't there but talking to pèople afterwards they say it was great and Colin Kirby was there and wrote about it much better then I would have any way. So stop over and have a look at his blog.

He was also in Arona for another fiesta which he describes too.

Fiesta San Sebastian, Take the horses to the water.

2011-01-17T13:11:00.000Z

The San Sebastián cult in Adeje is connected like in many places too his patronage against Infections and illnesses. There were many towns in the 16th century who took him as their patron saint.

According to oral tradition, at the end of the 19 or beginning of the 20th century the celebration of his name started when ever there was necessity, illness they called to him and promised if their prayers were heard they would celebrate and hold a fiesta in his name. Up to the 1940's the brotherhood were in charge of this.

On the 19th and 20th of January there have been celebrations each year since the 1940's. When the brotherhood changed into the Cámara Agraria. Since then the town hall has taken responsibility for the fiesta.

The fiesta consists of bringing the statue of San Sebastián to the main town of Adeje where mass is held on the 19th. There is then a procession through the streets of the town. The statue is then taken on the 20th by oxen cart to La Caleta. (this is now done by lorry). The statue is brought to the Enramada church on the 20th. Many pilgrims will go to the procession with their animals and originally there was a competition for the best animals and later best car and lorry.

Recently the many visitors go on the 20th to the mass and afterward to see how local horse riders take their horses into the sea.

Welcome meeting

2011-01-15T12:39:00.000Z

It is ages since I have been to a welcome meeting. But today I was there. Here are the photos of clinets who are either owners or repeat visitors.

John and Mary are back again.

This photo wasn't so good as the sun was in the wrong direction or thats my excuse and I am sticking to it.

Some of us are not only here for 4 weeks but we have brought family with us. Welcome back

Some of us were only down at the meeting to see me which was great. As it was our second week here.

Pat and Pete are here again, on their own today but the extended family arrive tomorrow. I love when we have 3 generations of the same family here.

Sculpture on the move.

2011-01-10T19:40:00.001Z

Not sure if you will remember but last summer I saw some amazing statues in Adeje town centre. The post is Here. Whilst out and about in Blog land I saw the same statues which have aparently been christmasing in La Oratava. The photos are much better than mine and the lighting is outstanding. Have a look on "Living beneath the volcano",

More images of the sculptor Julio Nieto's work can be seen on his website.

Have a great evening.

Three kings

2011-01-07T15:26:00.000Z

There are some amazing things which happen here in Tenerife. One of these are the visits from the three kings. In Los Cristianos they arrive on the ferry but this year they arrived in adeje by Helicopter. The town hall representatives had their camels waiting and after greetign the children in the local football field they set off up the street in a royal procession. As many of you know my children are to old to be excited by a three kings visit but it is still lovely to see and talking to clients afterwards I was excited by how much they had enjoyed the whole event.

Also in the parade were Dinsey characters, Sponge Bobn hello kitty, Heidi, Garfield and other characters. various local theatre groups made the whole parade possible.

After the parade there were several stalls selling items which helped to raise money for local charities.

After the

New years greeting to all.

2010-12-29T18:01:00.000Z

I hope everyone had a great holiday. I gather you had 4 days off with the weekend and 2 days to go with them. Not even in Spain would we get away with that. Firstly because we only have one holiday day for xmas (the 25th) and secondly Saturday is a work day and therefore doesn't carry over.
I had visitors today who came to tell me about how xmas was in Tropical Park. They enjoyed it and said it was busy. The gala meal was apparently quiet until the party bags were handed out then there was chaos and fun all night.
The New Years gala is in hand and will be another great night.
The work on the beach is progressing slowly but there is someone down there working every day so hopefully by the summer there will be a finished beach.
Hope you all have a great new year and we hope to see you next year in 2011

2010-12-18T12:26:00.000Z

This is some of the graet things that the Canary Isles have, to see and to do.
Not to harp on about the weather but although it was cloudy first thing this morning it is now brilliant sunshine with a strong breeze which makes it just Paradise.
From those of us here in Tenerife to those of you in the really snowy north we wish you a lovely white xmas. At least during the 4 days you are off you don't need to go anywhere. Take care of yourselves and have a great break. We hope you make it back next year and are looking forward to seeing you again.

P.S. whilst you are off if you have any photos from this years holidays, add them onto facebook on the Aparthotel Tropcial Park page or the Tropical Park photobook page.

( I am endlessly grateful my son made it home before this started again)

Father Xmas came early to Callao Salvaje.

2010-12-15T16:38:00.000Z

Father Xmas came early to Callao Salvaje. The work on the beach was started on Monday the 13th of December 2010.

The council announced that the work should last six months and be finished for the summer season. They have been working for over five year to reach this point.
The coast office, the minister from the department of environment will form a zone where people can bathe and the bay will be covered in sand, around this there will be grass areas and beach facilities including a bar. The second phase of the work will be the beach path to Playa Paraiso.
The beach will have a section where rain water can run into the seas for the few days that it rains. The investment is expected to be 1,200,000 euros. The plan is not to build a break water as it is felt the shape of the bay means there is no need for one.

The Callao beach is on the left of the banana plantations.
i will try to get down soon and take some photos of what ever machines there are down there.

More Christmas

2010-12-08T18:33:00.000Z

Furthe to my thoughts for xmas and the holidays on lingolex.com I found these translations for words you might use over the holidays.

Spanish - English
DIAS FESTIVOS
Nochebuena - Christmas Eve
Día de navidad - Christmas Day
Año Nuevo New Year
Nochevieja - New Year's Eve
El día de año nuevo - New Year's Day
las vacaciones de Navidad - the Christmas holidays
las Navidades / la Navidad - Yuletide
el Día de Reyes - 6th January (the day when presents are traditionally given in Spanish-speaking countries)
la Noche de Reyes - Twelfth Night
el Día de los Santos Inocentes - 28th December (similar to April Fool's Day)
COSAS NAVIDEÑAS
regalo de navidad - Christmas present
adornos de Navidad - Christmas decorations
un ramo de Navidad - a Christmas wreath
el muérdago - mistletoe
el acebo - holly
flor de Navidad - poinsettia
la comida de Navidad - Christmas dinner
una tarjeta de Navidad, un crismas - a Chrstmas card
Árbol de navidad - Christmas tree
el espumillón - tinsel
un calendario de Adviento - Advent calendar
un pesebre - a crib
la misa del gallo - Midnight Mass
un villancico - a chrismas carol

Christmas carol
adorno (Árbol de navidad) - bauble
Baltasar, Gaspar, Melchor - Balthasar, Gaspar, Melchior
los Reyes Magos - the Three Kings, the Three Wise Men
tomar las uvas - to see the New Year in. (in Spain a grape is eaten for each stroke of the clock at 12pm on December 31st. Each grape is supposed to represent one month of the new year)
un auto de Navidad - a nativity play
¡Feliz Navidad! / ¡Felices Pascuas! - Happy Christmas
¡Felices fiestas! - Season's greetings!
¡Feliz Navidad y Próspero Año Nuevo! - Merry Christmas and a Prosperous / Happy New Year!
¿Qué te regalaron para Navidad? - What did you get for Christmas?
La Navidad está en puertas - Christmas is just around the corner
Los preparativos de la Navidad empiezan en octubre - The buildup to Christmas starts in October
el espíritu navideño - the Christmas spirit
oro - gold
incienso - frankincense
mirra - myrrh
Jerusalén - Jerusalem
la cabalgata - On 6th January there is a Christmas parade, the principal characters are the "magic kings" who drive around the city on a float and shower the children and people with sweets and other presents.
un belén (Belén = Bethlehem) - a nativity scene
José - Joseph
la Virgen María - Mary
el niño Jesús - (baby) Jesus
los pastores - shepherds
los ángeles - angels
un burro - a donkey
Papá Noel - Father Christmas

COMIDA
un tronco de Navidad - a Christmas yule log
un pastel de Navidad - a Christmas cake
el pavo - turkey
langostinos - king prawns
mantecados - traditional Christmas sweet made mainly from lard and almonds very similar to a "polvorón"
polvorones - a typical Spanish sweet, dry and powdery and made with almonds
una rosca de Reyes / un roscón de Reyes - a large, round bun baked for 6th January with candied fruits and things hidden (coins, etc.) inside
turrón

turrón blando - a typical Spanish sweet eaten at Christmas
made with ground almonds
turrón duro - hard and nougat-like
turrón de chocolate - made with chocolate and puffed rice
mazapán - marzipan
una cesta de Navidad - a Christmas hamper
(una copa de) cava -(a glass of) Spanish sparkling wine, similar to champagne
el Gordo- the big xmas lottery

In line with planning for Xmas

2010-12-04T10:26:00.000Z

I have found the visit of the three kings to Adeje

It will be in the Calle Grande, the main high street in Adeje

Description: In Adeje the 3 kings will arrive by helicopter and land at the football ground for 5pm for a welcome party. Then from 7pm they will parade up Calle Grande to the plaza to hand out gifts.

The tradition of the thre Kings giving gifts is still very strong in Spain. In Spanish South America present giving has passed to christmas but here usually only a small gift is given for the hoildays with main presents being saved for "Reyes".

When the children were small we always the children something for the Kings and something for St Nicholas which is a Dutch holiday and when gifts are exchanged in Holland. Our children would get fruit, sweets and a little toy but no coal as we always thought they had been good. A bad dreature called Krampus brought the coal and I was just online looking for a child friendly picture of him but they are all horrible. I will leave this to your imagination or google if you prefer.

Here in Tropical Park Santa visits on the 25th of December to see the children.

What do you do for present giving traditions?

Snow here too but with sunshine.

2010-12-03T11:01:00.000Z

I know lots of you are home in the snow thinking about where the sun is shining.

We too have Snow but we keep ours tidily on the mountain not down here by the beach.

Thomas is away in -10 in Vienna but here the sun is shining and the world is warm. There has been very little interaction on here recently so today I would like you to add when you are next coming over to visit so I can make a plan. This is necessary as I am not doing the bookings any more but would still like to know who is visiting and when

Have a great day and stay safe.

More visitors

2010-11-30T18:04:00.000Z

It was great today to see Ken and Val. They came down for a visit and I showed them the shop, the local bar and we had cake and coffee next door. It was a great excuse to have cake. They had to twist my arm to have a cake really hard (you can imagine can't you).

I had the second one and it was yummy. The sun is shining and it is very warm. There is not a sign down here that there was even a storm. Most of it missed us here in the south.

With xmas coming I was looking around for things to do and on the 19th of December Los Sabendeños a famous group here in Spain will be sinning Christmas song in the Botanical gardens in Adeje from 8pm. There will also be during the same day a tasting of food from La Gomera in the same place so if you are here, don't forget to visit the Botanical gardens and try some Gomeran specialities.

Have a great day

The rain in Spain

2010-11-29T11:31:00.000Z

I am not sure about mostly on the plain but it is falling here in tenerife on the coast and in the mountain.

The green is rain storms, but they are passing by now and we hope by tomorrow to have sunshine again.

The power is off in Callao Salvaje but families are congregating in the restaurant in Tropical Park as it is the only place in the village with a generator so there is light and somthing going on.

I know most of you have snow so take care and be careful.

Have a great day.

Storms expected

2010-11-27T17:13:00.000Z

The island is awaiting storms. We had rain on Thursday night and for about 6 minutes on Friday afternoon. It is now windy but bright.

The 30th of november is St Andres's day. This is the day in Spain that the wine is first tasted. I am not sure if it is the same day as they bring the Beaujolais nouveau.It may well be. Here it is an excuse to get together with friends, have a few drinks barbecue some ribs and have a great time. The wine probably isn't too good but that doesn't matter so much.

Another activity in Adeje next week is the fifth Canarian Gospel singing festival. This takes place in the Convent in Adeje at 19.00 (7pm). The main exhibition is by Joshua Nelson.

Visits

2010-11-25T18:58:00.000Z

I had two visits this week, it is lovely to see folk I have known for so long. It is difficult to get back to Tropical Park right now as I really need to be in the shop as much as possible. If you are passing Fañabe please stop by. Thomas has leaflets and cards which explain where we are.

The beach hasn't been started yet but I have heard a date in December. That doesn't mean it will start in december but at least there is still a date.

We are possibly due storms this weekend. They are in mainland Spain right now and we hope they will just pass by us and not hit the islands.

I had my first package with xmas presents today. As I am in the shop I am not sure I will every have time to shop so I have bought some bits online. In the old days I used to ask owners to bring me bits but the airlines have gotten so dificult with weight that I don't really like to ask. (Maybe some little soft toy - you know how much I like Disney.)

We have a new Fete with xmas craft items from the 25-28 novenber in Av. Rafael Puig Lluvina, in Costa Adeje.

CC Fañabe Plaza

2010-11-22T11:45:00.001Z

Having done a couple of welcome meeting since I have started the shop, several people have asked me about the comercial centre.
CC Fañabe Plaze is in Playa Fañabe on row back from the beach. The bus stops outside the centre and there is lots of open space. In the way of shops we have Soy del Tete -Tenerife fan shop (my baby), a sports and football shop with all the official products of our local team Club Deportivo Tenerife, CDT, also items from other clubs.

Next to us is a cake shop called Baby 1960. They have yummy cakes and pastries, sandwhiches and rolls. They are italian and the cakes are really good. Often at lunch time they have Italian snacks.

Downstairs from us is a Spar supermarket with a large range of English and German products. 4 souvenier shops selling a range of items and an English cafe.
Upstairs there is a dentist a branch of Lloyds bank Spain and a travel agent.

Welcome meeting - 20th November

2010-11-20T11:18:00.001Z

Here we are agaim it is Saturday and I have the photos of the owners here this week.

Mary and John from LiverpoolChristine and friends

The young Mr and Mrs Reed

Mr and Mrs patterson

And lastly a couple who although they are not owners have visited Tropical Park so many times they feel like adopted owners.

Other happenings in Adeje

2010-11-18T11:53:00.000Z

You all know I am football mad but something different is happening in Adeje this weekend. There is an international 7 s tournament in Las Torres. The 21 teams will be divided into 3 groups.

There will be former Scottish and Irish internationalplayeres taking part and ex-players from the Spanish league. The games take place in Las Torres sports centre in Adeje on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Pop down to see them play.

Visits

2010-11-12T17:18:00.000Z

Thomas and I are away for the weekend but the entertainer will be doing the welcome meeting tomorrow and Thomas will be back on Monday to Tropical Park. We are going to northern Spain for football. If yopu are gohng to open a football shop you need from time to time to go and visit the team and see them play away as well as at home. I won't make it down to Tropical Park this week but I am always here in Playa Fañabe if anyone wants to pop down for a visit.
The shop is on the way from the bus stop down to the beach if you fancy a day on Fañabe beach then stop by.

Have a great weekend

Top 10 Tenerife sculptures by Tenerife magazine

2010-11-10T11:42:00.001Z

This morning I saw this great article by Tenerife Magazine on face book
Link here

Check out their page as they always have great articles

From a perfect set of buttocks or an octopus tentacle escaping from a basket, to being a bath time voyeur – these are my top Tenerife stone people.

1. The Fish Wife – Puerto de la Cruz.
At the entrance to the harbour, Julio Nieto’s pretty fish wife with her flowing skirts and her mouth poised mid “cockles, and muscles, alive, alive -o” (or whatever the Spanish equivalent is) is a beautiful tribute to the town’s fishing industry which is still one of its biggest assets.

2. Mencey Bentor – Los Realejos.
Marking the spot from which he threw himself to his death rather than see his beloved island enslaved to the enemy, Mencey Bentor rails at the sky and the hopelessness of the Guanche plight against the Spanish conquistadors. The stunning views are enhanced even more by this impressively proportioned hero.

3. Fecundidad – Parque García Sanabria, Santa Cruz.
Casting all who see her into the role of bath time voyeurs, the fountain setting of Fecundidad is irresistible memory stick fodder. Rainbows dance around her permanently wet, plump knees as she bathes – the perfect depiction of the fertility of this paradise island.

4. Museo del Pescador – Puerto Santiago.
Bernard Romain’s fantastic depiction of life on and below the ocean’s waves on the building’s façade is easily missed as you navigate the bend but at the risk of taking out a headlamp, it’s a west coast must-see.

5. ‘Courage’ – Plaza del Principe, Santa Cruz.
The orator seems so at home beneath the trees in the busy Principe park where he daily preaches his gospels. Joining his audience on the plinth, Hanneke Beaumont’s art work provides the perfect opportunity for visitors to get in on the act.

6. Teatro Guimerá.
The iconic bronze mask is a stunning landmark for the capital’s historic theatre and what’s more, by leaning nonchalantly against the nose, it lends itself to the coolest of 70s album cover poses.

7. Alonso Díaz – Santiago del Teide.
Testament to the power of perseverance and the victory of the little man against the might of conquest, the Guanche goatherd Díaz and his kid goat have come to symbolize the pretty rural hamlet in which they reside.

8. Monument to the Fallen, Plaza España.
Proving irresistible to anyone with a penchant for the perfect buttocks are the warriors who stand guard over the Spanish Civil War memorial in the capital’s heart.

9. Cha Domitila – Arguayo.
Illustrating the strength and skill of the women who traditionally crafted the distinctive pottery of the area, these sculptures look perfect against their cliff face backdrop.

10. Monument to the Defeat of Nelson, Santa Cruz.
The distraught woman with her clenched fists is the perfect depiction of defiance as she stands as firm and as unmovable as the Anaga Mountains behind her.

Welcome meeting

2010-11-06T11:14:00.001Z

More who tell me I didn't take their photo last week.

Some sat on their own as their table mates didn't want their photo taken. (Not that I blame them it was early!!!)

Those who are here this year from the 4 O'clock club.

Some of us are together really even if we are sat at different tables.

Welcome meeting

2010-11-06T11:09:00.003Z

It is Saturday again and here we have Shelia and Tony.

Some who have crept in from last week's arrivals.

Some who met here in Tropical park but are now firm friends

Some who are energetic and have just finished tennis.

Weather in Tenerife

2010-11-04T10:41:00.000Z

Jus t so you know it is not always brilliant sunshine in Tenerife. Oh ok the sun is shining too.
The video is Calima wind.
I have talked about clima before but this is the first time for ages it came with strong winds.
Here in this Comercial centre the roof is like the sails of a ship and they are moving violently today.
Watch the floor with the leaves to see how fast the wind is blowing.
tomorrow will be dusting day for sure.

Have a great day.

New plans

2010-11-03T09:25:00.000Z

As many of you have seen I am not in Tropical Park so often any more. For the last 6 months we have been setting up an additional business. As many of you know both Thomas and I are mad about football. We had the chance to open a shop selling items from Club Deportivo Tenerife our local Team.
This for both of us is like a dream come true. It combines the way we spend our spare time with a chance to make some additional money. Thomas will still be in Tropical Park full time and I will be in and out.
The shop is in C.C. Fañabe Plaza in Playa Fañabe and I hope you will be down to see me. There is a great Italian bakery next door. The family spend their time tempting me into to eating their great cakes.

Welcome meeting 28th October

2010-10-30T10:46:00.002+01:00

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I had blogged this once. But I am not sure where I have lost the text for this blog.

The photos are all owners onsite this week.
I will come back amd edit their names later.

Have a great day.

Folk Fest again in Los Cristianos

2010-10-25T08:55:00.002+01:00

I am not sure if you remember but in the spring I told you about some Canarian evenings on in Los Cristianos. The town hall in Arona have decided they are to start again.
From the 28th of October to the 14 of April every Thursday there will be Canarian Folk Fests. These are evenings of music and dancing, local food and wine. Don't hesitate to ask Thomas or me how to get there from Tropical Park.
Have a great day

3.5 million to be invested in the Adeje area

2010-10-20T11:30:00.001+01:00

The Tenerife island givernment and Adeje town hall have announced that 3.5 million euros will be invested in tourist areas in the county. The money will be invested in infrastructure between now and the end of 2014.
This money is part of an agreement between the government president Ricardo Melchior, the major of Adeje, José Miguel Rodríguez Fraga and the minister for tourism, José Manuel Bermúdez.
The agreement shows the island government is keen to promote areas on the island and forge agreements between themselves and the local town halls. There is a general feeling that Callao Salvaje will see some of this money.

Similar agreements have been made with the town halls in Arona, Puerto de la Cruz and Santiago del Teide

Last days for the offer

2010-10-16T11:34:00.000+01:00

Management have decided that the offer which is running right now will run to the end of the weeekend. This means any reservation which comes in before we get to work on Monday morning will go into the offer. Not sure why but its a great chance for anyone who like me isn't quite so organised.
To remind you:

Offer 1
from 1/11/10 to 30/06/11 (except 17/12/10 - 07/01/11) one week in a 1 bedroom apartment for only 210€(owners) 255€(guests) for each booking made by 15/10/10 Owners will receive a 20€ restaurant credit voucher on arrival. Should owners book for a guest owners will receive a 20€ and guest a 10€ restaurant credit voucher per booking. As well as the restaurant credit voucher you will receive a 5€ per person discount voucher for our new Monday excursion "The Sound of Musicals".

Offer 2
Xmas and New Year 17/12/10 - 07/01/11. Owners and their guests 235€ per week in a one bedroom apartment 10% discount xmas and new years meal. Non owners 385€ per week. Xmas and New Years meal obligatory for everybody.

Yummy cakes

2010-10-13T09:00:00.001+01:00

Out and about this morning I found this great cake shop. As you can see in the photo all the cakes are baked onsite and the smell is wonderful.
The shop/cafe is in the Centro comercial Fanabe Plaza. I am going to have a chocolate croisant while I sit here.
Have a great day.

Public Holiday

2010-10-12T10:18:00.000+01:00

We get more than our fair share of holidays here in Spain. Not that I am complaining!!. Yesterday was a local holiday and today is national. It is the day of the armed forces and from my desk I can hear a neighbours television with the parade in Madrid. This is a pass by from a representation of units with the King watching and receiving salutes.
Here in the south of Tenerife we have no parade but every Guardia Civil station has a celebration with a party. They are an army unit unlike the local and national police units. They have been collecting from local businesses for this party and will have a good time today.

Not so many years ago someone thought this would be a good day to smuggle. A boat arrived in the Puerto Colon harbour with a large quantity of cocaine. But the police had left somone working, the sailors were arrested and the drugs confiscated.

Have a great day.

Beach news

2010-10-09T19:50:00.001+01:00

The Beach area has begun to be bulldozed. They have blocked off the jetty so there is no access to fish right now.
I will tell you more when I know anything.

New toy

2010-10-07T11:23:00.001+01:00

Thomas has bought me a new phone which will let me blog from
it. I can also upload photos and video direct so I hope to be blogging more frequently.

The weather has been up and down the last few days. There was raín for a while two nights ago and then fine in the day yesterday. Better that way than dry at night and wet in the day.
I took my son to the UK to last week and am still getting over it. He seems ok but it is a worry especially as one of my work collegues whose son also went this year nearly had to come home with panic attacks. I am sure I will be fine soon.
Have a great day.

Second Costa Adeje Triathlon

2010-10-05T18:19:00.000+01:00

Not that I was thinking about taking part but I was interested to read about the second Triathlon. I guess the first one must have been last year but it passed me by.

This Saturday 9th of October the second triatlon in Costa Adeje will take place at 16.30 starting with the swimming. There will be 750 metres swimming, 20km bicycle and 5 km street race. The race will start in La Caleta in front of the Hotel Jardín Caleta (Adeje, Tenerife.) The organisation have aranged a great race where the competitors can fight for the finish in what is the last Triathlon of the season.
The prizes are a trophy for the fastest man and woman with a cash prize of 300 euros for the first racers, 200€ for the seconds and 100€ for the two third finishers.
This year it has been decided that the race would be limited to 200 racers. If there is anyone out there who still wanted to take part then they should contact the federation or in the official web at at (www.triatlonadeje.com).

Thomas says I am to remind you all that the latest offer can be booked until the 15th of October. Even if you don't know your dates you can still make the reservation and tell us what dates you weant to come later.

weather - Sunrise

2010-10-02T17:19:00.000+01:00

This was taken in Santa Cruz this morning

Weather and the Nutcracker suite

2010-09-27T17:37:00.000+01:00

Oddly for September it is overcast. This is unusual, but it is still very hot. People forget that here even when the sun is not shining you can still burn.

The Moscow ballet will be performing here in December in the Magma centre in Playa de Las Americas. Swan lake was performed in August in the same cente and I missed it. I was planning to go and then was confused with the dates so I will certainly be going.
More information here

Bookings going well

2010-09-23T11:22:00.002+01:00

From the offer last week we have had a great response. Bookings are flowing in and it looks like we will have lots of owners and guests visiting this year.
We have had phone and email queries and the most asked question has been. " I haven't booked my holiday dates yet how can I take part in this offer" This is no problem at all. All we need to know is that you want to come and visit us. You can reserve now the amount of weeks you want and can then contact us later to tell us the dates, when you know what dates you want to travel. If you want to take part in this offer you just need to contact us on ventas@tropicalpark.com or 0034922740407 extn 1626

The beach

2010-09-20T10:46:00.000+01:00

There has been an announcement online that the beach will be started in November.
This is the second time I have heard this but on the 17th of September Mr. Santos from the Tourist board in the town hall stated that the rehabilitation of the beach would be started in November and would make a great change to the village of Callao Salvaje. He said now it is the turn of local businesses to do their part in the rehabilitation of the area. The company who have been given the contract are Corsan-Corvian Construcción, and they have 7 months to complete the work The work should therefore be finished by next summer.
This is part of their plan to rehabilitate all the Costa Adeje coast line. He thanked all the people who have been working on thei project since 2005, including Costas Tenerife, Ayuntamiento de Adeje, Costas Madrid, and the technicians from the town hall.

Not again

2010-09-19T15:13:00.001+01:00

The real difficulty with blogging two blogs is that unless you are very attentive you end up writing on the wrong one
It is not I had forgotten to write here but that I only do football on Sundays
I will be back tomorrow with something to tell you all
Have a great day tomorrow and I will write later.
I have seen some great news online but need to check it out a bit more.

Winter programme

2010-09-18T12:38:00.000+01:00

We have started the new winter programme with our new Monday night dinner show "Sounds of Musicals". The cost of this is 48 euros with a VIP upgrade of 10 euros more if clients want centre seating and better wine.
We have moved the owners meal to Tuesday and hope to run a meal next week.
Holiday go much too quickly and Thomas and I are now back at work so if you have calls or emails they will be answered much quicker now. I would like to comment if you email during the week and don't get an answer within 24 hours it probably didn't get to us. Please resend your email as we try Monday to thursady to answer within 24 hours.

Have a great weekend.

This is a park in Santa Cruz I like to spend time in.

Special Offers

2010-09-16T11:17:00.000+01:00

Dear owners and friends of Tropical Park,
as you all know times have not been so good over the last two years but it looks like it is changing for the better. We have worked the last 8 weeks on a new program which we hope will show our dedication to you as customers of Tropical Park and will encourage you to book your next holiday here in Tropical Park. Normally we would send out short period offers but now we are in a position to offer you not only an offer that lasts more than 7 months but as well benefits you to send your friends and family. You will receive over the next 2 days by email two special offers. 1.) from the 1/11/10 to the 30/06/11 (except 17/12/10-07/01/11). 2.)xmas and new year offers from 17/12/10-07/01/11. Should you not receive these offers by 17/09/10 please write to us on ventas@tropicalpark.com.

Thomas

Not really missing in action

2010-09-11T10:48:00.000+01:00

Both Thomas and I have been in and out of work for the last couple of weeks using up holiday days that would have been lost otherwise. All emails have been answered although some have taken longer to answer depending on when they were sent. We will be back at work full time after the 20th of September although next week again we will be in some days.
For anyone with a question either email and we will get back to you phone after the 20th if it isn't urgent.
Have a great weekend.

Not how you think of Tenerife

2010-09-01T10:11:00.000+01:00

This is perhaps not the image that comes to mind when you think of Tenerife but is a photo of the north of the island. I found it on the Hiking on Tenerife website here.
Although I haven't walked with them they always have interesting places to visit and fun stories to tell.

Have a great day.

33 Incredible Astrophotography Pictures

2010-08-30T10:16:00.000+01:00

33 Incredible Astrophotography Pictures

I found this online on a blog with photographs. Here They are all great photos but I like this one best as it is Teide. At this time of year there are nights where the stars seem to fall. I know they are shooting stars but have never wanted to look up why we see them and why it is always in August as it would spoil the charm.

Thomas and I are still not working Monday to Wednesday but we are in Thursday and Saturday if you need anything.

Have a great day.

Quieter this week but good to be back at work

2010-08-28T12:27:00.000+01:00

There are less clients onsite this week. The last week in August is always less busy. Families need to get back home for the start of school and the flight prices are not as cheap as they will be next week so there are sill not so many couples. It is good for housekeeping as it gives them a chance to go through and clean everthing including the little bits that might get missed when we are busy. The restaurant is doing ok and we have a new entertainer from Switzerland. He speaks fluent Spanish, German and English. He is younger than Joss but doing ok.
Having only been in last week on Thursday for a couple oif hours to answer emails it iwas good to come in today for a full day. There are lots of clients onsite I was pleased to see and I will try to spend a little time here so I get a chance to chat.

Have a great weekend

Parascending

2010-08-23T23:45:00.000+01:00

Ok today was the day. We neded to be in Puerto Colon by 10.50 for 11am departure. Out onto the water, we chose to go up first. This is a good idea as we had the most time in the air. The family who went last had the least.

We were both a bit nervous but the moment we were in the air that went. The view was great and the silence was amazing. You can just hear the boat in the distance and other then that the blowing of the wind. we circled the Las Americas bay for about 10 minutes before we were bought back to land. You start off sitting on the boat and end up landing on your feet. It is a lot of fun and certainly somthing I would do again. On our way back we left on of the couples on the jet skis which might be our next trip out next month. If I can persuade Thomas as he was not so keen. If not we might try the BOB divers.

View form the sky.

Have a great day.

Busy in Las Americas

2010-08-22T13:53:00.000+01:00

We are having a great few days off. It is unusual for us to be off and around usually we work or go away. We are planning to take advantage of these days to enjoy a few of the sports activities Tenerife has to offer.
This morning we went down to Puerto Colon to try the parascending. They were busy so we have a date to go back tomorrow morning instead. I will upload some photos tomorrow so you can see.

This morning we went to Los Cristianos to a cake shop we found on our travels and had cakes for breakfast. Have a great day.

Holiday time

2010-08-17T11:55:00.000+01:00

We have some outstanding holiday days that need to be used up so we will not be in every day this week. We are certainly in on Thursday and Saturday but I am not sure if we will be in tomorrow. At least Thomas will be there a while to see the folks onto the boat.
If you need something phone in and leave your number with reception and we will get back to you. If it is urgent please explain what it is to reception and they will do their best to help you.
We are off to the beach today so have a great day.

Sunshine and a balmy day.

2010-08-14T13:17:00.001+01:00

You have all seen the films where the sun shines on the beach and the waves lap up the sand and it looks awesome and makes you want to go straight down to the travel agent to booka holiday. Well today is one of those days. Its not too hot, there is a slight breeze and the dust is all gone.

The hotel is almost full for the first time this year, there are families around the pool having a great time and the atmosphere is great. These are the best times.

If you have booked your holiday with Sun4U you need to look into this. They went bust this week and although we are sorting holidays out. Those families who booked with them need to contact ABTA to arrange their refund.

Have a great day

Calima seems to be ending.

2010-08-13T21:12:00.000+01:00

The furious hot weather finally seems to be going. The promised storm never arrived and looking at the satellite pictures has disipated. I know many of you look at this from home and think, how can she complain it is too hot but when the weater is like this it is like standing next to an oven. The highest resistered temperature this week was 47º in Gran Canaria. It wasn't quite this hot here but nearly.
Have a great weekend.

Baby sea lions in the Loro Park

2010-08-11T13:58:00.000+01:00

The Loro Park were pleased to announce the birth of two sea lions. The two babies, which weigh about 9 kilos when they were born, are in the care of their mothers. They are being kept in a special area where they have access to land and water. With these two births the number of births of sea lions in the Loro Park is now 17. This goes to show how happy and well cared for the animals are in the park. Since 2008 there have been a group of 25 sea lions.

The two babies are both boy sea lions and they pass most of their day with their mothers in a special birthing area. Once the reach a year old they will stop breast feeding and will start to eat fish. Once this starts they will become more independant and therefore they will be able to join in the rest of the group and to ba able to play games with them. They still haven't been given names and you can join the Loro Park's group on face book to suggest a name for them
The sea lions are form California they are Zalophus californianus and belong to the offer family. They usually live of the coast of the North Pacific. The main difference between then and other sea lions is the vast diference between the weight male and females. The male usually weighs between 300 & 380 kg and the females only weigh between 90 & 100 kg. They feed on fish and shellfish and anre the only mammal whose milk doesn't contain lactose. They are very sociable creatures which is why they live in large groups where they interact constantly.
Source http://www.laopinion.es

Sound of Musicals

2010-08-10T13:59:00.000+01:00

I was lucky to be invited to go and see the Sound of Musicals show last night.
This is a dinner show with songs from various musicals across the years.
Mandy and Terry came with me and we had a great evening. It starts at 7.45pm and we were there promptly. The show starts with a photo with the 2 leading stars and then you are lead to your table. We had VIP seats which meant better wine an upgraded desert and a more central table. Dinner was served and drinks flowed all evening. The show room is well appointed and looks good.

Dinner was great, roast pork served on a bed of garlic mash, with baby carrots, sauteed green beans and onions, served with gravy. The food was hot, beautifully presented and tasted good. This was followed by a coffee gateau with cream. During the meal we were sung to by Bobby Knight with a selection of 50's hits.

The the lights went down and the show begun. Without giving away the tale it is a love story set all over the world with songs from over a dozen musicals. The funniest was certainly the Elvis Pharaoh in Egypt. It is divided into 2 parts of 1 hour with a break in the middle. The break was just right and this gave the waiting staff another chance to go around and refill drinks. This is a great show one of the best I have seen on the island and well worth going to see.

Catch a glimpse here:

Web cams in Los Cristianos

2010-08-07T12:17:00.000+01:00

Local newspapers are full of the fact that the webcams in Los Cristianos are some of the most looked at in the world. They are installed on the Guaza mountain where we were walking in June and one of them looks at the beach and the other looks at the mountains. Also there is one directly on Las Vistas beach.

Check them out here

We are in talks with Javier to see if we can get one installed by the pool area

Funny weather

2010-08-04T05:33:00.000+01:00

I have had a couple of days off this week as my little darlings are on holiday and I got Tenerife North airport duty. Yesterday I took my eldest to the airport. I was also choosen to take his friends. No problem. What wasn't mentioned was I needed to pick the first one up in Chayofa above Los Cristianos. Still no problem. When we get there he tells us the third friends mother has phoned and needs us to wait whilst she brings something from Los Christianos. 20 mins wait but we were early so no worries. Off we go and on the journey child three and four phone to tell us they are not in Santa Cruz where we were supposed to find them but in La Laguna where one of them is registering for uni. This was the last day he could register and he had been putting it off but now he could go. La Laguna is like a maze and I really don't know my way around but what the H***.
We arrive in the university area and my son phones for instructions. The boy is nearly finished and could we wait. 40 mins later he is finished. Off we go to the airport. They were then delayed several hours due to fog (don't ask as when I was there it was fine) and finally bused down to the south to set off on their journey.
Today I need to go back to the north to collect my daughter coming in from Malaga. She promises to phone me before they leave to tell me if the plan is they go to the north or if they will be diverted too. Unfortunately yesterday they inbound flights didn't know until they were arrivng in Tenerife so wish me luck and hope for me that I don't drive all the way up there only to have to come back

Sunshine and warm weather

2010-07-31T12:26:00.000+01:00

It is lovely here again. Although I hear you are having good weather in the UK as well. More children and different nationalities. I have several families like mine who are mixed. There is a Dutch/English family and a Finnish/English family.
We are off to Santa Cruz to spend the day up there.- There are still sales here until the 30th of August and frieds say prices have been reduced again so we are off to see.
Shows this week are Saturday - Dave Michaels, Monday - Parrots ,Tuesday - Arron Cornack ,Wednesday - eagles and Thursday the acrobats and the snakes.

Have a great weekend.

Amazing statues in Adeje main centre

2010-07-30T12:05:00.000+01:00

Passing through Adeje main town centre I stopped to see thes amazing statues. They are metalwork and astounding. They are here as part of the University of La Laguna summer school which is held in Adeje every summer.
If you ever needed a few extra university credits it is a great way to spend a couple of weeks in July.
The statues were accompanied by a rock group when I was there but I guess this was just luck.

If you don't check in tomorrow have a great weekend if not see you tomorrow.

Ok you all know I am football mad but this is special

2010-07-28T09:55:00.000+01:00

Ok you all know I am football mad but this is special. How many times in your life do you get to touch the world cup trophy.
After 2 hours waiting in the sun in Santa Cruz we managed to get to see and touch the world cup trophy.

It is on tour in Spain and having left Madrid its first stop was the furthest county away Tenerife. It is here 3 days then going to visit the other island of La Gomera. el Hierro, and La palma before moving onwards.

Its hot

2010-07-26T14:05:00.000+01:00

Its hot here every day but today is extreme. I have a sun dress on and still it is hot.
This was the first week for a while we have had owners interested in an owners meal which is unusual as we mostly don't get takers for this in the summer as there are families here. We are going to see with the clients who asked, the ones who are coming in on Friday and the couple who arrived last Friday and are here till September we can get a group for next Monday.

The World cup trophy is in Tenerife tomorrow and will be on display from 4pm to 7pm. This is in Santa Cruz and I am sure lots of people will be going to see it. I hope to make it there if I can find someone to go with as Thomas is busy.
.

Sunny Saturday and a question

2010-07-24T12:38:00.000+01:00

Another sunny day and the start of the school holidays seems to be everywhere. We have families arrived yesterday from England, Belgium, Croatia, Russia and Poland.
This week there seems to be enough people to maybe have the man with the swuimming pool water walkers here. If you haen't seen these please take a look at my blogs from last summer. They are great fun and every one seems to enjoy them. I am only sorry I missed Veronica last summer but I have hopes she will be presuaded to go again next year.
We are going out to eat tonight on the west coast with friends who are staying in Puerto Santiago. I am not hiding where we just haven't decided even which village yet. This led me to think If I was to add a forum onto the Aparthotel Tropical park facebook page would you leave comments about places you enjoyed eating in the viallge and surrounding areas..Please comment and tell me.

Fire guards.

2010-07-22T20:27:00.000+01:00

The island has always had fire risks in the summer. It is hot the pine forests loose their needles and the risk that an odd piece of glass catches the sunlight and bursts into flames is always there.
The first line of defence are the fire watchers. These are scattered through the pine forests and live near their watcher stations looking out for the first glimpse of smoke. Once they see something they inform the island government. The islands count on two helicopters all summer to help in case of fires. There planes are the best fire stoppers out there. They pick up water from the seas and carry it back to the forest to dump it on the flames. The fire fighters are always out to help if there is a fire and many volunters will assist if they can.

The most amazing thing with this type of fire is not at the time but one to two years later. The fires are inclined to move so quickly that they only burn the outsides of the trees. This means a few seasons later the trees will look similar to how they were before.
This can be seen in the west of the Island around the Santiago del Teide area new growth on the trees which were burnt in 2007

Sunshine and balmy weather

2010-07-20T14:51:00.000+01:00

The sun shines and there is a light breeze. It is a bit like paradise. Sorry for those of you there in the rain
I am having a good day at 7am my son got a text to say he has a secure place at uni. It is not his first choice but at least he has somewhere to go this autumn.
The hotel is busier and things seem to be picking up at least for now. I still hven't seen the figures for September but July and August are looking fairly good.
Thomas has been out a couple of times looking for a new excursion and we hope to start somthing new in September soo keep looking for what we will be offering.
The village too is slowly picking up though one of the banks have consolidated with their office in Playa Paraiso and only left a cash point machine here.
Do you think we should start a facebook page for Callao Salvaje?
Have a great week

All change

2010-07-17T12:49:00.000+01:00

Things have changed. The entertainer we have the last 2 weeks has moved on to pastures new and we now have Joss back full time.
Joss is Belgian and was with us for most of the spring until the Icelandic ash event. I will look out a photo for those of you who haven't seen him next week.
We also have shows. Tonight we have Dave Michaels who is an English singer, then the snakes tomorrow, the parrots Monday, the wild birds Tuesday , Aaron Cormack who is an awesome entertainer back after 2 years on Wednesday and the Cuban acrobats on Thursday. There will be full day and evening entertainment including mini disco, play your cards right and other exiting events.

I am going up the mountain for a BBQ tomorrow if it is not to hot and the local authorities don't close the BBQ sites like they did last weekend. This is a fire risk concept. When the temperature reaches over 38 degrees they tend to shut mountain sites as fire on the mountain is very bad. If I remember I will explain how they put the fires out next week as it is interesting.
Have a great weekend

Wonderful Photos

2010-07-15T11:58:00.000+01:00

I found these wonderful photos. The first page looks like this:

Then you can pass form on photo to another you can find them here
I really enjoyed the photos which include some great sunsets. The sun here seems to slide into the sea. You can sit on the Plaza down on the front in Callao Salvaje and watch it in the evening. It is a wonderful thing to see.
Have a great day

The sun is shining

2010-07-14T13:11:00.000+01:00

We have a beautiful day today. The sun is shining, the dust from the clima which was here all over the weekend is going and all is wonderful.
News today is that from next week most evenings we will have live shows. I know who Thomas is talking to but everything is still a little in the sir so I will confirm who we have as soon as everything has been confirmed.

Have a great day.

Spain won the World cup

2010-07-13T10:32:00.000+01:00

This was a monumentous event here. The whole island forgot they were Canarian and wandered around in euphoria. Spain's history has made the people in the different regions feel loyal to the region instead of the nation. Unique events like winning this trophy brings the nation together again.
The government is expecting two small booms; the first will be in 9 months. After FC Barcelona won the Champions league there was in the Catalan region a baby boom and the same is expected across the nation. The other boom is financial, spending across Spain is expected to increase by 0.7% for the next few months due to a feel good reaction. We hope to see some of that feel good feeling here in Tropical Park.

Slowly getting busier

2010-07-10T12:39:00.000+01:00

Here in Tropical Park we are slowly filling up. We had more clients arrive than went home which is always good. The restaurant is still quiet but we are getting there. The animal shows seem to be a sucess and we have The Snakes tomorrow, the Parrots on Monday and the wild birds on Wednesday.

Sunday night will be a big night here in Tenerife as in the rest of Spain. There is a quiet expectation that they could win the football. We are going to Santa Cruz to watch the final on a big screen in the middle of the city. I will try to take some photos.

Have a great weekend and keep your fingers crossed for us.

Palm trees

2010-07-08T14:48:00.000+01:00

Palm trees grow very easily here. They are tropical trees although there are some growing in Kew Gardens. We have a couple onsite that seem no trouble. Occasinally they need the old leaves cutting off as they are strongly attatched and occasionally they get infested with white bugs and need spraying but otherwise they grow alone.

The think I like best about palm trees is that you can eat the hearts. You buy them tinned. I didn't know this until I came to work in Tropical Park when we had some South African clients who lived in Scotland. They were excite to find the tins and let me try them. They taste fairly neutral but make a good addition to salads.

I am off tomorrow so have a great day (TGIF) and I should be back to blog on Saturday if I am not too nervous about the Spain game on Sunday. We went up to Santa Cruz to watch the semi-final last night which was great.

Walkways for your senses

2010-07-07T14:43:00.001+01:00

The Tenerife Tourism board have started making some walks called “Sendero de los sentidos”(walks for your senses), in Llano de los Loros (Anaga), on the east side of Santa Cruz. Their budget for these walks is 104.000 euros.
José Manuel Bermúdez, the tourism minister stated "these will be totally accessible walks. They will make a tourist attraction for the area that can be used by any walker but also that can be used by someone with any sort of handicap and children."

Helping with the plan for these walks have been groups with visual and auditory deficiencies. There help has meant that boards have been placed along the way to help visitors understand the countryside with sensory aids.

The walks will consist of three paths whose length will take between 30 minutes for the shortest and two and a half hours for the longest. The first will measure 340 metres and will be totally adapted for all handicapped visitors.

Publish Post

10 best beaches in Tenerife

2010-07-06T09:25:00.000+01:00

The island of Tenerife is one of the main tourist centres for Spain. The reasons for this include its outstanding weather and above all its beautiful beaches.
I would recommend the following ten:

* Playa de la Arena is only 500 metres from the fishing village Puerto Santiago. It is one of the prettiest coves on the island.
* Costa Adeje has various beaches, some of which are even connected. For many visitors their favourite beach is Playa Fanabe with its long promenade and facilities.
* Beaches in Arona. At the base of the south of the island Arona has more than 15 km of beaches and coves, where you can enjoy the sunny climate and breeze all year.
* Playas de Tenerife. These have a strong undercurrent, especially the playa de la Candelaria, which is 1km long and 24m wide. at no time should you leave the shallows on this beach.
* Playa de las Américas is the tourist centre constructed since the 60's. The front counts on a great walkway and numerous shops and bars.
* The beach in La Caleta is a small pretty beach with crystal clear waters which tends to be quiet, but beware of the current.
* Amongst the beaches in La Orotava is the Bollullo, with masses of black sand; Los Patos, visited by surfers and nudists; and playa del Ancón.
* Playa Paraíso, surrounded by high valley walls, going down to the sea, forms a rocky beach, against this the waves break. Great location for diving beginners
* Playa Jardín, found in Puerto de la Cruz, is the oldest tourist centre. Can have high waves.
* If you are in Santa Úrsula and want tpo haave a swim, the coast line is long but tthe two best beaches are: Playa Santa Ana & Playa Martiánez.

Roxy the new entertainer

2010-07-05T14:19:00.001+01:00

Roxy has started to do entertainment here in Tropical Park during the day. She is from Curaco in the Caribbean and speaks great English and Spanish. She also speaks Dutch.
She will be here from 11am to 4pm

Here she is with the children playing waterpolo

Things are looking up.

2010-07-03T12:06:00.000+01:00

We seem to be a little busier this week. The Scottish schools have finished and there are a few families visiting. The Spanish schools are also finished and one or two groups form the mainland are here too. Spanish families often come with several generations to pass their summer breaks. This morning I was talking to a group with 4 generations. The littlest being under two years old and his great grandmother I couldn't possibly have asked her age but she was elderly.

We have a Brazilian entertainer starting next Monday to do daytime entertainment. Which should liven upthe hotel a little and we still have three shows a week: the snakes, the parrots and the wild birds.

Have a great weekend and for those of you not visiting this year I hope the weather holds at home..

New bike park

2010-06-30T14:59:00.000+01:00

We are coming towards the summer season and have been looking around at what new activities are available.
This bike park came to my attention on this blog and although it is a bit too far away for a lot of clinets if you like biking it is certainly an option.

There wbsite is here and they are also on facebook if you are there.

The joy of a bike park in Tenerife is it can be used all year not just in the summer as most mountain resorts. They are open every day and their prices are as follows.
Normal User

1h	10€	<1h
2h	15€	<2h
½ Day	20€	<4h
Day	23€	>4h
10 Day	150€

Difficult times.

2010-06-28T13:47:00.000+01:00

Although I always try to be positive it is sometimes very hard.
At the welcome meeting on Saturday there were 3 English families. All had been before and their plan for the week was to stay by the pool. I can't blame them and I wish them a great holiday.
But this morning one of these couples came in and complained we have no entertainment and no music bar. In fact most days someone comes in to complain. The resort is almost empty and I am not sure how clients think we should pay for shows and entertainment. If the few clients we have onsite consumed in the bar and restaurant we would probably be ok but time after time when we had shows we saw clients bring their drinks down from their rooms and sit in the restaurant area.
It is hard not to have entertainment, the resort is a happier place when there is something to do. This said the restaurant and bar pay for both the shows and the entertainer and if there is no money in the till that is that.
After 15 years in Tropical Park I haven't seen a summer this bad and we are only at the end of June. The resort will be ok and things will get better but in the mean time try to remember when you come down to complain that we are all here doing our best to make your holiday better and that we would very much like it to be busier and fun too.

Simply Red in Tenerife

2010-06-26T11:58:00.000+01:00

Simply Red's last and only concert in Spain will take place on the 20th of July on the golf course Golf Costa Adeje, Tenerife as part of the “Farewell Tour.”

Canarias Live Sun Festival, in line with previous years and after the sucessful concerts with Elton John & Rod Stewart on the island is to offer the Simply Red concert.

The tour “Farewell Tour” included many concert dates throughout the world but other than this one none in Spain.

Jordi Esplugas, representative from Canarias Live Sun Festival, assures that “This is a new aim for our company to appeal to the tourists that visit the island".
Simply Red is a historical part of the world of Pop Musc. With 25 years of musicincluding 1100 shows and 55 million records. The farewell tour includes 62 concerts ts through out the worldculminating in the time period September to November when there will only be performances in the UK.

For further information about tickets contact Canarias Live Sun Festival and for accomodation contact me on ventas@tropicalpark.com

Great photos of Tenerife from Space.

2010-06-23T13:47:00.000+01:00

I was out in the blogosphere looking at things again.
I found here these great photos taken by Soichi Noguchi. The page is in Spanish but the photos are awesome Some of the photos are just Tenerife and some are either all the Canary isles or individual islands.
Don't forget to go and check the others out.

Have a great day

More flower photos.

2010-06-17T10:45:00.000+01:00

These are the flowers that we saw on the way up the Guaza Mountain.

for plants that grow with very little water and no care they are surprisingly pretty.

Ok don't tell me when I forget things.

2010-06-16T14:32:00.000+01:00

Here are the photos from last week up on the Guaza mountain

I took more as I went higher and higher. This one is just over the building line.

This is a bit higher

This is at the same height but looking at the centre of Los Cristianos.

The same height but towards the mountains.

This is looking towards Las Galletas.

From the top of the mountain.

This is Guaza on the other side of the mountain.

Looking out towards El Medano.

And Guaza and the bypass from the top.

I have some more flower ones but I will upload them later in the week.

Have a great day and don't forget to give Spain a cheer if you are watching the game this afternoon.

New plans for night life.

2010-06-15T12:50:00.000+01:00

The new assocaition of Businesses in Playa de las Americas and Costa Adeje have called for assistance for the Arona and Adeje town halls to help them promote night life in the South of Tenerife.
Their complaints include the long period of time it takes to process opening liscences and paperwork here on the island.And the harassment they receive form the authorities for noise pollution.

Los gigantes has no nightlife now as there was a clamp down on noise and entertainment and the sorts of clients who look for night life now don't visit the area.
Playa de las Americas & Costa Adeje authorities may well like to bear that in mind when they look at how they want to treat night bars and the sorts of clients they wish to attract.
Madiera have cleary decided theyare not looking for clients who need nightclubs etc. but Tenerife has always been a party island.

The association is looking to talk to the town ahlls and request assiatance in their search for help to maintain night life in the south of the island. The also commented on the shame that the beaches can't be used for activities as they are in other places in Spain. They understand that rules are important but wish that there was some give and take between businesses and the authorities.

Every where is struggling right now and there is nerviousness about how the summer will be here in Tenerife

In Tropical Park we think we will be ok for the summer holidays as bookings are begining to come in but again this year it looks like we will have the highet percentage of clients being Spanish.

Hopefully as the pound seems to be on the rise more clients will come from the UK even if they book last minute.

Interesting morning.

2010-06-12T12:01:00.000+01:00

It has been a funny morning. The first client to come in the ofice discussed how I had dark hair this year and it was blonde last year. I ws then told this by another guest at the welcome meeting. After that two different owners told me they hadn't recognised me when they came down for the meeting and it was only when I laughed that they knew who I was. Obviously having dark hair really changes me. I will try to find a photo I like and you can tell me what you think.

Tomorrow we are going to walk from La Caleta to Los Cristianos and back. Thomas had trouble with the climbing last week so we are going to try something flat. Therefore Mondays photos should be of the beach front and the bars along the way.

Wishing all you England fans good luck tonight.

The parrot show is now on a Monday night at 8pm. It will be strange after all these years of having the show on a Saturday night now to pass to 8pm on Monday. Much better for families who want to get their little ones in bed early.

Have a great weekend

Pound on the rise

2010-06-09T14:38:00.000+01:00

In the last few days the pound has moved up against the euro.
This is good news for everyone here. Many of Tenerife's tourists come from the UK. People save a certain ammount of money and then change that into euros. What they can afford relates to how much money they have when they changed their money into euros. At the beginning of the year the rate was more or less the same that is one pound for one euro. This week the bank rate has been above 1.20 every day.
So the next time you come you will have more money in your pockets.

Have a great day.

Oops

2010-06-09T09:59:00.002+01:00

What shall I say. The difficulty with 2 blogs and too little time is sometimes you make mistakes
I am sure you didn't need to know who will be dressing CD Tenerife next year but I obviously logged onto the wrong site. Please forgive me
Have a great day.

Luanvi

2010-06-08T15:22:00.000+01:00

Although it hasn't been anounced on the club website Luanvi have stated they have taken over the contract to clothe the team.
This Valencia based company are named after their three owners Luis, Antonio and Vincente. The company strated in the seventies as a maker of fancy dress costumes. The most popular of their costumes were football strips. Form that start they actually moved into making real strips.
Companies they have made strips for include Valencia CF, Villarreal CF, Mallorca CF, & Hércules CF.
They have promised an inovative second strip as they feel legally they cannot make a shirt with the cross from the Tenerife flag due to copyrite laws

Up the Guaza mountain

2010-06-07T14:43:00.000+01:00

AS I told you on Saturday we walked up the Guaza mountain. Our plan was to walk form Los Cristianos to the top and on to Guaza but either we didn't find the path or the walk means you need to go all the way up and come most of the way down before going on to Guaza. By the time we had come back to where we would have needed to turn to go to Guaza we decided to go back to Los Cristianos.
The main reason for this was the car was in Los Cristianos and we decided that having been to the top the purpose of the walk had been filled.
For those of you who have me added on facebook you can see the comment by one of the guys I go to football with discussing the only reason I need to walk is I have no football game to go to. There may well be something in this.
Here are some of the photos I took of different flowers and some of the views (photos to follow as I left my camera cable at home)
Have a great day

Sunny morning

2010-06-05T11:46:00.000+01:00

This morning started off cloudy but it has burned off now and the sun is out. After all the little ones last wek it is quiet now. By the pool there is one little boy who has 2 weeks half term and a tiny little girl who is either in the baby pool or telling her mum how much she wants to go in the pool. I can see here parents will be in the baby pool most of the week. But what is sure is she will sleep well this week.

The circus has come to Los Cristianos.It is here from the 3rd to the 10th of June in Los Crisitanos. They visit every year and as you can see in the enclosed link have mostly human shows. They also have horses and parrots.
http://www.grancircomundial.com/

We are walking agaain this Sunday form Los Cristianos across the mountain to Guaza behind
I hope to have some more photos for you on Monday

Have a great weekend.

Outlet shopping

2010-06-03T12:07:00.000+01:00

For those of you who like shopping there are various outlets in the Playa de las Americas area.

There is a Mango in the centro Comercial San Eugenio.
A Stradivarius outlet in Cenro comercial El Duque.
On the front by the Playa de Troya there is a Benetton outlet and in Los Cristianos in the Valdes Centre there is an oultlet that sells Cortafiel, Zara and other makes from the Zeta group.

If you like to shop then just ask for futher details how to get to these or other places.

Have a great day.

Tajinaste

2010-06-01T15:04:00.000+01:00

Tajinaste or Echium wildpretii is a herbaceous biennial plant that grows up to 3 m in height. The species is endemic to the island of Tenerife, and is found mainly in Las Cañadas del Teide. The common names are tower of jewels, red bugloss, Tenerife bugloss or Mount Teide bugloss.

Habitat

The plant grows in the subalpine zone of the ravines of Mount Teide. It requires a lot of sun and is found in arid and dry conditions but it tolerates frost down to -15 °C

Description

It is a biennial producing a dense rosette of leaves during the first year and in the second year produces an erect inflorescence between 1 and 3 m tall.

Flowering

The plant blooms from late spring to early summer in Tenerife.

Uses

This plant can be found as a garden ornamental but is intolerant of low temperatures. As are most buglosses, it is favoured by bee-keepers for its high nectar and pollen content.

These flowers grow mostly on Teide and in Las Cañadas. This year there has been an abundance of them and they are so pretty.

Owners meal photos

2010-05-30T21:13:00.000+01:00

I went to download some photos from our walk today and realised I still have some from last Monday's Owners meal.

Here they are.

Picking up

2010-05-29T11:55:00.000+01:00

It seems this week is a bit better. There are more children onsite which is always fun.
Kirstin from Paradise Divers was at the welcome meeting as always and was telling me they have a facebook page so I will be looking for that later so I can link it to the Tropical Park page.

We are going to walk the siete Cañadas tomorrow. I haven't done this walk for about 4 years and cant remember if it is 2 and a half ours or four and a half hours. It is a beautiful walk from the Parador in the mountain base on Teide to the otherside that goes down to Puerto de la Cruz. The last time I walked it was on the way walking to Candelaria. That journey was done in August in the moonlight with comets and shooting stars as company. This time Thomas will be going too.
Here are some photos someone else took of their walk.
Have a great weekend

Outstanding photos

2010-05-27T13:55:00.001+01:00

It is cloudy today but still warm. The pool area is quiet so I have been in the office most of the day moving papers. Whilst I was checking things online I found some great photos of the island.
I am going to share them here and I hope you like them. Can you tell me where they are taken?

The web is an interesting place. If you put Tropical Park in a search site our website is the first thing that comes up. There is a footballl stadium in Florida that has the same name which doesn't even get a mention. This may be because my google starts in Spanish and even if I change it thats what it I see first. Can somone in the UK check what google gives with just Tropical Park please to see if we come up or the football ground.

Sunshine

2010-05-26T12:08:00.002+01:00

The sun is shining and therefore the world is ok. I am not sure this is always true but it certainly helps.
We are quiet this week but it looks like we will be busier next week with the half term visitors. June is a bit better leading into July when the holidays start.
We had hoped that things were lifting but the ash cloud and the UK elections seem to have put people's plans back again. Interestingly I was talking to 2 owners this week one who working in the motor industry in the UK and the other is an estate agent. Both say although the winter was better the spring has been slow. This leads me to believe in the long term maybe the ash clouds are not to blame just that things have slowed down again.
Spring here is very pretty with beautiful cherry trees in the mountain villages and poppies on the mountain itself.

Good news

2010-05-24T16:21:00.000+01:00

The BBC website stated this morning that "the Volcano Eyjafjallajokull's crater appears to have fallen to 100C"
This has to be good news. Scientists say that it is too early to confirm the eruption was over.

Magnus Gudmundsson, of Iceland University, flew over the volcano on Sunday and said evidence from heat cameras indicated the temperatures at the crater had fallen below 100C.
But he told the AFP news agency that nothing was guaranteed and that the previous eruption at the volcano had lasted 13 months, from 1821-23.
"It stopped and started again several times with different intervals, so it's difficult to say, difficult to give a timeline"

Thoughts please

2010-05-22T10:35:00.000+01:00

You know how it is you go away have a great time and then you go back to work. No sooner are you back than it seems like you were never away. I am not sure why it is that work time and other time pass differently.

It is still slow here although we have half a dozen more families than last week. I am thinking about doing Spanish lessons but am not completely decided. Does anyone think this might be a good idea? I have thought 3 lessons a week for 30 mins the first one being greetings, the second one being restuarant and bar stuff and the third one getting about. Maybe Monday to Wednesday morning.
I know you are out there because of the stat counter. But an occasional comment goes really well. I do better on facebook for comments. The blog transfers over there automatically but perhaps because the way facebook functions people are more likely to comment there.