El Golfo in Lanzarote

This is a unique part of the coast where a volcanic crater had fallen forming a spectacular green Lagoon...there was a steep walk to go up to other side to see the blue lagoon and it was too windy, ...I was wearing skirt and you know what...it flew up shamelessly...I immediately ran to souvenir store close by and purchased shorts to avoid more embarrassment....

While I shopped for shorts, rest of the group walked up the hill to see the green lagoon on the other side. It was too late for me to join the group on the top of the hill to see the green lagoon. Later, when I came home, I googled to see what I had missed, my bad! I missed the most beautiful view.

image source:Google

This lagoon is in a semi-circular volcanic crater left by an extinct volcano. The rest of the crater has been eroded away by the sea. The green colour of the water is caused due to microorganisms in the crater.

I sat in the restaurant instead to enjoy a cup of coffee and breathe in beautiful view till the group came back from their short walk up in the hills.

Exploring Lanzarote: part 3

Exploring Lanzarote: part 2

Exploring Lanzarote: part 1

Postcard from Tenerife - 1

I moved to Mumbai from Tenerife when I realized that there is no other place like Mumbai. I love Mumbai because it offers me independence and freedom to live my life on my own terms. But I do visit my brother regularly and each time I go I see the city with new perspective.

I shall start with Mount Teide, which I can see from my balcony. This is brown during the year but dressed in white during winter. The best sight is during sunset, when Teide is coated with red cloak of red sunrays against the blue cloudless sky

Mount Teide, a volcano at the height of 3718 meters (12,198feet), it is the highest summit in Canary Islands and a largest volcano in the world. It remains active and its recent eruption occurred in 1909, destroying the surrounding villages of my town. This volcano is surrounded by National park with an area of 73 square miles. It was declared as the world’s heritage site (by UNESCO) on June29, 2007. In winter it makes a beautiful sight when dressed like a widow in white..

Visit to the Coastal town of Garachico

Some evenings when I need some fresh air, I like to go for a drive to the picturesque town of Garachico.

As soon as I see the big rock in the middle of the sea and a long promenade along the seashore, I get ready for my niece to stop the engine and walk with me on the promenade..

Further down the path are the amazing natural pools carved out through the rocks (which resulted after the volcanic eruptions in 1706), making it a safe place to swim with tropical fishes.

There is even a mini children’s park where kids can play after the swim.

Garachico was once a port where ships anchored but this port was completely destroyed during the volcanic eruption. However the castle with the stone doorway of ‘San Miguel Castle’ still stands there at the end of the promenade. This is the finest building, a 16^th century stronghold belonging to the Count of Gomera’ that survived a volcanic eruption in 1706 unscathed.

Further up, there is a natural beach with black sand and more rocks where people can swim and fish too.

Garachico is a beautiful quaint town with rustic houses. It is very Spanish in Character with narrow, cobbled streets with cars parked on the one side of the road. It is still arguably the least spoilt coastal area of Tenerife.

During festivals, the balconies are dressed with a certain theme, for example you will find them dressed up promoting products of the village

There is a plaza in the center of the town where people can enjoy the traditional cuisine with the glass of local wine or with the tiny cup of Cortado (strong coffee)

After a short drive I come back to Icod de Los Vinos, to sit at my brother's store at 'Teban S.L.'  at Calle Sabastian, also known as 'Bazar Hindu', My brother has lots of tourist visiting our store to buy souvenirs and electronic products to take back home. I love too talking English with the tourists, which is a welcome change from speaking Spanish all day with other local clients.