TENERIFE AND THE THRILL OF SUMMER 2017

Times are changing and the holidaymakers have certainly taken a turn in direction and where they are heading for their holidays. This is definitely a time at the moment where Spain and of course we must include Tenerife, is soaking up the rewards of the holidaymakers from around the world. Yes, Spain and especially Tenerife is back on the map!

This is not from holiday companies or fictitious articles who want to give you some sales pitch, no, this is statistics which shows increases for  2015 of 7.6%, 2016 gave 11% and 2017 is expected to offer a whopping 25%. Well done Spain and the Canary Islands as this is some excellent work which will help bring more jobs and sustainability to the tourist areas.

The question is what has created this turnaround with visitors to Spain & Tenerife?

It could be argued that terror attacks have swayed people to these parts of the world and that tourists feel safer on these grounds. It would make sense as people who no longer have Turkey and Tunisia on top of their list, need a new place to visit but then how can anyone guarantee their safety against such inhumane attacks?

Equally, I would argue that France and Belgium provide the same comfort of safety and protection. Nothing will prevent these attacks and in my opinion, this is not the main reason why the statistics are on the up.

If you have read my previous blog regarding The New Tenerife, Innovation and Change then you will understand that there has been a huge amount of investment ploughed into this island over the past 5 to 10 years. It has a positive feel, a connection with the latest technology and trends. The north is showing some really encouraging buildings with new designs and science. Tenerife is not just a place for beer, food and all day sunshine.

This month, there are some fabulous deals with reputable tour operators for summer 2017 and by offering such good value for money and keeping the costs down, more people can afford to get away on holiday and have that little bit of extra luxury. It is important that tour operators are competitive and can help to fill up the hotels in Spain and Tenerife, as this helps the local economy and small businesses. 

To find the latest holiday deals, check out Facebook @theholidayboxuk 

Las Vistas - Los Cristianos

I am also happy to see that a lot of people are swaying from the 'all inclusive' deals as this also helps with the local restaurants and bars. It is soul destroying to see so many good businesses and livelihoods disappear due to the larger organisations taking it all away. I love the opportunity for going out to smaller restaurants at night and trying different food, meeting new people and supporting local businesses. The majority of these businesses really appreciate the tourist's support.

With all of this in mind, we cannot take away the fact that there is simply some stunning places to visit in Spain and Tenerife. It is not just about the sun and beaches neither, as Spain offers some of the best hotels and city breaks for the cosmopolitan lifestyle in addition to the traditional seaside resorts. Tenerife offers both traditional fiestas, friendly people, beautiful scenic views in the north and hot sunny beach walks in the south.

Carnival in Tenerife - end of February each year

The Canary Islands will offer you winter sunshine, friendly local warmth and a big welcome to their tourists. February is a fantastic time to visit the north as you will get to join in the fabulous celebrations of the carnival which is packed with fun and takes pride amongst the local people.

Thank you for reading my blog and if you would like to keep up to date with more of my work, please follow me on Twitter @dawnmcintyre04, Facebook @tapasintenerife or Instagram @dittomac

Dawn x

THE HOLIDAY BOX UK

Sitting at home and looking out of the window, you see dark skies and grey clouds. Pretty depressing and when the sun does shine, it's cold and so wrapping up is the only option. The thought of going on holiday is just so exciting and to be honest, it keeps us ticking the days off the calendar, ready for that bit of fun in life. And why not!

Getting the best deal from a holiday is really important, especially when you have a family to think about. Price can be the deal breaker but you still want the quality to match. Getting choice, location and price is probably the three important factors for getting the most out of your holiday. 

It is becoming harder for families to take their children out of school and now they have implemented fines, adding to more costs. In my opinion, schools should allow a family a holiday if attendance is very good, as it can be a social and learning experience for the whole family. I never got those opportunities as a child, so being allowed this today, is a great chance to improve on social skills, culture and building up confidence. To me, one or two weeks a year is not going to make a child fail at school but it will give them a lot more to expand on for discussions, writing opportunities and making new friends.

Whatever the reason for your holiday, we all like good value for money and finding the best deals is an important part of our knowing we get it right.

Find this page of Facebook fb.me/theholidayboxuk

Offering readers an opportunity to keep up to date with the holiday offers, discounts and promotions to lots of destinations, including Tenerife. 

I would recommend that you visit The Holiday Box UK on Facebook or click the link here fb.me/theholidayboxuk. IMPORTANT: Make sure you like and follow the page so that you receive up to date notifications on new offers available.

It is user friendly by clicking into the links of the offers that you like. It is filled with holiday destinations around the world, departure airports from the UK with FREE children's places with selected Tour Operators. 

The Holiday Box UK will also be offering all the latest deals to fill up your suitcase so that you can make the savings for the whole family! 

LATESTS DEAL AT THE MOMENT (2nd March 2017). So check out the Facebook page to get more links on offers for your holiday!

Please Note: The photographs are a demonstration of prices from Manchester Airport but there is a huge range of other UK departure locations to choose from. 

Whatever the hotel, location or board type, The Holiday Box UK will point you to some great offers for your Tenerife holiday and much more. Saving money is great and making sure you travel with a reputable tour operator is a double whammy!

Have a great holiday and remember to leave all your cares at home. as the holiday is for fun and life is too short not to enjoy it.

WELCOME TO THE TENERIFE AGE OF CHANGE

Whether we live local on the island or a passing tourist enjoying the sun, sand and relaxation of Tenerife, over the years we have seen so many changes that have taken place. There has been a huge amount of investment and development both in the North and the South. 

Development in La Caleta (South) just up from the beautiful area of El Duque, is hosting more luxurious hotels and pushing hard to attract new tourists with all inclusive deals. Costa Adeje has created a huge tourist attraction with Siam Park which is one of the leading Water Parks in the world. This has been followed by Siam Mall, attracting holiday shoppers, so it proves investment and confidence within Tenerife is on the up!

In the North, you can witness new innovative buildings such as the stunning Auditorium which has had the welcome attendance from Stephen Hawkins and ex- USA President, Bill Clinton. The Auditorium is used for classical musical festivals and in the month of May, by the Armed Forces where their display of outdoor military museum is on show.

In La Laguna, Santa Cruz the creation of The Museum of Science brings visitors the facilities of a traditional Museum and also an area 'hands on' theme. The museum offers Planetarium sessions, informative talks, educational workshops and displays, with debates on Sci-fi films. This new investment shows Tenerife engaging into new areas of interest and being forward thinking with their creative ideas.

What this tell us about Tenerife is that their investments and innovation is paying off in today's tourist choices and more and more people are flocking to Tenerife as one of the top holiday places to be. Statistics show that even the Brexit has not discouraged the UK tourists from heading back to this much loved and cared for island. 

The Auditorium Building in Santa Cruz

So what are the changes over the years?

Let me take you on a journey of how the island looked in years gone by and what it looks like today! You can see more photographs by visiting Robert on Twitter @1966Ph.

Memory Lane...

Playa De Las Americas has been heavily populated with hotels, restaurants and bars which attract host of holidaymakers year on year. The area would struggle to fit any new buildings. Ten years ago, this was the place to stay as it had it all but on a negative note, this area will stay in a time warp as there is no room for innovation or change. Don't get me wrong, holiday makers love this place but it is not part of the new Tenerife with up to date arrivals of new technology and tougher competition. Visitors are heading further towards Costa Adeje which is seen as the number one place to stay, putting Playa De Las Americas firmly below them in popular choice.

If you are looking for a quieter town, away from the noise and crowds, El Medano is popular for wind surfers and has a small beach. There is a few shops but not your typical offering of bars and full English breakfast. It is more traditional of the island with local food and unspoilt, which is lovely to have this comfort as a means to escape from the tourist attractions.

Planning ahead, its likely that future visits will take me North, especially Puerto De La Cruz as it seems to be drawing me to it. Prices are more competitive although it is not as popular and the weather can be a little cooler. The place is 'greener' with exotic plants and there are some interesting places to visit which will take you away from the packed beaches and blistering sunshine. 

Thank you to Robert for helping with the 'old and new' Tenerife photographs. I am extremely grateful for his kindness. 

If you would like to keep up to date with new blog posts, please feel free to follow me on Facebook @tapasintenerife or Twitter @dawnmcintyre04 

Stay safe folks and enjoy this island!

2017 TENERIFE HOLIDAY IN SIGHT

It's that time again and we are thinking of our sun filled summer in Tenerife! The buzz of excitement, once we have pressed the button and the holiday is finally all booked up. The countdown to the days of getting on the plane and the thrill of landing in Tenerife Sur airport. The best part is when you walk off the plane and the heat just hits your whole body. Suddenly, England is a passing thought and your holiday is about to start.

So how do you select the best place for you to stay? It is all about what you like, what you want and your own personal taste. What you might like, others may hate so researching and getting recommendations from people you can trust is important. Tripadvisor is a great tool to refer back too but it can blow your mind a bit if the ratings are up and down for the hotel of your choice. Lets be honest, you cannot please people all the time and sometimes I think holiday-makers can only put the negative things on here.

Quick guide to location and what to expect!

Playa De Las Americas

It has everything you need for bars, English type restaurants, hotels and water-sport hire. This has always been a favourite but people are moving more to Costa Adeje and Los Cristianos. It is good for all ages but it tends to attract the young party people as it is close to Veronicas which is known for the parties and nightlife. You can stay away from this part and there is nice hotels nearer the beach but it's not my favourite area but thats a personal choice.

My opinion: It is not for me and I feel you get much more quality in the hotels, local area and food if you select the location in Fanabe, Adeje or Los Cristianos (would be my 3rd choice).

Warning: Like all places you visit, there are some things you need to take care about and one of the issues in Las Americas is groups of women standing in the streets outside the clubs. These will be women of a Cuban, African or similar nationality and then come up to men and take them around the back of the bars etc. Avoid this please as you will be robbed.

Also always keep your bags close by when sunbathing on the beach as this is a typical issue of stolen bags and wallets.

Ok, so I do not wish to put you off Tenerife but I base my blog reviews on trust and honesty so if you know what to look out for, you will have a safer holiday. 

Costa Adeje

This is now the most popular choice and I have seen over the years, more and more tourists heading to this part of the island. There is lots of pubs and restaurants to take your pick from and the standard of hotels are really great. You have some lovely little beach walks from Puerto Colon, right down to Fanabe and El Dulque or you can take the opposite route from Colon to Los Cristianos. You wont be short of a watering hole along the way too.

Fanabe Beach Walk, Costa Adeje

Fanabe Beach Walk, Costa Adeje

Fanabe Beach, Costa Adeje

Popular places to visit at night for bars is in the St Eugenes area and I would recommend for entertainment The Temple Bar which has great live Irish music and if you want a quieter bar, the Irish Fiddler next door (shared terrace) will offer you a great pint of Guinness or a super cocktail. Prices can be a little bit more than other bars but you get the live entertainment and atmosphere so hey, you are on holiday so treat yourself. The food is very good here so make sure you try it. Plenty of football on the screens to keep you up to date with lots of matches and it is a good central stopping point, with the large supermarket just across the road.

 Opposite here, you will get some good night life in San Eugenes Bar which has live tribute  acts on every night. Please beware if you have small children as the language can be a    little blue and they do have live cameras and photographs so if you are going on holiday  with someone you shouldn't be, stay clear of this bar. lol!!!

 My opinion:  I tend to stay away from the hotels up around by the Aqua Water Park area  and also down the stretch towards St Eugenes. The hotels do not have good reviews and  are a bit less quality. It can get noisy along this part with the bars which is great if this  doesn't bother you so if you get a good deal holiday offer in this area, make sure you have  checked out any reviews first.

 My sister Maureen recently stayed in the Hovima Santa Maria in Adeje and she liked it.  Food was good. Her opinion is that it wasn't as good as the Sunwing in Fanabe but she still  had a good time.

 Los Cristianos

Another popular choice of area for tourists and it is a little more quieter here but still lots to do and see. You will see the Cruise Liner boats from here and you will also be able to book a ferry to the neighbouring island La Gomera, which is a quieter island.

Plenty of little cafes to take a coffee or try an ice-cream as they really do offer super flavours and its simply a nice way to feel cooler in the blazing heat.

The hotel I stayed in twice, was really friendly, clean and very much a people's hotel. Paradise Park hotel focus on their visitors and offer a shuttle bus into the short main area a few times a day. There is a little bank to walk up so if you struggle with your legs or breathing, you may want to rethink but it is not really steep. 

Taylors bar, which is close to the hotel, offers typical English food and drinks and the owner is really friendly and nice. Newspapers available while having your morning coffee. 

Area around Paradise Park Hotel, Los Cristianos

View of Los Cristianos from Paradise Park Hotel Roof Top

Wherever you decide to stay, I am sure you will have a great holiday. The island is now one of the favourite with tourist figures, steadily on the rise. 

So, happy holiday and I hope you continue to read my blog, follow me on Twitter @dawnmcintyre04, Facebook @tapasintenerife or Instagram dittomac

Please feel free to leave any comments.

THE SPANISH LANGUAGE

Why is it good to learn the Spanish language when living in Tenerife? especially when there are so many ex-pat's residing on this island and a lot of the local people speak English. 

Ok, this is correct and English is the most commonly spoken language in the world, (music has influenced our language, to be a leader), so it seems ideal to just carry on using this one language. Well let us look into it a bit further from a different perspective and see why learning the Spanish language can bring so many other opportunities to your door.

Why has the Spanish language overtaken French and German and now the popular choice?

The language is currently a favourite choice for students and professionals (especially in the United States). A report by the British Council has identified this language is the most important language to learn for the future for the people of the UK.

There are over 400 million native Spanish speakers in the world; making it the second most widely spoken language (21 different countries). In addition to this, it is estimated 60 million people use it as their second language.

So now that we know the facts to support that Spanish is a fast growing language of the future, how can we adapt our way of thinking, change and embrace the new opportunities that sit at the open door!

If you have made the brave and bold decision to live in Tenerife or Spain, well done! it must be an exciting opportunity to learn new ways of life, culture, food and above all, the art of mastering the language. Accents play a part on how you will pronounce words, for example a person in mainland Spain will pronounce Spanish words in a different dialect from those from the Canary Islands. You will be noticed by what part of Spain you have 'picked up' the language or have studied, by the way you speak it.

Cultural, historical and geographical areas can result in grammatical and linguistic differences for the Spanish language. Some will make a difference but some may not be noticeable. With so many Spanish speakers, world wide, determining the proper dialect for interpreting, can be seen as very difficult.

Castilian Spanish

Developed and spoken in Madrid and Northern Spain and its name comes from the former kingdom of Castile. Letters pronounced with 'ci' or 'ce' as a th sound when they are together. There is other forms of Spanish types of pronouncement such as Latin American and Caribbean which will be immediately noticeable when in the company of mainland Spain or the Canary Islands.

Traditional Tenerife Style Costume

Opportunity Knocks...

So if we know that the Spanish language has rapidly increased amongst the young students and business people, it is in your best interest to study hard and add this new skill to your list of qualifications. If you decide to work in Tenerife, do not fall into the trap like many English ex-pats, where they are limited to work in the tourist areas only. There are well paid employment in large hotels, marketing, advertising and sales if you have the ability to interpret both Spanish and English language. 

Take the plunge, especially if your children go into a local Spanish school, there are classes available for the parents to learn the language too (usually free). This way, you open so many doors for more job opportunities, widen your scope of new friends and you can even participate in helping your children with their homework.

Now you know the facts, have some fun and add learning Spanish to your 'to do list'. Even if you do not intend using it everyday, take yourself out of the 'traditional English mode' or whatever nationality and add some 'change' into your life.

Happy studying!

10 FACTS ABOUT HERMANO PEDRO OF TENERIFE

My latest visit to Tenerife included a journey to a little place in which I have wanted to see but never quite got around to doing it. It is a place which is visited by thousands of tourists and visitors each year, who want to pay their respects to this saint. So, after some persuasion with my good friends Nita and Chelo, we decided to take a trip out, one sunny afternoon so they could show me this holy place. I wanted to get a feel for the place and put some pictures behind the historical story which is attached to this man.

The shrine which is dedicated to Peter of Saint Joseph Betancur (Canary First Saint) is located in Granadilla de Abona near El Medano which is on the South of the Island. It is close to Tenerife Sur Airport and you will hear and see the aeroplanes arriving and leaving the Island from this spot. When this is not happening, the place is quiet, still and extremely peaceful. 

The small cave is an unusual place for visitors but this is originally where Hermano Pedro (Brother Peter) would come and rest. 

Cave of Hermano Pedro

What's so interesting about this much loved saint?

1.  One of 5 children and as a small child, worked as a Shepherd. He spent several years working to pay moneylenders who had seized his father's estate due to unpaid debt.

2. He would often walk many miles and the cave was used by him to rest and pray

3. With his brother Mateo eventually moving to New Spain. All debts paid in full, he decided to seek new pastures and took a journey by ship to Havana Cuba in the hope to meet family and start a new life. After landing in the port, he was out of money but he found a priest from Tenerife and worked for him for one year. He had to pay for the journey to Guatemala City by working on a ship and by the time he arrive, he was destitute and he had to join the bread line for the poor.

4. His luck would change when he found his uncle who then got him work in a local textile company.

6. Enrolling in a college and studying priesthood for 3 years, he failed to master the profession. This lead him to rent a house called the Calvary where he taught reading and catechism to the poor children.

7. Adopting the name Peter of Saint Joseph, his work continued and included visiting hospitals, jails and the unemployment. This led to a donation of a hut to him, which he made into a hospital for the poor (who had been discharged from hospital but required convalesce care). He had the support of the Bishop and governor who provided him with items he required.

8. Three years later and supported by some individuals, he was provided with 3 houses which were fully equipped for what he needed and he turned the buildings into a hospital for the poor. Soon after this, there was a shelter for the homeless, school for the poor and an inn for priests.

9. Passionate about praying for the prisons and helping them, he resorted to walking the streets at night to ring bells for people to pray. He encouraged masses to help pray for prisoners and spent his time visiting them in their cells.

10. He died 25th April 1667, aged 41 and exhausted from the labour of work he completed. He dedicated his life to helping the poor, lepers, prisoners, slaves and indians. 

What a remarkable and humble person and his legend is celebrated each year in Tenerife in the village of Vilaflor on 25th April.

Surprisingly, inside the cave was a lot larger than I expected and it was amazing to see that it was full of holy pictures, shrines, rosary beads and flowers. The light from outside, shone in through the doors and it was cool and peaceful. 

The first part of the cave, consisted of a very small room with a wooden shrine. Flowers and chairs set around the room for people to sit, take time to think or say a little prayer. It felt nice in this room, small and pretty but it made you feel that silence was dominated and you were not suppose to speak. I loved this room and I could see why thousands of visitors would flock here each year to pay their respect to this humble man.

Entrance to the small wooden shrine area

The white pretty entrance, surrounded by plants and flowers, created a country cottage feel; a sense of welcome and comforting for visitors. I wondered how the plants and foliage survived the blazing heat which dominated the front of the cave, yet the place was immaculate and blooming.

Walking through the white wash entrance, I immediately caught sight of the large wooden shrine which dominated the room. Nothing intimidating or offensive, no it was tasteful and fitting for this setting. Only a few wooden chairs were set at each side of the room but it was enough to take a seat for a rest, time to collect some thoughts and reflect on life. It was nice in this room, peaceful and silent. 

Inside the small cave: Me with my Tenerife sisters Nita and Chelo

Walking out of the cave and into the second part of the holy place of worship, this part of the cave was larger and full of items to look at and to inspect. There was so much to see that you did not know where to look first. Different holy pictures, shrines, crosses and candles. I have not even seen this many holy items in our local church so it was certainly different but very much respected. Lots of wooden chairs, once again an opportunity to sit and rest from the blazing sunshine outside. The cave was very cool and I could understand why Hermano Pedro would come inside here to possibly sleep, eat and pray. It was a place of shelter, protection from the heat and the troubled life he lead during these times.

It was clear that this cave or place of worship was very much a personal space, religious and carefully loved. It was spotlessly clean and maintained for visitors. 

One of the interesting parts that was explained to me was the fact that people would come here and write notes, personal messages or prayers/blessings. The messages would be put inside the cave walls or up in the ceiling of the cave. It gave me a little bit of a puzzle as to why this was done but then Chelo explained that the area was use to keep goats and the animals would come into the cave and take the personal messages and eat them. It made me laugh but when I looked at the huge amount of messages in the walls and ceiling, it gave me a bit of a chilling feeling. Do not know why but maybe I thought about all the sick people who were desperate for an answer, some hope.

Messages hidden in the walls and ceiling of the cave

I would like to say a special 'thank you' to my sister Maureen McIntyre for providing me with some photographs to add to my collection. I would also like to say a 'big thank you' to my Tenerife sisters Nita and Chelo for taking me to this wonderful historical place.

Nita, Me and Chelo

The information is based on research and all the photographs (with the exception of Maureen McIntyre) are my own material.

Thank you for reading my post and I hope you will join me soon for another journey through Tenerife.

Love

Dawn x

HOW TO PICK OUT THE BEST HOTELS IN TENERIFE

So, you are going to Tenerife for your next holiday adventure but you are not sure where to stay! Where do you start to look for a good hotel and place to stay. There are so many great hotels to choose from but then there are some hotels, you need to think twice about. It all depends on what you want to get out of your holiday and the standards you expect!

If your taste is similar to mine and you like high standards and quality in a hotel, then you have to expect to pay for those standard. Having said this, you can grab a bargain if you keep your eyes peeled, sign up to newsletters and keep track of the latest news from tour operators such as Thomas Cook, Jet2 & Thomsons. Plan around school holiday times and think about other dates such as the last week in November or first week in December, as this is usually a cheaper time to travel. 

Here are my tips to consider when booking your hotel.

• Tripadvisor is a great source of information but it can make you indecisive with mixed reviews. Do not let this be your only decision making tool.
• A good hotel is situated in a nice location, plenty of facilities inside and places to visit nearby. Have freedom to walk and explore or close by for local bus routes.
• Decor is a must and presentation is everything. If the Manager and Staff are proud to work there, you know it has to be good.
• Food is what we enjoy on holiday and a hotel with great chefs are a winner. Find reviews and photographs of the hotel restaurant. Look for newsletters and hotel information so you get more knowledge

Why settle for less?

Fantastic food, friendly family fun at Hotel Isabel, Fanabe Costa Adeje

Atmosphere and friendly staff are an important point of your holiday. Why stay in a dull hotel when there is so much excitement and fun happening. Getting involved with activities and experiencing a part of the life at the hotel is an added bonus. Make new friends and keep track of what is happening all year round. Sign up to their Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages, share your stories and photos. The hotel will love this!

Amigos in Paradise (Paradise Park Hotel, Los Cristianos) - Fun packed activities all year round

Relax in a more sophisticated style, calm and chilled out. A hotel with a good all rounder of choice of quality, food and location. Not everyone wants lots of noise, activities and loud entertainment. Look for a hotel that has a good rooftop with nice views. Sunbathing with a cold drink and looking at some spectacular views will remind you of why you booked the holiday in the first place.  It is not just the rooftop, make sure you get a hotel with a few pool areas so you are not limited to just one!

Consider what hotel will fit with your personality and needs. Don't forget location!

Selection of pools, large roof terrace and stunning views Hotel Fanabe Costa Sur, Adeje

Getting the most of your holiday is an important item on your list and it may be that you simply want the WOW factor. If you can afford it, why not. Spend a little more or look harder for that extra bargain to get what you want. Consider a hotel which is not in the normal location as where the crowds flow, be different and venture a little further afield. If you want a tranquil and more private holiday, head in a different direction of Tenerife and travel North. There is wonderful parts of the island to be explored and some fantastic hotels, restaurants and towns to visit. Life is not all about lying on a beach and clock watching until 'Happy Hour'.  Dig deep and do your research on options of hotels to stay and location. Better still, follow me on Twitter and Facebook where I will keep you updated with places I have been invited to look around and to eat. You will have first-hand information on some great choices.

Tropic features and award winning Hotel Botanico & Oriental Spa, Puerto De La Cruz (North Tenerife)

Lastly, no matter where you stay, customer service and a friendly face should be top of the list. What I will leave you with is that if there is a little room for improvement within the hotel that you stay, take a moment to leave feedback to the hotel. Offer the hotel any opportunity to put things right or review what happened from 'lessons learned' Don't fall foul to emergency Tripadvisor .

Thank you for reading my post and please feel free to follow me on Twitter or Facebook, share my posts and leave comments if you wish. 

From Dawn x