Oh the joys of wash day. Parque Las Lavanderas in El Sauzal has been pumping out 50 cubic metres of spring water an hour through the beautiful cascade of pools and greenery since it was formally welcomed into the caring arms of the municipality in 1987. Tenerife outdoor washing areas have always been a social gathering point and are conserved with pride.
I´m often waylaid by the latest artisitc masterpiece on the steep steps of the town hall. This time, sculptor Luis Stinga had exceled himself with his tribute to this domestic chore that was transformed into a sicial occaision in the 8,000 square metre park, perched 200 metres above the coast line. Cafeteria Deleite nestles in the middle of the feast of nature, winter (september to may) opening is from 10 am to 7 pm. Most visitors can´t resist a wander around the split level pathways to spot dragon flies, fish, and lizards.
There´s plenty of pride in the local traditions of El Sauzal, posters invited entry to a photographic exhibition featuring the manzana reineta (Queen Apple), an import from France many decades ago that has won people over with its destinctive bitter sweet taste. I was also just a few days short of a classical instrument recital in a vineyard.
Like most remote rural areas, El Sauzal is constantly fighting to keep their population steady and thriving. A practical scheme backed by the Ayuntamiento (council) and the Gobierno (Canary Islands government) offers a 50% maximum grant of up to 10,000 euros to Spanish residents of El Sauzal, to rebuild properties that are in danger of being left to ruin. There are some impressive new residencies between the coast and the motorway linking Puerto de la Cruz and the capital Santa Cruz. Older buildings will now have an even chance of providing affordable homes as the municipality looks to the future.
With its modern outlook on old favourites, El Sauzal is always a good place to visit, I´m already looking forward to the festive season to see what adorns the town hall steps this year.
Just entering their fifth week of the Fiestas of Santisimo Cristo, a relaxed mood drifted through the back streets and plazas of Tacoronte. just 40 minutes on the Titsa bus from Tenerife capital city Santa Cruz. It would be hard to guess that Tenerife North airport was just over the horizon, the hills shield it from the former bus station plaza viewing point, which allowed nature to roll out below.
My focus for this latest visit was to see more of Santa Catalina church – and it impressed from all angles. Sebastian Machado, the founder of the municipality stood proud of the former hermitage that he had built in 1497. Curiously, different official notices identified the Portuguese founder as “a settler” and also “conqueror”. There´s no such difference of opinion about the founding of the main town of Tacoronte, founded in 1911 as noted on a sculpture on the top road.
Heading downward to the busy commercial streets, the theatre offered a range of live events, and the Plaza del Cristo further on is a big focal point for celebrations, and has plenty of references to the towns famous artist Oscar Dominguez who went on to wow the Spanish courts. Me eyes were drawn to the classic wooden balcony that frames La Casona within easy distance of the church.
Strikingly agricultural with its proud wine making tradition, Tacoronte boats a long stretch of black sand coast. El Pris and Mesa del Mar are both popular cooling off points and accessed by steep corkscrew roads. That pleasure would have to wait another day as my strides had already taken me further along to the neighbouring municipality of El Sauzal. There´s something for everyone along this north coast of Tenerife.
Even the club groundsman couldn´t cover as much pitch as 21 year old Teto, the new hero of the CD Tenerife fans. Making his first senior start, the local born forward drew on 10 years nurturing through the youth ranks to score a decisive goal to seal a 3-1 home win over Malaga CF.
Who cares if Malaga were a shambles even before a sending off left them a man short for 30 minutes. Tenerife were trying to break free from an injury crisis and learned a lot about the hidden depths of the squad. Midfielder Waldo Rubio showed his creativity from the left of midfield, Mellot was as solid as ever, defending behind him, and Gallego was the sharp and strong target man in front of goal. The powerful striker´s aim was true when Waldo beat two defenders and slipped the ball back to Gallego for a 17th minute lead.
It could have ben a false dawn, Tenerife have looked vulnerable when leading this season. Gallar levelled just before the break with a free shot after defender Sipcic´s soft clearing header fell at the visitors feet. Malaga didn´t have the quality to build on their good fortune, their desparate hacking of home players saw Bustinaza sent off for two bookings. Gallego wasn´t going to refuse a generous 76th minute home penalty to edge back in front.
It just needed someone to slam the door on Malaga. Sub Appiah had replaced Waldo on the left and his pace and a cross put the spotlight on Teto, who bulged the back of the net. Coach Ramis replaced Teto with a minute still on the clock, allowing the rising star to bask in the adulation of 10,177 fans chanting his name. The next step to climbing the table is for CD Tenerife to win away. Teto will have to fight to keep his place as players begin to return from injury, but he has the talent and temperment to earn more ovations.
Mixing the completion of ten transfer window arrivals with an injury crisis, CD Tenerife had to show character, attitude, and aggression to clinch a 1-0 home win over Real Racing Club de Santander.
The 54th minute decider showed off those qualities as Sipcic, a late centre back replacement for Jose Leon powered a long ball upfield for Waldo to speed down the right and deliver a tight low cross for Borja Garces to slam past the keeper. Borja (a loanee from Atletico Madrid) had missed several first half chances and an advertising board felt the force of his frustrated boot as he celebrated.
Racing, rock bottom after three games, looked poor bordering on pathetic, but it was stalemate at the break as the unfamiliar home line up got to know each other. Gallego had netted after 38 minutes but a VAR offside call wiped it out. Alexandre Corredera played through the pain barrier in midfield and as Tenerife knitted together, the coach added rising youth forward Teto and the last of the loan signings Arvin Appiah for Mo Dauda and Waldo after 65 minutes.
The young gun Teto relished another run out, and Appiah looked strong and full of skills down the right. The Nottingham Forest developed England under 20 player was eager to please after parent club Almeria signed him for 8.8 million euros and then starved him of first team action. Five minutes of added time tested the nerves of the 11,804 Santa Cruz crowd, especially when German floored Teto with a wild crunching tackle.
Early season doubts were swept aside as in favour of hope and expectancy. Two more local lads, Ibra and David got late minutes and can look forward to more chances. There´s a lot of potential in the squad, given a hasty clear up of the injuries, a bright path beckons.