With beer, without beer, a different place for dinner, I even washed my lucky pants, I’ve tried everything to change fortunes for CD Tenerife but after this 2-0 home defeat to Nastic I have to admit we are crap, useless, gutless, and clueless. Anyway that’s enough flattery it was all that and more, another bumper crowd of 16,462 turned out expecting a win against another bottom three team, they had never won in Santa Cruz before.

There was a pre match set back with Sergio Aragoneses failing to shrug off a leg injury, so Luis Garcia (below)Â took over in goal and hardly had a thing to do in the first half. Gimnastic de Tarragona looked a poor side and were there for the taking but poor finishing scuppered Tenerife. Josmar started again and showed his skills but with him and Nino both being small they were easily smothered by tight defending from the visitors. Nino never gives up trying but needs someone to take the physical strain off him, despite that he had great chance on the break but put his shot over the bar. The two best opportunities fell to Josmar late in the first half but the youngster showed his inexperience by blasting wide when a cooler head was needed.

It just got worse in the second half, sloppy passing, no energy or ideas and even bringing on Natalio for Julio Alvarez failed to provide a spark. Nastic couldn’t believe their luck when CDT let them stroll through after 55 minutes to force a corner, Gerrado floated the ball across and Eloy smacked it in the net. Could it get worse? yes, what little fight was left in the Tenerife team drained away and it was painfull to watch. Nino worked hard and thought he had won a corner winning a lost ball near the line which Nastic forced out, the referee just gave a goal kick. The crowd was getting restless and frustrated now and a 85th minute goal from Moran sealed a 2-0 defeat and unleashed anger and venom directed at the lazy, unmotivated home players.

Difficult to know where to go from here, it’s beyond a change of coach, the players shouldn’t need telling about the basics like effort and marking. All eyes are already on the January transfer window but if sporting director Llorente is still picking the new arrivals we are in big trouble.

All my fault, nothing to do with the weather, alien forces or Guy Fawkes bonfires. I looked at my broom and thought I really must sweep my balcony and of course that brought on a calima , hot dry sand and dust from the Sahara, hanging in the air adding a subtle filter to the blue sky to give a greenhouse effect. I strolled down to my 8.30 am swim to be met by a hair dryer blast and Guaza Mountain partly hiding in the increasing haze. The wind was gusting in little spurts so I decided to catch the bus just along the coast to the fishing village of Las Galletas as the small beach there is embraced by the marina and normally immune to large waves.

How remiss of me, seems like 8 months or so since I nipped over to this lovely village, and of course I noticed some changes. The beach had a yellow flag, almost unheard of in that back water, but there was little more than a ripple moving over the sea on the beach side. I took a stroll along the promenade of Avenida Simon Bolivar and that side was much livelier, no young surf dudes trying the small waves today but there was definately some power to them. Walking on into the back street area it was sad to see the gap on the front where several old houses were recently bulldozed, it just makes the ones left behind look even more unloved. Thankfully there is some new input, the low mosaic walls at key points add a nice touch and the tourist information office has had a makeover.

Heading into the Calle Central pedestrianised shoping area it was quiet and sedate as always so I found a nice shady spot to enjoy a coffee and a snack. There’s a lovely charm to Las Galletas and i felt guilty that I have neglected it lately. Moving back through the tight old streets the sun streamed through the gaps and I was suddenly wanting a P… or any other letter, the hezagonal pavement blocks always remind me of Blockbusters. La Rambla, runing adjacent to the sea front walk, is another lovely restful area strewn with benches along the palm lined avenue, a good afternoon snoozing spot.

After hitting the shingle beach for some vigourous swimming I ventured onto the Marina del Sur to see how it was faring. It was opened 2 years ago but is still not in full use, the Policia Local office is empty and the fishermans bright modern workspace is also untouched as they continue to trade from the old shacks at the front of the beach. At least a couple of the units are open as restaurants and bars overlooking the busy marina where the pontoons groan under a full load of pleasure boats and fishing craft. I walked around to the end where it justs out into the open sea and noticed that another new bar has opened complete with a small plaza to sit and enjoy the crescent shaped harbour.

Time to head back for Los Cristianos as the mountains were gradually rubbed out by the thickening calima. By the time i got home, my swimming towel needed just 30 minutes to become dry and crispy. Tomorrow looks like another dusty day, maybe my balcony will have to wait for its pending brush up.

We needed a win however ugly it was and this 1-0 home victory over Elche was a real minger. Neither team looked good and the referee was a clown with no control at all over the game. CD Tenerife are now off the bottom of the Segunda division and with fellow strugglers Nastic coming to call next Sunday there’s a chance to put a run together.

The day started well with a visit to the new CD Tenerife shop Soy del Tete in CC Fañabe Plaza. Nikki and Chris have worked hard to get it ready and with a nice spread of food laid on and a large cool box of beer the mood was jolly as many of the Armada Sur gathered. All the new CDT strip is in and lots of related leisure wear as well as Armada Sur gear. They open Monday to Saturday from 10 am to 8 pm and will be pleased to see you.

On to the main event and Josmar Zambrano was given his first start after a couple of impressive cameos after making late substitutions. From the start Elche looked like spoilers, their players went down at the slightest brush with a Tenerife player and the referee fell for all their theatrical rolling around. Josmar showed his skills beating 2 defenders and just failing to connect with Nino. The 18 year old always looks good on the ball but will have to learn to deal with the close attention his talent will attract, Elche set about roughing him up at every opportunity and the ref let them get on with it.

Palanca put in a testing cross that the Tenerife defence scrambled away and Prieto lost the ball to Linares who shot just wide much to the home fans relief. Josmar came close to getting his first goal but was foiled by the keeper and then in a farcical act Acciari clattered into him and then fell over himself and tried to milk it. CDT finished the first half stronger, Nino had a clear chance but Elche cleared it for a corner. Josmar was replaced by Juanlu after 54 minutes and linares continued to be the main threat from the visitors, he looked to be through on goal but Sergio made a brilliant save, tipping the ball up one handed and then grabbing it.

The CD Tenerife defence looked a bit better, Luna was back to something near his best form but a booking for Beranager means he will miss the next game. Former home player Angel shot wide for Elche just before Kome made way for Omar. Prieto did well to clear with a well timed header but it looked destined to be a bore draw. The big change came after 80 minutes as Natalio joined the action in place of Alvarez. His impact was almost immediate, pouncing on a rebound from a Juanlu shot to score and send the 16,000 crowd into raptures.

Blimey I have a few days away and the gang at Tenerife Magazine go mad, just look what they are offering as a prize this time. A week half board at the 5 star Costa Adeje Gran Hotel just 500 metres from El Duque and Fañabe beaches. They could have at least made people work hard for the prize but no it’s the usual easy entry, just click LIKE on the Tenerife Magazine competition page and your in the draw.

So let’s have a peak through the keyhole as that annoying American TV host would say. Costa Adeje Gran Hotel has 4 swimming pools, I’d be looking like a prune by the end of the week, courts for tennis, football, squash and paddle, 2 restaurants, 3 bars, gym and wellness centre, hairdressers and day and night entertainment, enough to keep anyone busy. GF Hoteles have 6 top class hotels in Tenerife so if you are looking for somewhere to stay give them a go.

Noone sent a cake but it’s just about a year since Tenerife Magazine leapt out at a unsuspecting world so if you haven’t popped in yet, please do and tell your friends, in fact go up and annoy people in the bus queue by giving them one of our business cards – hang on I think that’s my job. There are lots more prizes being lined up as well as a chance to read my waffle so stick with us. Back to the prize, you have until 30 November until the draw is made, it’s for two adults half board with no transport included, can’t be exchanged for cash and is subject to availability but you have 12 months to take the holiday. Contact us quick if you are the lucky winner, if we haven’t heard after 2 weeks the prize will be drawn again. Good luck.

When your star striker Nino is out injured, your bottom of the division, and your 2-0 down away, coming back to draw 2-2 your entitled to greet the result like a win. CD Tenerife showed great character and coach Mandia was rewarded for brave substitutions in hopefully the turning point of the season. Nino’s leg injury is a big blow and may keep him out again next week, Mandia went with Iriome in the main forward role but the big experiment was putting Melli just in front of the central defensive pairing of Luna and Prieto.

The move seemed to work in the first half and Beranger even looked better, putting in some strong winning tackles. Omar went close after 5 minutes and Juanlu (above) had a good run on goal before being bundled over. Sergio was strong as ever in goal, he made a great 2 handed punch clear as he was fouled by a Cordoba player. Their first touch let Tenerife down several times but they created a few good opportunities and Iriome did a decent job of leading the forward line. Melli showed his worth winning a couple of aerial clashes and at half time 0-0 was a fair reflection.

The referee turned the game 5 minutes into the second half awarding the home side a weak penalty, the ball was headed clear after an attack when he blew his whistle and pointed to the spot. It took me three replays to spot some holding, the only possible reason for the call but very harsh. Luque scored at the second attempt, maybe the sign of a guilty conscience as the ref ordered the first scoring shot to be retaken. The second goal came 5 minutes later, poor marking maybe but brilliantly taken by Charles with an overhead bicycle kick.

That second goal went in as Mandia was about to bring on Natalio and Kome for Omar and extra defender Melli. Natalio finally looked the impressive player we had been promised when he joined in the summer, his first touch went just wide of the goal. It could have been 3-0 though as the defence opened up and Cordoba scored with a free header but the alert linesman flagged for offside. Kome got in on the act and set the ball up for Mikel Alonso, the midfielder curled a sweet shot past the home keeper to spark the revival. Tenerife were dominating the possesion and hungry for another goal, Josmar came on after 83 minutes and again showed what a bag of tricks he is. Natalio capped a much improved personal display by riding 2 tackles before placing the ball wide of former Tenerife keeper Navas. Despite keeping the pressure on, a win was just beyond Tenerife but a well deserved point.

Next Sunday CD Tenerife are at home to Elche at 5pm but in the morning Nikki and Chris will be welcoming all to the opening of the new shop Soy Del Tete selling CD Tenerife kits and merchandise plus Armada Sur shirts. It’s in the CC Fañabe Plaza and will be open from 11am to 2pm, see you there.

Talk about feeling short changed, imagine paying a tenner for something with a 50 euro note and just getting two small coins in return. That could be a common feeling soon as a new 20 euros coin is released by Spain’s Real Casa de la Moneda (the royal mint). These special coins are only produced for a limited time to mark special events, this one commemorates Spain winning the 2010 World Cup.

The coins weigh 18 grams, have a 33mm diameter and can be pre ordered from today from any bank across Spain. The heads side shows King Juan Carlos and Queen Sofia but the reverse has a footballer kicking a ball. The release date to the general public is 24 November, from then they will be legal tender but only 2 million have been struck so they won’t be flooding tills in Tenerife.

It all makes me wish I had kept my 1970 Esso world Cup coins, they must be a collectors item by now. if England had won the World Cup we could have had Rooney on one side of the coin holding out his hand for more.

Hammering on the thick tinted glass door I hoped that a helpfull waiter would let me back in to the meeting room cum nightclub on the Queen Elizabeth cruise liner. I only popped out to be nosey, I missed the trays of nibbles and soft drinks from the bar as the officials warmed up for their speeches. It was hot and sunny nine decks up and the quayside looked a long way down but looking to my other side I had a great view of the rooftop jacuzzi and swimming pool area, how was I to know the door would lock behind me!

Sipping a coffee in the car park cafe in Santa Cruz port I hoped it wasn’t an omen to read about a Fred Olsen ferry bumping an Armas ferry in La Gomera the previous day. Checking in past the security guard I headed down the quayside to the blunt end (stop me if i’m getting too technical) of the new 500 million pound Cunard cruiser. It was amusing to see a Union Jack draped over a balcony high above, yep the Brits were in port, passengers were coming down the gangways in small numbers, it was 11am and most had already come out to play since the 8am docking. The media guests were gathered and I filled in the offered forms to confirm I didn’t have a cold, flu or dia, diah, diarr….the runs, handing in my passport I got my clip on badge and snapped a few shots as we waited to be welcomed aboard.

Security was tight and out bags went through a scanner, the passes bar codes were electronically read and we posed one by one for mug shots. The outside of the ship was quite functional but inside the oppulence hit me immediately, carpets to sink into, glittering chandeliers, and a lift lobby as big as my apartment. The greeting ceremony was first stop and one I had been rescued from the scorching outside I watched the captain Chris Wells and various port officials exchange pleasantries and gifts. I also introduced myself to Alastair Greener the entertainments officer whose blog I had been following for the last week, and you thought my research was watching old episodes of Captain Pugwash! Formalities done we were off through my favourite glass door for an official view of the pool area and The Garden Lounge beyond. most Passengers were out on shore but as our guide gave the lowdown on the Kew Garden paintings I chatted to a few middle aged cruisers and kept an eye out for rich old ladies after a blonde toy boy.

I lagged behind the main group prying into corners and looking for clues to the ships character. Cunards pride in its historical association with the royal names was clear through posters, newspaper cuttings and memorabilia of the illustrious previous voyages. The library was a two level grand collection of polished wood cases with a great range of books and a twisting staircase that helped to create intimate reading alcoves. I tried a large wood frame mounted world globe to see if it was a cocktail cabinet but alas no. Just outside some large tables were set up for intricate jigsaws with hundreds of scattered pieces, I resisted the urge to hide any vital parts. There was also a book shop dedicated to books on great ships and journeys, a couple of titles about the Titanic struck me as a bad idea for bedtime reading on board.

The Grand Lobby leading down to the Dent clock, designed by the firm that maintains Big Ben, was a huge centrepiece of flowing stairs and polished brass work, it ooozed money and class. Downstairs we passed on to the Royal Theatre, sprawling and ornate, the show music performed there in the evenings had received a mixed reception on the ships blog but passengers I spoke to were very impressed. The Verandah restaurant was empty and cutlery polishing was being performed with great relish, the cream chairs and coffee coloured tables were joined by enough cut glass to give a bull a tempting alternative to a china shop. The Royal Arcade was the commercial hub of the ship, the shops upstairs were closed and the fruit machines down below were silent, bet it’s not three cherries for a win, more like three crowns or sceptres. The Golden Lion pub looked posher than most pubs I have been in and although the food was good basic fare the large choice of cocktails was a big hint at the upmarket setting.

It’s an amazing ship, don’t think I could afford the 16,000 pound luxury suites but I would like to try a small cruise some time to see if it appeals to me. On the Queen Elizabeth I would never find my cabin after a few beers, it’s like a floating city. If you want to see more about this new addition to the worlds oceans have a look on the Tenerife Magazine website.

Anyone know a good marriage guideance councillor? The relationship between fans and club at CD Tenerife is going through a very rocky patch, the frustration was clear to see in the 1-1 home draw with Numancia in Santa Cruz. The Frente Blanquiazul peña (fan Club) held a first half strike, leaving their area clear and refusing to sign and shout as a pitch side banner appealed to the players “Earn Our Support”. Many fans didn’t agree with this move and tried to boost their own vocal support but although the enthusiasm was there, without the usual focal point it was sporadic and short lived.

At least all the media attention in the preceeding week would have left the players in no doubt of their responsibilities but their response was half hearted. For most of the first half Nino was left gazing up at the constant high balls that were pumped vaquely goalwards, a crazy tactic that gave the little lone striker no chance. Coach Mandia shuffled the pack again, this time bringing Prieto in for Melli in the heart of defence and adding Natalio to play just behind Nino. Tenerife had chances, Hidalgo was through on the keeper who went down rolling thetrically as they clashed. Then there was an incredible sequence when the ball just wouldn’t go in the visitors goal despite desperate lunges from Hidalgo and Natalio who had the keeper beat 0nly for Lopez to clear on the line. Numancia took the lead just after the half hour from a counter attack with Flaño netting from a cross cum shot.

With the arrival of half time the vacant area behind the goal filled up and the second half opened to a rousing reception but the protest hadn’t achieved its impact on the players and certainly hadn’t motivated them. Things were a little better in the second half, Iriome and Julio Alvarez came on for Hidalgo and Natalio but too often Tenerife moves fell apart. Omar joined the action and nearly brought an instant response as he fed Nino who missed the target. Numancia were nothing special but did the basics well, Tenerife looked unsure in key areas and Beranger is an accident waiting to happen at left back.

Finally some joy as Tenerife pressured the Numancia goal and a scramble saw Mikel Alonso get the final touch just ahead of Prieto. With nearly ten minutes left there could have been a grandstand finish but Alvarez underlined the lack of discipline in the team by talking his way to a red card. The referee made an awful call and Alvarez wasn’t shy in letting him have his opinion, but despite being booked and told to cool it, he carried on tearing into the ref and out came the red.

A draw was generous to Tenerife, the dissenting voices in the 16,110 crowd had plenty to complain about and we were left wondering, where to next. Culebras the former Tenerife defender, inexplicably allowed to leave in the summer, ran to the Grada Popular end after the whistle, threw his shirt to the crowd, clapped and then held his arms across his chest in the sign of the Tenerife cross to show he still has a deep affection for CDT. If only a Tenerife player could have shown such class, a small gesture like that might have helped to heal the wounds that are growing deeper by the week.

This really is getting worrying, another poor display as CD Tenerife were outplayed away to Barcelona B, going down 3-1 with glaring problems in defence and a lack of attacking options. There was an early taste of things to come after 5 minutes when Bertran was skinned and Luna cleared the danger after some hesitation. Alonso put the ball in the home net only to see it ruled offside, the replay showed it to be a close call with the player looking level with the defender. Barcelona came back with a strong break, Nolito chipped the ball through a huddle of static CDT players and found Sorianno who finished crisply. Sergio had to make a great finger tip save from Roberto and at the other end Hidalgo made a good run but ran out of places to go.

Nino was again trying to be provider and scorer, Sergio set up a quick counter attack that forced the home keeper to come out and block Nino and the little striker popped in another shot a few minutes later. The Tenerife defence looked paper thin, Beranger was hopeless at left back and Melli a waste of space in the centre, even captain Bertran was looking unsteady. The second goal came 6 minutes before the break, Beranger was French fried and a cross flashed across the goalmouth behind Sergio finding Nolito who struck it well.

Tenerife looked more positive as the second half began, Natalio put in a cross that just eluded Nino’s foot in front of goal and Mikel pulled a goal back unleashing a fierce shot that was helped into the net by a deflection. Omar replaced the tired looking Kome and although Tenerife created more chances, Barcelona delivered the killer blow. Beranger put out the welcome mat again on the left, Luna failed to clear and Carmona helped himself to make it 3-1. Hidalgo had a shot deflected over and then gave way for Josmar (pic) to make his debut, the Venezuelan youngster looked comfortable and set up a great chance with a skillfull pass but Nino couldn’t convert it. After last weeks step forward this was 2 steps back again, coach Mandia will have another busy week.

Give me a Spirograph or some Paint Wheels and eventually I might churn out something vaquely resembling art, but it’s highly unlikely. Best leave it to the experts, with that in mind I hopped on a Titsa 111 bus to Santa Cruz, eager to see the Prado exhibition at the Espacio Cultural Caja Canarias. Under the title El Retrato Español En El Prado they are showing 73 classic portraits featuring Spanish born or based artists like Goya and El Greco. I intended to browse some of the Prado museum on 2 football visits to Madrid last season but the lure of the beer won over and I explored some very artistic bars instead.

The portraits were top notch, they knew how to throw the paint around in those days, and well worth the 5 euro entrance fee, it would have been just 2 euros if I had got my new residencia, or free if I banked with Caja Canarias. You have until 8th January 2011 to have a nose around but can read a full review at www.tenerifemagazine.com . A trip to Santa Cruz often leads me on to La Laguna, any excuse to use the tram, so off I headed with no particular plan in mind. Arriving there I had a tour around the main streets before nipping into one of my favourite art stops. The Instituto Canarias in Calle San Agustin stages some small but free and interesting exhibitions, the latest Horizontes Insulares features works by island based artists. a chequer pattern based display by Gregorio Gonzalez (above) was pretty eye catching but I was hooked by some video art from Cuba’s Sandra Ramos. Slipping on the earphones and watching the large screen I watched 5 quirky and clever videos of 2 to 3 minutes each that tickled the eyes and ears with animated stories with an island theme. a seperate room at the end of the gallery featured video projections of scenery on la Reunion Island. This display runs until 17 November, Monday to Friday 10am to 8pm and 10am to 3pm on Saturday.

After grabbing some food in the Plaza del Adelantado I was soon back on the tram and heading down into Santa Cruz. Plaza Weyler is always a good place to get off and wander down Calle Castillo towards Plaza de España. part way down I spotted an old friend, Icarus, in large metallic sculpture form. Mythology says he built wings from feathers and wax and soared into the sky but getting carried away he flew too high and the sun melted the wax leading to a fatal crash to earth. Sculptor Julio Nieto made Icaro Salvado as part of a touring street exhibition last year and I talked to him about his works, you can read that at Tenerife Magazine. This time Icarus is stationed outside Casa Elder where 70 assorted art works are on display until 22 October, sadly it was closed for my visit but is open Monday to Friday 10am to 8pm. The busy shopping street was spellbound and many shoppers stoppedto pose in the shadow of the metal man. Time for me to go but thank you Santa Cruz and La Laguna, it was a pleasure as always.