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Tenerife is the largest
and most populated of Spain's Canary Islands.
It is a rugged volcanic island shaped by successive
eruptions. It is dominated by Mount Teide, the
highest peak in Spain.
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The capital, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, has well-preserved
historical buildings, modern infrastructure, and a lot
of public artwork.
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Tourism is the main industry of Tenerife, due to its mild
climate, dramatic scenery, pretty beaches, multicultural
history, and famous pre-Lent Carnaval festivities.
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Plaza de España is the heart of the
Santa Cruz waterfront. It is currently undergoing impressive
renovations. |
There are many galleries but the streets are an open-air exhibit
with works by Henry Moore, Martin Chirino, Joan Miró,
and Óscar Dominquez.
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An interesting feature of Santa Cruz was the number of
gardens incorporated into walls and rooftops.
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Open grills on the waterfront featured barbequed ribs, sausages,
kebabs suckling pig, and fish.
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We happened to
arrive on the day after Carnaval and were met with piles of
rubbish, which were quickly cleaned up with front-end loaders.
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On the day following Carnaval there was a massive car rally of
vintage cars driven by folks in period costumes. |
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The
controversial Monument to the Fallen Angel represents
Francisco Franco, the Fascist general who ruled Spain for two
generations. |
The Calatrava-designed
Auditorio de Tenerife is an iconic architectural achievement.
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We used the
efficient transit system to reach the city of San Cristobal de
La Laguna, a UNESCO World Heritage site remarkable for its
street layout and architecture that was used as a blueprint for
many South American cities.
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The old streets
of La Laguna are lined with eclectic architecture reflecting
the nationalities of the Castilian, Portuguese, British,
Flemish, French and Italian nationals who settled here 500 years
ago.
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The colonial style Market of Our Lady of Africa is a wonderful
source of local fruits and vegetables.
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Spice and herb shops sell special combinations for the treatment
of insomnia, anxiety, and weight loss.
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Well-maintained
buildings, numerous statues and public exhibitions provide many
attractive sights.
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Throughout Tenerife, there is a delightful combination of old
and new, sacred and secular, and natural and man-made sites of
beauty.
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While we were there, the relics of a venerated saint were on
display at the cathedral, drawing thousands of worshippers.
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