Well Worth The Wait…

Ten years ago, during a holiday to Lanzarote, I was fortunate enough to take an excursion to Puerto Calero, (also known as ‘Millionaire’s Marina‘), for an exciting underwater experience in a yellow submarine. I remember at the time thinking what a stunning place it was and making a mental note to go back some day.

In 2017, during a holiday to Playa Blanca, I booked a day trip, which included a couple of hours at Puerto Calero. It was even more spectacular than I remembered, so I was more determined than ever to return for more than just a few hours.

After getting my annual leave approved by my manager, I’ve finally booked a whole week at a luxury hotel overlooking the spectacular waterfront with fabulous views of the volcanoes. I can’t believe that I’m actually going to spend seven incredible days strolling along under palm trees, browsing up-market boutiques and being surrounded by very expensive yachts. I have no idea what else 2019 has in store for me, but it’s going to have to be something very special if it’s to top that! It just goes to show that good things really do come to those who are prepared to wait…

Heritage Open Days…

Heritage Open Days are a marvellous way to explore old buildings for free, which is what I’ve been doing this weekend. I actually have a long-standing aversion to churches, despite many family history outings wandering around graveyards looking for my long lost relatives ironically. However, on Saturday I decided to finally take a peek inside one close to where I live, which I’d walked past thousands of times but had never crossed the threshold of before.

The stained glass was stunningly beautiful and I appreciated the incredible craftsmanship of all the carved wood everywhere. Suddenly, a little girl, accompanied by an elderly gentleman on a keyboard, began singing Somewhere Over The Rainbow. Whether it was the purity of her voice, the innocence of her youth or the acoustics in such an old building, it sent tingles up and down my spine. As a Humanist I place my faith in science and mankind, but I can understand that such spaces offer solace to creationists.

Sunday I chose to go out of my comfort zone again and visit the place where my Great Great Great Grandparents married in 1838. Treading in the footsteps of my ancestors, who had taken their wedding vows in there 180 years previously, was a slightly surreal experience but also quite comforting to know that I have such solid local roots. In today’s fractured society it’s something I’ll always be very grateful for…