Spirit of Discovery blog

Good day to all.

Arrival to Santa Cruz de Tenerife was rather gloomy but calm, a cold breeze in the air and a formation of grey clouds filled the sky. As daylight rose, on approach to the port, the surrounding islands seemed mystical and rather untouched.

By the time 8am hit, we were comfortably alongside awaiting for the day ahead. As the morning developed, the sun brightened up the sky with temperatures reaching early twenty degrees Celsius. Proving that it was well worth a visit to the city!

I headed for the town, visiting Plaza de Espana near the harbour and of course a look around the shops on the main shopping street Calle de Castillo. The city is filled with modern architecture as well as maintaining its old town characteristics, which I do feel competes highly with mainland Spain.

The city serves as a major hub for the Canary Islands, surrounded with beautiful beaches, nature reserves and tradition.

In terms of food, it was obvious that I needed to explore the delights and wonders. Stumbling upon a small restaurant just slightly offset from the main drag, dedicated to using local ingredients specialising in Tapas, pizzas and wines. Embellishing in the sun whilst eating from what I understand is a very popular location for locals allowed me to unwind, relax and take in my surroundings.

After indulging, for what seemed like no time at all, it was time to head back to the ship. To complete the 4-8 watch alongside 2/0 Andrew and 3/0 Laurence. Completing safety rounds, monitoring the ships mooring lines and the gangway.

With departure at 22:00, it meant that I could have visited the city again as only a ten-minute walk around the port but instead I spent my time enjoying the wonderful on board facilities for me to return to work early the following morning ready for arrival in Arrecife.

Emily Burston, Deck Cadet