Christmas in the Canaries by Teresa Purkis

Author:Teresa Purkis
Language: eng
Format: mobi
Published: 2020-09-21T22:00:00+00:00

Chapter Twenty-One

Las Palmas, 30th December

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Rain had been falling in a constant stream since the early hours. As if it was cleansing the dust that had previously hung heavy in the air. The rain had a mesmerising effect on all who watched the drops trickle down the windowpanes. Toying with each other in a race to reach the bottom.

Maddie put down her finished coffee, “I think saying we would meet in the coffee area, if it was raining, was a good shout. We would have got soaked before even reaching the terminal.”

“Shall we do the crossword? It looks as though one has been left over there.”

As the morning wore on, gradually the breeze picked up, and the steady drone of the rain slowly began to reduce. By mid-morning most traces of the rain had disappeared. The sun peaked through the parting clouds, finally it was saying hello to the new day.

Maddie looked at her watch and asked Alison, “As it looks as though the rain has stopped, do you want to go on top deck to see how cold it is? Then we’ll decide what we shall do.”

Alison slurped the last of her drink and replied, “I hate being inside. Especially when there is a new place to discover. I think the forecast was light cloud and sunshine after the rain had passed through. Let’s go and see what the temperature is and whether it is t-shirt or sweat-shirt weather.”

They made their way to top deck, walked to the railing and looked towards the town. The tarmac of the pier had started to shimmer as the heat of sun began to evaporate the standing water. The smell of the fresh rainfall and the dwindling puddles hinted of what had been.

Alison looked up at the sky and asked, “Shall we venture out? I think that all the dark clouds have passed by. There is lots of blue sky coming our way.”

“I’d like to go off and explore. Now the sun is out, we can go and see the island in all its glory.”

Alison continued, “The wind still feels a bit fresh, so I’m wearing my thicker jumper and taking my waterproof.”

“I’ll be doing the same.” Maddie rubbed her arms. “Definitely sweat-shirt weather,” she continued, as a slight shiver coursed through her. “Do you know anything more about the island? You know, extra to the blurb the ship gives out.”

“Funny you should ask that. I breakfasted with Bert. He said that La Palma is nicknamed La Isla Bonita or the Pretty Island. It has been declared as a world biosphere and starlight reserve.”

Alison tilted her head to the side and frowned, as those she was trying to memorise what Bert had said, “There are viewpoints all over the island, which Bert said gives panoramic vistas of the island. He said there is both scenic and climatic diversity.”

“What else?”

“You’ll love this, Santa Cruz de la Palma, is meant to be, what did he call it?” She thought for a moment. “That’s it. He called it a cultural asset.

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