November 2, 2024

Got to see a whole different Tenerife, from last time I was here in 2006!

I don't remember exploring the harbor town of Santa Cruz when I was here 18 years ago. I did a walking tour with Karen and Cynthia using the GPS my City App. It was a good mix of history, contemporary city, shopping and best of all, we moved at our own pace, modifying our route as we saw things we were interested in.

Below is architect, Santiago Calatrava, Tenerife Auditorium (Auditorio de Tenerife Adán Martín) which towers over the Santa Cruz Harbor. It is used as a congress and concert hall and is home to Tenerife’s symphony orchestra. The poured in place concrete structure changes in shape at every angle you look at it. It was originally covered in blue mosaic tile and has a length litigation history over roof leaks. Regardless it is an impressive image in the coastline. 

On the surrounding harbor rock walls at the Auditorium, Artist have freehanded tributes to their favorites entertainers.

Farewell Tenerife! View as we sail away, while finishing dinner on the back deck of ship.

By Patricia Patrick February 15, 2026
We got up at 6:45am to get to National Park Forts Walk trail in the hope of seeing koalas . Prior walkers mark trails with tree branches pointing in the direction of their sighting and we were luck enough to see 3 markers in our first hour of hiking. It is so stinking hot and humid the success we had made it bearable. The koala population on the island started with 20 brought over in 1930, to escape fur hunters. Today, the island boast 800 to 1000, and they are so cute and drowsy. They need 20 hours of sleep a day! The early morning is when they are the most active.
By Patricia Patrick February 14, 2026
Just off the coast of Townsville, Australia is a special little island (that used to be part of mainland, hundreds of thousands years ago). The island was formed by molten granite that was pushed to the earth's surface with volcanic force.Over time the volcanic overlay weathered away leaving an extraordinary landscape of rounded domes and boulders, many as big as a house and spectcularly perched. Over Seventy Percent of the center of the Island is a National Park. There is lots of wildlife here too - koalas, rock wallabies, snakes & birds.
By Patricia Patrick February 14, 2026
This is my third time in CAIRNS, AUSTRALIA and I really enjoy how walkable, clean and charming it is. The waterfront esplanade and lagoon area is a nice walk day or night. We had 2 nights here in the waterfront Shangri La Marina Hotel while waiting for the Ship to arrive and then 2 additional days in Port.