Aurora Villalobos

I will try to write what it has meant for me to participate in this wonderful Route Docs program of the Erasmus + project, but I must say that it is impossible to express in words all that I have experienced and realized along this intense and beautiful week.

It all started by picking up Stela, a Croatian student, at the airport, to share with me and my family these days. This has been a great experience for me, since in addition to practicing the English language I was able to have the experience of having a sister again.

In this way, I have been able to share with her and other students of the program all that our beloved island of Tenerife offers us. We have been able to enjoy its charm thanks to its diversity, climate, authenticity and, above all, its volcanic origin.

On Monday, we had the opportunity to start with an official act of welcome by authorities, to continue with a guided tour along the High School. Then, in order to get to know the south of the island, its wonderful fine sand beaches that run along most of its coast with its warm temperature and constant sun, we went to the Hotel Mar y Sol located in Los Cristianos and in El Médano, we could observe various water sports, such as Wind surf or Kite surf.

To continue, on Tuesday we were doing different activities in the school, such as choosing the logo of our project, reproduction of the Istanbul video, Job-shadowing, workshop and conference Video and Photography Edition. In the afternoon, all the students of the project went to eat at the beach and spend a good afternoon bathing and laughing.

Wednesday was a very exciting day, as we had the opportunity to head towards Vilaflor, the highest town in Spain, and reach the Teide National Park.

 Here we could go through the typical landscapes in which all the foreigners take photos, as is Roque de García with the volcanic cone in the background. We took a group photo, which was then published in the local newspaper of Arona. We were in the Visitors Center of Cañada Blanca and El Portillo. In the museum we learned about the geological, botanical and archaeological aspects of the Park. Back to our houses we made stops at different viewpoints, such as La Tarta.

 

In order to know the Metropolitan Area, center of the busy life of the island, on Thursday we headed to La Laguna. Place where many of the cultural and leisure events take place, with a rich historical and architectural legacy of Tenerife, with its emblematic museums, squares and parks. We toured the wide pedestrian streets framed by buildings and palaces of La Laguna, the only city of the Canary Islands that has been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1999, which moved us several centuries ago. We end the day moving to La Orotava, to visit the Tajinaste Winery located in volcanic land of the island that gives its wines unique tonalities and character. Highlighting the Malvasia, berry used since ancient times to elaborate the precious Canary wines that were exported to Europe and writers like William Shakespeare and Walter Scott make reference in their works.

With four intense days behind us, Friday arrived. During this day we were able to visit the Aloe Park to end the exciting visit to Siam Park. We enjoyed the different attractions very much and we were able to strengthen bonds of friendship with all the young people of the project. Finally, the Canarian mothers and fathers gave us a succulent farewell dinner with the collaboration of musical acts by teacher Esmeralda and the student Luna, who delighted us and made us spend an unforgettable farewell.

I have been very happy to participate in this project and week, which has given us the opportunity to show our island of Tenerife with its authentic traditions, parties, cuisine and friendly people that characterizes it.

Thank you for giving me the opportunity to participate.