Despite the Bank Holiday we had a good session this week, focusing on figurative language and using it in short stories that came out of our notebooks and observations.
Jackie wrote a hilarious piece about a lady campanologist whose knicker-elastic snapped during a peal!
Ann went to town on alliteration with a bit of situational irony at the end.
Sandie wrote an entertaining account of a dog living a double life, using some great vocabulary. Helen, Marc and Sue also chose the hobo/dog starting point, writing very different pieces about Blas, a real dog who wanders Puerto del Carmen, a 'dustbin dog' strolling through his patch in Arrecife and a nameless, canine observer of human behaviour.
Liz chose to write about a relationship ending and made good use of simile and extended vocabulary whilst Lyn amazed us all with an ominous tale of kidnap in a jazz bar (she usually writes gentler tales and children's stories!)
Hoping to tax them a bit next week when they are going to be asked to write in the first, third and second person!
Two more articles about Lanzarote from last week:
Easy Walking on Lanzarote’s Footpaths
Lanzarote has many walking opportunities to suit all ages, abilities and levels of experience. For a small island such as this is, the choice is really extensive and the main problem is choosing where to begin! The good news is that you don’t have to embark on a full day’s trek in the more remote areas of the island to experience its peace and tranquillity, and wealth of fascinating flora and fauna.
In Costa Teguise, for example, which is a purpose built resort in the south of the island, there is a series of way marked walks on footpaths in and around the town. Ranging in length from 4.5 to 10 kilometres, these provide an excellent starting point and can prove to be a source of delight and interest for the first time visitor, seasoned traveller or full time resident alike. Walking these easily accessible and non demanding routes, you will quickly get a flavour of many of the island’s special attributes whilst getting some beneficial exercise and the wonderful fresh air of Lanzarote.
An information leaflet and map clearly displaying the walks can be obtained from the Tourist Office, located in the delightful, Cesar Manrique designed Pueblo Marinero, which is easily located in the centre of the town, near the seafront. There are also larger maps and information boards in various places along the promenade/cycle path that hugs the shoreline here, passing a number of beautiful and varied local beaches. All the walks are circular so, in theory, you can pick them up at any point along the way, but the logical place to start is at the seafront where there are ample opportunities for refreshments, before or after your walk, in a number of local bars, cafes and restaurants.
Each footpath is way marked for the vast majority of its route and, where signs appear to have run out or may have been removed, the way forward is still easily identifiable, as the footpaths are all made up of the same, small grade material and edged with lava rocks of various hues. As well as walkers, you will often see hardy mountain bikers and energetic joggers along the way, especially on the shorter routes. The longest (10k) route is the one to opt for if you are seeking peace and tranquillity. This one also affords a couple of breathtaking viewpoints of the coastline and outlying settlements of “sugar cube” houses.
On any of the walks, you are sure to spot examples of the wealth of flora and fauna of the island, some of which are unique to this special place. Lizards, geckos, butterflies and birds abound wherever you go. Where the footpaths meander through the more central areas of the town, they are edged by, or traverse, plantations of palm trees, cacti and succulent varieties of plants native to the island. In the more tranquil surroundings of the longest walk, you may also be rewarded by the sight of a local rabbit or partridge scurrying for cover, a busy hoopoe bird pecking at insects or a kestrel hovering majestically overhead.
All this in just one of the islands small, tourist towns and the whole island beyond still awaiting your exploring footsteps!
and from Liz:
The Natural Beauty I See All Around Me. Where Am I? Lanzarote Of Course.
I would recommend visiting this beautiful Island. Having lived in Lanzarote for just over a year now, it is a paradise Island, very enjoyable without costing the earth.
The natural beauty of the Island is what I want to promote. I wake up every morning to the sun's warm welcome shining through the window, the rays filtering through the light cotton curtains and resting softly upon my duvet cover.
Waking up to a new day I am never depressed. My visual senses are wonderfully flooded as I look out on the mid morning view. Majestic mountain range set on the background of a beautiful blue sky, accompanied by a few unthreatening clouds as it rarely rains.
A stroll down to the beach after a light fruit filled breakfast is a treat in itself. The scenery is breathtaking, a must for any photographer. The sea in the distance is a welcoming friend, like blue marble in motion, reflecting the light from the risen sun, giving it an enlightening sight. It is so beautiful and calming upon the senses, serene on still days and energetically choppy on windy days. It possesses such character and is a pleasure to observe its movement.
The sand is volcanic and is darker in places giving it a unique appearance, different from the usual beaches that I am used to seeing back at home in England. In the old town of Puerto Del Carmen near the harbour there is a lovely little quaint beach, Playa Chico, with its rocks and volcanic sand it is small and cosy. I have swum in the sea on this beach and it is amazing. There are rocks to avoid in the water. I walk round the rocks and then I find the water is suddenly deeper and calm. It is so clear that I can see the fish swimming round my legs. What a wonderful encounter with nature.
Then along the main strip moving away from the old town, there is a long stretch of beaches all the way to Los Pocillos. There are also the calm waters of Playa Blanca.
The Papagaya beaches in the south of the Island are in a protected natural reserve, I have read that these beaches are amazing. One of the beaches is of Playa de las Colaradas.
Then there are the scenic beaches in Costa Tequise with its calm waters including the beach of El Jabililo.
The mountains are a wonderful sight. A National Park which is one of Spain’s most popular is Timanfaya or The Fire Mountains. The mountains view is all around you in Lanzarote. Fiery eruptions gave birth to the Island. I live in the old town in Puerto Del Carmen and the view of the mountains in the distance is so picturesque, like looking at a painting and slowly stepping into it as the reality of its beauty surrounds you.
I hope your heart is won over.
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