What a good chap Christopher Columbus would appear to be. In discovering America, which is obviously a small detail, he also managed to significantly augment the wealth of the Canary Islands. It was here in the Canaries in 1492 (shortly after Spain had taken the Canaries for its own in a dastardly trick of deceit) that he would stock his three ships. With the sort of jolly jaunts he had in mind he would certainly need a plentiful supply of fresh water and good Canarian food. I like to imagine this would include smoked cheese, live goats and chickens, plus a crate or two of oranges and lemons, before setting out on the long voyage across the Atlantic to the New World. Noble fellow indeed and with an excellent taste in food!
In the 1940’s, La Palma decided to mark the event by building a replica of one of Columbus’ ships, the Santa Maria. An ingenious idea in constructing this full size model is that it will never be bothered by high winds. As the hull is made of concrete it will certainly not be in danger of inadvertently setting sail one windy night.
In deciding where to locate this fair sized vessel, La Palma had a stroke of genius. Why go for the obvious and construct it at the port where there are acres of concrete on which to put it. The guests from the cruise liners could hardly fail to notice it, and with a small entrance fee, it would make a tidy revenue to cover costs at least. And even the most frail and disinterested could hopefully be persuaded to totter down the gangplank to view the museum inside. And with easy parking to boot, that would help all those driving from the airport who could pull in for a viewing as they pass by. But no, all that would be too easy. Instead it is located at the opposite end of the city, where several narrow cobbled streets converge onto rather petite Plaza de Almendras (Almond Square).
And the curious thing is, it is so tucked away that you could visit the city and still miss it! So whilst you are shopping and sightseeing, make sure to keep a careful watch out for ships ahoy.
In the 1940’s, La Palma decided to mark the event by building a replica of one of Columbus’ ships, the Santa Maria. An ingenious idea in constructing this full size model is that it will never be bothered by high winds. As the hull is made of concrete it will certainly not be in danger of inadvertently setting sail one windy night.
In deciding where to locate this fair sized vessel, La Palma had a stroke of genius. Why go for the obvious and construct it at the port where there are acres of concrete on which to put it. The guests from the cruise liners could hardly fail to notice it, and with a small entrance fee, it would make a tidy revenue to cover costs at least. And even the most frail and disinterested could hopefully be persuaded to totter down the gangplank to view the museum inside. And with easy parking to boot, that would help all those driving from the airport who could pull in for a viewing as they pass by. But no, all that would be too easy. Instead it is located at the opposite end of the city, where several narrow cobbled streets converge onto rather petite Plaza de Almendras (Almond Square).
And the curious thing is, it is so tucked away that you could visit the city and still miss it! So whilst you are shopping and sightseeing, make sure to keep a careful watch out for ships ahoy.
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