Aloe, aloe.

In Thailand, it's called Crocodile's Tail.  In Indonesia, it's called Crocodile's Tongue.  We know it as Aloe Vera.
Whatever you call it, the plant has a list of cosmetic and reputed medical uses as long as your arm. 
And we are lucky enough to have it growing here on the finca. 

 Whilst the use of natural remedies is going through quite a resurgence in recent years, in the rural north of La Palma it's use has never really stopped.   Just the other day, our neighbour called by to ask if she could have a piece of aloe for her husband who had cut himself.   It's second nature to country people. 
And the other good thing about aloe vera is not just that it's the magic medicine plant, it also does a pretty good job of looking after itself too! 
Just watch out for the sharp crocodile bits.

Taking time out in Tazacorte

Contrary to popular belief, we do sometimes wrench ourselves away from the finca - although admittedly, not often.  But if we do happen to find ourselves out and about, then Tazacorte in the west of La Palma is an old haunt of ours.
Tazacorte is an interesting place really, no matter how you look at it, because it is split into two main parts comprising Tazacorte town sitting almost one kilometre away from the beach-side resort of Tazacorte and the marina.  These days, much of it has changed and somewhat for the better.
Up in the town for example, what was once a banana plantation is now home to a new and spacious supermarket with a very pleasant plaza and outdoor cafe alongside.  Being right in the centre of the town where four roads meet, it really is a great place to sit and watch the comings and goings of everybody.  Ah, how easily pleased we country folk are!   Nearby is a walkway with fabulous columns covered in intricate mosaic.

Just around the corner, the public swimming is now open for business and when we visited, swimmers were putting in their strokes, length after length.

Down at the port, yet another development was under way to modernize and extend amenities, turning it into an increasingly attractive marina.
But down by the sea, life was going on much as normal.  The restaurants were busy with customers being served anything from coffee to goats cheese with Canarian mojo suace and hugh bowls of salad, fresh fish with papas arrugadas or one of the favourite Canary desserts such as Bienmesabe made with almonds.

 And, rather fortuitously, Tazacorte is also the start of the GR131 La Palma walking route (and with the GR130 handy) so you needn't worry about piling on the pounds!

Yes, it's not a bad place to be.  Speaking of which, for anyone interested in renting an apartment in Tazacorte, possibly as part of a two-centre holiday on La Palma or walking holiday, you can now find details on our website here.