For anyone who’s managed not to hear, the British National Party) got two seats in the European parliament. This means, under pre-existing BBC rules, that their leader got to be on the popular political debate programme, “Question Time.” This has caused quite a row. The BNP are extremely unpopular with most people because they’re as near as dammit, the Nazi party. They don’t allow non-white members, and they want to…
A Craft Shop with a Difference
La Distiladera in Breña Alta sells a variety of crafts from La Palma. The big difference is that most of the products are made by mentally handicapped adults in the special Employment Centre in the same building. This gives them the dignity of supporting themselves, and you a chance to buy good quality souvenirs at a fair price. They stock a good variety of crafts, from papiere mache wall decorations…
The Molino Museum
A collection of old weights As well as the workshop making replica ceramics, the windmill at Mazo houses a small museum. Entry is free, but there are a couple of places you can make a donation. Upstairs is mostly a collection of old tools: an old Singer sewing machine, combs for flax, knife grinders, braziers… Oil lamps … the millers glasses, shepherd’s poles, long handled pallets for putting bread in…
Too much housework
Dismantling the old sofas, with the new ones in the background. I spent Monday morning feeling tired and seasick. I’m not sure how much was down to having fun so much fun on El Hierro, how much was trying to work on the computer on the boat (it’s like reading in a car – big mistake) and how much was a mild lurgy. But I didn’t get much done, even…
Pre-hispanic Ceramics
Inside the workshop at El Molino The Benahoaritas (or Auaritas or Awaras) were the people who lived on La Palma before the Spanish invasion. They lived in caves and wore animal skins, but they farmed, and they had ceramics. The older ceramics are simpler, and the newer ones usually more decorated. At El Molino, in Mazo, they make replicas of these ceramics. The business was started by Ramon and Vina,…
El Hierro again
Panchita, my friend’s neighbour My trip to El Hierro was great. I didn’t feel a bit sick on the way there. Lugging my stuff around Gomera coming and going was hard work, but San Sebastian is a nice little town, and I got quite a bit of work done on my laptop. More importantly, once I got to El Hierro, I had a great time with my friend. It was…