Walking To The Plaza

I'd better get these photos from last Sunday up on the blog because it's Sunday again tomorrow and my walking friend and I, a lady from my Pilates class,  intend to walk down to the town again for the last day of carnival here.  Actually we walk for the exercise but it will be an added attraction to see the crowds, the costumes, the food and hear the music, even though it's usually blaring out at so many decibels that it can probably be heard in the next town.

We start with walking down many many stairs.  I was aching a little the next day!
Good exercise for your calf muscles, but maybe not so good for your knees

When nearly at bottom we get a glimpse of the sea and cliffs covered with palms and cactus.

Down in the town we pass by Calle La Hoya, now a pedestrian street, formerly a very congested road where early morning traffic jams and car horns were a cacophony of sound. 
Thankfully it's now a quiet shopping street with no traffic.

As we near the main plaza the crowds become more dense.  There were competitions of childrens' costumes that morning. The air was a little chilly but the sun was out. 

Down in the plaza  people were sitting where they could to have a lunch or drink.  The
outdoor cafes were full and one was lucky to find a free table. Music was blaring from a live band.

We were lucky to find a seat at a little churinguito....a provisional eatery set up for carnival.
There were typical tapas of jamón serrano, cheeses, paella, Spanish olives and hot dishes.

The waiter begins to slice the serrano ham for a tapas plate.
These are the cured hams that are mounted on a frame to hold them while they are being sliced.
Serrano ham is nearly always included in a selection of tapas, along with cheese and olives.

And here are a couple of paellas being prepared and served along with a huge pan of potato with onion, garlic, green & red pepper slices, called Patatas A Lo Pobre , or roughly 'poor man's potatoes', although there's nothing poor about the flavour.  It's one of my favourite dishes, and is seen cooking on the far side of the photo.

Mmmm...here's one paella still cooking to reduce the broth, while the waiter above serves from one which is ready and garnished with lemon slices, shrimp and mussels.

My friend and I manage to find a couple of empty seats at the churinguito.  I had paella and she had baked green peppers. The other sidewalk cafes were also filled with people enjoying the food and carnival atmosphere,  and the music blared on!

Here's a little video I made that day.  I'm afraid I need to practise a lot more at taking videos. But you can get an impression of the atmosphere and a lesson on how to slice the ham!

Thanks for dropping by.  See you soon....¡hasta la vista!

16 ~ The Municipal Market

(click photos to enlarge)

The mercado municipal in Puerto de la Cruz is an interesting three storey building, comprising a supermarket, linen and souvenir bazaars as well as other shops on the main and top floors and the farmers' fruit and vegetable market up the escalator on the second floor. It opens at 8 am and although the produce stall owners pack up their goods after 1 pm, other shops are open until 8 pm. There is a parking garage in the basement which is free if you buy something at any of the shops and have your parking ticket stamped.

The building has a central patio with natural light.
Escalators make it easier to go up to higher levels.
There are many stalls from which to choose.
The fruit and vegetables make colourful displays.
Island-grown papaya...large and small varieties.
African yams called ñames here (center).The spice & herb shop sells saffron and paprika as well as many whole and ground herbs and local honey.
Vieja (parrot fish) is a local specialty in the fish stall.
A prepared food stall also sells paella to order.
The finished paella looks just right!

There is a flea market usually every Saturday morning held both on the roof and the front patio of the market building. One can find clothing, books, cameras, silver, china and other items seen at flea markets.

NEXT: The Flea Market