Santa Cruz de La Palma 1 April 2006

Sorry no pics of this tiny island as I was feeling rather fragile after another force 9 night sailing from Madeira. Here is a link to a good website for some pictures: www.islalapalma.com

Santa Cruz de La Palma is the capital. This seems to be the only place I have visited to date that has no McDonald's, Burger King or Kentucky Fried Chicken -– hurrah. Please nobody tell them. The city’ had a really nice family atmosphere with lots of Spanish children dressed up for festival. Many of the old buildings have wooden balconies a bit like the houses in Northern Greece. The main boulevard that runs along the sea front is the best place to see some traditional houses.

A walk down Calle O' Daly will bring you to an outdoor tapas bar (the only one along this road) which serves some yummy tuna croquettes.

Manolo Blahnik was born on the island in 1942. He studied law, literature and art in Paris but it was in London where he designed his first shoes. 'Being terribly frivolous is the only possible solution before such a horrible world.'’ Well I guess you have to justify the ridiculous cost of your shoes somehow darling ;)