La Isla Bonita

That is the name which was given to La Palma because of the beautiful forests, mountains and other green areas it has. AURI, my wonderful hosting organization and work place, organized a 5 days long trip here. This is another experience which is really difficult to describe with words. I will try it but I guess the pictures will tell more this time. We had three amazing natural sights, I would like to highlight them in this entry.

This is the volcano which erupted in 1971 so it suppose to be the "freshest" one. 

And the one with a wonderful view

Undoubtedly my favourite spot was the Roque de los Muchachos

Here at the altitude of 2500 meters, there is the observatory where you can find the biggest telescope of the world.

The expert lady (!) told me that they can see until 30 billion light years with it... Maybe they can see it, but it is impossible for me to imagine this distance...

The very first day we did a 13 km long hiking through 13 tunnels. One of them had a waterfall above so actually we had to wade a small river while it was also falling like a heavy rain, indescribable experience.

I am still huge fun of lighthouses, this one was specially nice as next to the new one we could see the old one too.

Besides the beautiful nature, La Palma also has something really interesting to show. The Salina, which means the place where they are producing salt, is located right next to the ocean so they can lead the water into different pools on different weathers and the help with the sun and wind they can make the water evaporate and manufacture the finest salt. We tasted a special version called "salt rose" which is flowing on the top of the water (unlike the "normal ones" which sit on the bottom of the pool) and has a very special shape. This is one of the most interesting places where I have ever been. It is a simple idea though it's simply perfect!

Sunset above the Salina

When it is ready to be packed:

I was wondering, for how long would this mountain be enough for my mum to prepare my favourite dishes...?!!

Well, as I started this also as a small gastro blog I should not leave out our delicious pumpkin cream soup and goat cheese dinner with candle light in the capital, Santa Cruz de La Palma. Perfect ending.