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Recomendaciones contra el calor

These days have been unusually hot. That’s why we feel compelled to remind you of what to do when the thermometer rises.

  1. Drink plenty of water or liquids, don’t wait to feel thirst, unless you doctor has recommended you otherwise. Avoid alcoholic drinks (they dehydrate instead), coffe, tea, cola or very sweetened drinks.
  2. Stay in cool places, at the shade. Take a fresh shower or bath. Our swimming-pool is ideal for these.
  3. Avoid sunbathing at midday. The peak hours are usually between 11 and 16 hours, when it is better to avoid direct exposure to the sun. It is a great excuse to enjoy your lunch the spanish way, very slowly.
  4. Avoid outdoors sports in those peak hours, specially most intense ones (cycling, trekking, jogging…). It is better to programme your day to make these at first hour in the morning or later in the afternoon. It is also ideal to protect yourself from the sun and drink juices, isotonic drinks or water. For example, a freshly made papaya and orange smoothie.
  5. Take light meals to replace the salts lost with sweat (salad, fruits, vegetables, gazpacho or juices).
  6. When outdoors, try to remain under shade, wear light cotton or linen clothing and protect yourself from the sun with a hat. Remember you shoes should be fresh and light as well.
  7. If you are an elder, have a chronic disease or are with any medication, check with your doctor for additional mesures. Do not try self medicating.
  8. Babies and children up to 4 years should be dressed with light clothing, drink lots of liquid and don’t leave them in the car alone.
  9. If you feel headache, dizzy, cramps, breathless because of heat, tired or exhausted… you must warn our personnel or reach the nearest medical center.

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Borondón (Parte 1). Jorge Perez Rodriguez

This saturday 23rd of March is the opening in Ars Septem Gallery of Hermigua of the exhibit “Borondon (Part I)” of the artist from Tenerife Jorge Pérez Rodríguez.

As legend says, the 22nd of March of 516 a.C. and in the company of 17 monks, departs from Ireland St. Brendan of Ardferd and Clonfert in the search of the mythical Paradise. During the trip, that lasted for 7 years, and at the time of Easter, they decide to land on an island and celebrate a mass. While celebrating the mass, the island started to move and the monks would flee in the ship. That is when St. Brendan figures out that the island is not such, but one of the most ancient marine monsters whose name is Jasconius. This is where the myth of the island of San Borondon is born, named after St. Brendan, an island that appears and disappears at will.

Perez Rodriguez proposal depicts this extraordinary legend and dives in a world of fantastic creatures and scenes. 38 works filled with color and playfully conceived that will impact the audience. Side by side with this work, a sample of local and foreign artists as Miodrag, Lolo Padrón, Roberto Batista, Gregorio Marichal, Julia Martín, Carmen Cólogan, Medín Martín Barrios or Taller del Sol.

The exhibit will be open until the 31st of May from 10 to 19 h from wednesday to sunday.

For more info:

David Trujillo
Ars Septem Gallery
Carretera General de Hermigua 56. 38820 – Hermigua, La Gomera
Tel: +34 652 514 391 / info@ars-septem.com / www.ars-septem.com

The touristic services company Ymaguara, recently opened and based in Vallehermoso, offers trekking guided routes in spanish and english all around La Gomera. With different routes from monday to thursday, you can learn about La Gomera culture while enjoying the landscapes. Routes for up to 4 hours with transportation and guide in spanish/english for just 20€/person.

Download the routes weekly programme here.

Contact:

YMAGUARA Turismo Sostenible y Desarrollo Rural
C/Mayor 5, 38840, Vallehermoso, La Gomera, Islas Canarias
+34 922 80 03 29 / +34 659 992 205

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The island of La Gomera will be, most likely, declared Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO next July. This information has been confirmed today 8th of June by the head of the Worldwide Network of Biosphere Reserves, Miguel Cloüsner-Godott, through a video conference with the UNESCO head office in Paris in the celebration of the 2nd Sustainability in the Canary Islands Workshop celebrated in La Gomera.

“Most likely La Gomera will be declared Biosphere Reserve the dates 9th to 13th of July during the celebration of the International Coordination Board of the MAP programme in the UNESCO headquarters in Paris”, he declared.

After receiving this good news, the island’s president Casimiro Curbelo has declared that “La Gomera is celebrating this announcement. It is a desired prize to place our land where it deserves among international environments”. Other official source added that “after a long work we are one step ahead from reaching this important award by the UNESCO”.

The current workshop is part of the campaign of the Council with educative actions that promote supportive, fair and sustainable habits from citizens and companies. The aim is to increase the consciousness and commitment of the gomerans with the sustainability objetives and the defense of our natural resources.

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This next 30th of May we are celebrating The Canary Islands’ Day. The whole week will be full of activities, exhibits and concerts with a sample of our culture. You might want to include some in your schedule. Here is a reduced list (not including those you will need to understand in spanish, which can be checked here: http://www.apartamentosgomera.com/bloges/?p=332).

Activities calendar:

FROM THE 24th OF MAY TO THE 19th OF JUNE:

“Amuletos Amazig” aborigen art exhibit. TIFINAG, ancient alphabet and bereber writing system, used in all north Africa and the Sahel.

Where: Exhibits Lounge of the Council - CajaCanarias (San Sebastian of La Gomera).

Opening: The 24th of May, 20:00 h.

FROM THE 25th TO THE 27th OF MAY:

Children Workshop for the handmaking of traditional canarian toys. 25th of May, 19 h, in the Plaza de la Encarnación (Hermigua).

26th OF MAY:

Mestisay in concert

Mestisay in concert

Concert of the band Mestisay, with the presentation of their latest album “ATLÁNTICO RADIO”. Do not miss it if you are in La Gomera. Plaza de las Américas in San Sebastián. 21:30 h.

V Edition of the Gomeran Whistle Contest. A unique chance to hear this ancient language, declared Humankind Heritage in 2011. Plaza de Las Américas, San Sebastián. 20:00 h.

29th OF MAY:

Concert of the music bands of San Sebastian and Agulo. Plaza de Las Américas in San Sebastián. 20:00 h.

Open-air dance with the orchestras Gomera and Timisay. Plaza de Las Américas. (San Sebastián). 23:00 h.

FROM THE 21st of JUNE TO THE 6th OF JULY:

Exhibit of the works in the “Photographic contest Canary Islands’ Day and Ancient Photography”. Exhibit hall of the Council - CajaCanarias. Opening: 21st of June, 20 h.

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Fotografía de exposición El Mar

Fotografía de exposición El Mar

Open from today 9th of May, the exhibit that reached the Museum Casa Colón (Columbus House) in San Sebastian of La Gomera will remain until the 11th of June 2012.

The collection baptised “El Mar” (The Sea) gathers the work of eight photographers specialised in seabeds, all of the from the Canary Islands and with a well-known carreer: Carlos Andrades, Carlos Borbones, David Barrios, Enrique Fernández Souto, Javier Madinaveitia, Joaquín García Vera, Juanmi Alemany and Julio Díaz Sangil, with the coordination of Alejandro Delgado de Molina.

The collection appeared with the intent to value one of the treasures of the Canary Islands natural heritage: it’s seabeds. It’s quality, the unique species and the optimal conditions for diving has fascinated sub-aquatic amateurs all over the world and has made the archipelago one of the reference international centers for diving and, in particular, for submarine photography. Here there are celebrated several important national and international competitions.

These eight photographers present here their best images of the marine life of The Canary Islands. With this exhibit their intent is to highlight one of the activities related with the ocean that has put the islands in the international event’s map, and offers a tour to this great natural treasure of the island whose enjoyment, though, is not accessible to everybody. This exhibit wants to allow everybody to see how extraordinary the island’s seabeds are and the need to their protection.

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Las bicicletas eléctricas

The electric bikes

You don’t know how much I wanted to talk about this activity in the blog. There has been almost a year that in Hermigua there opened a company dedicated exclusively to the rental of mountain and electric bikes. This company, Telemaco Rent a Bike offers also bicycle guided tours in Hermigua and in Garajonay National Park.

Whoever that has visited La Gomera is aware of the impressive slopes that you have to climb either by foot or with the car, let’s not mention a bicycle. And there is where the good news start. Because electric bicycles are from now on my favorite means of transportation around La Gomera. That you have to climb a hill? No worries, just turn the engine on and keep pedalling as relaxed as in a beach stroll. Because of course, the reason I am able to finally write this article is because Nando, the owner, had the kindness of letting me do a little tour with one of his bikes. And let’s be clear, I am not a fan of bicycles at all, in fact, I have made more kilometers in an exercise bicycle than any other kind.

En la ruta de Hermigua

En la ruta de Hermigua

As I was saying, this springtime I put on my sportswoman costume (not fooling anybody) and I reached the Tasca Telemaco to enjoy my private tour stage with trick. The route we made lasted around 1 hour, and took us through many of the most-known spots of Hermigua. The routes are carefully chosen to seen the most interesting spots in the village and the surroundings with low occupancy roads and a fair amount of viewpoints. Of course, we did the short version of the proposed Hermigua tour, that is 3 hours long and reaches both sides of Hermigua Valley.

The pro’s of going around in an electric bike are many. Fist of all, it is basically effortless. The motor takes charge of all the slopes. Second, it is invigorating. Not only do you make some touristic sightseeing, but you are also feeling soo healthy. Third, it is the perfect combination of speed and sightseeing. The bike doesn’t have the limitations of a car, neither does it imply hours of strenuous walk. You can see and photograph panorama that you have ever been able to watch before. Fourth, you are feeling so good that you cannot stop smiling, waving good-bye and chatting. It is a perfect cure for stress and exhaustion. Fifth, no need to be a biking fan. Anybody can enjoy it. So, what are you waiting for?

Telemaco Rent a Bike proposes several routes with electric bike: Hermigua, Agulo and La Caleta Beach. In any case, the end is a day of fun for everyone and a great photo album. You can see the information in:

Telemaco Rent a Bike

Plaza de la Encarnación 2 (en la Tasca Telémaco)
Hermigua, La Gomera
Tel: 922 880 812 / 657 069 111 / 686 613 289
www.tascatelemaco.com
nandinlm@hotmail.com

Más fotos:

Panorámica de Hermigua

En plena ruta de Hermigua

Desde uno de los miradores

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If you happen to be in La Gomera any of the following dates, do not forget to enjoy the carnival. Costume mandatory!

  • FRIDAY 17th FEBRUARY

21 h In San Sebastian’s Auditorium: QUEEN SELECTION GALA.

  • SATURDAY 18th FEBRUARY

18 h CARNIVAL PARADE, the beginning of the carnival in the streets.
22 h In the main square of San Sebastian, Open-air dance with salsa and merengue rythms with orchestras “Gomera” & “Timisay”.

  • SUNDAY 19th FEBRUARY: Children’s Carnival

17:30 h In San Sebastian Square, Children’s costumes with performances and DJ’s special sessions.

  • MONDAY 20th FEBRUARY: TALCUM POWDER DAY

18:30 h In the streets of San Sebastian, performance of “parranda” Chagadá.
22 h Open-air dance of caribbean rythms with bands “Wamampy” & “Gomera”.

  • TUESDAY 21st FEBRUARY

16 h Great Parade and performance of “Tomás Duque”.

  • FRIDAY 24th FEBRUARY

20 h “The Sardine Funeral”. A day of carnival mourning, black dress code with the procession to say good-bye to the sardine.

  • SATURDAY 25th FEBRUARY

18 h GREAT “PIÑATA” PARADE
21 h “Piñata” Open-air dance with band “Gomera” y “Timisay”.

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Spanish might seem like a very difficult language to speak or understand, specially if your native tongue is English or German. But part of the joy of international travelling is trying to communicate in the local language. That effort is very appreciated, and you will find that locals will very willingly try to understand your clumpsy first words.
Here are some pronunciation tips:
Spanish spelling is literal, phonetically consistent. Each letter has to be spelled apart.
The Canary Islands accent is unlike the one in the rest of Spain. It seems more like latin american. “C” and “z” are smoothed to a soft “S” sound, and S’s are even slightly softer.
Vowels: “A” as in “father”, “e” as in “met”, “i” as in “marine”, “o” as in “or”, “u” as in “rule” and “y” at the end of words or alone, is pronounced as “i”.
Basic conversation:
Hello = hola (o-la)
Good morning = buenos días (bwe-nos dee-as)
Good afternoon = Buenas tardes (bwe-nas tar-des)
Good evening / night = Buenas noches (bwe-nas noches)
Good bye = Adios (a-dyos)
Bye / See you soon = Hasta luego (as-ta lwe-go)
Yes = Sí (see)
No = no
Please = por favor (por fa-vor)
Thank you = gracias (gra-syas)
Many thanks = Muchas gracias (moo-chas gra-syas)
You’re welcome = De nada (de na-da)
Pardon me (before requesting information) = Perdón (per-don)
Sorry (apologising) = Perdón / Lo siento (lo see-en-to)
How are things? = ¿Qué tal? (ke tal)
What’s your name? = ¿Cómo te llamas? (ko-mo te ya-mas)
My name is… = Me llamo… (me ya-mo)…
Where are you from? = ¿De dónde eres? (de don-de e-res)
I’m from… = Soy de… (soy de…)
Where is the… ? = ¿Dónde hay un …?
ATM = Cajero
Bank = Banco
Market = Mercado
Shop = Tienda
Café = Cafetería
Bar = bar
Restaurant = Restaurante
Beach = Playa
Post office = Correos
Tourist office = Oficina de Turismo
Here = aquí (a-kee)
There = allí (a-yee)
Street = calle (ca-yee)
Road = carretera
Right = derecha
Left = izquierda (iz-keer-da)
Do you speak English? = ¿Habla inglés?
I (don’t) understand = (No) entiendo
How much is it? = ¿Cuánto cuesta?
So do you want to learn some more? You can check simple spanish conversation lessons for travelling here: http://spanish.about.com/od/spanishfortravelers/Spanish_for_Travel.htm

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Next Friday 20th of May 2011 you can enjoy the live concert of “Hijas de Tara” in Tasca Telemaco (Hermigua, La Gomera Island). This band was founded in February 2010 in Valle Gran Rey, La Gomera.

“Hijas de Tara” was founded with the purpose of having a different artistic activity, where voices, rythms and sung poetry combine with joy and a positive spirit. The band, composed by 12 women and directed by Juan Mesa (composer, producer and musician), will entertain us with their repertoire of varied etnic music. They specially intend to portray traditional musics from all around the world, specially of latin american origins (Venezuela, Argentina, Cuba or Brazil).

Make your reservation in Tasca Telémaco for a very special night of rythm, relaxed mood and positive thinking!

Join the facebook event: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=154572007943915

Check Tasca Telémaco website: http://www.tascatelemaco.com/

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