Welcome to my blog, where I take pleasure in words and pictures, be they my own or those of others. I'm a creative individual, and the crafty side I explore on my 'other blog', Picking Up The Threads, which I hope you'll visit too. I'm sure you understand that I have sole copyright of my original work and any of my contributions, so please ask if you want to use them. A polite request is rarely refused. So, as they used to say on the BBC's 'Listen With Mother' radio programme, many years ago: "Are you sitting comfortably? Then we'll begin."

Tuesday 6 September 2011

Wonderful in White

Carmi of Written Inc. set the challenge of ‘White’ for this week’s Thematic Photographic. It’s difficult to know where to begin, as I live on the beautiful island of Lanzarote, where white is the colour of choice. My nearest town is called Playa Blanca, which is Spanish for white beach, so there’s a clue! A couple of weeks ago for Viva Vibrancy I showed some of the beautiful colours to be found here, and described the influence of the island’s famous son César Manrique; architect, artist and visionary. His house, now a museum, created from a volcanic bubble, is decorated in clean cool lines, using a backdrop of white as a canvas on which to showcase his wonderful creations and designs.

Manrique ensured that no high rise building are built on the island and that all buildings are painted white. The door and window frames should be picked out in blue or green  if painted, though many are varnished natural wood. The picture below is of the volcano Montaña Roja, near my home, showing a fairly new development of local houses, which contrasts beautifully with the striking landscape.

One of the island’s sources of income, before tourism, was salt production. A few minutes drive from my home are the impressive salt pans; Salinas de Janubio, but in July this year we visited some disused salt pans Salinas de los Agujeros, near Guatiza; a fine example of industrial archaelogy. It would appear that production simply ceased one day, the pans were deserted and left as they were right up to the final moment.
Well I said I didn’t know where to begin, but I do know that any journey or tour should finish back at home, the place you love best, and here growing in my own garden is this amaryllis, with dainty white flowers. 


Lanzarote is an island of contrasts and great beauty, with year-round sunshine and if you feel tempted to move here yourself, you can find out more by clicking the link here.

14 comments:

  1. I remember all the white buildings in Lanzarote. Avoiding high rise buildings has enhanced the island but the last time I went I was surprised at how far the houses had spread.
    The salt pans are a sight to see - obsolete or not. The amaryllis is so delicate and a joy to see.

    ReplyDelete
  2. I really don't think there can ever be too much white - those buildings look like gorgeous little clusters of sugar cubes!

    Jem xXx

    ReplyDelete
  3. Awesome pictures, I love that house and the salt pans are reminiscent of what we see here on the shores of The Great Salt Lake. Great white shots!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Your descriptions read like poetry to me! How lovely the words I live on a beautiful island! Stunning photos and very White themed! Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  5. I love that first photo - quirky and well spotted! Lanzarote looks really interesting - I am pleased we will be visiting it in May next year!

    ReplyDelete
  6. I really want to move to Lanzarote.
    What are the schools like?

    ReplyDelete
  7. Just beautiful - the houses are fantastic, and I love the Amaryllis. Lovely!

    ReplyDelete
  8. Cesar Manrique did so much for the island - I love the fact that all the buildings are white and re: the high rises - wasn't the rule originally "no higher than a palm tree"? I'm sure some of the newer hotels got round that, but it's still a lovely place - I always defend it from the undeserved Lanza-grotty comments.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Oh, my gosh, Little Nell ... what a wonderful place to live! Very beautiful. Thanks so much for the tour.

    Kathy M.

    ReplyDelete
  10. Not just a fascinating post - as always - but one which makes me long to return to Lanzarote. And when I return, which I will, I will know so much more about the island and have such a list of places I need to visit.

    ReplyDelete
  11. Lovely white pictures! :) /Limar

    ReplyDelete
  12. What a beautiful place. These photos leave me wanting to see more!

    ReplyDelete
  13. Wow a wonderful selection of photos. The flower is beautiful.

    ReplyDelete
  14. What a remarkable journey through a stunningly beautiful part of the world - I'm so glad you shared yours with us!

    I deeply appreciate when urban planning follows specific principles of design that ensure beauty is maintained for all. It so much prettier and more memorable than the disjointed monstrosities that we see here.

    I think I need to move :)

    ReplyDelete

Note: only a member of this blog may post a comment.