I was lucky enough to spend the Christmas season visiting my Father in Tenerife, indeed I type this overlooking the blue Atlantic Ocean. The hot temperatures and bright sunshine are a complete juxtaposition to the darkness and sleet of home, but a welcome reprieve for body and soul! The food, weather, and life is genuinely, in my opinion, better than back home, and as a result I think people are more sociable and gregarious here; I even look at my father, who is like a social butterfly here - I rarely see him, compared to a forlorn character going through the motions back in Ireland.
Diving was, of course, part of the plans for this trip and I duly contacted Enrique to arrange trips into the 'big blue'. Enthusiastically he greeted me with a big hug, asking how things were and about life in general. He had been there with sympathy and kind words when, last Christmas, my world fell apart. I think such events have brought me closer to him as a friend. The first dive was off the cliffs, among long 'fingers' of volcanic rock that protrude out into the ocean, hiding Trumpet Fish and even a Seahorse (the latter I had never seen before, so it was a remarkable first for me). The water was initially cool on entry from the dive boat, but my dive computer assured me it was 20 degrees Celsius! The visibility was superb, the blue infinity that stretched as far as my eyes could see, for me, a source of peace and relaxation (although I know for others it can be frightening and claustrophobic). The luminescence of the sea urchins a brilliant day-glow purple in the shafts of sunlight that came down from the surface. Ornate Wrasse[s] darted in front of my eyes, but when I turned to photograph them their initial bravado had morphed into a genuine fear as they swam into rock crevices. Divers are not unusual here but they are, I guess, still not to be trusted! Eating out in the evenings was a sheer joy, the standard of food exceptionally high, even in small little diner-esque eateries, with the produce fresh and tasty. I could move here in a heartbeat, but the reality of life back home (mortgage, job etc etc) is one that is not so easy to overcome. I mean, the utopia is all well and good in my head, but what happens when the money runs out? The paradise suddenly loses its lustre. 
The second dive took place on a Tuesday, accompanied by the third dive on the same day; this time we were out into the choppier swells off Palm Mar. Any worries I had about not being able to equalise my right ear went as they 'popped' on entry to the water. I was assured that there were plenty of sting-rays around this particular reef, and a bag of fish heads bought from the harbour would surely entice them out should they be in shy form. As soon as we reached the bottom (approximately 28 metres) three baby sting-rays immediately swam over to us, gently arching up and onto our legs like puppies. Them, out of the blue, came a large specimen; curious and gentle, it was eager to tuck into the fish heads that had now made an appearance. I ran my hand over its soft underside as it swam past me. Soon, though, it arched up and over me, enabling me to examine its underside in detail, I stroked the soft 'whiteness' but left my hand up in a blazeé fashion, a sharp pain told me that I had been bitten. It was my fault completely, and the ray remains blameless, no real damage was done - just some small puncture wounds from the needle-like teeth, but a lesson learnt! I forever rant about respect in such environments; this is their habitat, not ours, we must learn to treat it as such! Reviewing the video of the incident was a funny moment, hearing Enrique laughing out loud under water once he had checked all my digits were still attached. The journey back on the dive boat highlighted the scale of the Calima, as the mountains were obscured in the haze (and the temperature had also soared).
I came to Tenerife from a year of somewhat sedentary existence, overweight (for me) and in need of renewed motivation and drive. I have always found that this place gives me that, as well as easing me out of my [at times] introverted personality; although now as my time here draws to a close I find myself wistful and contemplative. At the time of writing I have lost 6.5lbs and continuing, this simply due to diet and walking everywhere. I have enjoyed brisk walks along the coast with my better half, as well as using the superbly equipped gym that is nearby. I switch my iPod on and let the aggressive music drive me onwards/forwards, it enables me to work out harder as I question why I left it so long. The rugged and stunning geography of this place cannot help but inspire, if it doesn't then the soul is in serious trouble! I cannot wait to get back, to eat the food, hear the language, dive the clear blue waters; Enrique had it right - this truly is "paradise island".
