On an upnote, my local area has been blooming with daffodils. My mother was Welsh and both my parents’ birthdays fell as March turned to April. The sight of massed yellow trumpets swaying in the breeze always brings back happy memories of my parents and my childhood, sparking a gratitude to my parents for their sacrifices and child-rearing efforts to turn my kid sister and me into decent adults.

Next month sees my late sister’s birthday. Spring always brings other memories that dampen the happy thoughts.

Moving on…

I spoke highly of Tenerife last time. Since then it’s has been suffering from anti-tourist protests and graffiti. Lucky I went when I did. The local population is protesting the lack of adequate housing as too many properties are rented-out to tourists and all construction work features hotels.

The south, as I mentioned, profits from the influx of tourists splashing the cash renting jet-skis and paragliders, filling the restaurants and boozing as only tourists can do. Thirty-two percent of the island’s income is from tourism, much of which stays with local businesses. Elsewhere, the “ordinary folk” see little benefit from tourism, though I must admit I saw no slums.

I wish them success in improving their living standards.

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