Reader’s Letters

Our readers regularly send us messages and emails regarding Lanzarote, here are some of your thoughts that we printed in the May edition.

Readers are reminded that views and comments expressed within the Ed’s Postbag page are those of the contributors and may not necessarily reflect the opinions or standpoint of our staff. It should also be noted that we are an independent publication free from political persuasion or governmental censorship.

We publish your letters! Have something you want to say or something to get off your chest? Send your letters to editorial@gazettelife.com to have your thoughts featured.

SIMPLY SUPER

Hi there,

We have just got back from a holiday in Puerto Calero and we noticed the Super Dino still hasn’t opened, although there has been some progress since we were last there in December. Back in 2023 it was mentioned that it would be open in Q2 of 2024 but obviously that deadline has passed.

Do you guys have any more up to date information? We are looking forward to it opening as carrying shopping up the hill from the marina supermarket can be backbreaking!

I look forward to hearing from you.

Gillian Jagger,

Ed: Good news, Gillian! The Super Dino in Puerto Calero opened last month.

TOP OF MY LIST

Dear Gazette,

Recently you wrote an online article about a so-called “Canary Islands expert” who had failed to choose Lanzarote among his favourite islands.

First, this expert spent just three months on the islands. I’ve been here for seven years and wouldn’t call myself anywhere near an expert.

Second, there’s no arguing about taste, but if you can’t appreciate the unique beauty of Lanzarote, then I’d question your expert credentials. I’ve loved my visits to all the islands, but the volcanoes and beaches of Lanzarote will always be top of my list.

Yours,

Daniel Chessman

WHY NO ALERT?

Dear Gazette

In the weeks before the flood of Saturday 12th, there were yellow and orange alerts for wind, rain and storms. Yet when the flood happened, no alert had been issued at all.

I understand why alerts may be issued even though the forecast of bad weather doesn’t materialise, but why was this “better safe than sorry” policy not adopted that Saturday?

G. Crane

Ed: It seems the storm took meteorologists and the authorities by surprise, Mr Crane. A pre-alert had been issued for the eastern islands, but no one predicted the intensity of this highly localised storm.

BOUNCING BACK!

Dear Ed,

I don’t know if everyone on Lanzarote knows how upset many of us here in Britain were to see the awful scenes of last month’s floods on national news.

For so many of us, Lanzarote lives in our mind as a safe and perfect place, the scene of so many good memories and friendships. To see Costa Teguise in such a mess is genuinely heart-breaking.

Our sympathies go to all those whose holidays, whose businesses and whose livelihoods were affected by the floods. We’ll be back in autumn and we’re looking forward to see how Lanzarote has fully recovered.

Best wishes, The Windlass family

ANTI-SOCIAL MEDIA

Dear Editor,

When I asked about going to Teguise Market on social media, loads of people told us to go on weekdays when the town wasn’t so full.

So we did, and they were right. It wasn’t full, it was dead. No market, no buzz, a few cafés and shops. Very pretty but that’s about it. We went back on the Sunday, spent plenty of money and had a much better time.

Why are tourists supposed to hate other tourists? We’re always being told places have been spoiled by too many visitors but what if you prefer a busy beach to an empty one? What if you actually like other people?

They should call it anti-social media.

Kelly,

Via email

COSTA LUZ QUESTION

Dear Editor,

I read with great interest the article, dated 11th August 2024, about the building opposite the San Antonio hotel. Just like many people, we also wondered what the original intention of that building was. It’s great to see that Rodney Barr was able to clarify this.

My wife and me live in Costa Luz, next to the San Antonio hotel in Puerto del Carmen. After about 60 years, the buildings on the Costa Luz complex still have features that resemble the designs of Manrique. We wonder if the complex has been created by this famous architect.

We also hear rumours that the complex was originally built to house the construction workers building the San Antonio hotel. Is this rumour true?

Regards, Jos van Meurs

Ed: We’ve never heard that Manrique was involved with the Costa Luz, Jos, but maybe a reader can confirm once and for all.

PARK LIFE

Dear Gazette,

Car parking is getting more difficult in almost every town on the island. I’ve stopped swimming at Costa Teguise because I couldn’t find a place to park nearby, I hardly ever visit the Strip in Puerto del Carmen anymore and I dread it when I have business in Playa Blanca during the day because I end up parked miles away.

It didn’t used to be like this. We need places to park.

J.L

Ed: I doubt this is going to get better any time soon, J.L. There are more cars than ever on the island, but authorities seem unwilling to admit that we are almost entirely reliant on them while failing to offer any real alternatives.