Feb 18 – For our last day in Santa Cruz, we walked up into the hills to get an overview of the city. It was a beautiful, crystal clear morning.
How would you like to have to climb these steps every day to get to your house?The ocean and the city stretch out below.Then we sallied forth to see the Museo Militar de Almeyda, a huge building not too far from our apartment. We met some Brits who said they visit this museum every time they come to Tenerife and that it’s the very best. We shall see!The handles on the cannon are described as dolphins, but they look like dragons to meThe Hercules cannon is huge! I was impressed with the intricate decorations on every pieceRooms full of guns from different erasLots of flagsLots of ship models from Spain’s illustrious naval historyScale models of la Niña, la Pinta y la Santa MariaScale model of the Victoria, the first ship to circumnavigate the globe in 1522. I remember from school that this feat was credited to Portugal’s Ferdinand Magellan, the original captain, but he didn’t make it all the way around. Magellan was killed in the Philippines, and the voyage was completed by Spaniard Juan Sebastian Elcano.Some of the many uniforms sported by the Spanish military over the years This suit of armor seems a bit too old for the Canaries, but here it is!Much of the museum is focused on the famous battle in 1797 where the islanders defeated British Admiral Horatio Nelson and his fleet. His wounded arm had to be amputated. After the battle, Nelson was invited onto Tenerife to recuperate before sailing home. This was definitely the biggest event in Canary Island history.…and here we are, in the midst of the battle! Thanks to some friendly Nigerians for snapping our pic. A great way to end our stay in Santa Cruz!
Taking Our Time 