Tenerife E-Book

Maxime Hermaisse

• Herausgeber: BoD - Books on Demand
• Kategorie: Gesellschafts- und Liebesromane
• Sprache: Englisch

Seitenzahl: 152

Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2025

Beschreibung

There are places that, far beyond their geographical features, breathtaking landscapes, or history, manage to touch the hearts and souls of those who discover them. Tenerife, this island with many faces, both majestic and mysterious, is one of these blessed lands. It is here, in this corner of the world bathed by the Atlantic Ocean and caressed by the winds, that the story you are about to read takes root. A tale woven with passions, strong friendships, and adventures that will change the fate of those who have walked these volcanic soils. I invite you to follow in the footsteps of Thierry, a man in search of adventures, who found in the island of Tenerife the fertile ground for his sensitivity eager for discoveries. Accompanied by the sweet and dynamic Miroslava, the two soulmates embarked on an adventure beyond their wildest dreams. But beyond the enchanting settings and shared moments of happiness, the island also revealed its oldest secrets, its unfathomable mysteries, and the very essence of its millennial history. Through bonds woven with friends from all walks of life, astonishing discoveries, and inexplicable events, the plot of this story reveals an intense connection between the past and the present.

Leseprobe

Caution

Dear Reader,

It is essential to understand that this book is a work of fiction. The scenes, characters, events, and places are purely the product of my imagination and have no basis in reality. Any resemblance to real persons, past, present, or future events is purely coincidental.

These are merely invented elements intended to create a fascinating and intriguing story. Moreover, the Guanches of the Basilica of Candelaria have never awakened, and Christophe has an unexpected passion for parasailing.

We invite you to dive into this imaginary universe, to let yourself be carried away by the plot, and to savor each page without trying to establish links with reality.

We hope this story will bring you entertainment, emotion, and escape.

Happy reading!

Maxime

Table of Contents

Preamble

Uait, The Awakening of the Kings

Smetti, The Eccentric of Marazul

Amelotti, The Unthinkable Revelation

Acodetti, The Beautiful Discovery

Simusetti, in the Depths of El Pozo

Sesetti, Good morning Efraín

Satti, Go to Lanzarote

Tamatti, pues, ya está!

Aldamorana, cállate!

Maraua, The Straight Line

Uait maraua, The Acequias Trail

Smatta maraua, mission accomplished

Amierat maraua, The Familiamigo

Gracias

Epilogue

La ultima

Glossary

Chapter Explanations

Preamble

There are places that, far beyond their geographical features, breathtaking landscapes, or history, manage to touch the hearts and souls of those who discover them. Tenerife, this island with many faces, both majestic and mysterious, is one of these blessed lands.

It is here, in this corner of the world bathed by the Atlantic Ocean and caressed by the winds, that the story you are about to read takes root. A tale woven with passions, strong friendships, and adventures that will change the fate of those who have walked these volcanic soils.

I invite you to follow in the footsteps of Thierry, a man in search of adventures, who found in the island of Tenerife the fertile ground for his sensitivity eager for discoveries. Accompanied by the sweet and dynamic Miroslava, the two soulmates embarked on an adventure beyond their wildest dreams.

But beyond the enchanting settings and shared moments of happiness, the island also revealed its oldest secrets, its unfathomable mysteries, and the very essence of its millennial history.

Through bonds woven with friends from all walks of life, astonishing discoveries, and inexplicable events, the plot of this story reveals an intense connection between the past and the present.

Maxime

For Ramon and Aurora For Saturnino and Carmen

Uait, The Awakening of the Kings

Tuesday the 8th of August, 2023, the temperature reaches 34 degrees in the shade as I stroll through Santa Cruz, the capital of Tenerife. Santa Cruz de Tenerife is a vibrant and dynamic city located on the northeast coast of the island of Tenerife, in the Canarian archipelago. Known for its bustling port, one of the most important in the Atlantic, the city is a fascinating blend of modernity and tradition.

As you walk through the streets of Santa Cruz, you can admire the Spanish colonial architecture, with its colourful buildings and shaded squares. The Plaza de España, the heart of the city, is a must-see with its large artificial lake and fountains. Not far from there, the Nuestra Señora de África market offers an explosion of local colours and flavours, perfect for discovering fresh products and Canarian specialties.

The city is also famous for its carnival, one of the largest and most spectacular in the world, rivaling that of Rio de Janeiro. During this period, the streets fill with music, dance, and extravagant costumes, creating an unforgettable festive atmosphere.

Santa Cruz de Tenerife is surrounded by stunning natural landscapes. A few kilometres from the city, you can explore the Anaga Rural Park, a biosphere reserve with hiking trails through laurel forests and panoramic ocean views. The black sandy beaches, such as Playa de Las Teresitas, offer an idyllic setting to relax and enjoy the sun.

In short, Santa Cruz de Tenerife is a destination that combines culture, nature, and festivities, offering a unique experience to every visitor.

I am in Calle del Castillo, about to buy my two or three jars of mojo picón and my kilo of gofio, when my phone ringing startles me. It's my friend Tibo, the mayor of Candelaria, calling me:

— Come quickly to see me at the town hall, he implores in an anxious voice.

If the mayor of Candelaria asks me this, it must be something important. I rush to my car. I start the engine of my good old 2013 Seat Ibiza 2.0 Tdi to head to the town hall, and fifteen minutes later, I am in front of its majestic arched entrance. An employee is waiting for me and immediately leads me to Tibo’s office door. I knock. A pleasant voice suggests I enter. I am captivated by curiosity and, at the same time, trying to understand what could be so urgent and enigmatic to make him call me like this. I cross the threshold and enter the room. My blood runs cold. I find myself both awed by his imposing presence and worried about seeing him here, right next to me. I dare not move further or say a word. Sitting in a chair in front of me is Acaymo.

His piercing eyes seem to fix on the horizon, but he turns his gaze towards me as I sit down next to him.

In a trembling voice, intimidated by this unexpected visit, I stammer a few words:

— I am honored to meet you.

At the same time, and fleetingly, my historical knowledge of this era resurfaces from my foggy brain.

He was a great Guanche king of the Menceyato of Tacoronte, a valiant Mencey who fiercely opposed, along with Beneharo and Bencomo, the Spanish conquest. At the end of the 14th century, they participated in battles, including some on their own territory, such as the massacre of Acentejo. And it was in the spring of 1496, after fierce fighting and a series of defeats, that Acaymo surrendered to Alonso Fernández de Lugo during the "Paz de Los Realejos".

Acaymo smiles kindly and speaks to me in a deep, soothing voice:

— I understand that this may seem strange, but I am here for a very particular reason. Times have changed since my reign, and we feel the need to bring changes for our people. The temperatures have become extreme, and all these tourist’s taking pictures of us without respecting our privacy is unbearable. We feel the obligation to improve the living conditions of our ethnicity.

I nod, understanding the importance of his concerns.

I ask him:

— How can I help you, what can I do?

Tibo reacts:

— While waiting for your arrival, I thought of several easy-to-implement solutions.

First, we can commit to preserving the privacy of the nine kings by prohibiting photography from 2 PM to 4 PM.

Secondly, to give them some pleasure, we can offer them two hours in the morning to enjoy a good sea bath.

And thirdly, every Sunday, they can go to any Guachinche, and the municipality will cover the entire cost of their meal.

Acaymo looks at us, disturbed. He speaks:

— Gracias tio, pero bueno! This is a great step forward for us Menceys, but unfortunately, it does not improve the lives of the Tinerfeños y Tinerfeñas.

My facial expression clearly shows my approval of the great king’s words. Tibo quickly intervenes:

— I know it’s not a panacea, but the future of Tenerife does not depend solely on me; these problems are of a different magnitude, a political dimension.

Acaymo continues:

— Not long ago, a great leader from a distant land said: "Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country.1" I will gather the kings to discuss the wise decisions that need to be made. Tibo, I have noted your three proposals, and their adoption by the Supreme Council of Chicharrero Warriors seems very likely.

The meeting ends with a friendly and warm embrace.

I accompanied Acaymo to the square of the Basilica of Nuestra Señora de la Candelaria. I promise to visit him as often as possible, maybe even on a Sunday at one of those typical restaurants in northern Tenerife.

What I did not know yet was that the resurrection of the Guanches would trigger a wave of events on the island.

The next morning, I woke up. I slept poorly and think back to this improbable meeting.

I recall this dreamlike scene while my coffee slowly revives me and draws me back to reality. I did indeed talk with Acaymo.

I am getting ready because a huge amount of work awaits me. Oh yes! I haven’t introduced myself. My name is Thierry, I am 42 years old, and I have been living in the south of Tenerife since the early 2010s, somewhere between Los Gigantes and Adeje. I run an adventure-oriented entertainment company. I organize quad raids, sea outings on jet skis, parachute jumps, scuba diving, climbing days, paragliding, canyoning, hiking, and many other activities.

In short, everything that will stimulate your adrenaline to reach extreme levels. I love my job! I admit that I spent eleven years serving France in the 21st Marine Infantry Regiment based in Fréjus, which may explain this. My experience in this regiment probably contributed to my passion for adventure and strong emotions, which I now share with my clients. At every moment, I offer them unforgettable moments and push them out of their comfort zone while showing them the beauties of Tenerife. My workday begins with meetings, excursion preparations, and coordinating all upcoming activities.

Despite the hustle and bustle, the image of Acaymo and his desire to improve the conditions of his people haunts me.

I try to temporarily push it aside. I sit at my desk to check my emails.

Timoteo, the director of the Ethnographic Park of the Pyramids of Güímar, sent me one. He asks me to come see him as soon as I find a moment. It’s a déjà vu sensation. I handle my urgent work, respond to two or three clients, brief my team, and head towards Güímar. I am eager to know why Timoteo wants to meet me.

At 5:30 PM, the charming hostess, Dayara, greets me. Apparently, she has been informed of my imminent arrival because as soon as I step through the reception hall doors, she is there waiting for me:

— Hola Señor Thierry. The director is expecting you, I’ll take you to him.

I follow her with a steady pace. Timoteo is on site and welcomes me in turn:

— I want to show you something. To be a bit more at ease, we will wait until everyone has left and the exits are closed.

I approve of his choice. At 6 PM, the last visitors left the now deserted place. We headed towards the western-most monument. Timoteo says nothing, and I follow in his footsteps in silence. He invites me to climb to the top of the pyramid. We begin our ascent and reach the top in seven minutes.

The panorama takes my breath away as I admire the sunset setting the sky ablaze above the horizon. Timoteo looks at me with a mysterious smile:

— Look closely, my friend. Do you see anything unusual?

I scan the surroundings and notice an inscription carved into the stone. It seems ancient, yet remarkably legible.

My eyes trace the letters and words, and my heart races as I examine this engraved message.

Follow the lines of fire. Launch yourself into peace at the Well of Serenity. Save our heritage and guide our people towards a better future. Listen to the echoes of the past, act in the present, and the future will find its harmony.

Timoteo observes me seriously and says:

— This inscription wasn’t here last night. We checked all the surveillance footage. I found no signs of a break-in. I don’t understand it. It’s up to you now, my friend.

— But why me?

— I received a WhatsApp message this morning. Look.

Help us! You must call Thierry!

— The phone number doesn’t match anything. I don’t get it.

— Neither do I.

— You are connected to something big, something that started long before you.

— Oh, wow!

After debating and exchanging our opinions for over an hour on these strange enigmas, I find myself compelled to take leave of Timoteo. I am torn between the fear of the unknown and the surprise of finding myself at the heart of an unexpected mystery. I return to my office with only the photo of this inscription. No matter how I read it, scrutinize it closely, I really don't understand its meaning. It is undoubtedly a message that requires decryption.

The evening slowly sets in, and daylight gives way to darkness. I remain immersed in my thoughts. Sitting at my desk, I try to connect the dots to clarify the clues. My military experience pushes me to consider solutions, to decipher the intertwining mysteries. I browse online libraries and delve into ancient accounts. I search for connections between Acaymo, the pyramids of Güímar, and the mission entrusted to me.

Hours pass, but the meaning remains elusive. It’s as if I am solving a complex enigma, a secret whose pieces are scattered across Tenerife’s past and present. My investigations lead me to writings on Guanche traditions, on the links between their beliefs and the enigmatic monuments of Güímar. References to messages carved in stone were meant to be discovered by those who could interpret them.

Suddenly, an enlightening understanding crosses my mind. I realise that the inscription on the pyramid might not be just a simple signal. Perhaps it is an invitation to connect the dots between the past and the present, to act for the well-being of the Guanche people. The words come back to me:

Listen to the echoes of the past, act in the present, and the future will find its harmony.

Everything suddenly becomes clearer in my mind. I realise that my passion for thrilling adventures and my adrenaline-focused business have served as preparation for something much deeper. I am destined to play a role in this mission, to bring about positive change for the Guanches and their heritage. With a new sense of determination, I close my research and look at the photo of the inscription. I don't yet feel ready to grasp all the details, but one thing remains certain: I will act, I will understand how to respond to the call of this ambition. My military background, my skills in thrilling adventures, and my affection for Tenerife will combine to create a future where the Guanches can find their place in the modern world without sacrificing their identity.

Smetti, The Eccentric of Marazul

Thursday the 10th of August. Today, I allowed myself a little outing with my partner. Let me introduce her to you. Her name is Miroslava. At 35 years old, she embodies a true Canarian, proud of her roots, and nature has not forgotten to shape her pure beauty. Sweet, kind, and supportive, she backs me in my endeavours. Miroslava is a lawyer at a firm in Santa Cruz, and she is a woman who inspires me and brings precious balance to my life.

This afternoon, I am taking her to lunch at my friend Yo’s place. He runs a restaurant located in Marazul, a hotel complex in Callao Salvaje. It is a haven of peace offering a breathtaking view of the ocean on one side and the majestic Teide on the other. The building spans several hectares, providing a tranquil setting where time seems to slow down.

We arrive, and Ali, his associate, greets us:

— Hi there, Thierry.

— Holà guapa.

I take the opportunity to head to the bar to greet my friend Mo, whom I haven’t seen in ages.

— Holà Mo. How are you?

— Hi Thierry. Good, good, I’m still taking care of my whiskies!

— We’ll see each other one of these days, we’ll organise a good table.

— Yeah, I’ll call you.

The sound of the waves in the background and the soothing sea breeze creates an idyllic atmosphere. We settle in a way that we can admire the pool.

Yo comes to meet us.

—Hello Yo, so what have you cooked up for us today?

—Lots of little things, he tells me.

He hands us the menu, highlighting local flavours. Miroslava opts for fresh fish, while I choose grilled ribeye steak and local vegetables. The meal unfolds in a serene atmosphere, punctuated by light conversations and exchanged glances.

Our tasting comes to an end, and I take the opportunity to tell Ali what has happened to me in recent days. I share my story in a low voice, but Miquaelo and Caty, who are having lunch at a nearby table, seem captivated by my words.

Miquaelo, a regular at Marazul for decades, can’t help but intervene:

— I listen to your story and can’t help but think of an event I experienced right here 40 years ago. A man came to get lost, he wanted to visit the basements, the terraces, he wanted to explore every floor of the residence, get lost in the long garden paths. Your story brings this fact back to life. He was Canarian, very thin, and no taller than one metre sixty, sixty-five. He had said these words: "I am looking for the traits of fire and the well of serenity."

Miquaelo concludes by explaining that everyone had taken this man for an eccentric. He disappeared suddenly, and no one saw him again.

Stunned, I find myself plunged back into this strange story. Why Marazul? What is the connection between Acaymo and this peaceful paradise beloved by French visitors?

We bid farewell to Yo, Ali, Mo, Miquaelo, and Caty, and we decided to stroll through the hotel complex. The lush gardens, shaded paths, and resting spots offered a welcome escape. Miroslava and I wander through this beautiful setting, hand in hand, sharing moments of tenderness and wonder.

— Darling, I will go to Candelaria tomorrow morning to pay my respects to Acaymo.

— Por supuesto, mi vida, she replies.