For years has been the backbone of tourism in Lanzarote, also its
safeguard and environmental advocate.
Hi,
you will forgive me because I feel a little “corny” in this week, not in vain I
will talk about a person who touches me closely, an island that still touches
me closer and a material which is, for me, like a second skin. I had thought in
this island as one of the options for my future construction, but the feeling didn’t
let me to think with clearly so I discarded it entirely, but not before of
enjoy my stay in the island (as always).
There
is no other island like Lanzarote anywhere in the Atlantic, its peculiar
orography and its unique climate make it a spectacular place to live, and on a
better site for the summer, all year round (which is not little). However, the island had lacked of a thing
that the time denied it: an architectural identity, a natural resource, an
international boost. Luckily, the island did not have to move to find whom will
succeed in it, he was born there, in Arrecife, and he did not stop until he
achieved their goal. I, Rodolfo, not have witnessed of this event, not because I
not wanted (obviously), the reason is that I arrived late, I have the luck to
have whom lived in first-hand: my father (you know, I inherited his charm).
The first time I landed on the island took me by the
hand, before getting off the plane told me: “Son, if you do not like
something on the island, I disown” because you understand that glimpsed
the island with unusual excitement (not I had heard before the verb disinherit,
and had no idea of the consequences, but I thought it was something fun for
my parent’s grimace at the word).
The first stop was the Mirador del Rio,
hidden under a thick layer of volcanic rock is undoubtedly the most amazing
that I have peered viewpoint. Inside, a winding road with white walls and
wooden floors leads to the inside of the gazebo, to a room where two large
windows lead you slightly curved outward, increasing the (smart) illusion of
spaciousness. At that time, I was dazzled figures adorning metal rods and
space, but it was not until years later that I learned that also prevent sound
reverberation.
The first spiral
staircase which I liked being up there too, in the Mirador del Rio,
from there you can access the terraces by a beautiful skylight fracture. I can
not forget either the famous wrought-iron sculpture which represents a fish and
a bird, natural symbols of water and air. The next visit was to the Jameos del Agua, at
first I was some uneasiness in the caves introduce a volcanic cave, but the
company and explanations of how and why, were reassuring me.
The first time I heard the name of César Manrique down
the stairs of the “Jameo guy” and did not pay due attention, lost sight through
the vegetation, the dance floor or wood and stone decorations in place. Then we
got into the volcanic lake grotto, which struck me most was the white light
given off by a hole in the top of the dome, sunlight contrasting darkness of
the cave. Natural lake crossing a footbridge discover the “big Jameo” and with
it, the oasis.
The first feeling you get when you
discover the oasis of Manrique is of disbelief. A white pool, with a
background of blue water in a sea of rocks, palm trees and cactus that seem
real but are (attest). That time was chosen to ask my father the artist: we
will never forget. Then we visit the “Garden of Cactus,” the latest work of Manrique
space, a real show of landscape integration and an example that should be studied
in schools. However, these conclusions are, in part, taken on subsequent
visits, of course, at that age I was not to disquisitions.
The first is not enter the garden, only the name seems
to drive you away, I could not believe that someone would have thought so great
idea. The place was a quarry for extracting aggregates, now abandoned, the
artist was determined to give the shape and dimensions which currently owns.
Winding roads surrounded by gravel and cactus stands (of course), with some
containing goldfish ponds, take you to two unique buildings: a store of objects
and a cafe (without the latter there is no life anywhere). Somehow I do not
quite envision this space fills me with peace and power.
The first tour around the island took us to many
places, almost all of them had something to do with the artist, architect
misnamed by many, since it never started the race and, therefore, much less
could finish. We were in the Royal
Palace of Mareta, built by order of King Hussein I of Jordan, which
presented it to King Juan Carlos I of Spain years later, by the way, the latter
maintained a good friendship with Manrique. We also visited the wineries “El Grifo”,
whose logo was the famous artist, but whose wines were there long before, in
fact, is the oldest winery in the Canary Islands and one of the most mellow of
Spain.
The first time I said goodbye to César Manrique,
without having met him, I understood that I could never Separate me of it, so,
in what was his home, Taro de Tahiche, which now houses the
foundation César Manrique, tried to catch in my memory details of each corner
is difficult because it has 30,000 square meters of land, 1,800 of living space
and 1,200 square meters of gardens and terraces. Of course, it remains
indelible in my retinas super masonry exterior wall covered with lime, with a
colorful picture that seems to have no beginning or end.
Lime is extracted from Limestone or the Dolomias, each has minerals
in different proportions that give them different properties. There are basically
two types: air and hydraulic distinction is given the possibility to react with
water or not.Limestones of Lanzarote were exported for centuries which
is one of the main economic activities of the island, also used in its construction, for it
“Caleras” (lime kilns) in which previously crushed stones were introduced were
built. The outgoing product a great powdered lime or quicklime to be off and
let stand to use.
The use of lime comes from an ancient tradition of
using natural resources. More
and more voices that advised by his great qualities against the cement (as far as finishing is concerned, of
course). They have a great plasticity, do not retract with moisture and adapts
well to deformations due to its elasticity (no cracks), it is permeable to
water vapor (not water) which makes breathable (goodbye condensation) also it
provides good thermal and acoustic insulation. By the way, can be used as
paint, but professionals call it “enjabelgar”, yes, you should perform the
action once a year.
As to not want it in my future
construction! It has many qualities that make you forget why the cement is
used! Bye bye.
