In the period from Friday June 7th to Tuesday June 18th 2019 we left for Tenerife, an unforgettable experience for both our guests and our enthusiastic volunteers.
On Friday 7th June, the volunteers gathered at 08:30 at the Geusselt to start our journey to Tenerife. For us, students of the Leeuwenborgh - Sophie Schelberg, Clémence Theunisz, Marijke Meurs and Yori Brull - it was an exciting undertaking. A large part of our guests left by bus from the Geusselt towards Eindhoven, while others went straight to the airport. Once at the airport, each volunteer had his or her own task. For example, I (Marijke) was responsible for the logistics: folding and securing all wheelchairs. Other volunteers assisted the guests with toilet visits, took care of the suitcases, or helped the guests into their wheelchairs at the airport. After everything was checked in and we had passed through customs, we could finally board the plane to Tenerife. After a short delay, we took off and set course for Tenerife. Once we arrived in Tenerife, we helped assemble all the wheelchairs before going through customs. After collecting our suitcases, we boarded the bus to our hotel in Los Cristianos, where we enjoyed dinner and unpacked our suitcases.
On Saturday 8th June we had a quiet morning and everyone could sleep in. After breakfast we walked together to a shopping centre about 500 metres away. Here we shopped and enjoyed a drink on the terrace. Then we walked back to the hotel, where some guests could rest or enjoy the swimming pool. In the afternoon a small group walked to the boulevard, where we enjoyed the view. In the evening we ended the day with a pleasant time on the terrace.
On Sunday 9th June there was a big market in Los Cristianos in the morning with different stalls with clothes and jewellery. After visiting all the stalls we settled down on the terrace on the boulevard. Later in the afternoon we relaxed by the pool.
On Monday 10th June, some guests took part in a morning excursion to the Arona Hotel. From the terrace we enjoyed the beautiful view of the sea and the promenade while enjoying a drink, coffee and cake or a delicious ice cream. In the afternoon, guests could rest or enjoy the pool, and in the evening there was a show in the hotel.
On Wednesday 12 June we visited a large shopping centre in Playa de las Américas, where we could shop extensively. In the evening we were welcomed by the management of the hotel, Mr. Fischer and his staff, with a snack and a drink. After the welcome speech we enjoyed ourselves together on the terrace of the hotel.
On Thursday 13 June, a large part of the group visited the Loro Parque, one of the most beautiful zoos in Europe. Here we enjoyed no less than four shows with dolphins, seals, orcas and parrots. After the shows we explored the park further, where many more animals could be admired. Everyone enjoyed this day at the Loro Parque.
On Friday 14th June we made an excursion to Puerto de la Cruz, where we enjoyed the terraces, shops and of course the view. In Puerto de la Cruz the beaches are black because of the volcanic sand, something most guests and volunteers had never seen. After our visit to the city we drove back to the hotel via a tourist route.
On Saturday 15th June we had a quiet day, with many guests walking and enjoying a drink on the promenade of Los Cristianos. In the evening we went to a Flamenco evening, where a large part of the group was present. Many of us could not stop talking about how wonderful the show was.
On Sunday June 16th after dinner we went to the beautiful fountain show in Playa de Las Américas. The fountain changed color and played music. We also visited the cactus garden.
On Monday 17th June many guests went to the boulevard to enjoy the beautiful view one last time. Unfortunately the holiday came to an end, and the next day we flew back home. In the evening the hotel organised a flamenco evening.
On Tuesday 18 June we left for home at 13:30. At Tenerife airport each volunteer had his or her own task again. At 17:15 we landed at Eindhoven Airport again. After saying goodbye to the guests, who went home on their own, we took the bus back to the Geusselt. The reception committee was already waiting there. After everyone had said goodbye extensively, this unforgettable holiday unfortunately came to an end.
Want to know more about the trip to Tenerife? Click here.