For What It’s Worth……Foreign Thoughts
 

What can be written about El Cotillo that some other, more gifted scribe than I, has already put on paper? To wax about the shifting sands or it’s lagoons in the dunes would, I fear, be tedious repetition, I can but try…………here goes.

To go naturist or not, that is the question, almost an obsession if you consider the amount of forum space taken up…., I say live and let live…if you don’t like it, don’t look, oh and keep your shorts on! The opportunity of choice is there for all.

 

Our transport links to the rest of the island could perhaps enjoy a little augmenting, but again, I am told that the service has improved in recent times; perhaps a later last bus from Corralejo might be nice? 9pm is a little early for some. Would a midnight departure be asking too much? and say charge a little more than the standard 2.50 for this one off guagua?

Building work is, I feel a source of disappointment in terms of eyesore and noise, particularly as in some cases I am told it as dragged on for over a year, but many will call it progress.

I suspect the key to the future of El Cotillo lies within that very word, progress, for there must be a balance between traditional values and commercial future. Doubtless the restaurant and bar owners will be happy to see a growing community as will the retailers, but I have heard the counter argument for caution, in terms of a more arrested development if you will. In other words, does the island really need or want another Corralejo, or Caleta de Fuste? The answer lies with the locals, and not an interfering foreigner like me, but if you want an opinion, I would say finish what you are building boys and girls, and leave it there.

Further development could however be made in terms of infrastructure, can I please have WIFI? On a less selfish note, pavements could be a little less hazardous, and the power cut of the other Friday plunged everyone into darkness, it was quite a turn off! The water pressure in my rented apartment
slowed to a mere trickle for a few days, then inexplicably returned to its normal gushing self…. what happened there? Curious how we take these fundamentals for granted, until they are taken away!

On a final note, I would like to say a big thank you to the Spanish community for so readily accepting another interloper. Although a Scot, I lived in London for some time before coming here, and I thought the English capital was multi cultural! Some of the nationalities I have encountered since my arrival and the resultant mind bending attempts at conversation or even basic communication have been a drain on this brain. But the Spaniards take it all in their stride………muchas gracias amigos……

For what it’s worth.

Donald Innes is a writer and photographer, see more of his pictures on http://donaldinnesross-aplaceforinnes.blogspot.com