While driving around the island of Fuerteventura, we were fascinated by the difference to the “younger” islands in the west, where erosion had not diminished the steep mountains yet. Fuerteventura, as one of the old islands, was clearly flattened out by erosion, which had the disadvantage, that no mountains stopped the clouds from passing over the island, resulting in a very arid landscape with no forests at all.
We stopped at a museum village, where different houses were showcasing the lives of the locals during the last century.
The production of elaborate and decorative table cloth was one of the handicrafts we learned about in the museum. A lady was working on a cloth, cutting the strings before she would fix the cloth in the frame and start with the embroidery. These cloths were a sought after product, sold in Las Palmas and definitely also to the mainland.
The friendly donkey leads a relaxed life, but his ancestors had to work hard on the fields, to transport goods or to turn the mill.
All kinds of leaves or reeds were used to fabricate what was needed for the locals, from carpets to baskets and hats. Sadly, they don’t sell anything here, I would have loved this beautiful hat. At the souvenir shops around the island, you get the cheap hats made in Asia instead.
A thing we had noticed around the islands was that recycling for sure was a key factor to get through in such a remote area. Even today, we got the impression that people here are very much into repairing things than throwing everything away.
We will be back at the coast and explore the north of Fuerteventura next – more soon!