—- Life on the farm —-
Abi’s parents had lived on an organic farm in Oratava, North Tenerife so we spent a lot of time visiting the island, often at the expense of going anywhere else. However, that was not a problem as the farm was beyond idyllic. It was a gorgeous paradise, surrounded by banana plantations, overlooking the deep Atlantic Ocean on the lush, sub-tropical north side of the island.
The local beaches in this region are wild and untamed, often deserted, and the polar opposite of the busy and commercial south.
However, it was very much Johanne’s dream, and a bit of a money pit which ended up vacuuming up everyones savings and many loans over the years, including mine. There were a few financially disastrous decisions made along the way, the biggest of many, being changing the crop type without considering the longer term return on investment, so after his death the Finca was (out of necessity) promptly sold; it was the end of a huge chapter for all of us – but the wonderful memories of the finca and the time spent there will last forever.
I loved Johannes’ willingness to follow his dream, which for me and the children at least, gave an opportunity for us to share in that dream.
I had always been close to Abi’s mum, Christine, considering her to be a close friend and confidante, as well as the mother-in-law she later became.
With her larger than life personality and colourful history Christine became a wonderful “step-grandmother” or “nearly-nan” as the kids affectionally called her from an early age and throughout their formative years.
So it was only natural that I would spend four months out in Tenerife with her towards the end of Johannes’s life and after his death, helping her to maintain the farm, and get it ready for the inevitable sale.
My last visit to Tenerife was in March 2024, several years after I last visited the island and stepped foot on the Finca. We drove past it on the way to my favourite beach. I had mixed emotions as we passed by the entrance, noticing the new owners had changed its name. Finca el Refugio played a big part in all of our lives and in so many ways.
Thank you Johannes !