A Journey Through Time: The Road to Playa de Benijo

As the train gently rocked me through the heart of Europe, I found myself reminiscing about the days when travel was an art form, a slow dance with the world. My journey to Santa Cruz de Tenerife was no different, a leisurely escape from the hustle and bustle of modern life. The anticipation of discovering Anaga’s Playa de Benijo through a photography workshop was a delightful prospect, one that promised to capture the essence of a bygone era.

The road to Playa de Benijo is a journey in itself, a winding path through the Anaga Mountains that feels like stepping back in time. The laurel forest, with its ancient trees and whispering leaves, seemed to hold secrets of the past. As the car meandered through the mountains, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of nostalgia, a longing for the days when travel was about the journey, not just the destination.

Upon reaching the cliffs, the sight of the Atlantic Ocean stretching endlessly before me was a reminder of nature’s timeless beauty. The 220 steps leading down to the black sands of Playa de Benijo were a gentle descent into a world untouched by time. Each step was a moment to savor, a chance to breathe in the salty air and let the worries of the world slip away.

Capturing the Magic: A Workshop with D.W. Schmalow

The photography workshop, led by the esteemed D.W. Schmalow, was an experience that transcended the ordinary. With his guidance, I learned to see the world through a different lens, to capture the fleeting moments that often go unnoticed. His passion for photography was infectious, and his knowledge, a treasure trove of insights.

We began by exploring the interplay of light and shadow, the dance of the sun as it kissed the waves. The symbolic rocks of Playa de Benijo stood as silent sentinels, their rugged beauty a testament to the passage of time. With each click of the shutter, I felt a connection to the past, a sense of capturing history in the making.

D.W. Schmalow’s approach was both technical and artistic, a blend of precision and creativity that encouraged us to find our own unique perspectives. The use of digital cameras alongside an iPad Pro allowed for immediate feedback and adjustments, a modern twist on a classic art form. It was a reminder that while technology evolves, the essence of photography remains unchanged – a way to freeze a moment in time.

Reflections on a Timeless Experience

As the day drew to a close, I found myself reflecting on the experience, the memories captured not just in photographs but in my heart. The Playa de Benijo, with its overwhelming beauty, had left an indelible mark on my soul. It was a place where time seemed to stand still, where the worries of the world faded into the background.

The workshop had not only honed my skills as a photographer but had also rekindled my love for the art of travel. It was a reminder that the journey is just as important as the destination, that the slow, leisurely pace of exploration allows us to truly connect with the world around us.

As I boarded the train back to the mainland, I carried with me a sense of fulfillment, a renewed appreciation for the beauty of slow travel. The memories of Playa de Benijo, the lessons learned from D.W. Schmalow, and the timeless allure of the Anaga Mountains would stay with me, a cherished chapter in my journey through life.