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Santa Cruz de Tenerife · Category: Literature · Subcategory: Literary fragments · Year: 1971 · Authors: Juan Pérez Delgado "Nijota"

Juan Pérez Delgado “Nijota” (1890-1971) was undoubtedly one of the most outstanding figures of 20th-century Tenerife and Canarian journalism. Over more than forty years he wrote countless articles in the local press characterised by rhymed humour, touching on many everyday aspects of the city. Collected in a publication edited in 1971 under the title Verso y prosa , we highlight on this occasion one dedicated to the route of the buses through Santa Cruz in the mid-last century, entitled "La vuelta al mundo". The endless journey made by public transport at that time is described by the author as follows: 

«I catch the bus at the pier,
under a sky of sky blue.
They ring the bell. We set off
heading East - Southeast.

Imeldo Serís Street,
with a somewhat rough beginning.
We advance uphill
and head Northwest.

Santo Domingo Square,
Frigo and his frozen cohort.
Steering wheel to the right,
and forward, heading North!

Pilar Street, width
that counterbalances the narrowness.
Steering wheel to the left, honk,
and heading Northwest.

San Roque, a small turn
so as not to disturb anyone.
Good weather and normal pace.
Heading: Northwest - West.

San Roque in Pérez Galdós.
A good friend passes by: Bye!
We keep moving forward.
Heading: Southwest - South.

Castillo Street and Rambla.
I think there is little left.
We advance at full speed
and heading Northwest.

-Sir, we have arrived
at Plaza de la Paz.
Do you want anything else?
-Nothing more.

I get off at Plaza de la Paz,
and, at the nearby pharmacy,
I go in and ask for a glass of water
and an aspirin»

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