Spa Day at Eugenia Victoria Hotel

My Last Day at Playa del Ingles

One of the pools at the Wellness Centre at Eugenia Victoria

What better way to prepare for more travelling than to take a spa day? Today is my last day at Eugenia Victoria Hotel and Playa del Ingles. What I particularly love about this hotel is the Vital Wellness Centre where you will find several hot pools with jets, a Dead Sea Pool, Whirlpools, and two saunas, one steam or Roman style and one dry, or Finnish style.

Here at the wellness centre you can also get various special treatments, including those involving wine or Chocolate! Those treatments sound particularly yummy!

Relaxation room used before and after treatments.

 

Graciela giving me a massage

Graciela is the person at the Wellness Centre who does the massage therapy. I was very impressed to learn that she has well over 30 years experience doing massage. She also does Reicki. While staying at Eugenia Victoria I had several massages with her and was very pleased with the outcome. As well as offering a “Classic” massage, she also offers specialized ones that target the back and shoulders or tired legs, or for anti-stress (in my mind all massages are anti-stress!), hot stone massage, chocolate massage, foot reflexology, a Hammam massage with oil and some others to boot.

Also, they have body wraps such as seaweed or mud applications or a Cleopatra Bath. Now there’s an intriguing treatment.

The Cleopatra Bath, photo credit, Stefanie

I had scheduled a “classic” massage today with Graciela and I was considering a skin treatment, something that would add a bit of a glow to my skin which had seen a lot of the sun and tends to be dry. Graciela recommended the Cleopatra bath as the best option for me. Now I had heard that Cleopatra liked to take milk baths, so I was intrigued to find out what was involved in the one offered at the Wellness Centre.

 

Relaxed and happy in the Cleopatra Bath, Photo credit, Stefanie

It turns out that you get “wrapped” in a cloth with milk and almond oil, two known things to nourish the skin. You are then further “wrapped” to allow the milk and almond oil to penetrate the skin and work their magic. The lights are dimmed and soft music wafts through the air. I went into a state of complete relaxation — didn’t take much to get there!

Massage room for Hammam style massage.

 

It has been a very pleasant stay at the hotel. The staff here are very friendly and kind. They truly contributed to making my stay here a very enjoyable one. I recommend the hotel to anyone who is looking for a comfortable hotel with good, satisfying meals, a ten-minute walk to the beach and many services close by, including shopping and food market. The hotel offers a shuttle bus to the beach.

Here at Eugenia Victoria Hotel, nightly entertainment includes many different types of shows, including flamenco, acrobatics, impersonations, singing and even bingo on some evenings. Outdoors, around the pool area, there is a singer every night. There is a large lounge area, an indoor bar and several outside bars around the pool area.

Tomorrow, I must awake at 3:30 am to take a taxi at 4:00 am to the Las Palmas airport. My flight to Barcelona is at 7:00 am. I’m hoping that Cafe de Paris will have some of my favourite danishes left, so I can bring one on the flight. The next time you hear from me I will be in Barcelona, refreshed from my spa day and ready to explore this interesting city.

 

 

 

Sioux City in Gran Canaria

A Western Town in the Canaries?

Sioux City Street

Who would have thought I’d find a town in the Canaries styled on a typical Western town that one would find in the Canadian or American frontier going back to the 1800’s? Well, it exists on Gran Canaria in Playa del Ingles and a very good replica it is. When you walk the boardwalk sidewalks of this town, it feels like you’ve been thrown back to another era, and one that you’d definitely find outside the Canaries!

Sioux City Street

I know that a lot of German people love the Western lifestyle and even travel all the way to Western Canada to live it, by going horseback riding on the prairies, staying at ranches, joining cattle drives and also taking part in the Native lifestyle. Maybe the Canarians had this in mind when they created Sioux City, as there are many Germans

that visit the Canaries.

As well as Germans there are many Dutch, Scandinavians, French, Belgians and people from the UK and Ireland. For them, it has become their “Caribbean”.

My Western Roots

Countryside around Sioux City

There is something tantalizing about the Western lifestyle, perhaps there is a perception of freedom, a place that is still “wild” and for sure it has the wide, open spaces. Now just a bit about me and why I was intrigued and interested in going to Sioux City. Those aforementioned qualities certainly appealed to me when I learned, at the age of six, that my family was moving out “West” to Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan. After having been a big fan of The Lone Ranger (a  TV program about a masked cowboy and his Native sidekick Tonto) and also a horse lover, nothing could be better. I was totally enthralled with what I was hoping to find out West, lots of horses, cowboys, dirt streets, saloons, hitching posts, wooden sidewalks and even a few showdowns to liven things up!

Some History about the Canadian West

I was quite disappointed, I found paved roads and cement sidewalks, just like there were back East. Many years later, however, I found the real “West” by joining rides across the prairies that traced the trail taken by the Boundary Commission (who established the 49th parallel between Canada and the US) and later the same trail was taken by the Northwest Mounted Police, a force that became the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, Canada’s force with the red tunics and the Musical Ride that is known throughout the world. This force was to establish law and order in the West.

How Could They Possibly Make a Genuine Western Town in Gran Canaria?

Sign as you enter Sioux City

When I first learned of Sioux City, I have to say that I was a bit dubious. How could the Canary Islands come up with a genuine Western Town? I was very much mistaken, this town was set up in a very authentic way. Whoever did the planning must have done their homework. It was, in fact, just like a town I had been hoping for when I moved out West to Saskatchewan at the age of six! So my cowgirl hat is

 

off to the city planners of Sioux City.

About the Visit to Sioux City

Even Indians at Sioux City

First off, there was a free shuttle bus that took you to Sioux City, it was about a 15-minute drive from Playa del Ingles. Upon arrival, you had the chance to wonder around, take in the sights, and visit the several recreated buildings, from the general store, saloon, farrier, barber shop, stables, bank, sheriff’s office and jail, church and even Boot Hill. And of course there were dirt streets and boardwalks with hitching posts for the horses.

 

 

Horse in “long reins” doing dressage mover–beautiful!

A Horse Whisperer offered several demonstrations with his amazing horses, one beautiful horse demonstrated exquisite dressage moves, another horse, more a pony did some cute tricks. This presentation was followed by lasso techniques.

Taking a bow.

A herd of long-horned cattle stampeded up the main street, followed by a herd of horses — what excitement!

Stampede of wild horses up the main street of Sioux City.

Bandits about to rob the local bank.

An exciting “Wild West Show” outdoors on the streets of Sioux City featured bandits riding on horseback into town to rob the local bank, followed by gun battles, the local drunk getting involved, and a feisty purse swinging local lady who thought she could bring some order to the situation. The whole event was very entertaining and just up my alley.

 

What’s a Wild West Show with out the local town drunk to liven things up??

Is he about to free the bandits from jail?

Lassoo Show in indoor theatre.

The entertainment came indoors to the theatre adjoining the saloon for a lasso and “flying knives” show. In the saloon who better to appear than Dolly Parton and Mexican banditos having disagreements and a shootout, of course with audience involvement.

 

 

A beautiful Andalusian horse at Sioux City.

What an exciting day in Sioux City!

Carnival Time at Playa del Ingles

A Week of Celebrations, March 3rd to the 12th

After a week of celebrations in Playa del Ingles including election of the carnival queen, senior queen and drag queen; carnival for children; many performances; parties and an interesting event called “The Reading of the Sardines’ Last Will,” the carnival is over!

 

A huge event was the Carnival Parade on Saturday that involved over 100 floats– it started at 5:00 pm and went on to at least 10:00 pm. What a raucous, fun, music filled and colouful parade it was. The main theme for costumes this year were related to the “Hippie” era of the 1960s and “Pirates”.

 

I attended this parade that seemed to go on forever, and luckily it passed right in front of my hotel, The Eugenia Victoria.

Flower Power!

So here are a bunch of photos to give you insight into this most colourful and fun-filled event. The Spanish love to dress up, dance and generally have a good time. Of course there were many visitors as well

taking part in the festivities.

 

 

More Flower Power!

Peace and Love

Pirates getting ready for the parade.

Did I mention pirates??

Eskimo in the Canaries?

How does he walk on those shoes?

Would you like this rose?

Lots of happy faces.

Castro in the Canaries?

I had fun too!!

Out and About in Playa del Ingles

A Pictorial of Playa del Ingles

This entry is a focus on photos taken around the resort area of Playa de Ingles which falls within a larger area called Maspalomas. Maspalomas is defined as stretching to Bahia Feliz in the east, and to Meloneras in the west. It is a hot +31C today. The locals say it is actually hotter than the norm which would be about +22 to 26C.

Man holding onto motorbike — how does he do it?

This photo was taken at Faro de Maspalomas, near the lighthouse, about a five kilometre walk from Playa del Ingles. This is a real person holding on to the rear of a motorbike. How does he do it??

Floating on air?

There are many people like this dressed up in costume and standing stock-still. When you pass by them, they might wink, or gesture with their hand, apart from that they don’t move. Some are in very heavy costumes so I don’t know how they stand it in the heat! They have certainly earned the few coins that people give them.

Hockey gear in the Canaries?

As I was walking away from the Yumbo Shopping Centre one day, I came upon this mannequin dressed in hockey gear. No, I said to myself, they can’t possibly be selling hockey gear in the Canaries. I had to investigate.This model of a hockey player was advertising hockey games that were being shown at The Red Cow and Shenanigans Sports Bar in Playa del Ingles. From what I understood of the advertisement, it was hockey from the Scandinavian countries. Hope there were no “shenanigans” going on!

 

Dancing at the Kasbah

One of the things I love going to in the evenings is the Kasbah, about a five-minute walk from the Eugenia Victoria Hotel. The Kasbah is a complex of shops and restaurants, but at its centre is an open-area square where people can dance. There’s music there every night, sometimes live.I went there last year and this year, I notice some of the same people up on the dance floor and some putting on quite a show. There’s one couple who mimicks a bull and matador, quite entertaining, and the crowd loves it.

Colourful beach umbrellas at Playa del Ingles

From the boardwalk at Playa del Ingles, looking out over the beach and the beautiful sand dunes beyond, one of my favourite places.

Let’s not forget my favourite treat at Cafe de Paris. After a long walk on the beach or something for a mid-morning snack, there is nothing that beats a Danish and cappuccino at Cafe de Paris, a great place too for people watching.

 

Carnival Time in Maspalomas

The Maspalomas Carnival takes place from March 3rd to the 12th, and this year it is called The Euro Carnival. Many of the carnival evening activities take place onstage at the Yumbo Centre in Playa del Ingles. It is a raucous and colourful event with singing, bands, children’s performances and  dancing. The costumes are colourful, glitzy and flamboyant, and the participants are exuberant and theatrical.

Main stage for performances of the 2017 Maspalomas Euro Carnival

Senior Queen in Costume

There are also a selection of queens within various categories. For example, there is the main Carnival Queen, but also a “Senior Queen” and a Drag Queen. I attended the “Senior Queen” selection last night. It was interesting to attend an event where there were older participants vying for the prize. What a wonderful way to get everyone involved and where age is not a barrier. Tonight is the selection for the Drag Queen.

 

Three Senior Queens with singers.

 

Reflections on Ham and Cheese… and Travel

My Inspiration and Passion for Travel

My reflection on the beach at Playa del Ingles.

Back in 1972 when I was 23 years old, I decided like so many other young people at the time to travel Europe with a knapsack on my back. I worked for a year, saved up, and I was off for three months exploring most of Europe.

Many of us were inspired by a book out entitled Europe On Five Dollars A Day, I believe the book was later updated to Europe on Ten Dollars a Day! It certainly served as an inspiration for a whole generation of young Canadians and Americans, many who had finished at least one university degree, to cross the Atlantic and explore Europe.

Many, like myself, did it on the cheap. I recall sometimes taking an overnight train so we could save on a hotel! Back then I travelled with friend, I wasn’t quite ready to go it alone. These days I often travel on my own, arrange my own itineraries, hotels and flights. When I reflect on this, I figure that I wouldn’t have visited half the places I’ve been to if I had waited for someone to accompany me. As I travel, I’ve also written for several publications as well as creating Armchair Travel Programs for senior residences in Ottawa.

I had the travel bug at a young age, maybe it came from growing up in Saskatchewan, where the prairies in the south part of the province, in wheat growing country, are truly flat as a pancake. Perhaps having this long view…and of wanting to see over the next horizon was the inspiration to “look beyond,” or to explore. My brother, who is a year older, is very much like me, he loves to travel, discover new places, and is quite the adventurer in the way he travels.

The Spanish Ham and Cheese Sandwich

Grilled Ham and Cheese.

When I was travelling back in 1972 in Spain, one could find at almost cafe or restaurant a “Ham and Cheese Sandwich,” it was everywhere.And that was a good thing, based on my budget back then.It became quite a staple food item while travelling through Spain, it was cheap, easily digested and contained protein. It was even easy to say in Spanish, “Sandwich de Jamon y Queso por favor.”

 

Cheese and Tomato Sandwich

There are many variations to this simple sandwich: you can have it grilled or not with just ham;just cheese;cheese and tomato; cheese, ham and tomato; or, the last version with more vegetables, one version like this on a menu was called “Sandwich Americano.” So it seems the original sandwich has evolved somewhat. Yet, it’s interesting how some culinary traditions stay the same. As I travel around Gran Canaria, and order a Ham and Cheese Sandwich, I reflect back to that time of travelling with a knapsack on my back.

Spain, in general, is a meat eating society, here in Playa del Ingles one finds  many steak restaurants, or where meat is the main dish. So it was a surprise to run into a Vegan restaurant in Las Palmas, called Zoe Food. I remember the words in the restaurant: “Please be patient, your meal is being prepared with love,” or something to that effect, words, certainly that reflect a certain philosophy about food and how it is served. Notice also on the sign, vegetarian, organic, and choices without gluten.

More Reflections on Travel and Meeting Other Travellers

As an independent traveller it’s nice to decide your own agenda, but it’s also great to meet other travellers to share experiences with, exchange ideas and generally enjoy each other’s company. There are many opportunities for this, chance meetings in restaurants or travelling on a local bus and not quite knowing how to get to your destination with a bus driver that doesn’t speak much English. I was on my way to Aguimes on a local bus trying to figure out where I had to transfer,and which other bus to get to go to Aguimes.

It happened there were two couples on the bus with the same perplexed and anxious look as myself, when we thought the bus ride was taking longer than it should as it meandered through a town, seemingly like taking the slow boat to China. Problem was resolved however, when the bus driver let us all off at just the right location to catch the connecting bus to Aguimes, and just in the nick of time as it was just coming around the corner on the other side of the road. We all scrambled to flag him down. I ended up spending the rest of the day with a lovely couple from Normandy, Daniel and Sylvaine. Together we explored the Guayadeque Ravine, had a meal together in a cave converted to a restaurant and shared a taxi back to Playa del Ingles, rather than risking another bus ride back with connections that are fewer between, and by that time it had also started to rain. We spent other days sight seeing together, and since they were French speaking, I had the opportunity to practice my French.

Visiting Pasito Blanco with travellers I met, Daniel and Sylvaine.

Mountainous area of Gran Canaria

Another travel experience I had meeting another traveller was quite unique. I had taken the VIP Tour that I describe in my blog entry “A Tour of Gran Canaria” which took a group on a tour up to the mountains in central Gran Canaria and then further north on the island. When I got talking to a fellow traveller on the same bus, it turns out that his uncle was a Deacon in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, in the same town where I grew up in and lived from the mid-1950s to 1967. My father, who was Anglican, went to St. John’s Anglican church, the same church where this traveller’s uncle was the Deacon. Who would have thought in the mountains of Gran Canaria that two travellers would share a link to the same town in Saskatchewan, Moose Jaw!

Adelina Manuel Lopes and bike.

There are travellers and there are travellers. I met Adelina Manuel Lopes the other day while walking the boardwalk near the beach of Playa del Ingles. Adelina has travelled over 85,000 by bike over several journeys on the European coastline. He has actually made it into the Guinness Book Of Records for his accomplishments. I noticed he has his own blog on WordPress, if you want to see more about his travels.

Kim’s bar and author

When I arrived at Eugenia Victoria Hotel and started to write my blog, I had difficulty downloading my photos into the blog site, so I had to find a location that had a higher internet speed. A local guide told me about Kim’s Bar, just a few minutes from the hotel. It’s an English-style bar with TVs that broadcast live English soccer matches with patrons who get very excited about the game, even wearing jerseys related to their team. It caters to English patrons, serving English-style food, lots of beer on tap, and where the waiters and waitresses call you “love.” It has a warm and welcoming atmosphere, and where if you order a bag of chips, it’s a bag of “crisps.” Oh, and if you want you can get a grilled “Ham and Cheese!”

Las Palmas, Capital of Gran Canaria

The History of Las Palmas

View of Las Palmas from the top of the Las Palmas Cathedral

The city was founded in 1478 by Juan Rejon, who invaded the island and engaged in war with the local indigenous people. He established a fort, Real de las Palmas, becoming the first foundation of Las Palmas. In 1492, Christopher Columbus arrived in Las Palmas, and it was from here that he launched his first trip to the Americas. The Canary archipelago had many advantages to facilitate navigation to the West. As well as the beneficial trade and ocean currents, it was also a place to stock up on supplies for the Atlantic crossing. Thus, the canaries became a huge centre for trade and a departure point for exploration and emigration of the West. Interestingly, San Antonio, Texas, was founded in 1718 by about 25 Canary islanders and continues to be be a sister city to Las Palmas.

Typical street in Las Palmas

The Casa de Colon, Columbus House

This museum, located in the historic district of Vegueta in Las Palmas, is called Columbus House because it is thought that on a stopover here, due to a repair required on his ship, La Pinta, in 1492, he stayed in this building, which was back then the residence of the first governors of the island.

This building is recognized as one of the most attractive in Las Palmas, with its lovely typical balconies, interior courtyards and beautifully carved wooden ceilings. The museum attracts visitors fascinated with the exploits of Christopher Columbus.

Columbus’s three ships.

On display, in its thirteen exhibition rooms, are intriguing items related to his exploration of the Americas, from a replica of Columbus’s cabin on one of his ships, La Nina, to  navigation instruments, nautical maps and charts, models of his three ships and letters written by Columbus to Queen Isabella of Spain. What I found particularly interesting was a video screen that traced each of his four journeys across the Atlantic to the Americas, from the Canary Islands. Through this representation, the history of his voyage comes alive

El Museo Canario, the Canary Museum

This museum is also located in the historic district of Vegueta, of Las Palmas. The collection in this museum is vast and represents the indigenous people, or the first settlers, of Gran Canaria called Canarios. Previously I have referred to the indigenous people of Canaria as Guanches, but this term translated actually means “first settlers of Tenerife,” and Tenerife is another island in the Canarian archipelago. So I stand corrected. The indigenous people who settled on Gran Canaria, like those on Tenerife, were from North Africa of Berber origin, and occupied the islands until the 15th century when the Spanish (Castilians) conquered the indigenous people and colonized the islands.

Example of cave home.

This museum has a large collection of many artifacts related to the Canarios: stone implements used as tools, and mills and mortars to grind grain; the types of grains used; items made from animal skins such as clothing and items made from vegetable fibre such as mats. Part of the complex social structure of the Canarios was the use of seals. Specific groups within this island culture were able to be distinguished from other groups by markings on their body which were applied by a seal that had a particular design; different groups were defined by different designs.

A fascinating part of the museum is related to a focus on funeral rites, where the Canarios “mummified” their dead. They had funeral chambers in caves and buried the bodies using funerary rites, such as burying items with the dead for the after life.

Their ceramic collection is comprehensive in that it has examples of pottery from all the other islands of the archipelago, as well as from Gran Canaria. It shows the most representative pieces from every island focusing on the various shapes, decorative motifs and their purpose whether they were for practical uses such as for storage of food or cooking, for a ritual function or simply decorative use.

The Cathedral of Santa Ana

Cathedral of Santa Ana

The Cathedral  is the seat of the Dioceses of the Canaries in the Roman Catholic Church. Building started in 1500 and didn’t finish until the 18th century, so it has lots of styles included in it structure, from renaissance Gothic from its original design to neoclassical exterior that was continued in the second half of the 18th century. For one and half Euros, you can take a lift to the roof of this church and from there, you have a wonderful view of Las Palmas and the harbour front.

Shopping in Las Palmas

Trianna shopping area

A bus ride from Playa del Ingles to Las Palmas takes about 50 minutes and costs just over five Euros.What would a trip to Las Palmas be without a bit of shopping involved? One of the main shopping areas, which I really enjoy, was walking along Trianna, a pedestrian walkway lined with small shops, name brand stories and restaurants. If you look up the side streets that run off of Trianna, there are many more small cafes and restaurants with outdoor seating and umbrellas for protection against the sun.

Based on directions from the Information Kiosk, I walked up one these side streets in order to get to the post office to mail a package home to Ottawa. Not only did I find the Post Office, but did quite well in my faltering Spanish to explain what I wanted to do. It went pretty well, but I had rehearsed! As I walked up the side street, I found many people seated at various cafes enjoying a breakfast or coffee with friends or co-workers. Along the way I stopped for a Cappuccino and noticed that the cafe I had selected was also Vegan, one of the only ones I’ve encountered to date on Gran Canaria. My daughter and son-in-law would be pleased!

Flamenco

Back at the hotel, Eugenia Victoria, I was pleased to see that the entertainment for the evening was Flamenco!

 

 

Eugenia Victoria Hotel at Playa del Ingles

Eugenia Victoria Hotel on Gran Canaria Ave. and Cafe de Paris

Pool area at Eugenia Victoria Hotel

Through this pictorial focus on Eugenia Victoria Hotel, readers will get an impression of what a stay here is like and the hotel’s services and facilities. I’m staying here almost five weeks while visiting the island of Gran Canaria. One of the first things I wrote about upon my arrival here in Playa del Ingles was the Vital Wellness Centre here at Eugenia Victoria. The reason being that after a long flight from Canada, I was certainly in need of rest and relaxation. You can read about this by going to my blog entry entitled Gran Canaria in the Canary Islands in the February archive. When you’re staying this length of time in any location, a big priority is the quality of the food. If the food’s not up to par, there’s sure to be a mutiny! I opted for the half-board option at Eugenia Victoria which means that you have your breakfast and supper included in your hotel stay.

Cafe de Paris

It was a good decision because when lunch time rolls around, I often found myself away from the hotel, visiting other towns, walking on the beach or otherwise out and about.When out and about you also have the option of trying different restaurants for a quick bite, thus getting to know some of the local eating establishments. This is how I got to know Cafe de Paris, not far from Eugenia Victoria.

Selections at Cafe de Paris

 

Cafe de Paris is a chain with several locations throughout Playa del Ingles and it is very popular and for good reason. The quality of their offerings is excellent and fresh, from their various sandwich selections to delightful cakes, ice cream, and donuts, to one of my favourites, their Danish Pastries, which are tasty, flaky and not overly sweet.

Fresh oranges at Eugenia Victoria

 

I digress, back to Eugenia Victoria Hotel. The options for breakfast are huge and buffet style. From freshly squeezed orange juice, dried fruit, fruit salad, cereal, eggs, yogurt, bacon, ham, sausages, pancakes, crepes and more. Everyday there is a selection of fresh oranges, apples, watermelon, cantaloupe and bananas, with the same fruits available for suppertime as well.

Suppertime at Eugenia Victoria

 

And the supper time menu? It is vast and delicious. Eugenia Victoria can be assured there will be no mutiny associated with their food service. Supper is buffet style, so you are free to choose what you want and in the quantities that you want and even experiment a bit by going back to sample other dishes. The menu changes from day-to-day with many selections for every taste.

 

 

 

My salad selection at Eugenia Victoria

A salad bar offers a variety of fresh options. In general I would describe the choices, whether for breakfast or supper a Mediterranean- type diet. This type of diet is characterized by an abundance of fruits and vegetables, whole grains and legumes.

Cook grilling at Eugenia Victoria

 

The supper menu often features freshly grilled fish and poultry, and other choices of meat such as beef, lamb and pork, sometimes in special sauces, and often with local culinary influence. Since this hotel is children friendly, I often see several pasta options and pizza, two items you can never go wrong with for children.

 

 

 

Dessert selection at Eugenia Victoria

There is also a wide choice for dessert. If you like ice cream, you won’t go wrong here, there are about a dozen flavours to choose from. Cakes are another option, as well as fresh fruit. Coffee, tea and hot chocolate are available for both breakfast and suppertime. You can even get a shot glass of rum at suppertime. Wine or beer is extra.

Kiddy Pool at Eugenia Victoria

 

Children are welcome at Eugenia Victoria, evidenced by the organized activity programs for them and the outdoor facilities such as a kiddy pool, climbing structure, playhouse and mini-golf.

 

 

Poolside bar at Eugenia Victoria

For adults there is an indoor gym, shuffle board, outdoor whirlpools, a large swimming pool, the indoor wellness centre and several outdoor bars for lunch or a drink. There is live singing every night near the pool area, and indoors in the evening there are different kinds of entertainment from flamenco to singing, karaoke, to various other types of performances.

Inside Lounge area at Eugenia Victoria

Excursions around the island can be organized either by local hotel staff or by various tour companies that come into the hotel to explain their offerings. The beach is about a ten-minute walk away, or a hotel shuttle bus will take you there. Hotel staff are exceptionally friendly and helpful and deal with any concerns in a professional and polite manner. The guest list at Eugenia Victoria is a veritable list of the united nations, I have met people from Germany, Holland, Sweden,  England and Belgium.

Exploring Puerto Mogan, Venice of the Canaries

A bit of background on Puerto Mogan

Canal and bridge in Puerto Mogan

A network of canals link the marina to the harbour, thus the nickname “Little Venice” or “Venice of the Canaries.” This beautiful little resort town, located on the Western coast has several hotels, apartment rentals and up-market places for tourists to stay. It is also a fishing village with a lovely marina. A bylaw restricts any new building to be no higher than two stories, guarding against buildings which would restrict the view of the waterfront.

My day in Puerto Mogan

Today, Friday, is market day in Puerto Mogan and it attracts tourists from all over the island. I caught a bus from Playa del Ingles for just over four Euros and it was packed! I was lucky to get a seat as the ride there was about 30 minutes.

Ricami Veronica Shop

 

As well as the huge market, there are many shops spread throughout Puerto Mogan selling all manner of goods from clothing, hats, beach wear, baskets, high-end name brand clothing and souvenirs.  An interesting local speciality shop, Ricami Veronica, personalizes items such as towels, aprons and baby clothes either with a name or a phrase, and you can watch as your item is being embroidered.

 

 

Author with Sandy, owner of The Irish Tavern

Facing the marina you’ll find a large number of restaurants, many of them offering up fresh, delicious seafood. Puerto Mogan is reputed for its seafood. But you’ll also find many types of restaurants along this stretch including one called The Irish Tavern, where the owner, Sandy, offers up a varied menu including Irish stew, lasagna, home-made soups and what I love, her homemade desserts, some with an Irish twist.

Fruit Crumble at Irish Tavern

 

I knew this restaurant from having visited it last year and knew I’d get something, light, homemade and tasty. I had a hearty chicken soup with noodles and for dessert, a scrumptious fruit crumble with ice cream.

 

 

Beautiful Bougainvillea

 

What I love about Puerto Mogan is the upbeat yet relaxed feeling as one explores this little town with it colourful bougainvillea covering archways and climbing over white stucco buildings offering a vivid contrast.

 

An intriguing “find” in Puerto Mogan was a wall of relief artwork that captured the day-to-day life of local people called “El Paseo de Mis Padres” that translates to “The Passage of my Parents” that I found so charming. I’ve reproduced photos that I took of that relief work here.

I returned to Playa del Ingles on the 2:45 pm bus which was also crowded. It seems that for most people, four hours was just right to shop at the market, have a bit of lunch and walk around this scenic town

Gran Canaria to Tenerife

A Bit About Tenerife Island

It is the largest and most populated island in the Canary Islands and boasts the most number of tourist visits annually. It has the highest peak (often covered in snow during the winter months) in all of Spain, Mount Teide. The last time it erupted was in 1909. Mount Tiede can be seen from Gran Canaria on clear days.

Many of Tenerife’s resorts are in the South and West Coasts, and for good reason. This area is the sunniest, warmest and driest part of the island.

Tenerife is an island of micro climates, something I discovered when I visited Santa Cruz, in the North, the capital of Tenerife, and nearby La Laguna 12 kilometres away. These two municipalities experience quite different climates—La Laguna gets twice the amount of rainfall as Santa Cruz and is considerably cooler. Interestingly, “laguna” means lagoon in English. I sure felt like I was in a lagoon when I visited La Laguna—you’ll see why when I explain my visit there.

Gran Canaria to Tenerife

Fred Olson Catamaran at Agaete

This should be exciting, I thought, a trip from Gran Canaria to Tenerife on a catamaran! So, I’m up by 5:45 am to be picked up by a bus to take me and several others to Agaete. Agaete is the port on the West cost of Gran Canaria where we board the Fred Olson catamaran, a catamaran that seems very new and modern. A bar on board supplied some much needed coffee. We leave at 8:30. The one-hour and fifteen-minute crossing wasn’t particularly rough, but I was still glad to have taken a gravol before boarding. I sat at the front of the boat for the view, but it’s here that one feels the impact of any rough seas the most, there were a few good waves, but on the whole it was a smooth crossing.

Port at Tenerife

Once in Santa Cruz on Tenerife Island, I stopped at a tourist kiosk for information on Santa Cruz, and how to get to La Laguna, described as a charming and historic town with many pedestrian walkways.

 

 

 

Fruit and Vegetable Market

I started my adventure in Santa Cruz, armed with a map and a suggested route that would take me to the Museum of Nature and Man, a museum that was a must-see for me, since it has an extensive collection of artifacts and information on the culture of the Guanches, Tenerife’s indigenous peoples. Along the way, I passed Plaza San Francisco, pedestrian walkways, visited the local market with a wide array of fruit, vegetables, take-away food and lovely flowers.

And just in front of the market were two sculptures, one honouring the local fisherman of Tenerife, and the other of a woman carrying a basket of jugs on her head. Sculptures appear to be a Canarian tradition, as they are seen in many towns I’ve visited. I passed the iconic Opera House, then on to the Museum of Nature and Man. It was very impressive indeed with many artifacts and much history related to the Gaunaches, but explanations were only in Spanish. A lunch break at the museum was a real find: a coffee, freshly squeezed orange juice and ham and cheese sandwich was only three and half Euros.

Now on to La Laguna. I was quite eager to do this trip because I particularly enjoy visiting charming, historic towns. La Laguna’s historic centre was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999. Its history goes back to the Guanches, the indigenous people of Tenerife; the site of La Laguna once belonged to one of nine Guanche kingdoms before the Spanish conquest in 1494.

Colourful Tram

A fun and scenic way to get to La Laguna from Santa Cruz is by tramway, a ride that takes 45 minutes because of the many stops along the 12-kilometre route. I bought my ticket, but once on the tramway you’re supposed to validate it, of course being new to this I couldn’t get the machine to accept my ticket. Oh well, I thought, at least I have a ticket. They do spot checks on the tram to ensure ticket validation, and it wasn’t long before a conductor asked for my ticket. Luckily I had kept it. When he noted that it wasn’t validated, I explained that I had tried to do it unsuccessfully. “No problemo,” he said, he validated it for me and handed it back. Whew…first hurdle crossed.

Laguna’s Historic Centre

Well, I got to La Laguna and it was pouring rain and really cool! The micro climate in Tenerife in action. I had just left Santa Cruz where it was cloudy but warm and now just a short distance away, the climate is very different. Luckily I had brought my umbrella, a fairly warm jacket and walking shoes rather than the open toed sandals I usually wore while on Gran Canaria.

I started out to find the historic core of the town. Have you ever felt, well, vulnerable and confused as a traveller in a foreign land? This is an instance where I have to admit I did (okay, it’s not the first time). You’re in an unfamiliar place, with limited knowledge of the local language, chilled from the cold, and there’s heavy rain threatening to soak you through, and a wind strong enough to pull your umbrella inside out. I’ve come all this way to see the historic centre, and by gosh that’s what I’m going to do, it’s what travellers do. Finally, I have in my sights a local police car. Well, I thought, I’ll ask them, they must know the area. I must have looked quite a sight because they immediately invited me into the police car and to take me there! The kindness of people still exists. I find it more often than not.

Wet in Laguna

So in the pouring rain I found the historic centre and took a few photos as proof of it and the pouring rain. I got back on the tram and headed back to Santa Cruz to walk around the central commercial area, purchase a few souvenirs and have a hot cup of coffee.

 

 

 

Interestingly, back in Santa Cruz, it had rained a bit, but not nearly with the same intensity as at La Laguna, and by the time I was back the sky was already clearing—proof yet again of the micro climate, but one where cows use umbrellas.

 

 

 

 

On the way back to the port I was greeted by the most beautiful rainbow and a clearing sky. The journey on the catamaran back to Gran Canaria was a smoother one. Back at Eugenia Victoria Hotel in Playa del Ingles I arrived just in time to have supper.

Playa del Ingles to Maspalomas

An Invigorating Beach Walk

Playa del Ingles Beach

A stay at Playa Del Ingles or the translation, “Englishman’s Beach” wouldn’t be complete without a walk along a long stretch of beach of approximately five Kilometres either to Faro de Maspalomas from Playa del Ingles or going in the reverse direction. I’ve done this invigorating walk both ways and it is a total delight and great exercise. It can on occasion be quite windy, but usually there’s a light sea breeze, just enough to cool you from the heat of the day. You’ll encounter many people on this walk, in fact I’ve never taken this walk in solitude, that being said this stretch of beach is very wide so there is always lots of space and you never feel crowded.

Maspalomas Dunes

Dabble your toes in the surf, stop for a refreshment along the way at one of the several beach shacks, or rent an umbrella and lounge chair. This area is also known for its nude beaches, a common phenomenon in Europe. A highlight of this walk are the Maspalomas Dunes that you’ll encounter along the way, a unique attraction of Playa del Ingles. You’d think you’re in a microcosm of the Sahara. A walk through them makes for an out of the ordinary experience.

Maspalomas Lighthouse

Even when you’re quite a distance from Faro de Maspalomas, you’ll see its landmark lighthouse peeping up from the dunes.  It’s a still-active 19^th century lighthouse, 56 metres high with a light beam that can be seen 19 nautical miles away. Once there you’ll find tourist shops selling clothing and souvenirs, many fine restaurants, coffee shops, a designer and name brand shopping complex and luxury hotels. If shopping and dining are on your agenda at Faro de Maspalomas, local buses or a taxi will take you back to Playa del Ingles. But if you’re still feeling energetic, a boardwalk continues on from Faro de Maspalomas to Meloneras Beach for another kilometre or so.

Author relaxing at Maspalomas

The area of Faro de Maspalomas and Playa del Ingles is located in the municipality of San Bartolome de Tirajana at the very southern tip of Gran Canaria Island. In this vicinity, you will find no hotels built on the ocean front. It’s heartening to see that good ecological planning is in force, particularly in the Maspalomas Dunes which have been protected as a nature reserve since 1897. They cover an area of 404 hectares.

Exploring Aguimes on Gran Canaria

The Charming Town of Aguimes

The charming, historic town of Aguimes, founded in 1486, is described as a “traditional Canarian Hill Town” The feeling one gets as one walks its winding streets is one of relaxation and tranquility. Its historic main square and restored  buildings are lovely.

 

Didn’t know I could ride a camel in Aguimes

But what sets this town apart are its intriguing sculptures, spread throughout the historic centre and unexpectedly greeting you as you round a corner or popping up when you least expect to see one. Some are whimsical and others demonstrate a more serious theme. Artisan workshops,  churches, museums, restaurants and sidewalk cafes all add up to make a visit to Aguimes a pleasant one and one of discovery.

Lovely street in Aguimes

The Guayadeque Ravine

Not far from Aguimes is the Guayadeque Ravine, a valley of rugged beauty that is recognized as one of the most important aboriginal settlements of cave dwelling people that goes back 1,500 years ago, and which constitutes a part of the Canaries’ fascinating history. Caves back then were located on sheer rock faces and only accessible by treacherous pathways.

 

The Tagoror Cave Resaurant

Today, some caves have been converted into restaurants, making for an unusual dining experience such as the Tagoror Restaurant, carved into the side of the mountain and offering delicious traditional cuisine. If you’re looking for absolute peace and quiet you could also rent a cave as accommodation. The valley has been declared a National Monument and Cultural Heritage Site.

Canary Islands

An Intro to the Canaries

Lots of lovely beaches on Gran Canaria

The Canaries are an archipelago of seven main islands, with Gran Canaria, where I’m currently visiting, the third largest and one of the most popular for tourists. The islands are situated about 100 kilometres West off the coast of Morocco and are reputed to have one of the best climates and the most sunshine. Gran Canaria has many attractions including long sandy beaches where you can walk for miles, Palmitos Park, water sports, sand dunes in Playa del Ingles, camel and horseback riding…and much more that I’ll describe first hand as I visit this tourist Mecca.

I started my journey to the Canaries in Ottawa with a flight to Montreal and from there had a Swiss Air flight into Zurich lasting about seven and half hours I highly recommend this airline from the point of view of service, quality of food and friendly staff. Would you believe it? They use stainless steel cutlery! My next connecting flight was from Zurich to Gran Canaria on award-winning Edelweiss Air.It’s immediately apparent why. On this fairly short flight of just over  four hours, they immediately and cheerfully serve you snacks and a beverage, followed by a delicious hot lunch…and then good quality coffee or tea..at no extra charge. I was so tired from my overnight flight that I started to snooze after the serving of tea and coffee. When I awoke I discovered the stewardess had left me another sweet treat on the arm of my chair, not wanting me to miss out because I had fallen asleep.

From Las Palmas airport, I took a local bus right into Playa del Ingles for the cost of about six Euros. I was dropped off close to my hotel, Eugenia Victoria where I’m staying for a month. I chose the half-board option that includes breakfast and supper, and payed a few Euros more to have a room on the eighth floor, on a corner, so I get a nice cross breeze. At Eugenia Victoria, there’s a rooftop lounging area, several bars, both indoor and outside, a huge outdoor swimming pool and a magnificent wellness centre with various “waterfalls”, whirlpools, saunas and even a “dead sea” style salt pool. More on this to come