Starting in Gran Canaria

On March 7th, I flew from Victoria via Vancouver and overnight Frankfurt then on to Gran Canaria where I am staying in Las Palmas for a couple of days.  It was a very long journey but, thankfully, without any big glitches.  One, which was a bit of a drama, was when I was going through security at Frankfurt airport after passing through Passport Control.  Recently, I have started bringing a Tens Unit with me as using it can help my back pain.  I have travelled with it before without a problem as, having done the research, I know that it is okay either to pack it in your checked luggage or put it in your carry on.  It was no problem last year.  Clearly the staff at security in FRA had no idea what it was when my bag was scanned.  The next thing I knew, I was taken aside because it had tested positive as a bomb or an explosive.  I have to say the German Politzei men were ever so nice once I produced my passport and I'd convinced them I was no terrorist!  I explained what it was and then all was good,  We actually all ended up laughing about it - yes, the police and security people can have a sense of humour, albeit pretty subdued!

The next leg of my journey was a 4+ hour flight to Gran Canaria, one of the Canary Islands.  I neglected to notice when my flights were booked how long that flight was and, after having just endured a nearly 10 hour flight from Vancouver, I wasn't looking forward to it.  No idea why I didn't decide to pay the $230 to upgrade to business class.  As it turned out, I should have.  Discover Airlines (some sort of subsidiary airline of Lufthansa) felt a bit like flying Ryan Air.  Furthermore, I was surrounded by families with lots of children and all of them were screaming, talking loudly or getting and running around for the entire flight.  I know they were all excited to be going on vacation but, as the saying goes, I had about one nerve left and they were really getting on it!  I just kept focusing on the fact that shortly after we landed I would be in a lovely hotel with a beach view and in lovely warm weather.

Once I'd arrived and got the taxi to the hotel, everything improved exponentially,  The NH Imperial Playa overlooks the Playa de las Canteras with views of the hills and out to see.  For me, a lover of the sea, the best thing was being able to have my balcony door open and listen to the waves crashing on the shore.  After a bit of a rest, I went for a walk and then a drink and dinner at the hotel's bar and restaurant.  I like Spanish wines so really enjoyed the three glasses of Riojas I had (one white in the bar savouring the view and then two red with dinner).  My seabass served on potato coins and topped with caramelized red onions was delicious - and the bill for the wine and the meal was only 40 euros.  Just the wine would have been more than that at home!

My hotel

The next morning - well, not the morning as it turned out - I slept until after noon.  I thought it was an error on my phone when I looked at the time but, sure enough, I opened the drapes and the beach was full of people lazing in the sunshine.  Gosh, how to lose a day of a vacation; however, at least any decision about what I was going to do today was taken out of my control as most of the day was gone.  It was well after two when I went out in search of breakfast.  Well, that wasn't going to happen either given it was mid-afternoon.  I went to a little restaurant and ordered some mango tea and papas aragugas which had been recommended by a friend to try.  These are basically wrinkled boiled potatoes served with mojo rojo, a chili pepper garlic sauce.  I can't say I'd order them again but, as they are a famous side dish or appetizer here, I had to try them.

It was 25' and sunny so I walked along the seafront and then just sat, read, and enjoyed a glass of wine in the sun.  It was fun watching the families and tourists walking by and it was fairly busy given it was a Sunday.  Clearly, while Carnival is finished in Venice, Nice and New Orleans, it is still on here in some fashion as I saw lots of people, mainly children but not all, wearing funny costumes, glittery make-up and masks.  

In terms of general information, Gran Canaria is one of Spain’s Canary Islands, off northwestern Africa. It's known for its black lava and white sand beaches.  Its southern beaches include bustling Playa del Inglés and Puerto Rico as well as quieter Puerto de Mogán and San Agustín.  In the north, the capital city Las Palmas, where I am staying, is a major stop for cruise ships and duty-free shopping. In fact, I will be boarding a cruise ship there on Tuesday,  The island’s interior is apparently rural and mountainous.  The population of the island is just under 900,000.  Clearly, as I am only here until Tuesday, I am not going to see much of the island, particularly because I slept most of today away!  Tomorrow, I have a walking tour scheduled so will see something other than the beautiful beach.