Saturday, 13 April 2024

Las Palmas

It’s bedtime on our last full day in Las Palmas. We board the Seabourn Quest tomorrow at 12:45pm. We are looking forward to being at sea again and returning to more consistent luxury for the next 12 days. The hotel here is quite adequate—it’s newly built, the room and bathroom are very comfortable, the staff is friendly and the location has been perfect for us. However, the problems of infrastructure—air conditioning, water power, lack of hot water, and problems with wifi—are not what I expect from a four-star hotel. I will certainly let the Barcelo Hotel chain know my feelings.

But other than waking up sweating as a result of the poor air conditioning, our time here has been quiet enjoyable—and very busy!

Thursday, 11 April 2024

Las Palmas

After our very long and exciting tour yesterday, we are ready for a more leisurely day today. We have a full breakfast buffet at the hotel everyday, but today we take our time to savor all the goodies on offer. We leave the hotel at 11am and hail a taxi from the stand out front. Fares are very reasonable and tips are not expected. From the hotel it’s a quick ride to the historic center of the city, Vergueta. For 5 Euro we are deposited right in front of the Santa Ana Cathedral (16th Century).

The Cathedral Bell Tower (above),
Seen from the Cathedral Garden (below)

Inside the Cathedral 

Cathedral Nave and Altar

Organ and Sliver Remonstrance

Will Without His Boot—Hurrah!

Cathedral Ceiling

The Cathedral faces Santa Ana Plaza. The three other sides of the square are also occupied by historic buildings, including a boutique hotel in an Art Deco building, State Archives, Church Diocese, The City Government, and cafes, of course.

Art Deco Boutique Hotel 

Cafes at Plaza Level 

Old Town Hall

City Archives

Church Diocese Doorway

Santa Ana Plaza with Green Dog Guardians

Close by is the Christopher Columbus House and Museum, with a magnificent green stone doorway. The explorer spent the night here while his ship was being repaired on his way to the West Indies.

Another example of street Art you can find everywhere on Gran Canaria.

As we stroll through the charming local streets and alleyways we decide it is time for lunch. 

Luckily, right around the corner is a cobblestone street lined with small restaurants with outdoor seating. Even more lucky, we find an unreserved table at what is a very popular place, with the strange name of “Triciclo”—short for “Pig on a Tricycle.” It even has its own fancy wine label.

I enjoy some of the most tender grilled pork tenderloin over mashed potatoes . . ,

P. . . And Will has grilled Angus beef with vegetables and fried potatoes brought to the table on a hot brazier.

We wash it all down with some very dark beers brewed on the mainland in Granada.

After all the food and drink we are ready to taxi back to the hotel for a long late afternoon siesta.