Wednesday, 17 April 2024

Arrecife, Isla Lanzarote, Islas de Canarias, Espana

Today we arrive at the fourth and final of the Canary Islands that we will visit. Although all are volcanic in origin, each island is unique in its terrain and ecology. La Gomera is fertile with plenty of rain; Lanzarote is mostly desert. La Gomera and Gran Canaria are almost perfectly round while Lanzarote stretches out in a straight line. Gran Canaria has not had a volcanic eruption for over 2,000 years; La Palma's latest eruption was in 2021. All the islands are lined up from west to east in the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Morocco, and all share the dry winds from the Sahara.

Saturday, 13 April 2024

Las Palmas

It's our last full day in Las Palmas and Will decides to take a rest day for the weary; I just keep on going. By the end of my walk (with a stop for lunch), I will cover about three miles. From our hotel I walk to the harbor sailboat marina and the row of restaurants where we ate on our first night here. Along the water the air is pleasantly cool, although the strong sun can easily burn unprotected skin.

Restaurant Where We Enjoyed Our First Dinner in Las Palmas

Just past the marina I have a good view of the cruise port in the distance; today there is one very large and one smaller ship docked.

Between the blue fence and the water in the picture above is Playa de las Alcaravaneras, one of two major beaches within the city. Although this beach borders on the port and some major industry that obstructs one's view, the sand is clean and the water is clear. Lots of activities--volleyball, kayaking, sleeping--take place here every day.

On the other side of the promenade that lines the beach (left side of top beach photo), stands a row of first-class hotels and interesting apartment buildings.

The Silk Hotel

Apartments with Views of the Beach

I continue my walk north all the way to the entrance to the cruise port. Opposite, stands a beautiful four-story shopping mall. Unfortunately, covid devastated the economy here and there are few shops still in business. The ground floor has two small high-end clothing stores and a variety of other businesses, including a large supermarket. The upper floors, however, are empty except for one McDonald's, one Burger King, and one Turkish kabob shop. There are excellent view from the balconies that encircle the building.

From the Mall:  View of the Museum of Science and Technology

Many streets full of local businesses, bars, and restaurants fan out from behind the museum across this very narrow section of the island, all the way to the Atlantic Ocean and another, much larger, beach, Las Cantares. Since it is Saturday, everything is very busy.

A Later Imitation of Art Deco

"Salmon" Restaurant, Where I Enjoy an Outdoor Meal of Assorted Tapas, Is Not Far From Las Cantares Beach, Busier and More Commercialized

Of course, now that I have reached the Atlantic side of the city, I must trek the 45-minute journey back to the port side and the Occidental Hotel, where Will and a good napping bed are waiting.