I love the Canary Islands. I haven't been to all of them, but I've returned over and over again to a few of the islands. This time it was my first visit to Gran Canaria, and it hasn't disappointed
Like I do when I visit Tenerife and Lanzarote, I'm on the quiet end of the island. These islands can get pretty noisy with holiday makers from Europe. There's a strong British presence here in terms of holidayers, but also many people from Scandinavia.
I had the pleasure of a tour around a luxury members only resort village here, and I was quite impressed. The island's beaches have mainly black or brown sand - black from the volcanic ash native to the island and brown from the great African Sahara. In the luxury resort, however, they had white sand brought over from the Bahamas many years ago. They also built a kind of wall in the water to stop the waves dead in their tracks so that the beach is not only white, but calm. They've basically created a Caribbean beach in the Atlantic Ocean. Very impressive stuff.
I met some really cool people here too - some of whom I will be keeping in touch with. It's a shame I didn't get to meet any Steemians here. I put out some calls on social media, and here on Steem, but got no response. I assume there just aren't any active Steemians on the island.
I rode on the caravan of camels on the sand dunes of Maspalomas. That was a pretty awesome experience. I've ridden camels before in Lanzarote and Egypt, and they're always fun. I had a good laugh with the gentlemen in charge of the camels who are from the country of Western Sahara just across the water in north-west Africa. They were a hilarious bunch. We spoke a broken mish-mash of Spanish, French, English and Arabic.
I have eaten the most ice cream I have ever done in one week, I think. The only time I remember eating this much was back in Rome with that unbelievable gelato they have over there.
I strained my back muscles and injured my wrist in the ocean trying to swim in the waves. I did, however, have fun doing it.
I resisted eating hibiscus flowers and palm fruits, however tempting it was. I did, however, enjoy the memories they triggered.
I did my work in the most beautiful workspace imaginable in front of blue ocean water and palm trees, in 30 degree temperatures. It did, however, feel like 25 degrees due to the cool ocean breeze.
I've been tempted many times to relocate to one the Canary Islands. I was sure it would be Tenerife but now I'm thinking Gran Canaria is more my speed actually. It's bang in the middle of the group of islands so it's not the driest (Lanzarote) or the windiest (La Palma). It also has a good balance of tourists to local residents. The roads are awesome! I can see myself driving here. The buses are always on time. The streets are very clean! Everyone is so chill. I love it.
There is one thing though. Brexit. What a dream killer. It would be much, much harder to relocate here if Brexit did go through. I think it will, so I've slowly come to terms with the fact that I wont be moving here any time soon. This may well even be the last time I travel here so easily. Next time I may have to jump through all manner of visa hoops first.
The tourism industry here is panicking. The reason why I got the free tour around the luxury resort was so that I when I get back to the UK I can "spread the word". They are relying on word of mouth, and individual Brits to book directly with them. With the collapse of Thomas Cook, and Brexit uncertainties, most of them are gearing up for a massive loss next season.
Tomorrow morning, it's back to London. At least I hear it's stopped raining for now. Sigh.
Peace and Love ✌🏿
Adé
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