Tres días en las Islas Canarias

Yesterday we made the last of our 3 calls in the Canary Islands and they were all good ones and all a bit different.  First up, was Santa Cruz de Tenerife, a place we have visited many times now.  This may come as a surprise, but our plan for the afternoon (the ship did not arrive until noon) was to walk the town and find some lunch.  So, we got off and headed up the hill until we arrived at Parque Garcia Sanabria. 

We then decided it was time for lunch and headed for one restaurant that our friend Manuela recommended.  It was supposed to be located on Calle Antonio Dominguez Alfonso.  When we arrived at the street we found that it was lined with many outdoor restaurants.  This is where serendipity sets in again.  We had the address of the restaurant and Google Maps pointed us right there but, somehow, we could not find it!  So, we headed back up the street to the other restaurants and found one with a good sounding menu.  There seemed to be tables outside, but when we requested one the man said that they were all reserved.  I can only surmise that he was anti-tourist or anti-Semitic or both - just kidding, I think.  We then went to a restaurant across the street that had open tables, sat, and looked over the menu and decided that it wasn't the place.  So, we went back across the street to another restaurant and were finally rewarded.  They had a special on the board of tuna ceviche with mango cubes which we had to order.  Now, we expected a nice bowl of tuna and mango, but what we got was one of the most beautifully presented dishes ever - and it tasted great as well.

It all made for a good return to Tenerife.

Next stop was Lanzarote.  There we opted for an Oceania excursion, Trekking on Moonscape.  Lanzarote is a very volcanic island and the trek involved walking on, in, and around the remains of volcanoes.  

One of the most interesting things about Lanzarote is the way that they grow grapes.  Last time we were there, we toured a vineyard and winery.  This time we just passed a vineyard near the end of our hike.  The white wine made from Malvasia is amazingly crisp and minerally and inexpensive!

Here is where I must give myself a pat on the back.  A few days ago I had a flare up of plantar fasciitis which can be quite painful but I toughed it out for the 7.5K trek.  Hey, it only hurt on alternate steps!

After the excursion we were able to spend a bit of time walking around the city of Arricife.

Our final port was Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, the first time we had been there.  Our day was spent simply walking along the wonderful Playa de Las Canteras.  It was a busy Sunday with many families out.  It was rewarding to see many younger people walking with their elders in wheelchairs or walkers.  And plenty of young beach-goers sunbathing and playing volleyball.  Needless to say, our outing included food and drink - first a stop for churros and coffee and eventually another terrific lunch.

Our last stop before returning to the ship was a market to pick up some Lanzarote wine which we didn't have a chance to do the day before.

As we sat on our balcony waiting for the ship to depart we saw a very troubling sight.  Eighteen crew members were being disembarked because they had tested positive for Covid though none of them had symptoms.  It's just part of the required protocol.  They will be quarantined in a hotel and return in five days.  The string quartet is now a trio but the worst is that the woman who made my breakfast smoothies and energy bowls was among them.   Her replacement just isn't as good.  The GM, Thierry, told Linda that soon, if things continue like this, the guests will have to be cooking their own meals!

Now we are sailing back to Spain,  But, first, today's Rule of Civility which we must remember since we walk so much: Rule #30. In walking the highest place in most countries seems to be on the right hand therefore place yourself on the left of him whom you desire to honor: but if three walk together the middle place is the most honorable the wall is usually given to the most worthy if two walk together. 

Peace and blessings,

Linda and Larry