Gran Canaria: second coach trip (3) Lunch in a troglodyte restaurant!

But first we climbed up to visit a troglodyte home, the owner making a nice bit of money from contributions!

It was only very small so just a few could visit at one time

Back down the steps to the El Centro restaurant…

…these barrels just for show, but there was plenty of wine flowing with the tapas meal.

We were serenaded by a three-piece group…

…all in good humour, despite the masks.

I sneaked a photo of the troglodyte chapel next door by peaking through the bars!

We shared a table with a lovely French/Spanish couple but we were nearing the end of our holiday so sadly didn’t see them again.

Gran Canaria: second coach trip (2) Las Palmas de Gran Canaria Cathedral

We decided to leave the group to do a bit of exploring ourselves.

 The cathedral in Las Palmas looked almost austere from the outside…

…but very dramatic in the interior.

Those who know me know I like a bit of stained glass window…

…magically colouring the cathedral.

Just behind the cathedral we discovered a beautiful building with an enclosed garden.

The highly polished balcony ran on its three sides

We weren’t sure what this fruit was

It’s always good to see the European flag flying though!

Gran Canaria: second coach trip (1) Bandama and a walk around Las Palmas de Gran Canaria

First stop was the very impressive Bandama Caldera, formed 2000 years ago during the last volcanic activity on the island.

It was already impressive from the coach SO near to edge of the road!

The video gives a better impression. Yes, there is a building at the bottom but it is no longer inhabited.

Lovely vegetation…

…and a look down to our next destination…

…the island’s capital, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria.

We started by staying with the group, looking at lots of churches…

…and wandering through colourful streets…

…some buildings better cared for than others.

Gran Canaria: to the beach & to Puerto Rico

No, not THAT Puerto Rico!

But first, an evening shot of the bay on one of our evening strolls

Lovely bougainvillea framing the windows of this apartment block…

…with a view over the Playa del Inglés.

Tine contemplating: yes or no (it was no)…

…whilst your faithful blogger went for it!

Another day we took the local bus to Puerto Rico but didn’t see much to our taste…

…except for beautiful cacti.

Perhaps not beautiful but definitely not to sit on!

Making our way back to the bus we came across these very impressive trees…

…and even took an arty shot looking up to the sky.

Gran Canaria: coach trip from south to north (3) Firgas

Nowadays water consumed on the island comes from Firgas, bottled and available everywhere. Water in taps is desalinated seawater. Apparently it is safe to drink but it doesn’t taste so good and some people have developed upset stomachs after drinking it.

And that is why our next stop was indeed Firgas…

 

…and the town is obviously very proud of its fame!

There’s a whole system of below ground channels…

…with some very odd depictions of the water’s use in previous times.

Of course the architecture is to be admired too, here the entrance to the town hall…

…and a back view too!

The San Roque church

Back to the cascade, and alongside there are some beautiful tiled seats…

…they’re not very comfortable though!