Good day from Gran Canaria

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Our cruise called into Gran Canaria one of the islands in the Canary group of islands. Surprisingly they were called the canaries, not after the sweet little birds but because of the latin word Canariae Insulae meaning island of dogs. Dogs were found on the island and the indigenous people who lived on the islands worshipped dogs. Another thought was they were actually referring to the type of seals that inhabited these shores. The Canaries come under the control of Spain and are the most Southern point of Europe. They are just off the coast of Morrocco. We visited the capital city of Las Palmas which is a nice little port. Sailors used to stop off here in the old days to replenish supplies prior to their crossing the Atlantic to the Americas. The city is quite spread out and the old part of the town is about five kilometers from the port. We walked into the town first of all and had a look around. We also went to the beach area and walked along the promenade. The photo is of the large square in front of the cathedral. It was quite a pleasant area to walk around and some of the architecture is really beautiful with wrought iron balconies and iron works decorating the front of the buildings. Right in the South of the Island is a massive beach area called Maspalomas where there are sand dunes and you can even take a camel ride should you wish to do so. I believe Barry tried to pick up a camel when he visited but yet again his advances were spurned just like the Monkeys of Gibraltar. So word spreads! There is an extinct volcano which is inhabited by people who have built their houses on the interior of the crator. The Canaries are a year round holiday destination and many people from Northern Europe take their winter holidays here due to the pleasant climate. It was around 24C when we visited which was very pleasant indeed. There is nothing nicer than seeing blue skies, blue seas and the feeling of warm sun on your faces.