29 June 2007
Life in Gran Canaria - Moving abroad
I've been living here in Gran Canaria for just over 4 years now, and I've been working in Club Vista Serena just as long. I arrived back in May 2003 and 2 months later, through an advert in the newspaper, I got a job at Vista Serena.
I'm originally from Sheffield, England, so you may ask, why Gran Canaria?
As part of my university degree I did a year's work experience in the capital of the Island, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. A couple of years after finishing my degree, I came back.
For those of you considering moving abroad to settle down and create a life there, you've got to think things through. If you've got the money, and you don't have the necessity to work, I reckon things could be a little easier, but if you need to make a living, you've got to realise that life out here is not going to be a constant holiday.
It's true that life here is much easier, more laid back and relaxed, less stress, but the routines and responsibilities are the same. You've still got to get up in the morning to get to work on time, you've still got the rent/mortgage and bills to pay, and on top of this you've got to make a life for yourself, and all this in another language.
I originally came over with someone else, but now I'm here on my own, and depending on your personality and how easily you make friends, it'll take less time or more time for you to build your relationships.
To be honest, I'm not your typical English person abroad, I didn't come looking for sun, sea, and.....sand, I came because I wanted to speak Spanish. I've been learning Spanish now since I was 14 (I'm now 28), and my objective in life was to live and work in Spain using the language I had learnt. I've not surrounded myself with English people (other than the guests that I meet at work), and I've tried to adapt myself to life over here, and how things are done over here. I suppose I didn't want to go for the easy option (in my opinion!), of surrounding myself with all things English.
If you want to do the same, then you've got to learn the language. There are lots of Canarian people who speak English, and I'm sure they'd be more than happy to practise their English with you, but from my point of view, to be respectful, you've got to do the same. You're living in Spain, you've got to at least try and learn the language haven't you?
The process of adaptation has been long and hard, and I have to admit, things still get on my nerves, but this year, after going back to Sheffield for a quick holiday, I realised that Gran Canaria is my home now. I'm not saying it's going to be my home forever, but right now, it's the place I want to be......................
I'm originally from Sheffield, England, so you may ask, why Gran Canaria?
As part of my university degree I did a year's work experience in the capital of the Island, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. A couple of years after finishing my degree, I came back.
For those of you considering moving abroad to settle down and create a life there, you've got to think things through. If you've got the money, and you don't have the necessity to work, I reckon things could be a little easier, but if you need to make a living, you've got to realise that life out here is not going to be a constant holiday.
It's true that life here is much easier, more laid back and relaxed, less stress, but the routines and responsibilities are the same. You've still got to get up in the morning to get to work on time, you've still got the rent/mortgage and bills to pay, and on top of this you've got to make a life for yourself, and all this in another language.
I originally came over with someone else, but now I'm here on my own, and depending on your personality and how easily you make friends, it'll take less time or more time for you to build your relationships.
To be honest, I'm not your typical English person abroad, I didn't come looking for sun, sea, and.....sand, I came because I wanted to speak Spanish. I've been learning Spanish now since I was 14 (I'm now 28), and my objective in life was to live and work in Spain using the language I had learnt. I've not surrounded myself with English people (other than the guests that I meet at work), and I've tried to adapt myself to life over here, and how things are done over here. I suppose I didn't want to go for the easy option (in my opinion!), of surrounding myself with all things English.
If you want to do the same, then you've got to learn the language. There are lots of Canarian people who speak English, and I'm sure they'd be more than happy to practise their English with you, but from my point of view, to be respectful, you've got to do the same. You're living in Spain, you've got to at least try and learn the language haven't you?
The process of adaptation has been long and hard, and I have to admit, things still get on my nerves, but this year, after going back to Sheffield for a quick holiday, I realised that Gran Canaria is my home now. I'm not saying it's going to be my home forever, but right now, it's the place I want to be......................
27 June 2007
Firgas
Firgas is about 28 Kms from Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (around 78 Kms from Maspalomas), and is worth a visit to see the cultural and religious sites of the area. You can visit the Parish Church of San Roque, the Square 'Plaza de San Roque', which hosts the monument of the patron saint of Firgas, San Juan de Ortega.
The 'Casa de la Cultura' is probably the most emblematic building of the town. It used to be hotel and inn that provided accommodation for the visitors to the baths of Azuaje. It then housed the Town Hall, and now is houses the Public Library, Exhibition Room and Events Hall.
The Memorial Fountain, found near the 'Plaza de San Roque', commemorates the 500 years since the founding of Firgas.
The 'Molino del Conde', a sixteenth century gofio mill (gofio is a Canarian food produce), is located on the side of the road leading from Firgas to Valleseco. The mill opened once again after being closed for over 40 years, and now the miller grinds gofio and offers it to visitors to try.
For those of you interested in buying traditional objects from this town, Firgas is known for it's wooden crafts. Traditional musical instruments can be bought, as well as small models of Canarian balconies and furniture. Many of the craftspeople have their own workshops in the centre of the town and are happy to receive visits so their work can be admired and purchased.
Watercress stew is also one of the specialities of Firgas, as a lot of watercress is grown in the area.
Enjoy!
The 'Casa de la Cultura' is probably the most emblematic building of the town. It used to be hotel and inn that provided accommodation for the visitors to the baths of Azuaje. It then housed the Town Hall, and now is houses the Public Library, Exhibition Room and Events Hall.
The Memorial Fountain, found near the 'Plaza de San Roque', commemorates the 500 years since the founding of Firgas.
The 'Molino del Conde', a sixteenth century gofio mill (gofio is a Canarian food produce), is located on the side of the road leading from Firgas to Valleseco. The mill opened once again after being closed for over 40 years, and now the miller grinds gofio and offers it to visitors to try.
For those of you interested in buying traditional objects from this town, Firgas is known for it's wooden crafts. Traditional musical instruments can be bought, as well as small models of Canarian balconies and furniture. Many of the craftspeople have their own workshops in the centre of the town and are happy to receive visits so their work can be admired and purchased.
Watercress stew is also one of the specialities of Firgas, as a lot of watercress is grown in the area.
Enjoy!
26 June 2007
Santa Brígida
Santa Brígida can be found inland, 14 Kms from Las Palmas (around 64 Kms from Maspalomas), and has a very natural and historical environment.
The cave 'Cueva de Los Frailes', a site made up of 37 natural caves discovered in 1933, reveals Santa Brígida's aboriginal past. In the northern wall of 'Caldera de Bandama' you'll find the 'Cueva de los Canarios', which was used as a grain store by the original Canary Islanders. Some of the pots found in the Canary Island Museum come from this site. Other places that also have interesting aboriginal remains are the Angostura Valley, and the Meleguinas. Here you'll find groups of caves dug into rocks, cliffs and crags. In fact, this district has been declared a Cultural Heritage Site
In the town you'll find the Santa Brígida Parish Church. The original chapel was founded in 1525, but after a fire, the Church was repaired and now has a Neo-Gothic exterior, and typical Canarian interior.
In the country side around Santa Brígida you can see the beautiful Dragon Tree of 'Barranco Alonso'. It's estimated that this tree is around 500 years old, and it grows from the edge of a crag.
In 'Monte Lentiscal', there are many different tree species like Canary Island strawberry trees, wild olive trees, mocan trees. This area is considerably smaller that what it used to be as it's been felled for building and planting grape vines.
Every Saturday and Sunday morning, there's a local handicraft market where you can buy local produce like cheeses, bread, jams, honeys, and pastries.
Most of the pottery work of the area is found in 'La Atalaya'. There are Pottery Houses there that promote the tradition and offer visitors an attractive cultural visit.
Many years ago, Santa Brígida was famous for it's stringed instruments - guitars, lutes, etc, made from a selection of woods like walnut or orange.
One of the most typical produce of Santa Brigida is its honey and jams made from local fruit and pastries, mainly made with honey and almonds. This can be washed down with the wines of the area (El Monte), and finished off with its famous sponge cakes and marzipan.
The cave 'Cueva de Los Frailes', a site made up of 37 natural caves discovered in 1933, reveals Santa Brígida's aboriginal past. In the northern wall of 'Caldera de Bandama' you'll find the 'Cueva de los Canarios', which was used as a grain store by the original Canary Islanders. Some of the pots found in the Canary Island Museum come from this site. Other places that also have interesting aboriginal remains are the Angostura Valley, and the Meleguinas. Here you'll find groups of caves dug into rocks, cliffs and crags. In fact, this district has been declared a Cultural Heritage Site
In the town you'll find the Santa Brígida Parish Church. The original chapel was founded in 1525, but after a fire, the Church was repaired and now has a Neo-Gothic exterior, and typical Canarian interior.
In the country side around Santa Brígida you can see the beautiful Dragon Tree of 'Barranco Alonso'. It's estimated that this tree is around 500 years old, and it grows from the edge of a crag.
In 'Monte Lentiscal', there are many different tree species like Canary Island strawberry trees, wild olive trees, mocan trees. This area is considerably smaller that what it used to be as it's been felled for building and planting grape vines.
Every Saturday and Sunday morning, there's a local handicraft market where you can buy local produce like cheeses, bread, jams, honeys, and pastries.
Most of the pottery work of the area is found in 'La Atalaya'. There are Pottery Houses there that promote the tradition and offer visitors an attractive cultural visit.
Many years ago, Santa Brígida was famous for it's stringed instruments - guitars, lutes, etc, made from a selection of woods like walnut or orange.
One of the most typical produce of Santa Brigida is its honey and jams made from local fruit and pastries, mainly made with honey and almonds. This can be washed down with the wines of the area (El Monte), and finished off with its famous sponge cakes and marzipan.
23 June 2007
On-line Bookings
It's taken us a while, but it's finally up and running! Club Vista Serena now has an on-line booking system! Can't find the right moment to call us on the phone? Can't be bothered to send us an email? Haven't got time to wait for the response from an enquiry? Then the on-line booking system is just what you need! The rental prices are updated on a daily basis, and you can make a booking with us whenever you like, you're not restricted to our working hours. Make a direct booking on-line, and receive the confirmation straight away! It 's that easy! It's a simple process and it helps you along the way. Give it a go!
Arucas
The municipality of Arucas can be found on the north coast of the island of Gran Canaria, and it's around 12Kms from the Island's Capital, Las Palmas (that's around 62 Kms from Maspalomas).
The city centre of Arucas has been declared a site of historic/artistic interest. The leading architectural monument is the Parish Church of San Juan Bautista, dating back to 1909 and built entirely in Arucas stone by the local masons.
In the 'Plaza de la Constitución', the Town Hall can be found, and it's also the site of the local market - 2 great architectural works. The Cultural Centre is also something to be seen, a traditional 17th Century Canarian house that has an inner courtyard with balconies, and a great Dragon Tree.
The Arucas Museum and Tourism Office can be found in the Gourié House, built in the early 19th Century, surrounded by ornamental gardens.
One of the most historic buildings of the town is the Rum Museum and Factory, founded in 1884. Arucas has a long tradition of rum making in the town, and you can go and visit this Museum at any time.
A place not to be missed is the 'Cantera' Stone Quarry, located very close to the historic quarter, where you can buy craft souvenirs made from the famous blue stone of Arucas.
The main shopping streets in Arucas are the 'Calle Leon y Castillo' and 'Calle Francisco Gourie'.
If you are interested in typical local products, then the open air market takes place every Saturday morning in the car park at the entrance of the town. You can find there lots of different things like fruit, bread, cheese, etc.
The coast of Arucas is well known for it's fresh fish and seafood in the areas of 'El Puertillo' or 'Quintanilla' and 'San Andres'. Further inland, you can find bean, pumkin, sweet potato and corn stews due to the long farming tradition of Arucas. But, if you go, the one thing you must try or buy is the rum! From the traditional 'carta de oro' to the exquisite vintage rum!
The city centre of Arucas has been declared a site of historic/artistic interest. The leading architectural monument is the Parish Church of San Juan Bautista, dating back to 1909 and built entirely in Arucas stone by the local masons.
In the 'Plaza de la Constitución', the Town Hall can be found, and it's also the site of the local market - 2 great architectural works. The Cultural Centre is also something to be seen, a traditional 17th Century Canarian house that has an inner courtyard with balconies, and a great Dragon Tree.
The Arucas Museum and Tourism Office can be found in the Gourié House, built in the early 19th Century, surrounded by ornamental gardens.
One of the most historic buildings of the town is the Rum Museum and Factory, founded in 1884. Arucas has a long tradition of rum making in the town, and you can go and visit this Museum at any time.
A place not to be missed is the 'Cantera' Stone Quarry, located very close to the historic quarter, where you can buy craft souvenirs made from the famous blue stone of Arucas.
The main shopping streets in Arucas are the 'Calle Leon y Castillo' and 'Calle Francisco Gourie'.
If you are interested in typical local products, then the open air market takes place every Saturday morning in the car park at the entrance of the town. You can find there lots of different things like fruit, bread, cheese, etc.
The coast of Arucas is well known for it's fresh fish and seafood in the areas of 'El Puertillo' or 'Quintanilla' and 'San Andres'. Further inland, you can find bean, pumkin, sweet potato and corn stews due to the long farming tradition of Arucas. But, if you go, the one thing you must try or buy is the rum! From the traditional 'carta de oro' to the exquisite vintage rum!
22 June 2007
The area of Teror
Teror can be found in the Eastern/Central part of the island of Gran Canaria, and it's about 20 Kms from the island's capital Las Palmas (that's about 70 Kms from Maspalomas).
This town is a place of pilgirmage, as the statue of the 'Virgen del Pino' (the Patron of the Diocese in the Canary Islands), is held in its Basilica.
At the centre of the town is the 'Plaza de Teror'. From this square you can see the typical Canary Island balconies. As well as it being way of entry to the Basilica, it is also the central part of the historic centre of the town.
This town is a place of pilgirmage, as the statue of the 'Virgen del Pino' (the Patron of the Diocese in the Canary Islands), is held in its Basilica.
At the centre of the town is the 'Plaza de Teror'. From this square you can see the typical Canary Island balconies. As well as it being way of entry to the Basilica, it is also the central part of the historic centre of the town.
If you would like to see the natural areas of Teror, you should know that the town has several protected areas. These include 'Pino Santo', the Natural Park of Doramas (where the ravines of Azuaje and Moya are located), the 'Finca de Osorio' (where the Nature Education Centre is), the 'Caldera de Pino Santo (a volcanic crater), and the 'Parque de Sintes' (a small wooded area with a wide range of fauna).
Teror is also a great place to buy typical items of the Canarian craft work, and to try Canarian food. You can find both of these things every Sunday at the local market. Some of the most popular dishes are 'Ropa Vieja' (chickpeas with meat), 'Sancocho' (boiled and salted fish), and 'Chorizo de Teror' (a kind of sausage)
Give it a go!
21 June 2007
Places to go!
Each day, I'm going to post a different place to visit on the island of Gran Canaria. Today, 21st June 2007, it's Roque Nublo.
Roque Nublo is one of the highest points on the island of Gran Canaria, and is close to the village of Tejeda. It's a fantastic sightseeing spot where you can see some of the most picturesque villages of the island. 'El Roque Nublo' is an enormous balsalt rock, which has been a symbol of Gran Canaria for generations. At an altitude of nearly 2000 feet, it's an experience that's difficult to forget. On clear days, you can even enjoy the views of the some other islands that form part of the Canary Islands.
Roque Nublo is one of the highest points on the island of Gran Canaria, and is close to the village of Tejeda. It's a fantastic sightseeing spot where you can see some of the most picturesque villages of the island. 'El Roque Nublo' is an enormous balsalt rock, which has been a symbol of Gran Canaria for generations. At an altitude of nearly 2000 feet, it's an experience that's difficult to forget. On clear days, you can even enjoy the views of the some other islands that form part of the Canary Islands.
20 June 2007
The painting has started!
Wednesday 20th June 2007
The Reception Area was repainted last week, and now we've started on the exterior of the buildings/apartments. We've changed a couple of the colours from what we used to paint last time, so it should create a whole different effect once the whole resort is completed. The green colour remains, and now we've accompanied it with a blue, and an orangey peachy colour. Apartment blocks 21 to 23 are being painted at the moment, and it's coming along just great!
The Reception Area was repainted last week, and now we've started on the exterior of the buildings/apartments. We've changed a couple of the colours from what we used to paint last time, so it should create a whole different effect once the whole resort is completed. The green colour remains, and now we've accompanied it with a blue, and an orangey peachy colour. Apartment blocks 21 to 23 are being painted at the moment, and it's coming along just great!
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