Day -1: Escaped the winter

Las Palmas has the best climate of the world

It's November, and we’re waking up to a delightful 22°C morning—what a wonderful day lies ahead! The warm, dry climate is ideal. For many years, I’ve made it a priority to spend a week or two on one of the Canary Islands during the cold German winter—a perfect escape to a relaxed, sun-soaked paradise.

It’s Monday morning, our last day before going onboard, and we’re planning to fit in some shopping. The quiet streets from yesterday are now bustling with people grabbing a quick breakfast before work, while local seniors are out doing their grocery shopping or simply enjoying a chat with friends and neighbors. The pedestrian zone is lined with plenty of benches, offering a place to rest, people-watch, and catch up without the need to buy a coffee—perfect for everyone savoring the relaxed start to the week.

Plaza de las Ranas, or "Frogs’ Square"

After we finished our shopping we started to explore the "Vegueta". The historic quarter of Las Palmas is a captivating blend of culture, history, and architecture. As the oldest neighborhood in the city, it’s filled with narrow, cobbled streets, beautiful colonial buildings, and vibrant squares that reflect Las Palmas’ rich past. Vegueta’s charm lies in its lively ambiance. By day, locals and tourists wander through artisan shops and cozy cafes, while evenings bring a buzz to the area’s tapas bars and terraces. 

Gabinete Literario: Art and Literature

The Canarian way of life

Despite the influx of tourism, Canarians maintain a strong sense of local identity, proud of their unique traditions, cuisine, and island culture. Canarians are also known for their relaxed approach to life, often prioritizing family, friends, and leisure over a hectic pace, in line with the islands' sun-soaked, laid-back environment. Community is essential here, and locals enjoy gathering in plazas, at cafes, or on terraces to socialize and catch up with one another. 

It feels like we Germans could learn a lot from this culture. Their approach to enjoying each day, finding joy in small gatherings and fostering a strong sense of community, offers a refreshing contrast to our often busy, structured lives. Perhaps that's why I’m drawn to this place time and again. 

Teatro Guiniguada

Canarian Dogs

We were surprised by the number of dogs on the streets of Las Palmas—not strays, but well-cared-for pets with attentive owners. It seems that people here favor smaller breeds compared to what we often see in Germany; you’ll frequently spot muscular guys strolling with tiny dogs on the leash, which makes for a charming contrast. Interestingly, a bit of research revealed that the name "Canarias" might come from the Latin word canis, meaning "dog." Perhaps this connection explains the Canarians' fondness for their furry companions!

Canarian couple with their dog on Plaza Major de Santa Ana

Impressions

Night life in Vegueta

Catedral de Canarias Santa Ana

Location: Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Provinz Las Palmas, Spanien

Comments

  1. FazanaNovember 12, 2024 at 10:11 AM

    Lovely! Interesting read.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. RKNovember 12, 2024 at 2:35 PM

      Fasana, thank you. I will try hard to make the blogs interesting. Hopefully Joon will join me because she's the better writer.

      Delete

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