El Warung Beach House

Calle Partugal 69 – Beach house. This is a place I’m staying currently. Front line little beach house, simple with nothing but few beds, kitchen, bathroom and, of course, wifi :-) They also have bikes and surfboards.

First thing we did was having espresso and headed to the beach. 4-7ft high waves, onshore wind and jellyfish did not gave me any chance to go in to the ocean. Still enjoyed my time watching people struggling to go in for a swim ;-)

Fish and a bottle of white wine for dinner. Then tapas, I made and film night with 2 Americans, German and stoned Spanish guy. “Coriolanus” – wouldn’t recommend it for a late night show.

Day started from long shower. Had to scrub 2-day rinsing-type shower at a San Fernando Hostal in Maspalomas. Black coffee and eggs for breakfast, emergency cycling to another hostel at La Isleta. Back “home”. Time for… yes, CERVEZA and some food.

Life can be great, when you don’t expect anything special from it ;-)

Playa del Ingles

First day on southern part of GC. Playa del Ingles/Maspalomas/San Fernando – more gay people. No wonder, it’s a gay parade going on :-) Spent whole day walking, looking for a place to stay, struggling with my thoughts, hesitation and a flu. Exhausted and with raised temperature had a burger in British bulldog pub and went straight to bed. 

New day has come and yet no perspective or idea for nearest future. Time’s running, need to check out at 12. No chance for finding pisco comaprtido, even less chance for finding a husband ;-) Time to make a move. 

15 minutes to go, no clue what to do next and suddenly Roch, a friend from primary school, text me “hey, you can stay at my hostel in Las Palmas. Work for me in exchange for food and a bed.” At first, wasn’t convinced. I mean I need to earn money (how typical for city people). But the second thought was “yeah, why not. Don’t need to pay for anything, still got some cash on my bank account. This will be perfect opportunity to learn Spanish, basic surfing and enjoy time off.”

So I packed my 15 kg -hand luggage (33 pounds), found a gua gua stop and in 20 mins was on my way north to Las Palmas. 

Little villages on a way reminded me of Cabo Verde. After 1,5h drive finally reached the capital of GC, had one of the most amazing sandwiches I’ve ever had and rushed to meet Roch.

First day on GC

Boarding. Final call. As usual last one boarding. What’s the point in queuing? Ryanair gates are at the top end of the Stansted airport so I wasn’t the only one running ;-)
At the aircraft was bit overwhelmed by the amount of gay people. I knew Grand Canaria is a gay mecca but have never seen so many in one place. Not that I’m against just…surprised.
Right after “fasten your seat belt” sign was off half of passenger stood up and changed places, just so they could sit, drink and party together. Positive energy, smile on their faces, booze and music – sound like a good party :-)
On my way to London caught throat and nose infection (AGAIN!), which instantly developed on a plane to GC. So after the take-off I was half death with leaking nose and teary eyes.
Couldn’t hear half they’re saying, not mention tones of tissues :-/
Touch down and lost hear completely, fortunately just for 20 mins :-) Still, death and half blind had to find Lucy.

Thank God she found me :-) Took me for a short island trip, all you can eat see foo dinner and to the San Fernando Hostal,

 mean time telling all about culture, people, her life and giving useful tips.

So just to make it clear – I’m in Africa. Apparently Canary Islands has not much in common with the continental Spain.

Hope I’ll get to learn more each day and will not feel like an outcast. This is my goal for next few months – gat a job, find a flat, learn Spanish (at least basis).

Right then, time for lunch :-)

Stansted airport

Changed a sitting place from a floor to a couch  with hot coffee. Can’t feel any excitement…like a one way ticket journey was an ordinary trip. Maybe because feel confident about my decision and not afraid what tomorrow brings. Maybe thanks to my friends and family. Or maybe both.

People live and wait for something big to happen like an earthquake, death, marriage, giving birth, etc. while waiting for this big events they forget to appreciate ordinary every-day life. Those tiny bits like a smile from passing by person, sunshine or proper boots when it‘s raining.

All I’m trying to say is – enjoy what you have, appreciate single moments and collect your experience and memories, because this is what life is made of.

London visit (day 1-3)

Here I am, sitting on the Stansted airport floor, waiting for my new life to begin. Though, I think my new life has already started couple months ago and today, it’s just another step to it.

Let me tell you about last two days in London. I stayed at Kate’s flat and apparently one of us (not me) drugs strange things to happen.

Arrived on Saturday and Kate welcomed me with a small beer, which was exactly what I needed.
Left my bag at her place and started our “journey” to Hackney for London Fields Brewery. Gave Gemma a call (it was her fantastic idea to go there) and after 3h trip through the city with stops for more beers, we reached this picnic—style place. We had some beers and food and went to a place the name I can’t recall, where the taps stick out of the wall. We had countless amount of alcohol and round midnight decided to split. Gemma and Ady went home. Kate, Agata and I made our way home too, but with other stops on the way. It wouldn’t be interesting if not the fact of an unforgettable ride with a police car ;-) which I haven’t experienced ever in any country.

We stopped for a drink and 300 yards from home wanted to grab something to eat at KFC. Not that I like it but if you have no other option… So there we were deliberating on KFC food when aggressive and drugged girl attacked Kate. To make a long story short, Kate’s fine, we had awesome ride with a police car and the girl was arrested.
Still came home late at night, visiting Damian and Jarek on the way, drinking more to ease the nerves almost watching sunrise.
The other day was less spectacular. Huge hangover and a target to get to the Tate Modern. So we did some sightseeing, went to The Tate, had a drink in a rooftop champagne bar and went for a bbq at Damian’s house. Many new friends, warm welcome and delicious food.

And today, spending ages at the airport, met Massimo and Marco, who came for wine fairs, missed their plane and asked me if I could book another flight for them using my laptop :-)

Wonder what happens next? :-) Lucy, I’m coming to GC. Expect the unexpected.