June 7, 2024
Exploring Las Palmas
Took the public bus about 45 minutes to the north part of the island to explore capital area Las Palmas. Went with 4 others from group and we split once in town, with Mark & Darlene doing hop on off bus and Peter Cris and I walking the town center. World Of Music And Dance sign for big festival put together by Peter Gabriel every November in Gran Canary.
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After a leisurely lunch sitting seaside, we went to the Castillo de la Luz a former fort, up at the Port, that now has the ruins of the Fort combined with a modern art gallery, , for the sculptural metal workings of Martin Chirino. Provides an interesting viewing space for both.
Then back on the bus to hotel, a quick shower and dinner. After dinner Delia & Peter and I took a stroll down to beach area and walked around the plaza people watching and strolled along the beach path thru many restaurants, bars and shops and ended at dunes section - sands blown in from Sahara, along southern island coastline.
WOW!! I can't believe it has been two years of sailing around the World already for me and my fellow shipmates on the Villa Vie Odyssey! We left Belfast, Ireland back on September 30, 2024 and it has been such a great adventure to date! We have been to 201 different ports, some more than once, during those two years, with much more to come!
Before coming to Cambodia , I sadly have to admit I was unaware of the landmine problems they face. On our first night in Siem Reap, where we hiked up the hill to try and see the sunset views, there was a small band of men playing instruments and our tuk tuk driver explained to me they were victims of landmine explosions who had lost limbs or their sight and were trying to make money via donations to support their families.
I rallied for our last temple of the morning, because I heard this one was unique and I think it was my favorite. Ta Prohm was built starting in 1186 by King Jayavarman VII as a Buddhist monastery and university dedicated to the king's mother. It was left mostly un-restored so that huge banyan and silk cotton trees grow directly over and through the walls. In 2001, the Lara Croft: Tomb Raider movie was filmed here.