21-12-11

Since I’ve come to the northern end of Gran Canaria, there isn’t really anywhere to hike further (except if I learned to walk on water). Also I deserve minimum one rest day. So it’s town and travel day!

It starts before sunrise when the rooster crows (not sure if he’s still on summertime or whatever… thought they kikeriki at sunrise?). Anyway, he gives up after a few crows, and I get back to sleep.

(by the way the browny cake with their eggs, that I had as desert with yesterday’s dinner, was delicious!)

I have a lazy morning spent with breakfast on the terrace of the Gallo Negro restaurant, that belongs to and is run by the same friendly mexican guy who I rented the room from last night.

I also have good company. Couldn’t quite work out if they were here for food-scraps, cuddles or just to see what I’m doing…

Then I get the tour of the place – Julio has been renovating this building complex for the last year. Tells me it was some governmental high-up’s residence in the nineties; lot’s of parties were held here. And it’s got a lot of character!

Then it’s time for me to get going, but since I’m not quite ready to leave Gran Canaria just yet, I take the bus to Gáldar.

And it certainly is a new contender for best Christmas decorations – nutcracker, fake snow and all!

But, I’m mainly here for the archeological museum of the Cueva Pintada.

It’s the remains of a large group of houses, that are halfway dug into the ground. They’re grouped around a cave (a troglodyte complex) with beautiful geometric wall paintings, that was the comunity’s centre for rituals. It’s thought to have been in use up to the 12th century – so used by the aboriginal, pre-spanish people.

Then I make my way back to Puerto de las Nieves, a part of Agaete municipality.

You can clearly see this has always been a fishing / sea-faring comunity!

Which brings me to the dreaded part – my ferry crossing to Tenerife… It’s still very windy and the waves look pretty high to me, as I stroll along the seaside promenade to the Piscina Natural – saltwater pools.

But this time I’m prepared!

After some pantomime, which has the non-english speaking pharmacist laughing, I get some anti-sea-sick tablets. And I have ordered myself a diet of dry bread for second lunch, and stocked up with cola – just in case, that always helps with any stomach issues, doesn’t it?

Although the boat is moving a lot, it’s actually not that bad – maybe it’s the angle of the waves or my preparedness?

Anyway, I arrive well at my fourth canary island!

Basically just a few step on and off the bus / ferry today; no km.

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