Gran Canaria

It's holiday time and so to get some winter sun we have just spent 3 weeks in Gran Canaria at the same hotel we stayed at last year.

Our apartment has a great view over Puerto Rico...

...and has a large south facing terrace.

You just can't get too much of views like this!

The hotel has a couple of swimming pools...

...which look picturesque at any time.

During our stay the sea was very calm...

...however, the harbour walls are being reinforced. I don't think the crane driver has made a very good job of stacking the blocks!

Whatever time of year, there are always flowers in bloom...

...and the bougainvillea is as colourful as ever.

Yes, that is a large coffee pot in the garden.

Each night in the hotel there was a different theme for the food. Above, the chef is stuffing his enchiladas on Mexican night...


...while on Canarian night, local cheeses are served on cheese boards made in the shape of the islands.

Yes, we would go back again!

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It's 3 Kings!

Although it's windy this evening, it doesn't deter the walk through the streets with the flaming torches. (Although I did get some wax from mine blown onto my coat!)


After following the 3 Kings and their pages through the streets to the hall by the bar, they pose for photos.

It's an expectant time for the children as names are read out to receive presents.

Excitement mounts for the children and their parents as the pages announce the names...

...as well as their grandparents!

La Fontcalda

Not far from us, on the very picturesque road down to Tortosa is the pueblo of Prat de Compte.


Like so many villages they were connected by a railway line which was closed in the name of progress and the route was turned into a Via Verde, Green Way. It is used extensively today by walkers and cyclists. The old stations still exist even though they are often far from the village they relate to.

The old railway line winds it's way through some very beautiful scenery...

...and I'm sure that if the railway existed today, it would be well used.

We can see light at the end of the tunnel but shortly after that, there's another tunnel!

A short distance from the station we come to La Fontcalda down in the river valley.

Here there is a sanctuary which is documented from the 14th century and is now a popular tourist destination. During Easter and the summer months there is a hotel with bar and restaurant closeby. The church is the 3rd that has existed on this site and dates from 1753.


The name La Fontcalda is taken from the local spring which provides medicinal mineral rich water.

All the tunnels, cuttings and bridges still exist for this railway line - why not bring it back?

And then more people would be able to see these fantastic views!