Volcano? Yes, please!

The city: Maspalomas. The Island: Gran Canaria. The country: Spain. The continent: Africa.

Off the coast of Morocco and Western Sahara, Gran Canaria is one of the two largest islands of the Canary variety. There are a total of seven islands in all, but Gran Canaria and Tenerife are the most populous. They are also the most visited by Europeans. Luckily for me, the fact that the islands have so many Europeans visitors means they speak both English and German on the coast. I say luckily because I was the idiot in school who decided NOT to take Spanish; a choice I am now regretting. However, I did learn that the accent of the people is more like Latin American and less like traditional Spanish. But I guess I really don't need to worry about accents.. How different can 'deme una caja de tabaco de mascar, por favor' sound in Mexico vs. Spain right?

In case you were curious.. I just said “Give me a box of chewing tobacco, please.” For some reason I get the feeling I wont actually need to say this phrase. I'm not sure where that feeling is coming from, but I feel it is best to trust my gut. However, it is in my 'Spanish for Travelers' book.. So learn the phrase I must!

Another thing I learned whilst studying away on Gran Canaria is that, on top of gorgeous beaches, I will be enjoying a nice even climate. Basically perpetually sunny and 80 degrees. Hmm.. how will I survive? I guess I will just suffer through it.

So remember that bikini I mentioned? I mentioned this because I envisioned myself laying on the beach for fourteen days. In fact, I was so confident that I would just be laying on the beach that I was only going to pack sun dresses, bathing suits and sandles. But once again, my research has informed me of some VERY interesting facts. Such as the fact that there are mountains and canyons on the island. Such as the fact that there is a volcano. Such as the fact that there are jungles and forests. Such as the fact that there is free camping on the beaches. Such as the fact that the whole island is only 640 ft2. Meaning these facts are very easily traveled to! This makes me a VERY happy girl! So I will now make room for hiking shoes and shorts and my tent. Ahh, how your perspective changes with just a click of a button!

(Momentary aside: My dad is worried I will get lost exploring the jungle and volcano.. I can't begin to imagine why he would think this.. Me? Lost? Pshaw! I scoff in your general direction Dad! When have I EVER been lost? Nevertheless, I will bring a compass to please him. Worse case scenario I hike south til I hit the ocean..Maspalomas is south..How hard could it be?)

I might also add that there are sand dunes that make you feel like you are in the Sahara Desert. Quaint lighthouses and villages that are screaming, “Mac, come enjoy us! Please, please please.” OK! OK, no need to get worked up light houses! Villages, calm the heck down, I will enjoy you both!

Are you curious about the cuisine? I was.. I was also worried.. Simply said I am not a fish eater. This is, I think, my greatest flaw. What I wouldn't give to go to an island restaurant and NOT order chicken. I have tried fish cooked a hundred different ways, hoping.. Nay, Praying.. that I would love fish. But to no avail. While on Gran Canaria I will try it a hundred more ways. Well, it is an island isn't it? So fish it will be.. I heard rumors of octopus rings.. I think I would like to try octopus rings. I am not kidding. But no worries, Mate. I also read about the serving of spicy meat. This could work for me in a big way.

So there you have it. Jungles and volcanoes, octopus rings and free camping. What more could a girl ask for?

And so, I leave you with another helpful travel phrase: No quiero que me la saque, gracias. (I don't want it extracted, thank you. In my book, they listed this under Dental Section. But I feel that given the price for parts on the black market, its a helpful phrase all around!)

P.S. I laugh at the idea that I actually thought I could lay on the beach for 14 days. Really? I have known myself how long? Luckily God knows me and provided me with volcanoes and canyons and jungles to play around in. Thanks God!