It was a 10-minute walk to exit the pier area, as usual there was lots of security and one would need you ship's ID card and a photo ID to return to the ship. Some ports are stricter than others on this. This was a clean and well-organized harbor area and we had no problem with making the trek, for those with some walking difficulties, there was a free shuttle. Gran Canaria is less than 100 miles from the coast of Africa and the weather is temperate. Although it was coolish in the morning, the sun was shining and it was beautiful. It warmed in the afternoon and it was absolutely wonderful! The Hop-On, Hop-Off bus program is in most cities that we visited on this cruise. In Las Palmas, there were 9 stops around the city, including one at the end of the pier. Your ticket would allow you to get on at any stop. Ear buds were provided so that you could hear the on-going recorded narrative. Again, do some research before you leave home and you can decide how you want to spend your day.

Now it is time to look up! That is Monte Tauro and Castello Saraceno. The castle has a locked gate and no one has been inside for many years. I don't know what the story is there. On the left side of this photo (barely visible) is Madonna Della Rocca. Again, the views are the draw. We were in town for only 2 hours and did not have the time, nor the energy to walk up (the only way up the hill, unless driving). Bad attitude! This was our 4th day in a row of being onshore for many hours - and the next day was going to be another long one. STOP THE PRESSES! I located my note: the town square has a name - Palazzo Corvaia.

From the sign: The Garden of Troy is also of Islamic origin. Vermondo Resta constructed the gardenâÂÂs rustic gallery at the beginning of the 17th century. It is the earliest example in the Real Alcazar gardens of the rustic style inspired by architectural treatises of the time and it is clearly Mannerist in character. This influence is also seen in the heads carved on the capitals above the gallery pilasters.

In answer to a previous question about how I got into the oven area - I tend to just wander around. I peeked into this room and saw the long paddle and went in. The restaurant itself was upstairs and accessed from a different street. I used to be in the pizza business and a paddle like that is called a peel. I asked questions, but they did not speak English. Finally, our guide found me and I determined that the job working the oven was passed down from father to son.