Las Palmas, Canary Islands

Las Palmas was exactly what we expected... a quiet little seaside town with quaint shops and eateries, slow paced, easy to navigate. It was also exactly what we wanted for our last port. Did I really just say "last port"? <exhale> Wow, that's a bit overwhelming even though I knew it was coming. Seeing it in my own words has made it more real, less eventual, which emotionally is akin to less theoretical. THAT day has arrived.

We got off the ship about 8:45 and began walking the cobblestone streets that are pedestrian friendly except for the trucks which apparently get to use them for deliveries. It was a perfect weather day!!!

The theme for the day was balconies. Beautiful, ornate, intricate, expressive, unique. In just a relatively short walk, here are a few that were particularly eye-catching.

There were a few churches, museums and govt buildings with interesting exhibits, but nothing to write home about (but isn't that really what this blog is?) Here's a selection of interesting, perhaps artsy, pics from our stroll.

The shopping was surprisingly good. Lots of shops, real "stuff" that locals buy as well, and fair prices (not inflated for tourists). We bought an extra piece of luggage (b/c we're leaving with WAY more than we started) and a bit more jewelry as gifts for friends, including another pendant for my wife.

On the way back to the ship, I ran into my geo-friend Allona who noticed the same thing I did.......no geocaches within walking distance. Augh!!! Was I really gonna break my streak at the LAST PORT???? No! So we agreed to split a taxi to a geocache 6 miles away. $12 usd.

Well worth it for this obsessi ....er, uh....hobby 😉

So off we went. On the ride, I learned that Allona's husband Darrell is just like my wife regarding geocaching.....a silent dissenter. It was nice to commiserate with someone. We might travel together some time in the future so our spouses aren't geo-widows. As with many geocaches, the owner brought us there for a reason......a spectacular view. Here's what a successful find looks like.

We reboarded by 2pm and then I played cards with my wife for a couple of hours till dinner. Afterward, the show was a singing impersonator. His singing was GREAT, guitar and piano too, but the impersonations were just so-so. I think he should just be himself. He'll have another show before Ft Lauderdale, so I'll definitely go to it.

I spent some time in the casino and left with a small win. That's always nice. Tomorrow is the first of 7 sea days before home. I'll be posting a Lessons Learned blog on 7 different topics: preparing for a long cruise, life on board, excursions, food, dealing with Princess, stateroom selection, and finally a cost summary. Stay tuned.