Gran Canaria
Take popular landscapes from around the world and mix them
together to create the beauty of this island.  Nicknamed the
"miniature continent" for its varied landscapes, this capital is
popular with many Europeans for their tropical settings.  Though
the beaches are full of sunbathers and sports enthusiasts,
the mountains hold most of this island's treasures.  Many of
the interior inhabitants still live in cave-like homes built by their
rock-dwelling ancestors.

Some Believe > Gran Canaria island is rounded (Yin) with a
protruding Roque Nublo at the center (Yang) and Tenerife
shape is sharp and long (Yang) with the round Pico del Teide
in the center (Yin) = creating a natural balance for these
islands as well as whole universe See map
And some believe that these islands are the lost Atlantis!

Photos from Gran Canaria
EL Travel Bugs at the base of Roque Nublo, or what we called "the biggest natural frog statue on earth".  Read about this site's significance
A local guide to this island, Tony Vega receives a spiritual blessing from the "altar" rock at Roque Nublo, the center of the island.
Pastel-colored houses cover this hillside in Las Palmas, the capital city of the Canary Islands
Called the "House of Columbus", this 'casa' was never visited by its namesake but does offer a great example of Canarian architecture
The heart of the island at 'Cruz de Tejeda', local farmers gather to offer rides (or photo ops) with their donkeys for weekend visitors
EL Travel Bugs having a farewell toast (with our dining steward Danny) to our Canary Island visit; from a rural hotel in Tenteniguada

Taking the "Good" with the "Bad": During our travels to these
islands, we recorded each island's good and bad points.  Of course,
these are our observations and opinions to share with you as a quick
overview of the island.
The "Good"
The "Bad"
Being the capital of the islands must help as most locals spoke understandable English
True to its name, it felt like a continent after a day of driving along its windy roads
The most varied landscape from a "grand canyon" type appearance to the dunes of Sahara desert to tropical gardens that make the rain forest look dry
Even with its varied and beautiful landscapes, this island is unable to produce a drinkable wine ~ it does offer a sweet Date palm rum that could double as syrup
A spiritual moment at Roque Nublo ~ especially after a 45-minute hike through a pine tree forest and up along a  mountain ridge
Many interior townships consisted of houses built from caves, including most rural restaurants ~ one cave tourist trap is interesting, many is uninteresting
The Botanical gardens in Las Palmas which offered a beautiful representation of all indigenous plant forms from all the islands.
Signs to the city's attraction, when you could find them, were in Spanish only ~ it would be lucky to find what you are looking for like 'Museo Canario' whose sign faces the opposite way on an one-way street

A SPECIAL THANKS: Our visit to this island was
made especially wonderful by our new Gran Canarian
friend and island guide, Tony Vega.  If you plan to visit
this island and would like an exceptional island tour,
contact Tony via e-mail at dangels@jazzfree.com