Category: Travel

Vacationing in Gran Canaria

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After a six-week adventure exploring Morocco, I decided to head west to the Canary Islands of Spain for a 10-day vacation. Despite not being a fan of all-inclusive options, the need for a relaxing break and the consideration of the expensive Euro led me to opt for the convenience and cost-effectiveness of a nice hotel where I wouldn’t have to worry about a thing.

Playa Taurito

Situated on the southwest coast of the island of Gran Canaria, between the port town of Puerto Mogan and the popular town of Puerto Rico, Playa Taurito is perched on volcanic hills. Notably, the iconic sand dunes of Maspalomas are just a short drive away, offering the chance for a camel ride along the desert-like dunes.

Paradise Valle Taurito

Choosing the hotel Paradise Valle Taurito through www.booking.com proved to be an excellent decision, given its scenic location, reasonable pricing, and a plethora of attractions (my personal reviews are listed at the bottom).

This family self-sufficient resort provides all the services and amenities one could need. Picture waking up to a delicious breakfast on the terrace, followed by a leisurely day by the pool with a book in hand and a refreshing pina colada. For lunch, savor a seafood paella or opt for a classic burger and fries. If an action-packed afternoon is more your style, the waterpark offers slippery rides, or you can unwind on your patio while admiring the beautiful views of the resort and the nearby ocean. For extra relaxation, indulge in the full-service spa.

There’s no shortage of activities in Taurito. Book a package with one of the beachside companies offering jetskiing, banana boating, parasailing, snorkeling, diving, and sailing.

The black sand beach of Taurito is just a few feet from the hotel, nestled between two wind-shielding cliffs, creating a peaceful and comfortable area to relax, take a stroll, or simply watch the warm golden sunsets.

The hotel room patio becomes a perfect spot to catch up on work, share adventures with those back home, or simply enjoy a glass of wine.

Evenings can be spent savoring a nice dinner under the stars, followed by a leisurely stroll on the venue. Public shows and entertainment add to the lively atmosphere. For those seeking a quieter experience, the poolside bar, manned by friendly bartenders, offers a perfect setting for conversations over a glass of wine with fellow vacationers. Nothing beats the tranquility of these moments.

Scuba Diving at El Cabron

I booked a day diving trip with Delphinus and did 2 beautiful dives at the marine reserve of El Cabron.

Exploring the port town of Puerto Rico

The vibrant port town of Puerto Rico provides a delightful escape, offering a variety of experiences. Whether you prefer a leisurely walk along the oceanfront promenade, catching glimpses of fishermen returning to the marina, enjoying a delectable dinner at one of the authentic local restaurants, lounging on a beach chair by the shore, or strolling through the pedestrianized development surrounded by gardens of bougainvillea, palm trees, bird-of-paradise flowers, hibiscus, and other colorful plants, this little “Venice of the Canaries” is sure to enchant you with its diverse and charming offerings.

Cruise along the coast

Finally, it wouldn’t be a complete vacation if you don’t cruise along the coast. Whether it is by bus, by car, or by scooter, the road along the ocean offers a scenic drive with the perfect sea breeze. We opted to rent a scooter and rode along the winding cliff roads, wind in the hair, chasing the sun setting over the Atlantic. Epic, scenic, simply majestic.

Paradise Valle Taurito Hotel review:

  • Location: The hotel is located south west of the island of Gran Canaria, between the towns of Puerto Mogan and Puerto Rico. The sand dunes of Maspalomas are a short drive away. No airport transfer is included with the hotel. You can choose to pay a taxi, but be prepared to pay a good 100 euros. You can opt to take public transportation. Ask the bus station clerk at the exit of the airport which bus to take to your destination. To get to Taurito, we took 2 buses, a total of 10 euros each. It took about 1  1/2 hour. Renting a car could be a great option.
  • Hotel: Very clean and comfortable newly renovated rooms with beautiful views of the resort and the ocean. Hotel always clean and well-maintained. Beautiful flowers and gardens.
  • Amenities: Small but nice pool surrounded by free long chairs. Pool tables, hot tub and free access to water park. The water has fun rides, although could need a good deep clean and TLC on the slides. Entertainment is a bit poor, but great for kids. Games room fun, but bowling is expensive. Mini-golf is a must! There is a nightclub that opens late for adults. Doesn’t get too busy and the drinks are not included, hence a bit pricey. Beach is clean and located only a few feet away. There is also a full service spa.
  • Food and Drinks: As most affordable all-inclusive resort, the food isn’t close to gastronomy. It tends to be a bit repetitive, but overall it is decent and eatable. The drinks are also ok. However, the self-service wine at dinner is horrible. Drinks and wine at the poolside bar are way better.
  • Staff: Had a great experience thanks to the staff. Very kind and helpful and, even after long days, they keep their smiles. Good job especially to the service and bar staff as well as the housekeepers. However, the front desk wasn’t too helpful with indications and recommendations, which made us miss our bus and take an expensive cab to the airport.

Photos: Gran Canaria

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Photographs taken in Gran Canaria, Canary Islands. Read the full story: Vacationing in Gran Canaria.

“You are free to dream as big as you want, but always remember that every big dream comes with some big responsibilities. So be willing and courageous enough to step out of your comfort zone.” ― Edmond Mbiaka,

Volunteer Abroad: Preparation

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Think about how you can help and what you want to get out of the experience

Volunteering might have been part of your ”list” for a while now. The urge to save the world, play a hero, get recognized, tell a great story. But seriously. Why do you do it? How can you help? What do you want to get from the experience? Volunteering isn’t just a thing to try and say “checked, I’ve done my part”. It goes well beyond that. There are a lot of people in need all over our world and they require people committed in helping them find a brighter light. Most of us, literate and educated people, we are fortunate enough to come from a decent family, a decent country, decent government. If I find the time and money to travel and enjoy myself in developing countries, I will take the time to learn and help with the tools I have behind the scenes of less fortunate countries.

I am travelling to Morocco to volunteer with women. Being an Islamic country, women of Morocco are facing everyday challenges such as poverty, violence, illiteracy and unemployment. My goal is to help improving literacy levels by teaching French and English, assisting with professional development and providing support to female victims of domestic violence.

Even if I won’t change the world during my short stay, I will provide the best I can, if only to see progress and change in one person.

Sign up

There are several volunteer programs running worldwide. Volunteering tend to be expensive, so a wise search is necessary. I opted for IVHQ, a program providing aid and assistance to developing countries while increasing education and  awareness.

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Here is an interesting link of an article published on the Verge Magazine written by Jim Carson regarding choosing a volunteer program:

http://www.vergemagazine.com/articles/volunteer-abroad/volunteer-abroad-how-to-choose-a-volunteer-programme.html

Get documents

After signing up, you will get a booklet of information regarding the program, the preparation, the stay, the activities, etc. It is important to read it thoroughly as important information is provided.

An important document to get is your criminal clearance record check. Since you will be working with people, probably children as well, making sure that you are cleared of any criminal activities is necessary for the process of your application.

It is usually your responsibility to get a Visa. Do your research and get one if required.

Make photocopies of all your travel documents (passport, ID, flights, insurances, Visa).  Leave one copy to a friend or family member at home. Take the spare one with you.

Learn about the country

Where is it located? What is the religion? What is the clothing and culture like? What are the customs? What kind of food? What is the weather like? What is the currency? How do you greet someone? How do you thank someone? You don’t need to know everything in detail as you will explore and also learn on your own once there. But there is some essential information to know before landing. Arriving with a basic knowledge of the country would be beneficial for you and be grandly appreciated by the locals.

See a doctor

Make sure you are in a healthy condition to travel abroad. Have him/her update your vaccines and inform you on the ones you need for the country where you will be volunteering.

Pack

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You are almost ready to go! Get a travel backpack and fill it with only the essentials. Don’t pack too much. You can always purchase the missing items in your host country. That way you also invest in a developing country.

  • Clothes: know what are the appropriate clothes to wear and pack accordingly. Some people tend to presume all countries are westernized and there are no customs to follow since they are on vacation. WRONG! Respect the religion, the customs, and the people. Blend in. Also learn about the daily and nightly temperatures and weather. That might prevent you some surprises.
  •  First aid/medical kit: I like to bring a few bandaids, polysporin, grapefruit extract (natural antiseptic, antiviral and anti-fungal agent and excellent for healing of wounds), vitamin supplements and antihistamine tablets.
  • Toiletries: your everyday use.
  • Presents for hosts and children: it is nice to bring a present from home to your host family. Nothing expensive, just a little thought. For the children, anything from pens, stickers, chalk, books, games will make them happy. I usually always bring a few items for the local kids, however, you have to be very careful with that action. A lot of developing countries, including Morocco, have a rising problem of pedophilia. Kids have developed a facility to approach foreigners and offering presents to kids in the street will not help the problem. Instead, save the presents for the time you will be invited by a family to have tea or dinner at their house (of course always be vigilant from who you accept these offers).
  • Cameras: From DLSR to GoPro, to point and shoot to iPhone. Bring enough memory cards. Perhaps a memory stick to keep backups.
  • Music: for the lonely times, or to start the party!
  • Reading material: I always carry a travel diary to document my experiences, thoughts and progress. Our memory can only retain so much information and events, that way when on paper it will bring you back someday. A travelling book like Lonely Planet could be of good help as well. Don’t forget your pen.
  • Important documents: Of course, don’t forget your passport, ID, cards, flight information, insurances, etc. 

Get excited!

Try to get everything organized at least one day before your departure. At least, I try. There are so many things to think about that it is easy to let the stress take over the emotions. I like to keep the last day stress free and start to get excited.

I’m leaving tomorrow for Morocco. And yes, I am excited 🙂

The Road to Home

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As soon as flight AA1746 from Grand Cayman landed its wheels on the wet tarmac of Vancouver’s International airport, a double spiral of anxiety and excitement swirled inside my guts. Delicate sleet danced softly toward the ground. I disembarked the craft and followed a crowd of Asian-Canadian passengers. The scents of Tim Horton’s fresh coffee and sugar donuts was an enticing welcome.

The walk towards the exit seemed for ever long. I was so excited to see him, and the snow, and the mountains. He stood motionless in the middle of a time-lapsed crowd, holding a bouquet of  honeysuckles. I knew nothing would have really changed, even after nearly two years of my being away on an island but still, the beard on his face made me feel like I had been forever gone.

“The city never snows. Only for you”, he said.

We drove through the city, entering the pumping heart of downtown. The workers in the food stalls on Granville St. were hustling to keep up with the hungry mass and the smells of smokey hot-dogs grilling on charcoals and sweet crepes being poured on hot rocks made me salivate on my car seat. And as the evening crowd started to assemble on the outdoor heated patios of Robson St., the consumers struggled on the sidewalk overburdened with shopping bags. The homeless were curled up at each corners with a collection of decrepit winter supplies.

When we arrived at the entrance of Lions Gate Bridge, I looked through the fogged windshield and glimpsed at the two lions sculptures standing strong and tall. Their 2010 Olympic red scarfs floated in the cold wind. Behind, the porch lights of the houses of the North Shore started to glimmer against the dark mountains. Below, the cargo boats slowly pursued their path.

We drove north on winding Highway 99 into the steep and rugged Coast mountains. The snow stopped, revealing the rays of a late autumn sunset reflecting on the Pacific ocean. We made our way through the Sea-to-Sky corridor, driving by past ancient volcanoes, dramatic valleys, snowcapped mountains and gleaming ocean. Sailboats caught the last beam of light on the turquoise waters of the fjord of Howe Sound. A scenic journey through picturesque landscape of familiar grounds.

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As we passed the port town of Squamish, a cloud covered the sky, sending glittering snow and leaving a delicate white veil on the asphalt. Soon enough we were in a magical tunnel of snowflakes climbing into paradise.

It was a dark night when we arrived, however the village was a shimmer of colourful lights. Children wearing oversized Canucks jerseys were having a snowball fight in the public square. Honeymooners strolled through the village, holding hands and licking chocolate chip ice cream cones from Cow’s. An extensive family from Mexico was sitting on a bench by Zog’s sipping hot chocolates and savouring delicious BeaverTail sweet delicatessens.

He held my hand and, as the snow continued to glitter the little resort town of Whistler, he looked into my eyes and said: “Welcome home”.

The Return Home: What Would Have Been If…

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Since I have been back home, living the sedentary life of a worker, I have had many thoughts about what could have been if I would have chosen another destination after I left Cayman. I thought of Australia, working in a fancy beach resort, or Switzerland working at a classy ski resort, or even try the south of France and search for work on luxurious boats. But my mind was set on Whistler, at least for then. To recharge batteries. To refresh my soul. To reconnect with the people who knows me best. To soak in the comfort of familiarity in the place I would never be alone.

But here I am sitting today thinking what could have been if I chose another way? I could be working by the Great Barrier of Reef living the life ”down unda”, or I could be travelling Europe after completing a ski season in the Alps, or I could be working my butt off on some rich yachts pocketing the big dough while sailing around the Mediterranean… A lot of different things could have been, but how would I know?

I am fortunate enough to have a life full of choices: the choice of schools, the choice of clothes, the choice of friends, the choice of paths. Many children still in today’s world only have one choice: the one to survive. So I try my best to grab every opportunity that I can and live up to them. When I got that phone call to go to Cayman in 2011, I hesitated at first and am so glad I took the offer. To burst the bubble and explore the outside world was so far the best experience I ever had. Travelling is one thing, because you have a return date, therefore you know you are coming back. But living abroad is jumping in an obscure ocean filled with uncertainties and unknown. And that’s the best feeling. I remember that feeling while, in 2003, I left my hometown and travelled 5,000km by bus to Canada’s opposite coast. I learned English and developed a true passion for travelling. Indeed I’ve trotted many roads since, but I’ve stayed here the most. Now that I am back, I have difficulties to commit to anything. I got rid of most of my large belongings prior to Cayman and now, I’m afraid to get a new car, or a new bike or a stable job. I’m still afraid to unpack my boxes. I am afraid of catching up on a routine that will confirm a sedentary existence. And then I realized: how can I commit to here when I always have a foot in the door? I want to taste different lifestyles. I have to keep working on creating the next chapters in this book of life.

So what would have been if I didn’t choose to come back home? I don’t know. I can’t predict the future or create a different present. This is it right now and I am grateful for the things and people that surround me. But I am currently working on future  projects that will satisfy my needs. Because I can.