Lanzarote,

Lanzarote is the fourth largest island in the canary chain. The most easterly of the canaries, the island lies some 70 miles off of the shore of North Africa. Like its neighbors, Lanzarorte was shaped by a period of intense volcanic activity. The resulting landscape possesses a stark near lunar beauty over 300 now dormant volcanoes left behind petrified lava seas and deep layers of volcanic ash.

Despite the seemingly barren landscape island farmers grow abundant crops of tomatoes, onions, melons, and figs in addition to Malvasia , a clear yellow wine produced from Malmsey grapes.

Lanzarote's rugged landscape , its warm climate, its lack of rain fall, and its beaches have proven attractive to travelers. Tourism dominates the island's economy with some 2 million visitors arriving annually.

The excursion we chose was a day at the beach in Puerto del Carmen.

The port has a free shuttle and the buses come right up to the shipside, no trudging along the dock.

The bus was very nice and we drove quickly along the countryside. Our guide did not tell us about what we were passing.She did tell us where and when we would be meeting. We had 4 hours to explore. We would meet in front of Pinocchio's 

The day was cool and cloudy so we were glad that we brought layers. It was too cool to go into the water but Ken did wade a little.

We spent time on the beach:

We walked and browse in the shops.

We stopped for a coffee and a croissant.

I purchased 2 magnets to add to our collection.

We stopped and had ice cream.

Observations:

The dessert landscape is stark and yet beautiful , There are amazing cactus plants.

The construction done with lava is amazing.

The stone work for the promenades etc. was amazingly detailed.

People appear to be less modest . I actually viewed an older couple who arrived at the beach, went for a swim and then proceeded to strip naked and dry off and change clothes. I was tempted to take pictures but I resisted temptation.

We heard several languages being spoken which was testimony to the fact that this is a tourist center. I was impressed by how the island caters to tourists. There was a free shuttle from the port, the beaches had washrooms and change areas and water taps for washing sand from your feet, there were both ramps and stairways going from the boulevards to the beach, the promenades were wide and clean and boasted lovely benches where a person could sit and enjoy the ocean and the people. They have truly thought to supply anything a tourist might want or need. The entire area was so clean, no trash and I saw only 1 cigarette butt on the sidewalk.

I was surprised to see the Knock offs being sold openly in the stores. I could buy a Louis Vuitton bag for 10 Euros at a local souvenir shop, not from a sidewalk seller but from a valid business!

There are some locks on fences as is common in Paris and other European cities. This is not common yet.

We returned, had a late lunch, and a rest . We went to the evening show, it featured a comedian who was very good. Then we went to a game in Explorer's lounge. This is the first evening game for this cruise. Ken and Julia invited us to join them. It was fun.

April 19th is our last port day for a while, we will be in Santa Cruz De La Palma.