Following the trails

I am part of it, so it necessarily implies I support it (at least financially). But that doesn’t mean I agree with the idea.

I am on holiday. On Gran Canaria. In Arguineguin to be exact. A timeshare deal sort of fell into our hands. I have been here before, in Arguineguin. Three times, although it is almost 9 years since last time. We now stay at a very nice timeshare hotel (although they cannot provide a connection to internet without dialling ridiculously expensive overseas analogue phone numbers) built by a Norwegian. The kids love it. Suitable kids’ pool just outside our room. One elevator ride and a very short walk to a very nice beach (with sand imported from the Caribbean). Shopping, dining and a grocery store with everything you need (imported from Norway). Expensive? Yes, except alcohol.

Monte Anfi

So what’s wrong in this picture? Not necessarily anything. But if you come here and expect to see “local content”, any local content that is, you are in bad luck. If there ever was a “fishing village” here, it is long gone. The only hint of something that once were, is the once a week local market in town. But I bet they keep it only because it’s a nice break from the daily beach routine for the tourists. Much like the “floating market” in Bangkok for instance. You might think you see the real thing, but the real thing probably faded 20-30 (maybe more) years ago.

To enjoy this you have to accept the fact that everybody around you are tourists. And there is a 90% probability that the next person you meet is a Norwegian, or at least a Scandinavian. You don’t come here for the cultural experience. You come here to be able to enjoy your late breakfast on the balcony with a view to the Atlantic, to watch your kids having a good time, to read a book in the afternoon sun.

Cam and mummy enjoying the pool

Is that you Costeau?

Pool area

Do I agree with the idea? Yes!