A weekly review of life as an ex-pat in Las Palmas Gran Canaria, the Canary Islands.
COVID IN THE CANARIES.
Covid cases continue to rise on the islands. There were 36,000 cases last week. 30% more than the previous week. 3% of the population currently have Covid.
There is, however, a feeling that we may be near the peak of the current wave. The Government seems keen to keep the economy open as much as possible.
I spent a few days down south in Playa del Ingles over the weekend. It was interesting to see how some entertainment businesses were operating.
In one busy commercial centre, my friends and I enjoyed a beer until 3 am on Friday. The official closing time is 1 am at Level 3.
We were hoping for the same on Saturday, but the police came around at 130am. All bars closed quickly, but it was light-touch policing, so we all just finished our drinks and left.
Other than the main entertainment areas Play Del Ingles was very quiet. Hopefully, better days are ahead.
It was I who did it.
Well, I said I would sort out the Guinness supply issue, and that is what I did. Below is a summary of last Wednesday’s events.
After almost of month of no Guinness on the Canary Islands, I am pleased to announce the crisis is over.
A convoy operating at radio silence entered Canarian waters overnight.
Early this morning, I met the crew, and we expect supplies to hit all islands over the next few days.
Although they cannot acknowledge it for politically sensitive reasons, I would like to thank the following people for helping me get Guinness to the Canary Islands.
Irish Taoiseach (Prime Minister) Micheál Martin.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez.
Canary Islands President Ángel Víctor Torres.
The Admiral Chief of the Spanish Navy.
UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator Martin Griffiths.
Various pirate groups who operate off the West African coast for their understanding.
Ant & Dec.
Novak Djokovic. He had some spare time to help.
I have ordered that the two Irish bars in the Las Canteras area in Las Palmas be among the first to receive deliveries. Today or in the next 24 hours.
Please drink aware, so if you are on a Level 4 restriction island, be aware you need to start drinking one hour earlier.
Ship Shape.
Living on a ship has its ups and downs. One up or maybe down is walking up the gangway. Now may not have been the best time for me for Guinness to return.
I am trying to figure out my life at almost 60 years of age and currently living on a ship in Las Palmas port. I have to admit I am enjoying the experience for now.
In the meantime, the hunt for an apartment goes on. I have seen a few places, but as this is where I will live for the rest of my life, I need to be sure.
The estate agent I am dealing with told me the Scandanavian and German buyers were normally her primary customers. This year it is the Irish.
She said many people want to live in Las Palmas. They are seeing what I saw eight years ago. It is a great place to live.
Calima Days.
La Calima was widespread in most of the islands during the weekend.
La Calima is dust from the Saraha desert that looks like haze. Two years ago, the Calima was so thick people could not see two meters in front of them. It was the worse in one hundred years.
Thankfully this weekend, the Calima was not that bad, but it is never great for anyone with breathing issues. La Calima usually lasts a few days.
Until next week hasta luego.
Catch up next week for a pint!
Free of course because I looked after your bar?
Short and sweet, very enjoyable read. Cheers Pat. 🍻