Christmas in Gran Canaria

Christmas in Gran Canaria While most of the northern hemisphere is dreaming of a white Christmas, you´re talking to a California-raised, Canary Island transplant (via Cambodia and the Caribbean). I don´t do cold. So while the rest of the world may be content to cuddle up in cable knit sweaters and sip hot chocolate as…

Canary Islands Culture: La Noche de Finaos (not Halloween!)

La Noche de Finaos is a tradition in the Canary Islands, linked to All Saint´s Day and held on October 31 annually (the same day as Halloween). Like All Saint´s Day, Finaos in the Canaries celebrates, honors and remembers friends and family who have passed on. Families get together to share a meal, play music and remember stories of deceased loved ones.

Ultimate Guide: Apartment Hunting in Tenerife

I´ve lived in the Canary Islands since 2014 and my first home was Tenerife. I´ve lived in both Santa Cruz de Tenerife and in San Cristóbal de La Laguna, and I´ve definitely learned a thing or two about apartment hunting in the islands.

Fuerteventura Off the Beaten Track: Camping in the Canary Islands

With only five days to explore Fuerteventura – the second largest of the Canary Islands – we would need to do a lot of moving around. We arrived without an itinerary, determined to follow the advice of locals on our search for the most beautiful beaches, and daily weather reports to avoid the wilder winds (Fuerteventura, after all, translates to “strong wind,” and for good reason.

Free Museum Entry to 7 Las Palmas de Gran Canaria Museums

From centuries-old houses transformed into museums showcasing local artists and poets, to ancient cave paintings by the indigenous Canarii, there’s something for everyone in and around Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. Read on for the definitive list of 7 Gran Canaria museums that offer free entry on the first weekend of the month, and get to know a deeper side of this island paradise.

Carnaval in the Classroom: ESL Lesson Plans

One thing I’ve learnt Teaching English abroad is that there are many great opportunities to share your language, culture, traditions and celebrations, but if you want to keep your students completely engaged, try bringing their culture into the classroom! As an added bonus, you’ll learn a ton about local history, culture and traditions from your students! Read on for 10 Carnival activities and lesson plans for the ESL classroom!

Carnaval de Santa Cruz de Tenerife: The Biggest Bash in the Canary Islands

Usually January is considered a time to tighten up the budget and the post-holiday buns and to settle in for the less festive side of winter; but as most of Spain is packing up their poinsettias and nibbling on the last crumbs of turrón and Roscón de Reyes, Santa Cruz de Tenerife is just warming up for the real party… Carnaval.

Getting Lost in 2017: A Year in Photos

The end of the year always leaves me with notes of nostalgia, and this morning as I lazily sipped my coffee I got to thinking about all the places I’ve gotten lost in 2017 (and some plans for the coming year!)