Gran Canaria: Diary

SCHOOL'S OUT FOR SUMMER!

Gran Canaria was the first holiday that I went on without an adult, it was me and my best-friend John that went to celebrate the end of school before I left for college and he went to the University in Glasgow. This was one of the most liberating experiences ever and would honestly recommend to anyone who was contemplating it whether it be after you finish school or whilst at uni.

Gran Canaria is an amazing holiday for families or a trip away with your friends. As I went away with my friend our trip was filled with action packed activities however we also made sure we had plenty time for cocktails by the pool.

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JEEP SAFARI:

Before we got into the jeeps me and John purchased the sand masks were definitely for the photo op rather than the practicality, however it was just as well we are both completely self obsessed with having a good feed on insta because we needed them as soon as the jeeps took off due to the miniature sandstorm that imploded from the rejected kicked up sand.

Typically, it was our jeep that got a burst tire and we had to get out and wait until it was changed. The next stop was for lunch at a restaurant next to a camel sanctuary where you could purchase rides on camels as a part of the trip. However me and John both opted against participating in this as it was three people per one camel which we deemed unfair and a little cruel so we decided against. However we still made time to get some awesome shots of the camels before they set off.

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MINI GOLF:

Mini Golf was an activity which we enjoyed at night before going for drinks, there was something more nostalgic about playing in the dark? John won due the obvious factor that I'm shit, but there's honestly no better feeling than belly laughing at night on the course because two tourists have had to duck due to one of my particularly bad shots. Mini Golf is something that we enjoy playing at home as well and have played at the new one in Brae Head Glasgow. This is something I would recommend to families on holiday at night.

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AQUALAND:

This should actually be titled Aqualand attempt two due to the struggle we had getting there. Attempt one consisted of us getting the bus from the main strip in porto rico where we were staying. When we arrived we we were met by a massive queue of people which we hadn't quite anticipated for. As we got closer and began noticing how there was in fact no queue and more of a cluster of angry confused people. It then became clear that the park had been closed due to some unforeseen circumstance. This was only to be followed by more bizarre circumstances when a group of emergency forces turned in black uniforms with the word BOMBERO'S stitched neatly on their backs which put the fear of death into both us and every other British tourist there as we all got out our phones and straight to the google translate option. Heads up to any future tourists to Spain, Bombero's means police in Spanish. Turns out there had been a chlorine leakage into the pool which had irritated a few customers eyes who were now being taken to hospital to be checked.

We decided that it would be a waste to see when they would reopen the park as we had already been waiting two hours at this point and instead we headed back and treated ourselves to a spa date.

Attempt number two the next day proved to be more of a success and we went back and got straight in. We took time going round all the attractions and going down the rides which is always my favourite part as I love theme/ water parks. Although Siam Park did have more to offer Aqualand was still a great day out and one which I would have regretted not doing.

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SPA DAY:

Every holiday requires a day where you completely pamper yourself in my opinion. Me and John treated ourselves to massages and facials first after a relaxing sunbathe on the beach which is something I would like to do more of at home. Although the sunbathing part is particularly hard is you like in Scotland like me.

An unexpected thing we also tried which I have always wondered about is the fish spas for your feet. This could be the weirdest experience ever and I would not recommend to those of you who are squeamish or scared of sea-life as the fish do go in-between your toes and it does not feel at all like how I would have anticipated. The only way I can think to describe the sensation is small vibrations on your feet. Our session lasted around ten minutes and to be honest with you that was plenty of time because despite the photo most of the time I was clinging to John's arm shrieking. At least now I can cross it off the list and say that I've done it.

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PEDALO:

Whilst on our trip we also rented a pedalo to which allowed us to pedal around the designated area of sea. The boat which we rented had a plastic slide which allowed for you to slide into the sea to then climb back up. Although this is the part that proved difficult and why most of our photos are in the water.

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DRAG SHOW:

After being on the jeep safari we decided to go see a drag show which in short ended up being one of the biggest and most important days of my life, this was when I came out as bisexual to John. He was the first ever person that I told and honestly? I didn't even think I would be able to do it. I have never felt more scared, terrified, anxious and yet oddly proud and powerful before and I can't even find the words to describe the weight that was lifted from my shoulders as cliche as it sounds. Although this is a big part of my experience at Gran Canaria I am going to dedicate a whole post to coming out and my sexuality later on to discuss this more.

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GETTING TO GRAN CANARIA WHILST LIVING THE BROKE LIFE:

Whilst there are many ways and means of going on holiday nowadays we booked a package deal through jet2 which retailed at £400 each and included out flights, hotel, transfer and baggage for the eight days in which we were away. I believe that this is an incredible price for June when we went. For anyone looking to book a holiday such as this one I would suggest booking in advance as with jet2 you can place a deposit of £60 each and pay of the rest later. I am also aware that easyjet do similar deals. This in particular is beneficial for students as it gives you both time to budget and pay off your holiday whilst also saving for spending money there.

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FOOD AND DRINK:

We ate out for every meal as food was not covered as part of the package meaning that this was an extra factor that had to be accounted for. Although whilst there we actually found this to be very manageable. If you find yourself staying in porto rico such as us then there are a large selection of restaurants to choose from many of them within walking distance from the main beach. My favourite meal that we ordered was a pasta with mixed in veg though who doesn't love a big bowl of pasta. We also however, enjoyed fajitas and as vegetarians we never struggled to find anything on the menu anywhere.

Most restaurants also do a wide range on their cocktail list and I would recommend their Pina colada's.