Wednesday, May 25, 2016

Salt Museum Fuerteventura, Canary Islands, Spain

During our holiday in January/February 2016 in Fuerteventura we took part in the Flavors of Fuerteventura Tour. This included a visit to the Salt Museum just outside Caleta de Fuste.

The space is contemporary designed and directly by the sea. There are some real salt fields and visitors can even see how they are harvested, when visiting at the right time.

In the beautifully designed museum building you can learn about where salt is available, how it is produced, what role it played/plays in different eras and much more.

The location is romantic by the sea and the walk along the salt fields memorable.

It’s worth a visit and if coming independently visitors might want to spend a bit longer there. We had around 30 minutes, which was acceptable, but a bit longer would have been better for us, because we had to rush through the displays, to keep up with our group to still be able to enjoy the salt fields.

©2016

Monday, May 23, 2016

Betancuria, Fuerteventura, Canary Islands, Spain

During the Fuerteventura Grand Tour and the Flavors of Fuerteventura we passed through Betancuria, the former capital of all of the Canary Islands.
The village is very beautiful and romantic and has the only Michelin recommended restaurant Casa Santa Maria on the island.

Another place worth visiting is the Iglesia de la Inmaculada Concepcion – the Church of Immaculate Conception. It houses the Museum of Sacred Art and the entrance fee is 1.50 Euro per person (ca. 1.70 USD). It helps to keep the church open for the inhabitants, which are some of the poorest on Fuerteventura. The museum and church can be viewed relatively quickly. Around ten to fifteen minutes should be sufficient for this “must do” when in Betancuria on the beautiful island of Fuerteventura.

We would visit the church again in our future, plus we would want to eat at Casa Santa Maria in our future too when we hopefully visit Fuerteventura again. Caleta de Fuste was our base during our January/February 2016 visit.

©2016

La Goleta @ The Barcelo Castillo, Caleta de Fuste, Fuerteventura, Canary Islands, Spain

While exploring the Barceló Castillo Hotel complex in Caleta de Fuste, we enjoyed a walk along the sea front and ended up at the beach restaurants and bars of the Barceló Castillo Beach Resort.

The overall impression of the resort was inviting. It was contemporary, stylish and the grounds immaculately kept. Since we liked what we saw, we decided to maybe even stay at a Barceló in the future.

Our favorite outlet was La Goleta, serving around thirty different ice cream flavors, coffee, tea, alcoholic drinks and much more.

It is set up outdoors. All the furniture is white and there are different seating arrangements including comfortable sofas, bar tables and chairs and restaurant style seating.

We went three times on different days in February 2016 to La Goleta and enjoyed always ice cream and orange juice. Sometimes we had La Goleta's own creations or chose a cup with up to two scoops. Of course there was also the possibility to have three.

Most of La Goleta's ice cream creations contained alcohol. While he liked it, I didn't.

The Frappe Lattes come also highly recommended as well as the dulce de leche and coffee ice cream.

Depending what we ordered it cost between 14.90 Euro and 17.40 Euro (ca. 16.90 USD and 19.70 USD).

When returning to Fuerteventura we will be often seen at La Goleta and maybe even stay at the Barceló Castillo in our future.

©2016

Friday, May 20, 2016

Poker



Poker is dedicated to Brian T. Hickey, Mikaspice, PP, EW, aka Uggboy, and those who aren’t named. You made a difficult decision in regards to Thomas’s name easier. Thank you!

"My attitude?! My attitude?! I told you I have a blinding headache and don't feel like going out. I hoped you would show a bit more understanding!" Sussanna Pianas shouted at her boyfriend Wesley Wadley. "Always when I suggest we should go out, you find a reason not to. You could think you are ashamed being seen with me." Wes replied heated. "That's not true and you know it. I went with you to that stupid Jets game and to the equally boring lecture about bees." "Thanks very much for confirming you're absolutely not interested in me!" "I am. I do what you like, even if I might not enjoy it, but do you reciprocal? No! How often did I tell you I would like to go to an art exhibition? Instead I have to hang out with your friends, who have nothing better in mind than get drunk!" "Ah, well, the art is deranged!" "Bastard! How can you say such a thing? Frieda Kahlo is one of the greatest female painters in the whole world." "Pah, you're just interested in her, because she's from South America like you!" Sussanna laughed bitterly. "Frieda Kahlo was Mexican. My parents are Colombian! That makes her North American, oaf!" "Don't call me names!" "You don't deserve better!" Sussanna swore at Wesley in Spanish. He had learned French at school, which he thought was much more cultivated than Spanish and didn't understand what she was saying, but guessed based on her body language and voice it wasn't something positive. "God damn it! Speak English with me!" "Okay, I said you're an asshole and that I shit into your whore mother's milk!" It upset Wesley, because his mother had had a loose lifestyle and he and his two half-sisters had three different fathers. He lost it and shook Sussanna. He thought he heard her teeth shatter. "Take it back!" Sussanna was frightened and believed Wesley was going to slap her. Instead of showing how scared she was she struggled with her boyfriend and said: "No! Let go of me, straight away!" "Apologize!" "No!" Finally Wesley got his temper under control and stopped shaking Sussanna. "I'm sorry." He said contrite. "I don't believe you and I have enough of you and your god damn know it all better. Out! Now!" Sussanna, who was dark haired and grey eyed, shot daggers at Wesley. She was glad they had never taken the plunge and moved in together in the two years they had been on and off. Sussanna loved and hated Wesley at the same time. He was attractive with his dark brown hair, blue eyes and broad shoulders. In the beginning she had been intrigued by him being the opposite of her. During the last couple of months Wesley had turned more selfish and rude. The last straw was when he shook her so hard she thought her teeth were going to break. Sussanna feared if a future argument didn't turn out the way Wesley wanted it, he would not stop at shaking her and turn violent. Sussanna didn't want to live being frightened, so for her the relationship was over and this time for real. It broke her heart.

Three months later nothing had changed for Sussanna. She missed Wesley and the laughs they shared, lounging together on the sofa and the sex. Their love making had been passionate and one of the things that kept them together. When she remembered all their arguments, she was glad it was over. Still her grades at college suffered and she turned more frequently to playing poker with friends or online to forget. One evening her best friend Christopher Petrus and she were hanging out together, watching "My best friend's wedding" for the umpteenth time and munching on nachos and salsa. Christopher had a crush on Rupert Everett. "I'm going to Vegas in a couple of weeks." He said. "Gamblin’, Kid?" Sussanna asked.
A friend of a friend had introduced Sussanna and Christopher at a party. She had misheard the name and understood he was nicknamed Kid. In reality it was Kit. Somehow it had stuck.
“No, I want to see a poker game.” Sussanna was intrigued. “Can I come too?” “Sure.”
Three weeks later Sussanna was on the way with Kid to Las Vegas. She had never been there before. It was like a wonderland for her. Kid showed Sussanna the way around. The professional poker games were highly interesting. Sussanna learned a lot. After watching some of the players for a while she could guess who bluffed. Sometimes she got it wrong of course. Sussanna didn’t dare play herself, though.

Months passed. Sussanna’s grades in Microbiology didn’t improve, but her poker skills did. Encouraged by Kid she tried her luck in one tournament in Atlantic City. She didn’t win. It wasn’t a total disaster either, so Sussanna decided to stay with it. Her parents were less pleased to hear playing took over her studies and demanded she buckle down, since they were paying for college. Sussanna tried to focus on college. In the end poker won.

For the next big tournament Sussanna prepared well. She went to games of her opponents and studied them. She worked on her own body language too.
When the tournament approached Sussanna was nervous and excited. The prize money was high.
Kid was there to support her.
It went well for Sussanna. She held only a “Straight” but managed to bluff her way through until just she and another player were left. Sussanna believed he was holding the better hand, so she gave up. Sussanna was right. He had a “Flush”. As runner up she received still some of the prize money.

For Sussanna everything fell into place. This was what she wanted to do. Sussanna didn’t want to waste her parents’ money further, so she visited them in Buffalo to tell them about her decision.
She went to her father’s office first. Sussanna believed he was going to understand her better than her mother would. The office was located in a non-descript building off Niagara Square and not too far from the Buffalo Niagara Convention Center and the Hyatt Regency.
Sussanna hoped she would arrive at a time, when her older sister Roberta and her fiancé Juan were busy and she could catch her father alone. Unfortunately the three had planned to go to Carbone’s Pizzas and Subs for lunch, so Sussanna sighed inwardly, when she encountered her family. They were surprised to see her, but of course happy, even if the visit was unannounced.
“Dad, can I speak to you alone?” “Sure, Sussanna. Bobby and Juan, why don’t you go ahead? We’ll meet in an hour or so back here.” Roberto addressed his older daughter and her partner. They nodded in agreement.
Roberto invited Sussanna to his office, where he ordered sandwiches for them. “So, what would you like to talk about?” “Well, it’s about my studies.” “Alright. Have your grades improved?” Sussanna looked down, ashamed for a moment. Taking a deep breath she looked up and replied: “Not exactly.” Roberto, who was dark haired and brown eyed, frowned. Sussanna looked a bit like him. It was startling for Roberto to stare back into the same shaped eyes and face. “I have thought long and hard about what I want to do and it’s not having a college degree.” “No?” “No. I’m going to play poker professionally.” “Okay, you know what that means?” “Of course. I don’t expect you to support me financially. I should manage on my own. I believe I can win and achieve something…” “I guess I can’t convince you to stay in college until you finished your studies?” “No, I have enough.” “Well, why don’t you try poker for a year and if it doesn’t work out, you can always go back to school?” Sussanna didn’t like her father’s suggestion. She wouldn’t finish her studies, no matter how her carrier penned out. “I love poker and I’m sure I’m going to succeed.” Roberto knew life didn’t always work out as one hoped for, so he was a bit more skeptical about Sussanna’s prospects. It was her life, though, and she had to gain experiences and learn from them. Roberto pushed a hand through his hair, thinking about how his wife Rachel was going to react. She would be disappointed, since she had hoped the majority of her daughters would graduate from college. Roberto and Rachel had four. So far it looked like it was going to be fifty-fifty. Their oldest Frieda and the second youngest Vanessa had done so. Bobby had immediately started within the family business after high school, while Sussanna had at least partly finished her studies. She was twenty one and the youngest.

When Bobby and Juan were back, Roberto handed over the reign to them and took the afternoon off. He didn’t want to let Sussanna stew any longer than necessary and also not leave her to face Rachel alone.
Rachel was cleaning the floor, a chore, she disliked and always put her into a bad mood. It didn’t help listening to Mexican country music.
She listened in surprise, when she heard Roberto’s car approach. She could identify the sound it made. Was he sick or injured? Rachel’s heart started to race. She leaned on her mop. Rachel heard two doors opening and closing. Did they have a visitor? Curious Rachel went to investigate at the security center and checked the CCTV footage. It were Roberto and Sussanna. What was Sussanna doing here?! Rachel feared the worst. Had Sussanna been thrown out of college or was she pregnant? Rachel rushed to the front door, only running full speed into Sussanna, when they turned a corner. The impact was jarring. They would have fallen, if Roberto hadn’t snatched his wife and daughter by their arms and steadied them. “Puh, that’s what I call an entrance!” Sussanna said, when she got her breath back. “Are you okay? What happened?” “Of course I’m okay. Why shouldn’t I be?” “You should be at college, learning.” Rachel shot at her. “Ahem, coffee anyone?” Roberto cleared his throat. He thought it was better to interrupt now before a full blown shouting match could develop. Mother and daughter shot him a dirty look, then ignored him. The two started bickering immediately. “Shut up! Both of you!” Roberto shouted. “It won’t help if you behave like kids!” Roberto’s outburst achieved the desired result. “Let’s go to the kitchen and talk civilized about why Sussanna is here.” Arriving in the kitchen Roberto ordered them: “Sit.” He went to the fridge to get a pitcher of tamarind juice, which he had freshly made in the morning, and filled three glasses. He brought them to the old, scared oak wood table. “Okay, Sussanna has decided she doesn’t want to continue her education.” “That’s awful! I wished you would re-consider. It’s very important for your future. You can’t simply throw in the towel!” “Mama, it doesn’t make sense for me. It’s a waste of time.” “What will you do, if whatever you are planning to do isn’t panning out? Hm? Will you beg us to let you go back to college?” “No. I will find another way and would never ask you to support me in any way.” Rachel forced herself to calm down. She was seriously worried about her daughter’s future. “Honey, I’m scared that you won’t be able to be independent, if you don’t have a college degree and I think it would be better to put your plans on the backburner. You just have only two years to go…” “I think it would be by now slightly longer, because I missed quite a bit of stuff. Please accept my decision. I have made up my mind and you can’t stop me.” Rachel bit her lower lip. It was hard to give in. The love for Sussanna won out. It was more important to have Sussanna trust them and come to them when she had problems instead of alienating her and to have no contact at all. “Fine!” Rachel replied in a tone, making it clear she would have preferred another outcome. It was a relief for Sussanna. She went across the table to hug her mother. “I appreciate it. Thanks so much.” “Hm, we will see about that.”

Sussanna had imagined she would have success immediately, but it was more difficult than she thought. She was very lonely too, since the guys on the circuit had a very different lifestyle than she did. Sussanna was about to give up, when she finally won a major tournament. From then on she finished in the top three and very rarely fell out in the early stages. Sometimes family members and friends were watching and supporting her.

With the success came media attention and an invitation to join the World Poker Tour for Ladies.

One evening Sussanna returned to her hotel in Las Vegas. She was tired and just wanted peace and quiet. Someone was waiting for her. At first Sussanna didn’t recognize Wesley. She hadn’t seen him for years and he had changed. “Sussanna, I made a mistake. I should have treated you better. Could you please give me a chance?” Sussanna was torn. Within a second she made a decision. Sometimes she missed Wesley, but she realized it had more to do with familiarity than really being still in love. She hadn’t forgotten the reason why she had split up with him. Sussanna believed Wes couldn’t change. “That’s really kind of you, Wes, but no thank you.” “Why not? I promise I take better care of you!” “Wes, please, it’s getting embarrassing. I have learned to take care of myself. I don’t need you and I don’t love you anymore. If you would have told me a few months after our split, I would maybe have considered, but not now.” “Please, please, give me a chance. I have changed. I promise I will cherish you.” “Save your breath! I said no and I mean it!” “I’m good for you. We had a great time, didn’t we?” “Yes, we had a great time as long as it lasted, but there was a reason I decided I couldn’t be with you anymore. I don’t trust you.” “Why don’t you let the past be the past?” Sussanna was looking for an escape. She didn’t want to deal with Wesley. Everything was said and the chapter closed for her. Sussanna wondered how she could leave immediately. Wes was still pestering her, when an attractive man entered the lobby. In her desperation she left Wesley where he was and went to the man. “Ah, there you are, Harrison!” She gave the grey haired stranger a kiss on the mouth. He replied it and didn’t seem the least fazed. Their kiss deepened. Sussanna felt her knees weakening and butterflies in her tummy. Oh, man! He knew how to kiss! When they finally separated, Wesley was gone. “Wow, what a welcome! My name isn’t Harrison, though.” “It would have been a wonder if you really would have been called that. You are my lifesaver, though. How can I make it up to you?” “Well, maybe another kiss and a drink at a bar after I have conducted my business meeting. Is that okay with you?” Sussanna’s eyes wandered up to the stranger’s mouth. Hm, another kiss? Sussanna was more than happy to oblige. Would it be as amazing as the first? Her tongue was darting out and licking her lower lip. “Hello, miss?” “Oh, I’m sorry. Yes, that would be fantastic!” “Very well. I should be finished in about an hour. Where will I find you?” “I’m waiting here for you in one of the chairs.” “Alright, Missy. See you later.” Sussanna’s hackles were rising. She didn’t like being called “missy”. Sussanna wanted to make a good impression, so she kept her temper in check. The encounter had been invigorating. Sussanna could barely wait to meet the stranger again.

At the agreed time Sussanna went downstairs. She didn’t have to wait long. Suddenly she felt insecure. Should Sussanna kiss the man or shake hands? He was taller than her. Around a foot. Sussanna was 5 ft. 2.5 in.
Before she had been too concerned about the stranger’s lips to notice his aquiline nose and sharp grey eyes.
The gentleman made it easy for her. His hands were resting on Sussanna’s shoulders. Sussanna and he were staring into each other’s eyes what seemed like an eternity. Then he slowly bent down. This time the kiss was gentle, but nevertheless as intense. Sussanna was disappointed when it ended. “Now. Where would you like to go to?” He asked. Sussanna said: “Why don’t you surprise me.” “Fine.” The stranger was a total gentleman and asked Sussanna to wait at the hotel’s entrance, while he was getting his car. She was impressed by the dark Lexus LS460L limousine. It was brand new, luxurious and comfortable. The radio was playing KCNV, a classic channel. “You might not like it. Would you prefer if I switch to KWID?” This station played Spanish Pop. “Oh, no, I like classic music. My parents took me regularly to the Opera and the Symphony in Buffalo.” She thought he was considerate. The stranger took her to a secret Speakeasy, heading west and turning off the Strip. It was near the ARCO gas station. Sussanna loved the dark interior with black leather booths, wooden floors and tables. The tapestry set off nicely in a rich red. Finally after their order was taken, they had time to talk. “I’m Thomas Konstantin Aschari.” “But you don’t look Indian!” Sussanna blurted out, then blushed furious. She could have kicked herself. Thomas just laughed, making her blush even more. “I was adopted and it’s Indonesian.” He explained. “Okay, so your adoptive parents were born there?” “No. My mother was born in Plzeň, It is today in the Czech Republic. At the time it belonged to the Austrian-Hungarian Empire. My father was born in Milwaukee, but his parents came from Jakarta.” “I was born in Buffalo, but my parents grew up in Bogota.” “So you are Colombian?” “Yes, that’s right.” “It must have been terrible with all the drug cartels and FARC…” Sussanna didn’t want to talk about that, so her answer was a bit evasive. Thomas thought he had touched a raw spot and changed the subject.
It was amazing how well the two gelled. It seemed as if they had known each other a long time, even so they just had met. They both liked Prohibition Era cocktails, so they ordered a Royal Flush for Sussanna and a Rattle Snake for Thomas.
While they drank and shared chicken wings, they talked about their past.
Thomas was named after Thomas Hardy, because his father was a huge fan of the author. Thomas’s mother had chosen Konstantin in honor of her father.
Thomas was divorced and had two sons. One was twenty-six, like Sussanna, the other was two years younger.
Thomas had his own business. He was a system analyst and lived in Calico Ridge, a bit outside Las Vegas.
Sussanna liked Thomas very much and she wanted sleep with him. Only her catholic upbringing kept her from heading straight to the bedroom.
Thomas sent out signals he felt the same. They exchanged some smoldering looks. It led to nothing. After they had finished their meal and drinks they took two taxis. Before they went their different ways they agreed to meet again.

Over the next few months Sussanna learned to appreciate Thomas’s humor, self-assurance and openness. He was laid back, non-judgmental, considerate and not the jealous type at all. Sussanna loved the fact he gave her all the freedom she needed.
Thomas on the other side loved Sussanna’s optimism, warmth and liveliness. She brought a fresh wind to his home. He thought it was cute, when she swore in Spanish, if something didn’t work out. It surprised him a bit Sussanna could hide her emotions well when she played cards. Otherwise Thomas could read her like an open book.

It didn’t matter to them that Thomas was thirty years older than Sussanna. They had a lot in common including their passion for art, classical music and travelling.

After two months Thomas asked Sussanna if she wanted to move in with him. Before agreeing to it she told him what kind of business her father was in. Thomas took it in his stride he was going to marry the daughter of the Colombian mafia boss of Upstate New York.

Next followed a round of introductions to Thomas’s family. Thomas Junior was very unhappy his future stepmother was a few months younger than him. He made meetings awkward. Thomas Junior believed Sussanna was only after his father’s money and not really interested in him. Her job couldn’t be taken serious either.
Brady, Thomas’s younger son, and his wife had no issues with it. They saw how happy Thomas was and that Sussanna had drawn him out of his shell.
A visit to Milwaukee was necessary too. Thomas’s parents lived in an assisted home, since they were over ninety and fragile.
Klara Beate Strobl Aschari gave Sussanna the once over, then smiled broadly and welcomed her daughter in law warmly.
Arthur Aschari was charm personified.
Thomas was relieved his family had accepted Sussanna relatively easy. He was sure Thomas Junior would come around too. Unfortunately it never really happened.

At Christmas Thomas met Sussanna’s parents. If they had problems that he was older than them by a few years, they didn’t show it. They were hospitable and friendly. It was easy talking with them. They appreciated Thomas was learning Spanish. Soon he was integrated and loved by the rest of the family. Thomas developed a close bond with Roberto.

Sussanna and Thomas married in Las Vegas a year later, exactly on the day they met. Their honeymoon was a weeklong gourmet trip through Morocco.

They had a loving and stable relationship.

Only once they were in a deep crisis. Sussanna was in her late thirties, when she wanted to have children. Thomas argued against it. He had already adult children and four grandchildren and thought he was too old. He didn’t want his kids to grow up fatherless. The chances were good this would happen, since he was in is late sixties. It was unfair to put them in such a situation. They argued a lot about it. Weighing up what spoke for it and against it Thomas decided he couldn’t refuse Sussanna’s wish, and still had maybe twenty years in him. They were financially secure and if he was going to die earlier than expected, his and her family would do anything to support Sussanna. Thomas had still his doubts. In the end he was glad he agreed to have another kid. When Brady and Thomas Junior were growing up, he didn’t have much time for them. With Noah everything was different. It was amazing following Noah’s progress and seeing the world through the eyes of his son. Everything seemed possible and magical. To Thomas’s own astonishment he lived to see Noah graduate from college. They had done it!


©2016


Thursday, May 19, 2016

Caffe Nero, Calete de Fuste, Fuerteventura, Canary Islands, Spain

During our stay in Caleta de Fuste, Fuerteventura, we explored our area and walked to the Barcelo complex from the Elba Sara Beach & Golf Resort. Please see also the review, where we found the Caffé Nero.
 
The complex not only includes the Barcelo Thalasso and Castillo resorts, but also a few upscale and souvenir shops, restaurants and pubs.
 
We hadn’t eaten since breakfast and it was already afternoon, so we were looking for a place to eat lunch. The best impression made Caffe Nero – nothing to do with the British coffee shop chain -, so we went there for a light meal.
 
The weather was sunny as most days in Fuerteventura. We used the outdoor terrace, but there was also indoor seating available and designed bistro style.
 
Caffe Nero specializes in crepes – sweet and savory – and pizza.
 
Waiting staff was friendly, but very busy.
 
We ordered two Affogatos made with Illy coffee, two orange juice, one crepe filled with tuna and one Pizza Parma.
 
The food was delicious and the setting upscale.
 
We paid 35.50 Euro (ca. 40.20 USD).
 
We would return, should we be in the area.
 
©2016
 

Friday, May 13, 2016

St. Andrews @ Elba Palace Golf & Vital, Caleta de Fuste, Fuerte Ventura, Canary Islands, Spain

We had dinner every evening at St. Andrews at the Elba Palace Golf & Vital, Caleta de Fuste, Fuerteventura, Spain during our stay at this landmark hotel due to having chosen full board wich was spot on. It is the fine dining restaurant.

The restaurant is located at the beautiful courtyard of the hotel and is classic elegant designed throughout.

The Maître d' welcomed us every evening and either let us choose our table or brought us to one, depending how busy St. Andrews was.

We would recommend to come early or from 21.00 hours onwards, because the busiest time was always around 19.30 hours to 20.00 hours.

Our fellow diners were generally older and only a few other couples were younger or our age.

There was also a piano player which played classical tunes which suited the upscale atmosphere of this restaurant.

The cuisine was upscale and a mix of international and Spanish highlights served table de hote.

As guests on full board we could choose any main course from the menu, the vital cuisine or the specials of the day.

Starters and desserts were served buffet style. There were some staples, but there was every day something new, so it didn't get boring at all.

Appetizers included cold cuts, smoked fish, salads, fresh and roasted vegetables, bread and butter and much more.

Main courses were based on international and regional cuisine. We liked the selection of the spa menu, the fish, chicken skewers and the ravioli as special of the day.

There was also a good choice of wine. My fiancé had a dessert wine from Lanzarote, which he enjoyed.

Desserts were wide ranging from fruits to yogurt/cream based desserts to cake and ice cream. The ice cream was self-service.

According to a German diner the only word you must know in German is Schlagsahne (whipped cream). He had caused some stares and after saying this laughs, because he really liked his whipped cream. It was much more than the ice cream.

All the meals were very delicious and enjoyable.

We would look forward to stay again at this beautiful hotel and yes, we would chose full board again, it's worth it.

©2016

Sheraton Fuerteventura Beach, Golf & Spa Resort


During our holiday in Fuerteventura we visited the Sheraton twice.

Once we went for drinks to the Piano Lobby Bar and once to La Veranda, the all-day dining poolside restaurant.

The hotel has a mix of Canarian and international style architecture.

The bar offers a terrace overlooking the garden on the outside and also a chance to admire the stained glass dome and small atrium with staircase and plants on the inside.

It’s also a place to see and be seen.

The drinks, a bottle of still Solan de Cabras water, a peach and an orange juice were quickly served as soon as we got the attention of the bar tender. With the drinks came nuts and olives. All was good and enjoyable.

The bill was 11.24 Euro, ca. 12.80 USD.

Afterwards we explored the hotel a bit and were impressed by the public spaces and the beautiful carpets and chandeliers.

On another day we had lunch at La Veranda near the pool.

The setting was upscale, but relaxed. There were families with small children and couples.

Our waiters were friendly and attentive.

We ordered a bottle of still Aquavia, two sangrias, two Gazpachos, one Sheraton Salad and one Pizza Iberica.

We were served a bread basket to go with our soup, which came with fresh vegetables (onions and peppers) as condiments.

The salad included avocado, white asparagus, olives, tuna, sweet corn, onions, green leaves and roasted vegetables.

The pizza was topped with chorizo and olives.

All was of very high standard and we enjoyed the food and the setting.

The bill came in at 55.64 Euro (ca. 63.30 USD).

Having now explored the Sheraton a bit more, we realized that we would love to stay at this property at some stage in our future.

©2016

Thursday, May 12, 2016

Elba Palace Golf & Vital, Caleta de Fuste, Fuerteventura, Canary Islands, Spain

We spent a long time trying to figure out how we would split up our holiday between maybe two hotels in January/February 2016 and after thinking about it we decided to book the Elba Palace Golf & Vital, an adults only resort, for eight nights. Since we had already paid the first four nights at the Palace we simply booked another set of four nights. They included full board.

We took a taxi from the sister property, the Elba Sara Beach & Golf Resort, where we had spent five nights. Please also see our review. The taxi ride took around 5 to 10 minutes and cost 2.70 Euro (ca. 3.10 USD).

Checking in early wasn't a problem. As a welcome drink we received a glass of rose Champagne and could have had a second, if we were so inclined.

The formalities over we were shown the property by David. The building is designed in traditional Canarian architecture and is a 5 Star GL hotel. We've stayed in other GL "Gran Lujo" designated properties before and love the details, character and particular high standards at these hotels/resorts.

The lobby had an atrium with a large glass stained window and a magnificent chandelier. There were palms, huge vases, seating areas, the golf shop and a stair case to the right.

In one corner was a vitrine containing Sardinian ceramics.

The elevator to the higher floors and an entrance to the courtyard were to the left.

All important features were housed there, like the Piano Bar, St. Andrews Restaurant, the library, the Cafeteria Hoyo 19, the Aloe Vera Wellness Center Spa, the gym, the wine cellar and access to the golf club house.

We were brought to the elevator and handed our key cards. David promised to bring our luggage shortly afterwards to our room. 

At first we couldn't find our room, because we overlooked a small hallway leading off the landing, which had a seating area, views into the atrium and artwork. Eventually we found our Deluxe room and it got easier as time went by.

As promised a few minutes after our arrival on the room David delivered our luggage.

We had booked a queen bed deluxe room, which we also received. It was unusual located, directly above the entrance and was the only one with a very private balcony on this floor. The other rooms shared a balcony with a neighbor. Dividers separated them.

The balcony was fully furnished.

The room was very detailed with dark wooden floors and furniture.

The tapestry was intricate with plant and heart shaped prints. 

The artwork was a combination of classic and modern. It depicted a landscape, but it was like a memory game, where only one square was revealed. The frames of it and the mirrors were beautifully decorated with flowers and plants.

The sofa was comfortable and the writing desk and bed had the same design. The bed consisted of two mattresses pushed together, which we didn't mind.

We also had a smaller than expected TV, because of the larger than exepected size of our room and a credenza, containing the minibar.

The Spanish TV channels didn't had a signal/reception. All English channels were news and business related and no entertainment available. Of course there were other international channels too.

The minibar was reasonably priced with all non-alcoholic beverages costing 2.25 Euro or ca. 2.60 USD. Only the Coca Cola was more expensive with 2.60 Euro (ca. 3 USD). Beer was 2.80 Euro (ca. 3.25 USD).

We also received as a welcome refreshment in our room a free large bottle of water. It was beautifully presented on a tray together with glasses.

In the hallway was a large wardrobe with the safe, tea/coffee making facilities and a storage unit especially for golf equipment. The safe was a bit awkward placed. The door opened up towards the guest, so I had to climb into the wardrobe to be able to retrieve items. The safe was large, though, and could easily store a laptop or two.

Beside the air-conditioning there was also a fan, which added ambience and a touch of romance.

Turn down was provided every night and chocolates were left on the bed.

There was also 24 hours in room dining available.

We used the wake up calls regularly and they were always punctual.

The 24 hours laundry service was reasonably priced. We paid ca. 54 Euro (ca. 62.10 USD) for around 10 items. The clothing returned neatly folded in a basket. Express service is also available.

The bathroom was large with a separate bath tub and shower, double sink, mirrors, soap for two and own branded Hoteles Elba amenities. As mentioned before I like them, but think they smell slightly too chemical.

The toilet and bidet were in their own room within the bathroom.

When exploring the hotel we found out that the courtyard contained also a fountain and in the corner between the cafeteria and the spa a cage with four budgies (A couple and their offspring.). The birds reminded us about the Lapa Palace and Pestana Palace in Lisbon, where we have stayed before. There was another pet, Elba, the cat, named after the hotel chain. To our surprise it was a him. He was tempted to eat the birds and sometimes jumped onto the cage to the dismay of the inhabitants. Thank goodness the cage was very solid, so nothing did happen. Elba is spoiled by everyone.

The grounds, gardens, outdoor pool, tennis courts and the golf course were kept immaculate. The golf course is by the way one of the best on the island and in high demand. The Spanish Open took part here too.

The library was very large with different seating areas and equipped with two internet PCs, a large book selection in different languages, magazines, newspapers and a billiard, bridge and chess tables are also available here.

The free internet was generally fast and reliable. Only on one day it didn't work as it should be.

I used the spa twice to have a head massage. The therapist was excellent and helped make a cold much lighter and pass quicker. We chatted a bit and I learned from her about the cat, the budgies, where she had lived, her dog and her Thai teacher.

Spa treatments can't be charged to the room and have to be paid either in cash or by credit card. A fifty minute massage cost 50 Euro, ca. 57.70 USD.

The Cafeteria Hoyo 19 overlooks the golf course and serves international and regional cuisine. It has open for breakfast, lunch and afternoon snacks. The interior is traditional Canarian with Terra Cotta tiles, a terrace and photographs of the local golf players.

The buffet breakfast was smaller, but high quality and included sparkling wine and Champagne in the morning besides four types of juice, water, cold cuts, smoked salmon, jams, bread, cakes, pastries, an egg station and much more.

The orange juice was one of the best we ever experienced so far in a hotel. How to get the juice was interesting in itself. There was a machine. It was filled at the top with oranges. They dropped down, when the tap was used, and then were getting squeezed while being transported through the press.

Coffee was brought to the table, while tea and hot chocolate was self-service with a Samovar. My fiancé slightly burned himself once or twice, because the hot water dispenser had rested on the Samovar and had heated up.

Lunch was easy going with two main courses of the day or anything from the menu. We just had to pay for the drinks. The sangria was very good and we enjoyed the sandwiches, Gazpacho, salads and pasta dishes.

Desserts were of course the highlight. There weren't a lot, but what was on offer was again high quality. If you are a bit adventures take the cake of the day. I had two or three different ones and they were all surprising and creative. One of my favorite was the chocolate cake. It was really delicious. Other favorites were the Crema Catalana and the rice pudding.
The fruit plate is generously proportioned, tasty and nicely presented.

St. Andrews is the international fine dining restaurant and dinners are served table d' hote. The wine list is very good.

He had a dessert wine from Lanzarote, which he enjoyed.

Again guests on full board could choose a main course from the menu without restrictions. We tried the spa cuisine, which was pretty good, the fish and the specials of the day. We liked the filled pasta and Gazpacho especially. Starters
and desserts were served buffet style. There was an ice cream stand too, where guests could decide and take themselves what they liked. Some had generous helpings of cream on "top of their ice cream".

The gym offers also golf stretching sessions, walks or Pilates.

The reception organized tours for us. They had to be paid in cash. One was a day trip (Volcano Express) to Lanzarote and another a mini bus gourmet tour of Fuerteventura. They come highly recommended.

The location is a bit isolated, but taxis are inexpensive and if you don't need/want to go right away, there's always the free hourly shuttle to other hotels within the vicinity and the local shopping mall in Caleta de Fuste.

What made this stay so great beside the amenities was the staff.  We liked that you could see the staff members different characters. Their interactions were never cookie cutter style or felt staged. They were attentive and concerned about our wellbeing. For example when they realized we tried to pick up a bit of Spanish, they taught us a few words.

David and Aneta from reception asked how we liked the tours and the stay.

The maid, who brought back our laundry, was a bit concerned, we would be displeased with the service, because they didn't manage to get out a spot of blood on one of the items. We hadn't expected it, so all was good.

Unfortunately checkout approached too fast after our 8 nights / 9 days here and we were somewhat sad to leave.

We would happily return to Fuerteventura and the Elba Golf & Vital Hotel, located at the Fuerteventura Golf Club and Resort.

©2016

Friday, May 6, 2016

McDonalds Calete de Fuste, Fuerteventura, Canary Islands, Spain

Sometimes we go to McDonalds and it’s quite interesting to see what is on offer in foreign countries, so we used the chance to have lunch at the only McDonalds on Fuerteventura which is located in Caleta de Fuste.

It was on a Sunday in February 2016 when we visited. The branch was really busy and we had to wait around 25 minutes to have our order taken. There was a bit of a language barrier, but in the end we got what we wanted.

Of course the restaurant was really full. Cleanliness suffered a bit.

We had 2 orange juices, 2 Big Love (A heart shaped hamburger), Chicken McNuggets and 2 McFlurries with Nutella Brownies. While the burger wasn’t to our taste, we loved the rest.

Next time when staying in Caleta de Fuste we will visit again, but preferable during the week.
 
©2016