Islas Canarias [ Twist & Shout] & Mis hermanos

Last week Vicky and I headed to Tenerife (the largest island of the canary islands) for some much needed R&R. In short the trip was incredible. We stayed in a resort right on the water the black sand beaches sparkled and shined everyday in our glorious 75 degree weather. The first night we decided to explore our new setting and was bit surprised on what we found. This time of year the majority of tourist are from Germany, Ireland, and England. The mean age of the tourist: 60. Although we were the outliers it did not stop us from having fun and truly enjoying every moment. We found this quaint restaurant next to our Hotel that served traditional dishes from England our waitress was from Essex! The food was delicious, hands down the best pizza I've had since being in Europe (I know pizza is not English!) It was also the first time in over 2 months that I had butter! Paula Dean would not be proud bc i couldn't recognize the flavor at first and confused it for mayonnaise! The following day we had the ultimate beach bum day and laid out for hours watching the surfers and the Europeans "free spirit" tanning. The following day we took a tour of the Island. We started by going to the largest Volcano on the Island (which is still active) It was my first time on a Volcano and I know I'll never forget it. Afterwards, we headed to the Capital of the Island, Santa Cruz, which is in the Northern part of Tenerife. We had lunch with the most beautiful view of the Atlantic Ocean and purchased some of the Islands best known treasures: Pearls! We headed to a Basilica which honestly was a blur bc I was exhausted by this point. On Sunday, It was Carnaval in Los Christianos (The town we were staying in) It was such an experience. The eccentric and bright colored costumes flooded the streets during the parade as people danced to the beat of the live music. We rented bikes on Monday and rode for hours all along the boardwalk until we got to the beginning of the neighboring town (Playa de las americas) I got the worst sunburn from our bike adventures but it was certainly worth it. Every night the resort had evening entertainment; this included a Spanish Beatles cover band (need i say more), Professional Dance show (everything from hip hop to ballet), An exotic birds show (Personal Favorite), and a Flamenco Show. All very entertaining for different reasons. Victoria and I learned from the other tourist at the hotel that fun can be attained at any age and that you are never to old to attempt the worm or a pole dance? I was sad to leave but I know I want to return someday. My brother was in Madrid waiting for us when we returned. It was the best little piece of home I could have asked for. We spent the week going to typical tourist spots and showing them the night life of Madrid. Yesterday, I had to say goodbye to my sister and my brother which honestly was extremely difficult. Feeling the security blanket, that they are, for 2 weeks and then having it pulled from underneath you was not easy. It was the first time i wished I could have gotten on the plane with them. But the hardest part is over now, I am focusing on the trips I have ahead of me which includes a few days in Belgium next week! Soo excited about the waffles and chocolate I cant even explain! Well I have a mountain of hw ahead me tonight! Hasta luego!

xoxo