Margaret and I enjoyed a very leisurely morning, a late breakfast, followed by time on our own, in our cabin reading and writing. We telephoned, Liz and the family in Australia, to wish them a very happy Christmas. We also telephoned and wished Caroline and Marianne and the family a very merry Christmas. We left a message for Helen as she is hard at work, we arranged to call her later.
The ship is due to dock in Arrecife, Lanzarote, at 1.00pm.
The scenery of this volcanic island is bleak, black volcanic rocks, interspersed with sparkling white painted houses, surrounded with very pretty bougainvillea and hibiscus flowers. There is a good deal of development taking place, hotels, resorts and shops to cater for a rapidly growing tourist trade.
Our destination, Puerto Del Carmen, a beautiful beach seaside resort, with palm trees growing on a lovely dark sandy beach, with many flowers in bloom and the sea calmly drifting in with comfortable waves. We were dropped off on a thriving seaside promenade, full of shops and restaurants and left to our own devices.
We found a very pretty sandy beach, quite busy, with many people enjoying the warm sunshine, swimming and sunbathing. Margaret and I found a little corner and spread our bags and towels on the typical local hard, black volcanic rocks. The water was clean, clear, and very inviting with small waves caressing the sand. We both spent some time swimming and splashing in the sea, then just soaking up the sun on the beach. A wonderful way to spend Christmas Eve.
We explored the shops and enjoyed a coffee and a sandwich in one of the small seafront cafes, where I was able to get a free internet connection. I managed to send a message of Christmas greetings to all our friends and family back home, via Facebook. We continued looking around the shops for a small present for one of our friends, who celebrates her birthday on board ship, tomorrow on Christmas day.
Leisurely strolling around in the late afternoon sunshine, exploring this thriving, very pretty, busy, beautiful resort, we eventually found our way to our coach and took our seats for the journey back to the ship.
After our usual excellent, long, leisurely dinner, we attended a classical music presentation, followed by a church service, featuring the Filipino choir where we enjoyed singing some beautiful Christmas carols. Then, mulled wine and mince pies sent us off to our bed with a warm glow.