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Friday, June 17, 2011

Canary Islands- Las Palma de Gran Canaries

Whenever someone mentions the Canary Islands, a classic question comes up: Are the Islands named for the yellow birds?

Downtown area of Las Palma
Actually the ancient Romans noted the large number of wild dogs on one of the islands, and called it “Insula Canum”. Later, when the little yellow finches were discovered there, they were called “dog island birds”, although they were also named the Fortunate Islands.


One of the oldest houses in Las Palma

The capital Las Palmas was founded in a palm grove by General Juan Rejon in 1478.


The Cathedral of St. Ana
Christopher Columbus and his crew stopped at Las Palmas in 1492 for necessary repairs and subsequently passed through the Canaries on each of his journeys to the west.

The old-fashioned newspaper kiosks
The Cathedral of St. Ana is in the center of the old city. Its construction started in 1497 but finished after 300 years. The altar is a silver masterpiece from the Baroque age.

Notice the bronze dogs guarding the Plaza
Across the Plaza de Santa Ana, the Town Hall is guarded by bronze dogs recalling the name of the islands.

City Hall was the old Governor's House
The Columbus House was the first Governor’s Palace. Christopher Columbus did stay here during his final voyage.

Today, the place hosts a museum dedicated to the voyages of Columbus and the history of the Canaries.



OSIRIS' MISSING PART,
Ellora's Cave Blush, June 23, 2011

A sensual paranormal romance based on a legend and set in Egyptian Mythology. Feel the humor and emotion, share the action and suspense, as you explore Ancient Egypt from the Valley of the Nile to the Red Sea shore and beyond.

16 comments:

Molly Daniels said...

You're full of surprises Ms Mona:)

Deborrah Girard said...

Very nice, Mona

Mona Risk said...

Hi Molly and Deborrha, stay tune for four more blogs on the four other places we visited: Tenerife, Santiago, Madeira, and...ouch I already forgot the fourth, but they were amazing. A wonderful surprise and definitely not third-world places with their splendid architecture.

Unknown said...

MONA--I couldn't wait to see the photos. I love historic places--the buildings themselves are often works of art.
I did wonder about the name, and now I know..nice bit of information.
I'm looking forward to the next post. Celia

Vonnie Davis ~ Romance Author said...

I'd always assumed the islands were named for the canaries. Thanks for all the info and the lovely pictures. I love studying architecture. Like Celia, I find them works of art. Great post.

Keena Kincaid said...

Beautiful. Beautiful. Beautiful. I love the photos and the historical snippets that you included with each.

And I'm so glad to see your Osiris book is out. I love the story's concept. It's on my TBR list.

Barbara Monajem said...

What gorgeous buildings! Thanks for adding another place to my To Be Visited list.

Lynne Marshall said...

I love it when you take me along on your many trips. thanks so much for sharing these wonderful pictures.

All the best!

Mona Risk said...

Hi Vonnie, the architecture was great. It reminded me of Madrid and Barcelona, and the cities were so clean and well maintained.

Hi Keena, Osiris will be out on Thursday, June 23, 2011. You'll hear my squeal all the way to Ohio.

Hi Barbara, these islands were a big surprise to me. We were going on this cruise to allow my husband and his brother a get-together time. It turned out to be a lovely cruise for everyone.

Hi Lynne, traveling is my specialty. LOL I did it for a living in another life. Just kidding, but I traveled a lot, too much, and often wish to stay home, but my dear hubby can't stay put for long. He spent twenty-five years traveling two weeks per month for business. It has become a habit for him.

Carly Carson said...

Great pictures. I was in Madrid last week (first time) and what a great city it is. Your hubby reminds me of mine. After traveling for 2 weeks (with 3 children) I said I was glad to be going home. He said, "I could do this forever."

Maggie Toussaint said...

What great pictures, Mona! I so enjoyed looking at them and learning a bit about the Canary Islands. Everything looks so tidy and clean.

Misty Dietz said...

Oh, the places you gone! Great post, Mona! :)

Paisley Kirkpatrick said...

Beautiful photos, Mona. I've never seen photos of the placed before. You are quite the world traveler and we so love to travel with you through your photos. :)

Mary Marvella said...

Thanks for taking us with you on a virtual tour. Enjoyable, lady!

Stephanie Burkhart said...

Mona, I loved the pictures. They captured the heart and ambience of the islands. Are you planning to write a romance set there? *wink*

Smiles
Steph

Mona Risk said...

Hi Carly, I love Madrid and its architecture. While on the cruise ship my DH made reservation for two more. It's going to be our way of living, although I have stomach problems on the ship usually.

Hi Maggie, I'll probably post more pictures soon about the other islands.

Hi Misty, I'm glad you enjoy this post. I'd love it if you become a follower.

Hi Marlene, you are a real trooper. So come along with me. I can't believe my Osiris is coming out tomorrow and I am not home even.

Hi Mary, you have aplace reserved with me on every trip, every book and every blog.

Hi Steph, writing a story in the Canaries? Now that's an idea. I can see a suspense or paranormal easily. But my actual work in progress is in Greece.