Candelaria

The weekend was a trip to Candelaria. I started out later than planned thanks to a leaving party on Friday night (which I gate crashed but no one seemed to mind). So I was tired and a wee bit hungover Saturday morning. I debated just being lazy but it was too beautiful a day to waste. 

Main beach.

The bus was remarkably easy and once again cheap. Candelaria is a small town but very pretty. They have the festival for the saint of the Canary Islands, which I missed but apparently everywhere goes crazy.
Along the sea front they have statues of the 9 aboriginal kings from before the Spanish colonization.

Kings

Proud 

Pretty necklace.

There is also a small church/hermit home at the end of the walk with a cave. Which may be the hermit home. It wasn't very clear.

walk along the sea front.

Hermit church

Candelaria from a distance.

The Basilica seemed like the largest building around (it is Spain after all). It was very pretty inside and I sneakily took some photos. I always feel a bit weird taking photos in a church but there were no signs saying not to and I was a lot more discreet and quieter than some. 

Basilica.

Front

Ceiling.

 It was nice to sit in the (relative) quiet - damn tourists! I also lit a candle. Considering I am not in any way religious, I have no idea why I always do this. But I have to say, the electronic candles may be more cost effective for the church but they really don't feel as good. I'll pass next time.
After a coffee (and sneakily using their toilets to change), I hit the beach. This was my first time on a proper black sand beach. It really does get very hot. Thankfully I got a spot close to the water so it was only a small run to the water to save burning feet. There weren't many people there. In fact this was the least I have seen on a beach here so far.

Candelaria beach

 I went in the water briefly but the waves were pretty strong. And there were hidden rocks on the way in. So I decided to just paddle and play in the waves, which threatened to sweep me out a few times. I didn't stay long. On the beach, I started to drift off for a nap (blaming the late night and hangover) but the occasion wave would come very close. So I gave up and walked down the sea front. Next time I am going to this beach.

Better beach.

It was more shelter so the waves were less vicious and quieter. And thanks to the buildings being further away, stayed sunny longer. (I ended up in the shade though it was still warm. It was that, or getting wet.)
The marina was pretty though one "boat" was just 2 surf board, a wooden pallet and a broom handle it seemed.

Boat?

 I want go back and explore further (when not hungover) as it was a nice little town and some of the shops looked interesting. Plus I had my first traditional barraquito, which includes a drop of some liquor. Very nice, though I think I actually prefer without.

Town side sea front.

 Plus they have the prettiest bus station I have even seen.

Bus station. 

Even nice seating area.

The trip back was smooth though I did end up saving a group of 6 teenagers from a wasp. (The screaming started to get one my nerves!) I even got the apartment to myself on the evening, with enough time for a massive plate of nachos (I got inspired on the way home) and my favorite film before Rodrigo got back. I went to bed early. Apparently he stayed up but that just meant I got the morning to myself as well so worked for me.
Today I have just been chilling out, doing fun things like laundry and cleaning. I meant to do work, but so far that hasn't happened and frankly I doubt it will. I do love a lazy day.
I did finish booking my adventures for next weekend. I am headed to the south part of the island and plan to spend as much of it on, near or in the water! Excited!