September 1998 was a big landmark in my life and was complemented by the enjoying the company of my Partner at the time. She was World Travelled and was for many reasons, the perfect person for me to encounter my very first flight and in its same, the first time abroad. Alongside a very experienced traveller, I was put at more ease over any reservations I may have for flying. Well there we went Off to Gran Canaria and I enjoyed every minute of the flight and could not believe the experience of the views out of the window, it gave me the hunger to desire more, as to date, I have made a few trips.

Arriving at Sonneland II for a week, which is positioned on a hill overlooking Maspalomas, we booked into a 2-floor apartment just a few yards away from the Pool. There was a small but adequate balcony leading from the one bedroom. At the top of the stairs was a bath/shower and downstairs was a small but liveable lounge/kitchen. This apartment was not designed for staying in, but with such wonderful climate, who would want to stay in? There was a Safe in the room and a good-sized onsite shop and restaurant. A pool bar was well placed and some entertainment was provided.

To try and take an independent advantage of this dry and dusty Island, it was with fortune that I had taken my Driving License with me, so we were able to hire a car for a few days. There was some confusion over the booking through the Rep, as it was clearly instructed that the car would be delivered to the Reception, however after almost two hours of scowls and grunts and pinning the Rep to chase the matter, we were then informed that we were to take a complementary Taxi down to AVIS and hire direct from there. Not too amused, we eventually picked up a car with half a day gone already and headed out to the wilderness. This was also my first time driving in a car on the wrong side and on the wrong side of the road; it was "educational!" Enjoying the contrast of the dust, we ventured northward to the Capital to have a look around the shops, but unfortunately, parking was absolutely impossible and gave up with that after another 2 hours. Deciding to head back down south, we made a stop off the Motorway to a giant-sized Supermarket and decided to pick up provisions from there and head back to base. We didn't really use the car much apart from the odd trips out to "The Dunes" and "Playa Del Ingles". The car was a nice drive and was pleased at the somewhat spacious Magane.

We did book one excursion that I enjoyed very well We boarded the Sailing Vessel for an afternoon of serious deck-top tanning. This bright-red-sail, anchoring in the middle of the ocean to bake, unfortunately was too much for my partner as once laid down, refused to get up as she felt ill. I could also assume that as I kept going back below-deck to keep replenishing her glass, she managed to drink, getting as far up as the straw would go! Of course, as I was on my feet and when it was time to up-anchor, I was dragged into the team effort with the crew to hoist the ropes another first! Although I did not spend much time sun bathing, I did manage to get a giant blister below my right cheek the one that made it awkward for driving back to base!!!!! Unfortunately, due to the size of it, I had to refrain from going in the Pool from that time on Never mind I made the best of what I could.

Taking a look-see at the Dunes, we didn't get too far as it was so extremely hot for my partner and was close to passing out, so we just looked around a while before being pursued by ticket touts that we chose to just ignore, but sorry to say that we did hear their comments "ignorant B********s, they must be Germans!" I did not appreciate that comment even though we were not Germans and consider that their comment only reflected the "tout's" ignorance! It is well known why they chase tourists and we were having NONE!

Moving on from that, but on the same note, I must comment that later in the week, we could not help but be amazed at the endurance of one "tout" We decided to walk down from the apartment into Maspalomas as we often did, to walk around the circular tower of shops and restaurants, this was about 15 minutes walk, easy going down, but definitely a Taxi back up. Heading away from the base and near the top of the hill, we had noticed the quick footsteps behind us, glancing back, it was clear that it was a "tout" and as my partner and I were quite tall, our lengthened strides made his little legs turn into a gallop It took until halfway to or destination before he eventually gave up, passed out or something anyway, that was the last one to pursue us.

As mentioned, in Maspalomas is a Circular tower of shops etc, which has a spiralling walkway in the central core. We both agreed this place to be a focal point to return to, as there was so much to enjoy. We even took that little bit of childhood back and hired out one of those two-seater pedal cars and ventured all around the complex taking turns at the steering the quickest half hour of the whole trip, thoroughly recommended and could increase years to our lives for the laughs we had. There was a restaurant in the centre of the complex on the ground floor which we took a liking to and enjoyed a few meals, one of which; the last night before flying back, we had an extra special meal which was absolutely perfect The environment and service were second to none and ultimate in occasion. They even had to pull back the canvas canopy to allow some of the food to be cooked at the table. This also helped the atmosphere, as the centre of this cylindrical building had no central roof, so once the canvas had been rolled back, we were sitting with open to the sky and stars The most romantic meal I have EVER had I made sure I showed generous gratitude for this as it made up for all the other misgivings during this stay in Gran Canaria.