I woke up just as we touched down on Lanzarote soil. The sky outside was a rich blue, as was the ocean that was only metres beyond the landing strip. The setting of the airport alone was something else. I could sense the dry heat outside, gazing out at the palm trees and whitewashed buildings. As we taxied to the terminal, a broad smile swept across my lips.
The airport was a big one and there was a lot of bustle, but it was quick enough getting through passport control and then picking up my suitcase. I began to perspire, despite the air con and pulled off my fleece, keeping in full tourist mode – on alert for any pickpockets. I’m sure there are just as many pickpockets in Belfast, if not more, but back home I never gave it any thought. A broad cocky Rep ushered me and a few others outside and then out to the coaches. I just followed along in the stream. The heat felt soothing on my skin and I couldn’t wait to be stretching out beside the pool, taking an occasional dip to cool off. Pure relaxation. I was really excited.
The holiday would prove to be absolutely nothing like that.
NOTHING.
Soon I would be convinced that I’d finish the holiday in either a Spanish prison or a Spanish morgue.
10
My tongue practically hung out as I gawped at the scenery we passed by; the volcanic rock, the mountains, the beaches, the uniformed whitewashed one storey buildings. It was not like I had expected, very different – but much better. There is an almost desolation about the island (except for the thousands of tourists that is). But it doesn’t feel like a resort island – even as we dropped off guests at five-star hotel after five-star hotel. The island has retained its essence and certainly its unique look. Incongruously red-orange volcanic rock still lies in piles everywhere, scattered in-between the newly laid roads. Black rubber irrigation pipes run above ground alongside palm trees, as if the island has only just opened for tourists for the first time. I suppose it has only really been a popular destination since the seventies, but still. There are no high rises here or obtrusive buildings. This is a unique volcanic island – that almost touches the coast of Africa, and it still feels very much like that.
Arriving at the hotel complex, I was met with a smile from a very handsome and toned porter who took my luggage and then handed me a glass of champagne. His smile was wide and effortless. I knew I was gonna like this place. I took a seat in the reception area and spread out on the sofa as a few people ahead of me checked in. I sipped the bubbly goodness, absorbing the ambience of the contemporary and tasteful lobby. It was all fine sofas, large grey tiles and modern art. As I turned in my seat, I could look down a large, open staircase leading down to the ground floor. I could make out part of one of the swimming pools and the many happy guests lounging around beside it. I could also view some of the other pools beyond it and the adjoining windows of the colossal dining room, snaking around beside it. The white of the outside of the building looked as if it had just been reapplied, with the hot rays from the sun reflecting off it. I breathed out. This would be just what I needed.
After checking in, I was escorted across the grounds to my room – or more like apartment suite. There was a good-sized living area with a flat screen on the wall, a bedroom with another flat screen and then a huge bathroom with shower and a bath too. Beyond the living area was a small terrace. I couldn’t stop smiling to myself after the porter left. Then I found I had a Nespresso machine AND a free mini bar, and the grin widened. They would deal with both my hangover and my way of getting it. I left unpacking for now and went to discover what the view was like from the terrace. My room looked out to the sea beyond, only metres away, and there was a volcano in the distance too. A volcano! Between me and the beach were a few palm trees dotted over the rocky, black ground. In minutes I was seated on my lounger with both a bottle of San Miguel and a coffee. To finish off the experience I rolled myself a cigarette. I had only arrived, but this was the most relaxed I had felt for a long time.
After a while I forced myself up to do some unpacking and I had a quick shower too. According to the hotel brochure, dinner would be served soon, and you could just go in and help yourself to as much as you liked. I’m partial to a buffet as much as the next – but a five-star buffet had me intrigued. I threw on a good enough purple dress, heels and touched up my makeup. I rolled another smoke and set off to walk around the outside of the complex. I walked down the steps and headed around the back way, so I could get a feel for the place. I passed a water slide area and a waffles and pancakes van. I made a note to pay a visit the next day – not to the slides. I went around one large wing of the hotel and was greeted with a panoramic view of the sea and the coastal path. It just looked like paradise. I stared off into the beyond and it almost took my breath, along with my second cigarette. There was an island in
