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With the Pueblo Marinero potentially closing down Mrs Db and I were looking for different accommodation. The White Suites were our second choice but when I started working out costs an offer on the Princesa Yaiza became tempting, so we spoke with TUI who were offering a garden or pool view in the deal but in the conversation it became obvious we were too late for a pool view as they only had garden views left. TUI did say they would request a pool view for us but no guarantees and the original offer of a Sunday was also gone but still had it for a Monday which we did not mind.

I then thought of the family accommodation that was on the other side of the road that also had a pool and was hoping not to be put over that side of the road. So all booked this is what happened.

We would again be flying with Easy Jet from Luton and this time the TUI deal included a taxi transfer to and from Arrecife airport.

Day one

So arriving around 5:30am at Luton I was directed by Easyjet staff to weigh our cases on a machine which seemed to worked well for me lol.

After passing through passport control and security and successfully keeping up my trousers not having a belt to wear, it was then on to a cafe for the bacon roll and coffee.




soon we were boarding for the 7:00am flight



and on our way just after 7am



And now well into the flight



coming into Lanzarote



and here we are around 11:30am



our bags came off quickly and we met the TUI rep outside.

Mr & Mrs Db going to the Yaiza. "Oh Lovely hotel follow me" and we were escorted to the rank and a cab hailed. I lost track of keeping the time for arrival but passed the camel riding place around five past 12.

We drew up at the Yaiza and two people came out to greet us. A porter took our luggage and we were escorted to reception given a glass of Cava each and I filled in the form.

I have some good news for you Mr & Mrs Db we have upgraded you to a suite overlooking the pool. I looked at my wife and thought could there be two Mr & Mrs Db's staying here and are we the wrong ones hope it would not cost extra. We were made to feel special here and I was feeling like George Banks in Father of the Bride as the receptionist talked about high class restaurants that needed to be booked a day early lol.

So the porter was called to take us to the suite.



quite a wow look



but will go into more detail later as the things become memorable







our view



and loungers on the balcony



so time for lunch



lovely weather outside



Oh the Jungle bar is under refurbishment



Barney's restaurant at the top was closed



but the Ice house was open



so two large beers



Mrs Db had a tuna baguette



I had a bacon and cheese baguette



Then back to our room

I popped out for a sunset picture but the annoying crane in the harbour is blocking it from this position



So looking for a better position to stand for tomorrow evening



so going back via the bottom pool of the Yaiza which is not heated



and one of two at the top end that are



for an evening meal we went to Cervantes

where we had Steak Cervante for two



walking back outside there was a model of the nativity scene outside of the Yaiza



It had been a tiring day but lovely and an early night for us



End of Day One


Day Two

Breakfast was from 7:30 till 10:30 and we chose to go down around 8:20am. A Maitre de guided us to a table and opened a chair for Mrs Db.

We were offered coffee and tea.

We then went over to see a spread of different breakfasts along a massive counter. We chose to have yogurt and there was a selection of cut fruit to add to it. Then we had bacon, eggs , tomato and beans. I was not too keen on the sausage and bacon which were cooked in a different way.

As we were seated I had my camera with me but said to Mrs Db, I just can't take pictures of the lovely food in here it seems inappropriate.

Then Mrs Db thought there was a birthday down the far end of the restaurant with a snowman involved and I not wanting to miss such an opportunity said to Mrs Db can you just take a quick picture of it. Well Mrs Db is not good with cameras and could not take one.

So I just turned around and took one.



Then staff saw me and wanted to take a photograph of the two of us using my camera.

Well I have it all recorded but the snowman saw us and got into the photograph behind us. I can't show you it, as a couple sitting near us were included in the shot and the lady did not seem amused. I mentioned it to Mrs Db afterwards who was facing the gentleman and she said he was tutting, perhaps a retired accountant lol. Well I think the staff started it or did I lol but should they have let Delboy in to the hotel in the first place.

Anyway, I have a wonderful picture of Mrs Db which I shall treasure.



leaving breakfast I was still chuckling over what had happened.

During this holiday I am now looking for different photographs to use in little competitions but they are hard to find



Inside the hotel there is a tropical garden





some pictures of it will appear again if I come across better ones

The lounge above the swimming pool



and the hallway between floors



the top swimming pool





a table tennis table



a theatre room







This morning we were going down to see friends that may be staying in the Pueblo Marinero. Outside the Dorada beach had a yellow flag mainly due to the sea being a bit rough but weather was lovely and warm.



lots more Freddy cat houses about and he is doing a great job looking after stray cats.



The cocktail bar that took over the pitch and putt place is still going



The ex pitch and putt now just ruins and decay



The land between the Hesparia and the Pueblo Marinero is to have a massive hotel built on it



at this time of writing the Pueblo Marinero is due to close on the 31st January 2019



The hotel is said to be having another beach laid somewhere around here





we met our friends who told us Pakco the entertainments guy had left the Marinero. Although there was a new entertainments guy, many returning clients like us had moved on, as there was no guarantee that they would still be open in December. Our friends played pool with just the entertainment guy on one day. The new hotel project starting date next to the Pueblo has now obviously slipped into February.

we had lunch at Lani's snack bar in the marina







we had beers



Mrs Db had an omelette



I had a toasted sandwich



we also noticed road barriers have been placed at the bottom of the marina and cameras on them. However, speaking to the information office at the marina I am told they are not being used. You can still park there, so why have they been placed there at a cost ?



I always like photographing the marina bridge



The restaurant at the end of the bridge is under refurbishment



The Flagship at the top of the marina seems to be a new place.



evening came and I had a 10 minute walk down to the marina end to get a sunset without a crane in the way







so off to the Camel restaurant to eat this evening



The Christmas tree in the town centre



the Camel's menu









inside of restaurant



I had steak and onions



Mrs DB had the mixed kebab



the town was very quiet as we headed back to the hotel



End of Day Two


Day Three

A green flag on Dorada beach today



So going down to look at harbour project

work is going on with the Jungle Bar refurbishment I have heard it will be an American Diner place but all will be revealed later in the holiday



all these love chains which have created an eyesore have been removed from the chain fences





seems to be some construction equipment up on the Casa del Embajador



so now nearly on town's promenade restaurant area





two parrots are still there



the town's beach



money exchange boards but don't be fooled, as these boards are used to signify traveller's cheques and not cash ( or vice visa if you have them in some places)



Promenade leading to harbour



New restaurant to me





The Camel restaurant where we ate last night



another new Indian restaurant to me



The harbour crane that gets in the way of sunsets in my area of stay



La Katedral closed for their holiday break



a missed photo opportunity for me with a lady carrying her bag on her head with a phone



a number of harbour kiosks have been moved or closed.







The Armas ferry is now 29€s return to Fuerteventura



The road into the harbour site with lorries going in



The view now seen from the Irish Anvil



The pile of rocks





walking around to Lanzarote Park



and on to Flamingo beach





a diving school practising in the corner of the beach



a guy enjoying his fishing



a egret walking down the promenade I did see one last year at the Hesparia and wondered if he had upgraded to the Lanzarote Park lol



as you can imagine I took many pictures as he or she was so obliging







so walking back

Just as a warning I have been approached by the Deaf and Dumb scammers along here and told the guy doing it that I knew his scam. More on that later in the holiday.



This is the last bus stop by the harbour for the 161 going back to PdC



so now back on the promenade

This is a new statue added next to the town's beach



The sea is splashing up against the promenade here



but all seems fine on the Dorada beach



Lunchtime and Barney's was not serving food, the ice house chef had disappeared and was not serving food for 45 minutes, so we moved on to the Tropical bar and beer was only 2€s lol



run by a Scottish couple and Mrs Db had a jacket pototo



I am not sure what I had but it was nice lol



we went back to the hotel and I tried to get a good pic of these flowers in the pot but the background is too busy and it was too heavy to move lol



well after two beers and then sitting on our balcony and having Pina Coladas with Mrs Db it seemed an unusually happy journey down to the Marina to get a better angle for the sunset.

I am always after a good picture of the stone man but always get things in the way on the photographs



The sun was too bright, so tried a sunset filter on it but did not really like it as not a natural look.



so the normal look



This evening we tried Tipico Canario on the town's promenade. I use to compare the restaurant with Volcan Del Timanfaya next door both having the same menu.





However, IMO the they have gone up a class with sparking glasses, plates with table clothes not being covered and the meals being lovely.



I had the steak with Roquefort sauce



Mrs Db had

Steak with the mushroom sauce



with even had a shared dessert and a free honeyrum



On the way back I always take the patterns created by the lights near the Funde Grube. Unfortunately I only have my little camera in the evenings



and the promenade is lit to go back to the hotel



End of Day Three

Day Four

So breakfast and getting a bit bolder now we had strawberry yogurt and had kiwi fruit and pineapple in mine



Then fried eggs on toast, then toast and marmalade which i did not photograph



After breakfast I went to reception to asked which floor the subway under the road was on as wanted to see the apartments over the other side of the road whilst here. I was told the second floor. I was honestly expecting a dimly lit subway well what can I say WOW..............



the most luxury subway I have been in and even fish tanks for kids to see





I only had my little camera and my mind was buzzing at possible shots available down here





I would need to come again later with my big camera









so the otherside



another swimming pool







nobody about so perfect time to take photographs



so going back



a dome bringing in a shaft of natural light but never discovered where it was situated above in the street



So this morning I'm going to look at the progress of the new boutique hotel being built around by the Pirate watch tower and Laura apartments.

a yellow flag day on Dorada beach a bit of a breeze blowing





I got permission to take this chaps photo for perhaps a competition shot but I can't blur the background out easy with this lens



Having a look at the marina shopping centre to see if anything new









bowling alley was closed but it was morning



overhead views





Hiperdino inside



The crazy golf is still there outside



so on to the boutique hotel



















so walking back at the top of the marina





a good day for sailing and windsurfers







Lunchtime was in the Harp



Mrs Db had a toasted sandwich



And I had a bacon baguette



later we went back to our balcony



at this point, I did a bit of a tour around the hotel but so much to add I will save it till tomorrow

In our room we found a letter on the table inviting us as guests to the opening of the Christmas tree festival at 6pm.

So I stupidly turned up at 10 to 6 and found the place was packed and no positions left to take photographs



I think most of Lanzarote attends this Festival and the hotel I believe have the biggest tree in Lanzarote in its foyer but have some pictures of it on later days when lit.



This place was pack to the rafters literally lol



but it was so crowded I called it a day



Evening



For our meal we went to Volcano Del Timanfaya









Mrs Db had the mixed kebab



I had a beef burrito



Then it was back to our room for coffee and whilst we are out a maid comes in each evening to turn down our bed and place a chocolate on the covers



End of Day Four

Day Five

Nice morning again



At breakfast it was yogurt for us both



and eggs on toast for me



Mrs Db had a mixture of things



Outside in was another green flag day on Dorada



The no cycling red band has worn off the sign



I walked down to the marina to ask if the public pool had facilities to keep luggage in



The bridge over the marina



boats in the marina





The guy that runs the pool told me that you can put your luggage near your sunbeds but there is not lock up facilities available



A parachute ride in progress I struggling to recall if I have ever seen one before in PB



so a walk back to hotel on the promenade

























inside the hotel grounds



around the pool



Where Aqua Aerobics were taking place



Lunchtime

again at the Harp







I had a bacon roll



Mrs Db had a tuna wrap



Then I had a walk over to the land on the opposite side of the road to the White Suites to see what was going on, it has a high fence but my camera picked up a bulldozer but nothing much going on today



Then it was a trip down the subway with a tripod but the actual shot I wanted would come later in the the holiday



the games room on the other side



so walking back to the main hotel





dome



wheel



looking back



along the balcony to the restaurants



Tropical gardens below



second breakfast room not used by us yet







The first breakfast room that we have used so far







outside space if you want to eat there



third breakfast room



a cart outside





and another cart lol



The Japanese restaurant



the menu



kiddies games room





more of the garden room



floor above



shops inside



lounge area



going out for the sunset



two anglers on the rocks would make some interest





and a small boat a long way out just under the sun but no tripod to hold camera steady



This evening we are going to Tipico Canario as we liked it there





I had the lamb chops



Mr Db had the fillet steak with mushroom sauce and equally as good again



also had the shared cheese cake



and my shadows



End of Day Five


Day Six

Another sunny day



Mrs DB getting her yogurt



Sliced fruit available this is just part of a large breakfast counter



Cereals



an orange machine to make fresh juice



Different breads



cakes



fruit and smoothies



I just popped down to see our friends at the marina



down at the marina



sailing boats were out





heading back and the deaf and dumb scammers were about and having been stopped twice already in this holiday I spotted one first but will add on the appropriate thread



The green flag was flying at the Dorada



all sorts of easy games take part around the pool for a free cocktail to the winner eg play your cards right etc

and aqua aerobics take place daily



lunchtime was at the Icehouse



Tuna potato for me



a wrap for Mrs Db



afterwards on the balcony



a bit more on our room



we have a fridge with a minibar but use our own drinks



a microwave and kettle



a power shower cubicle



wash area



a loo door which is half transparent but is inside the bathroom with proper door lol



a phone in the loo



A tv in both rooms, the bedroom windows face the inner walk ways so curtains are always drawn and lighting has to be on



sunset time







evening meal was going to be at Lani's in the marina



mainly because in was warm enough to sit outside for the view





The wine list





menu





inside of Lani's



I had the Pork ribs



and Mrs Db had mixed kebab



the it was back to our apartment for coffee

End of Day Six


Day Seven

Another nice day



and Mrs Db found the Yaiza made omelettes, so I had one



this morning I'm going to photograph Sun Park Living to see what was going on and now passing the White Suites



and some of their apartments along the road



Now the Sun Park Living block









and the entrance seems to be locked up and no security guard to be seen





so now walking around the back road to the to Lanzarote Princess road



seems to be a building project about 200m away at the back



took a picture of one of the sides of the Yaiza, a room we could have been given on the booking



another green flag day on the Dorada beach



nice red bush on the front



aqua aerobics going on in the pool



the pools are inspected every day and details recorded on boards behind us



lunchtime we went to the Tropical bar





but it was so hot we ate inside



I had a sausage sandwich



Mrs Db had a toastie



afterwards we went back to our balcony



and then out for me to get the sunset






The TV has English channels and Mrs Db could watch strictly come dancing



On the way out for dinner the Yaiza had some Flamenco type Dancers on but was not going to join in lol



eating in the Camel again tonight

wine list



menu



I had the chicken Cordon Bleu



Mrs Db had the steak



The last sailing for the evening as the ARMAS ferry coming in for the night



and we shared a dessert



and a free bailey's type drink



walking back, the Yaiza has lanterns around the pool



and just in time to see Harry winning the jungle competition



End of Day Seven

and Delboy takes on an Electronic store and a few more surprises on the holiday in part 2

link to part two days 8 to 15

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