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Day Eight

Nice morning again



Down at breakfast and more cakes on the other side of this stand that was photographed the other day



Cheeses



different fruit juices



so a pool day for us both



a cocktail bar at the pool



The entertainments guy came around asking for people to play ping pong. There are probably Chinese experts staying here but could my years of practising at the Pueblo Marinero get me in good stead.

Well .....

Here is my certificate and a free expensive cocktail I won for Mrs Db it's called Caipirinha cocktail



How did I do it ?

well the truth is, I was the only one to turn up and wore out two of the entertainments team by over hitting the ball too many times. But you have to be in it to win it lol

Lunchtime was now just cakes and a beer on the balcony



evening and Fuerteventura was quite visible





and the sunset





This evening we ate in Cervantes

wine menu



menu





I had a T-Bone steak



and Mrs Db had a peppered fillet steak



free vodka caramel

and then coffee in our room

End of Day Eight

Day Nine

Down at breakfast

I got myself a strawberry yogurt and fruit



so photographed some more of the counters

hams



fry up stuff





all kinds of eggs done in different ways and pancakes



and the lady making me my omelette



cheese, ham and onions inside



toast, coffee and marmalade to finish



and leaving a new set of characters to amuse the children at breakfast



The entrance to the subway



Cleaning my camera in the room I noticed the filter on my lens was not there and rather than get dust in my lens, I decided to use an Electronic shop to obtain another but know how these Electronic shops operate. I did not care about the quality of the filter provided it protected my lens. So as I can get a perfectly good filter in John Lewis for £17 I was not prepared to pay more than 20€s for one. So with only 20€ was in my pocket I set off to an electronic shop and no camera on me. (pic of taxi rank below taken later to use here)

So where should I go, at the taxi rank there was two police from the civil guard and decided to use the store opposite lol.



I wanted a 67mm filter and the guy had a job finding one. It was not in it's proper box and could see it was maybe second hand and an unknown make to me.

I checked it had a screw thread at the top as well as underneath. I then went to the door for the light to check for scratches. All seemed to be ok so I asked how much and the guy said 25€s. Oh I said, I only have 20€s, the guy nodded ok.

I watched the filter in his hand, not taking my eyes off it until it went into the case and into my hands. So I had what I wanted, I checked the make on the internet afterwards and only found one of a 58mm size for 14€s so not too bad.

But I don't recommending doing what I did unless you really know what you are doing as you will see shortly

So back to the hotel and screwed the filter on ok.

So a green flag day on Dorada





the hedges at the Yaiza have been trimmed recently so not so good this year for colours



on to the Papagayo Commercial Centre



then passing it



heading to town





The love locks are already appearing again on the chains



continuing along the promenade



at the Fund Grube



Town promenade



I think there was a dragon made in sand but missed it and it was being cleared



Town's Christmas tree



So into the town itself



Mango new store last year in this area



a clothes store for shirts etc



Hiperdino and an Atm the SuperDino is round the back of it



an exchange place with it all clearly marked



continuing up the town







taking photographs along here you will get approached if you show a camera with a person making comments like 'that's a nice camera, what make and model is it?'. On a reply you will get a quote like ' that's a nice camera why do you have such a cheap filter on the lens'

So I play along as I only have 5€s with me to buy a bottle of water.

(me) I then explain the reason and am told by the guy we have a super filter inside the shop but I say I'm not buying.

(them) Never mind, let our guy just show you it.

so I am escorted inside the shop.

(them) That's a nice camera, how old is it ?

(me) about two years old

(them) but it looks new

(me) yes as I take good care of it

(them) let me show you our latest filter it removes any bright light.

my filter is removed and his filter goes on, at this point I am concerned as I don't normally let anybody use or hold my camera.
He points it an a shot is taken which is shown to me

this picture



another shot

(them) see the light has been reduced

(me) yes its a polarised filter lol



(them) no its not a polarised filter, a new super filter

at this point I show him the latest filter gadget bought by me at the Birmingham Photography exhibition which holds all filters on any size lens and the filters that latch on to it. With my filter that just does exactly the same thing.

Made locally by a guy I know who manufactures filters for a leading brand.


(them) that is just old hat, this is the latest filter

(me thoughts) that's because you have never seen mine before lol

and he shoots another picture, see the clarity here



my cheap filter is put on and the same shot taken



(them) see it is not even in focus

(me thoughts) that is because my camera focusing is done on a back button but I am not going to tell you. (You will even see his shot is also out of focus)

This process of several other shots continued until he focused one to show a fish on a picture used to demonstrate polarised glasses lol



next the fake Curry's brochure was produced showing me the filter costing £269 lol

(them) our price is 249€ but today you can have it for 179€s

(me) knowing it was fake brochure was not impressed but I told your guy outside I am not buying

(them) well I'll offer you it for 149€s

(me) I only have 5€s

(them) we take credit card and debit cards

(me) I know you do but I don't have one

(them) 79€s and its yours

(me) I'll give you 5€s for it, it's a polarised lens but thank you for the demonstration.

So WARNING keep out of their stores as it could end up with you losing a lots of money for a product you can buy far more cheaply at home and never give them opportunity to use your cards.

The store I was invited into



further up the high street









lunchtime was cakes on the balcony



Later around the pool there was a game similar to the old 'shove halfpenny' where counters were flicked down into winning slots, first round with the left hand, second round with the right hand and finally the counters had to go over the top into a box for a hundred points.



I did achieve this 100 points but was beaten into second place and missed out on another free cocktail lol



Soon it was sunset





Evening meal was at the Spice Fusion, so not far to walk



menu





we had poppadoms with three sauces which were all very nice and included a hot one which went down well with cold water lol



I had the lamb balti which was very tender



Mrs Db's a mild chicken dish, all dishes seem to have a choice of mild to hot range of sauces



mushroom rice shared



and naan bread shared



my plate



Mrs Db's



and a free type of Baileys given as a choice for us



and then a coffee in the apartment

End of Day Nine


Day Ten

A cloudy day



and a new restaurant in the hotel for us this morning as the other we have been using is having a major clean (may have drop some toast lol)

but still get all the things to eat



so continued with the omelette after my yogurt



and a new character for the kids, I think this restaurant is more popular with the families



as it was cloudy we thought we would go for a walk down to Flamingo Beach, so leaving Dorada beach in cloud but still warm



and on the promenade



looking back the Bikers Beach Club is progressing fast



and a lorry on the promenade below the Casa Del Embajador



On the town's promenade



the German Bakery



The harbour



standing above the Punta Limone for a better idea of what is going on



a lorry unloading stones and tipping dust







walking around, this Egret had taken residence on the Lanzarote Park Hotel lawns. I think it was after insects



took quite a few shots watching it



it seems to watch insects from about 3 metres away then runs at them



we had a beer and coffee at a bar overlooking Flamingo Beach





The love locks seem to been allowed to be kept on the little peninsular at the end of the beach







Flamingo Beach





I took a photograph of this chap for a coin but must remember not to have lamp posts coming out of heads or shoulders lol



dust on the fencing glad I have a filter over my lens was not going to stay in that area for long



all ferries seem to be in



On the town's promenade the parrots were feeding on the prom wall



back at the Papagayo Commercial Centre the Biker's Club has made even more progress and I am told they were opening Saturday



Lunchtime was cakes on the balcony



and clouds seems to be breaking up



I had a walk around the Princesa hotel in the afternoon

I thought this place had potential for a competition shot but would come back to it later



now this Christmas tree in the foyer was so vast I would need a ladder on the balcony to capture it all as plants on the balconies block clean views of it lol



but the tree is better lit so would work on that later



The reception was a lovely area to wait in



so I was now looking for the best view points



The hotel has a picture with a view on it's room key and I would love to take the same image which must have been taken from the roof. So I made a request

In the pool area more games were taking place



It was not me honest I never touched it lol



It was still cloudy



Fuerteventura was clear





Ping Pong was on but I had a competitor so no chance of a cocktail lol



Not too much of a sunset



interesting clouds to take though



one of the tree alight



This evening we are eating in Casale Franco's





I had the steak in peppercorn sauce



Mrs DB had pork fillets



and a shared tiramisu



and a free Limoncello liqueur

the blue lights have now been replaced with white snowdrop lights



End of Day Ten

Day Eleven

I am going to get us some sandwiches from the sandwich shop at the harbour

There is a man on the rig putting up Christmas lights at Casa Del Emabador





the sandwich shop was closed ???

but popped over to look at the Lanzarote Park hotel and the view on the side



The kids play area at that hotel



and the hotel overlooking the beach area



the glass bottom boat on a trip somewhere



I did a 7 shot per second of the Egret as a practise, as somebody asked me if I could do a shot of them doing a backward overhead flip lol



hence I got a run of the Egret going for a flying insect



so going back, the coastline



a dozing cat but not for long with children about



The last bus stop in Playa Blanca for the 161 going to Puerto Del Carmen



so back to balcony to tell Mrs Db the sandwich shop was closed lol



So now going down to the marina to get some rolls

but noticed signs along the promenade saying no building of stones on the beach



to protect the landscape, not sure what that is about, as I understand they are planning to build another beach along here ?



anyway, got some rolls after waiting for a couple in front of me to decide what they wanted which took forever and then I could not carry the beer lol



This afternoon I was looking around as usual

and trying to find the best angle on this stairwell





I have seen similar winning competition shots in the past

sunset



evening and the hotels tree





The town lights





tonight we are trying La Cuadra for the first time

the wine list



menu



view of the promenade with a window seat






I had the lamb chops



Mrs Db has beef stroganoff



we watched another couple have fish cooked in salt and rum poured over and then set fire to



a free real Bailey's given to us afterwards

On the way home Elvis was playing at the harp





and then coffee in our apartment

End of Day Eleven


Day Twelve

some cloud about



going to the same restaurant in the hotel this morning as the other is still out of service

as the windo area is open in good weather it is netted to stop the birds coming in or Lanzarote's large mosquito's lol



I had my usual yogurt



as we are early photographed some of the other tables



After breakfast we had a walk down the end of the corridor to see the sea view



a pool day



and another call up for ping pong



and managed to tire out the staff again



There is a dredger out in the harbour



a green flag on Dorada beach



Lunchtime was a ham and cheese pastie and cake



Then I talked Mrs Db into going up a spiral staircase but it was not going to work

I need to rethink this one



Soon sunset time



going to dinner

the biker's beach club is getting ready to open



The tree lights at the Casa Del Embajador are lit



tonight eating in the Camel for last time







The days last ARMAS ferry comes in



promenade lit



Mrs Db had steak



I had meat burritos



The Biker Beach Club has started



a coffee for us in the apartment

End of Day Twelve


Day Thirteen

A sun / cloud start



eating in the third restaurant this morning as our first one is still being cleaned



so range of their drinks including smoothies





fry up range



but after my yogurt I went for poached eggs



perfect



then I tried the fig jam



we got our pool spot under a large shade, there are plenty of beds this time of year but will be a different story in the summer



Things were now coming together in this holiday for me and this evening the hotel had kindly given me an escorted for a visit on to the rooftop to complete my blog. After seeing their picture on TV I thought it would be lovely to get a sunset picture up there



Anyway, today is market day so going to take the opportunity to take a few photos of it

green flag on Dorada beach



part of the Yazia's hedge



cliff edge flowers



market day crowds going down to the marina



a woman feeding the fish



Some of the market stalls











the pipeman with flutes for sale





the cutter that cut everything but I needed him to hold that knife as we have a photo competition with the theme of 'sharp' coming up





The stall I bought a knight bottle cover from a few years back but now they have a super looking motorbike but costs 60€s



more stalls





a man making leather goods



now walking back past the wind pump fans



last time shot of our old apartments at the Marinero ???



and a guy harmlessly building up stones to get a few coins



Dorada now in the full sun



and a reindeer and sleigh set up in the Yaiza



aqua aerobics taking place and got seven shots done in this back flip



So evening time and I was taken up by lift to get my shot, I had to stand well back from the wall

unfortunately the sun was not in the right place and the wind had blown sand from the Sahara blocking out a lot of Fuerteventura





the White Suites



The Hesparia and marina in the distance



and the shot I wanted and have worked on it a bit





so thank you to the staff at the Yaiza for allowing me to get that very special shot for the blog

so this evening eating at the Tipico Canario



I chose the steak with Roquefort sauce



Mrs Db had the mixed kebab



town's promenade after dark







a guy fishing



and on the way back to the hotel my pattern on the prom



and the new refurbished Jungle bar now called the Biker's Beach Club which seems to be the same as before for entertainment





so coffee in our room

End of Day Thirteen


Day Fourteen

our last full day

blue sky this morning



After breakfast it was at the pool



outside the green flag was on Dorada beach



I was going to pop down and try and get reflections of boats another popular image in competitions but i have picked a day with some breeze which don't really work well for reflections lol





but a reasonable one against this yacht



but this is like modern art to me and I don't yet understand it lol



the marina fleet



an archway



people looking at fish



and the fish



The Civil Guardia on patrol



now the Hesparia's Egret has appeared, so two of them



so now back at the Dorada beach



at the front of our hotel is a model nativity scene





So after lunch, I chatted to one of the staff who offered to act as a model on the staircase for me for 5 minutes



It was a wrap lol I had the picture I wanted

next Mrs Db got me a picture I wanted in the subway but a variation of this one



It's another wrap Mrs Db lol

Sunset probably a little better than last night as the dust is around the sun





now getting changed to go out,

Mrs Db I have thought of another idea of the scene from 'psycho' film which might fit the theme of 'sharp' can you stand behind the shower cubicle.

I can overlay the blood on later lol



for our last night we are eating in Casale Franco's





I had the sea bass



Mrs Db has the chicken and Parma ham



and a free glass of Limoncello afterwards

then back to our apartment



and goodbye to our sunbeds



and the hotels lights



and up to our room for a coffee




End of Day Fourteen

Day Fifteen

an 8:00am breakfast



our favourite restaurant was open again



say cheese



or help yourself to salmon



I stuck with my usual yogurt



not many people in the restaurant



and toast for me



a sunny morning to leave



The staff at the hotel have been lovely and a taxi arrived, the porter took our cases to the taxi. We had a nice gentle ride to the airport and we were at the front of the queue at the airport.

More problems for me at security with others, as cameras are now required to be separated and put in trays, so I was told to go back through the gate again and put my camera in a tray. This time wearing exactly the same as before the alarm over the gate went off. I was then swab for drugs.

Once through, just how many pictures are you going to take of that shark over the shop doorway, said Mrs Db.

Well it could make a good shot for the competition theme of 'sharp'



Anyway, our plane was called on time and it was farewell to Lanzarote



Once again hope you enjoyed sharing our holiday

End of Day fifteen