Canarian folk dancing

I am really enjoying this island. There is something rather beautiful about the ever present dark volcanic rock contrasting with the low white houses. Even the gardens boast black volcanic soil and yet they nourish the most splendid cactus specimens, bougainvillea, poinsettia bushes (which astonished me), bird of paradise and other tropical plants. The lack of high rise blocks is very refreshing and everywhere is clean and relaxing. This afternoon we found our way to a small harbour with a wonderful rugged sandy bay which we explored until rain stopped play. However even the rain interludes are not spoiling our time here as it is rather fun with everyone dashing for shelter as no-one is dressed for it. The showers are short lived and then the sun comes out and dries everything up again.

Once by the harbour we were delighted to see that it was a local market day where the locals also entertained with some Canarian folk dances. The outfits were quite splendid, particularly the white broderie anglaise shorts for the men, combined with thick black wooly socks embellished with colourful woollen bobbles. The ladies' cummerbunds and men's waistcoats were hand embroidered and the sticks had hand knitted woollen bags hanging from them - it was all totally charming!

Later we had a delicious lunch in a fish restaurant set up overlooking the harbour with views out to the hills of southern Lanzarote. The place had been recommended by TrishaR and fully lived up to expectations. Young L napped in his buggy while we ate and then was in good form to play on the beach while I had fun with the camera taking shots of the rugged rocks and sunset.