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Ravine madness
Barrancos (ravines), as in Barranco Guiniguada, dominate the landscape on Gran Canaria. For example, the quickest route to my nearest cut-price supermarket is via a ravine. And I live in the capital, Las Palmas. Allow me to clarify. That’s my nearest cut-price supermarket beginning with M.
Barranco Guiniguada: Escape from the ghetto
I didn’t shoot this week’s random photo of Gran Canaria during a shopping expedition, however. Instead, I explored another ravine close by, Barranco Guiniguada. Offering a rural retreat for San Nicolás residents, this is inner city life. Gran Ca style.
Duck and dive
Travelling from Las Palmas, the number 25’s the bus to catch for Barranco Guiniguada. Don’t do as I did and miss the Primero de Mayo stop. Otherwise, a trek back from Tafira Baja beckons. Taking in the left-to-their-own-devices Batan and San Roque.
Lily Allen
November in Las Palmas brings four-seasons-in-one-day weather. Walking along the ravine’s path reminded me of Lily Allen’s LDN video. Whilst the sun was in the sky, why oh why would I want to be anywhere else? When the rain started lashing down, I wasn’t so keen. With the dilapidated buildings looking less appealing. Especially in terms of offering shelter.
And if you know your history
Now, Guiniguada gives its name to a local football team, school, and theatre. Then, as in the late 15th century, it was a warzone. The Battle of Guinguada saw the Castilian invaders led by Juan Rejon defeat the canarii.
Gateway to the interior
If I’d carried on, I would have reached the centre of the island. As in Vega de San Mateo by way of Santa Brigida. Instead, I did a 180 and exited where I should have entered. Into Calle Álamo. Passing the Ermita de San Nicolás, I descended to the Triana area of Las Palmas.