WHS TOUR BEGINS: Out of Africa

World Heritage Sites Air Adventure: Out of Africa
Flight 18 – 11/13/2024

As previously reported, I’m on a mini vacation from my WHS Air Tour, taking the opportunity to swing out to the Canary Islands since I was in the neighborhood—and honestly, who knows when I’ll get back here again? The Canary Islands are a Spanish autonomous community and archipelago located in the Atlantic off the northwest coast of Africa, made up of seven main islands and dozens of smaller islets. These volcanic islands are renowned for their dramatic landscapes, warm climate, and beautiful beaches, making them a major draw for tourists from across Europe and beyond.

The islands are jointly governed from two capitals, Santa Cruz de Tenerife and Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, and have a rich history as a crossroads between Africa, Europe, and the Americas. Tenerife boasts Spain’s highest peak, the volcanic Mount Teide, while each island has its own unique character and blend of cultures.

To keep current with my night flying requirements (minimum 3 takeoffs and 3 landings), I flew to each island at night and spent my days relaxing on beaches, wandering lively byways, and sampling the local cafés and restaurants. The cuisine here is a true highlight: I feasted on papas arrugadas (wrinkly salt-crusted potatoes) with mojo sauce, fresh grilled fish, gofio (a roasted grain flour used in everything from stews to desserts), and queso asado—grilled local cheese drizzled with honey. For dessert, bienmesabe (a sweet almond cream) was a revelation, and the volcanic wines are surprisingly good—though maybe not the best idea before a night flight!

Music fills the air everywhere, from lively timple (a small, five-stringed guitar) performances to the infectious rhythms of local folk songs and Latin beats that spill out of beach bars. At one point, I found myself attempting to dance to an impromptu street performance—let’s just say the locals were entertained, and I’m pretty sure I invented a new move called “the Turbulent Taildragger.”

The islands have a colorful and eclectic mix of residents and visitors—so many Germans, in fact, that some spots felt more like Europe than Africa. The local scene is a blend of Spanish, African, and international influences, with fresh seafood, tropical fruits, and volcanic wines on every menu.

Currently, I’m at GCTS (Tenerife South, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain). I may need to touch down once more at the edge of Morocco to refuel before heading to Mauritania, but that’s for another day. Tonight, I eat, drink, and am reasonably merry on my last night in these remarkable islands.

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