Woke with a bit of a hangover but got out on the bus to Arrecife, the Lanzarote capital, for an 11am kick off UD Lanzarote v Alcorcon. I met up with a Brit, Ian, who who helps to promote the team with posters around the bars and his own website , he also supplies the kit and sells merchandise. The crowd was about 800, and included lots of holidaying Brits and Germans so Ian’s hard work obviously pays off, there was a poster at reception in Sands Beach Resort, where I’m staying. The game wasnt bad, a 1-0 home win for the Rojillos (reds) thanks to a splendid first half strike from Fredrik, a former Swedish international.

After that I was off in exploring mode to see the sights of Arrecife, being a Sunday, lots of places were shut but i headed for the sea front and was rewarded with a lovely mix of old and new. An old castle fortress stands out to sea linked by 2 old long bridges and 2 canons stand guard just below the battlements, a reminder of past invasion attempts. To the east the Disa oil refinery is not a great sight but to the west, the front has been renovated to give a bright marina and boardwalks. just beyond that is a huge sandy beach.

There is a limit of about 3 storeys to buildings on the island but the 5 star Gran Arrecife Hotel, dominates the skyline with it’s 17 floors rising into the blue yonder – not sure how they got away with that. The good thing is they have a bar on the top floor and anyone (even me) is allowed in, so I went up for a coffee (honest) and took some pics of the amazing views.

Anyway, back in Costa Tequise now and about to indulge in a few fizzy drinks, first stop, the very welcoming La Esquina. I shall try not to be late tonight as I have an early start for a coach tour in the morning. Cheers