ARGUINEGUÍN (Dagbladet): – Just came down. It is much better to be here than in Norway.
This is the clear message from Terje Inngjerdingen to Norwegians who are considering traveling to Gran Canaria.
In the middle of countless bars, cafes and clothing stores is “Los Vikingos”. The Norwegian restaurant is, as usual, full of people when Dagbladet stops by on Tuesday morning. Or that is, as full as the rules dictate it can be.
STEERING THE SHIP: Terje Inngjerdingen instructs two of his employees in the restaurant. Photo: Nina Hansen / Dagbladet
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Hoping for relief
In Arguineguín, several of the same rules apply as in the rest of the Canary Islands. On Saturday, the island went to the highest risk level. This means that it is not open to fill restaurants and bars to the brim, as is often the case on the popular holiday island.
Despite strict coronary restrictions, Inngjerdingen believes that good times await.
– The season does not last too long. Now I hope it eases, and that we can get back on track. We have great faith in the coming summer, says Inngjerdingen.
In 1999, he moved to Gran Canaria due to health issues. The fence has arthritis, and the warm climate means that he is not dependent on taking medication.
– Down here I live without medication. It was a very simple choice, he says of the decision he made when he over 20 years ago replaced Odal in the Inland with Arguineguín on the south coast of Gran Canaria.
LITTLE NORWAY: You do not have to look long for Norwegian signs in Arguineguin. Photo: Nina Hansen / Dagbladet
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Tired
On Monday, the hospitals on Gran Canaria passed 1000 inpatients with covid-19. Of the 1027 inpatients, 119 of them are in intensive care. In the last two weeks, more than 2,500 infections per 100,000 inhabitants have been registered on the island.
The restaurant owner registers that the infection rates are high, but says there are few who become seriously ill. He himself has had corona, but experienced no symptoms.
But one thing he experiences, however, is Norwegians’ attitudes to the coronary restrictions on the island.
– You notice a big difference in «Ola nordmann». There are some of the permanent residents who give blanks. While some of the tourists are a little more careful and follow the rules. Several of the pensioners do as they please, he stated.
HAPPY: Terje Inngjerdingen is happy that they are allowed to stay open. Photo: Nina Hansen / Dagbladet
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– What thoughts do you have about it?
– It is disrespectful, but I think it is worse with those who live down here, and who do not get vaccinated. It is challenging to deal with.
Despite the fact that sometimes time tests the limits of what is allowed and what is not, the restaurant owner is clear that the vast majority follow the rules and behave.
– There’s a very nice bunch here. It seems that everyone is happy to have a meeting point like this.
ORDER: Terje Inngjerdingen keeps all his guests in order. Photo: Nina Hansen / Dagbladet
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TV profile
Repeatedly during the interview we are disturbed by people who want a piece of the jovial man from Odal. For the observer may perhaps notice the man with the characteristic beard.
The fence has appeared in almost all seasons of the popular TV show «Charter fever»
– It has been very fun and exclusively positive. Both for the company and myself. People love to watch charter tourists on TV!
He says that people often come to him who say they have seen him on TV. The popular restaurant has also been used in both “Norwegian rednecks in the South” and “Costa del Kongsvik”.
But despite his TV career, Inngjerdingen has full focus on restaurant operations in the future.
– This is a lifestyle, not a job, he concludes.
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