August 2

Today was another great swimming day so we decided to do as the locals do - drive to one of Mallorca's 90 beaches. We knew from our boating trip that Es Trencs was a long sandy beach with aqua blue water and it was along the south eastern coastline where Sandy and Liz had not seen, so that was our choice. It was packed of course but we rented some beach chairs and enjoyed the sunbaking and swimming. We were definitely in the minority not being topless, no matter the size and shape of the body but I think Sandy and Liz were more intrigued by the sights on their walk along the nudists' part of the beach. They also realised they were dead give-aways as Americans because they were the only ladies in a one piece bathing suit.

The drive to and from the south eastern shore is quite different from the rugged western coast but equally as beautiful. The land is extremely dry and red at present so it seems strange to see the bales of hay and all of the agriculture (mainly fruit trees such as peaches and figs and many almond trees), including one very large farm where every almond tree had a goat standing under it for shade from the bright sun. The houses are all made from a pastel orange stone and most of the windmills are restored with the arms painted white and blue.

Another quick dinner was required when we arrived back at the boat because the concert was definitely on.

What a night! One of Europe's most revered young tenors, Johan Botha, has a magnificent voice. Along with other major singers (bass, baritone and female soprano) he sang arias by Wagner, Verdi and Rossini, supported by the Symphony Orchestra of the Balears. With the superb setting inside the walls of the open round Bellver Castle, under a clear sky with a nearly full moon, we felt extremely fortunate to be there. We had purchased the last 4 of the 300 seats for the concert and it was such an important occasion that it seemed like we were also at a fashion show of the wealthy Germans and locals who were the majority of the audience. We are all keen to find out more about Johan Botha and purchase one of his CDs.

It is also worth having a reason to go to the castle at night to look over the lights of the harbor and Palma, with the stupendous cathedral lit up on the horizon, dominating all.
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