Continuing to enjoy Mallorca
From September 11 - 20 we had some time to revisit some favourite areas of Mallorca but also had to prepare for our departure. Jill and Bob McDonald stayed with us from September 13 - 18 so we tried to give them some idea of the range of experiences Mallorca can offer but the island is so varied in scenery and possible activities that it is not easy to get a complete sense of the offerings in six days and also have some time to relax or shop. Unfortunately Greg also had to spend an afternoon and a morning fixing a blocked toilet system. The joys of being a boat owner!
One day we went out in the boat, taking David and Caty plus their young children Noa and Albert, and dropped anchor for lunch on the eastern side of the bay. Swimming in the clear aqua water (28C) was fabulous and the spread of local produce ensured a great lunch - the best Iberican jamon, mozzarella and tomato with basil, cheeses from France and Spain, grilled marinated chicken legs, baguettes, fresh salad ingredients (such a bunches of rocket that had just been picked) and a range of fruit - figs, nectarines, strawberries, the special melon, and white donut peaches. There are several new stalls at the Saint Catalina Market and I had bought half a tortilla there which was one of the most delicious we have tried anywhere in Spain. On menus translated into English it is referred to as Spanish Omelette, but it is about 8cm deep and is made with potatoes, onions and lots of eggs, not cooked too firm. I think Jill and Bob liked the market as much as I do, with the charm of the stall holders chatting and providing samples and the atmosphere created by the locals at their little bars where they have fantastic tapas with beer and wine plus all of the outstanding food to buy.
Another day we drove Jill and Bob to Valldemosa and then along the western coast to Deija and Porte Soller. Although Valldemosa is a very beautiful village there are now too may tourists there in the daytime because it is so close to Palma and in retrospect we should have spent more time in the very pretty port at Soller, with the hundreds of little fishing craft lined up in the harbour plus some luxurious larger yachts and a waterfront full of cafes in which to soak up the scenery. There are also other nearby villages every bit as lovely as Valldemosa. We did have a bit of luxury with our coffee on the verandah at La Residencia Hotel in Deija; we need to return to stay there again some time in the future as their grounds are magnificent with large old olive trees and the view of the cliff faces of the high mountains all around. They have an additional tapas restaurant on the side verandah that looks worth a visit too.
During the afternoon we drove Jill and Bob to Porte Andratx Greg took us high into the hills on the northern side so that we could appreciate the stunning view of the bay below us and get some sense of the vast number of luxurious homes in the area, mostly built from the local stone. We also walked along the southern shore past the many cafes, bars and interesting array of shops, stopping for a late afternoon Mojito or beer. The fishing fleet had arrived back with their varied catches and we bought our dinner entree of langoustines to simply grill on the barbecue at the boat. It makes so much sense to have a fish market open from 5.00 - 8.30 pm selling the seafood caught that day.
I also finally had a half day of shopping in Palma with Jill and a very relaxing morning on the beach at Porta Portals, followed by lunch at one of the many cafés and restaurants along the waterfront of the Porta Portals marina.
When Jill and Bob left we spent most of our time packing and getting the boat ready to be left for the winter, although David is going to be looking after it so we have nothing to worry about. On one of our final evenings we had a fabulous seafood dinner at the home of David and Caty; David is a great cook and a very talented artist and we really enjoy spending time with his family. We hope they will stay with us in Australia some time.
Saying goodbye to our favourite market stall holders is always imperative before we leave Palma and I am determined to learn much more Spanish before we return next year so that I can have a proper conversation with them. We did not have enough time in Mallorca before heading home but at least we know we can enjoy it all a lot more next year.
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