Thursday, March 31, 2016

Sóller

Sóller is a town 3 km inland from the north west coast and is easy to get to from Palma as a road tunnel means that you do not have to negotiate the winding road with many hairpin bends. However, we chose the mountain road so we could take in the scenery - when we returned, we used the tunnel.


The very straight road from Palma was being resurfaced and the new tarmac, pebbles and traditional stone wall made for an interesting composition.


The traditional Mallorcan stone walls certainly have their own style with their 5 sided stones often laid in an arch pattern - that's why they are referred to as polygonal walls.





Lunch was in the grounds of the Gran Hotel...


...although we didn't get to drive the Bugatti vintage car on display.


I had the Vichyssoise, Margaret the salad...


...followed by Carrillada, pigs cheeks, while Margaret had the fish...


...and then coffee in the lounge.


After lunch a ride on the Tranvía de Sóller...


...down to the Port de Sóller. The tram route opened in 1913 and uses heritage carriages.



The Port de Sóller is a delight for the tourist and is very popular even during our low season visit.



The Port forms a natural harbour in a tranquil bay.


Back to Sóller by bus to collect the car from where it was parked outside the Jardí Botanic - so much to do and so little time so we shall pay it a visit next time!

Wednesday, March 30, 2016

To Mallorca

The flight to Palma from Barcelona only takes 50 minutes. Almost as soon as the plane reaches maximum height it starts the descent.


We got the hire car and drove to the hotel, the Sentido Punta del Mar which was to the west of Palma in Santa Ponça on the Costa Calma.


It is a delightful hotel with very comfortable rooms...




...and a great view from our balcony.




We were treated to some wonderful sunsets during our stay.



It's incredible how the sun sets further to the west which was noticeable each evening.


Monday, March 28, 2016

Easter Monday BBQ

The start to the day is driving to Alcañiz for breakfast in La Oficina.



Then a visit to the local supermarket to buy the food for the BBQ at Rosi and Pablo's casita.


There is even a bed for 2 in this casita!


The red peppers are roasted...




...and then prepared with the aubergines...







...to be eaten with the alcachofas, the artichokes.




Then the lamb is cooked...



...which is truly delicious - much better than you could ever get in a restaurant!


Finally, strawberries and cream - wonderful...



...and brazo de gitano!


And baby Marta arrives!





And then a walk around the area to get rid of a few of those calories.


I can see the light at the end of this tunnel.



The spring flowers are out.


What a beautiful sunset to a wonderful day.