It was one of those rainy miserable Sunday afternoons with the dreaded “I don’t like Mondays” theme running though my head. I was idly flipping through the internet, and saw a holiday deal that looked interesting. The deal offered sun (well hello, I can’t remember what that is!) beaches, great food and cultural and nightlife opportunities. Someone is obviously playing with my head and really trying to get me going here.
Anyhow, I looked into it more and it was about Majorca. I had heard about it and knew it was off Spain and the largest of the Balearic Islands. I did however think that it was off the holiday radar in favour of other trendy island get aways. The more however I thought about, I decided that I needed a break, and not necessarily a full on boisterous party zone. Something that did give me a nightlife for sure, but also somewhere where I would get a tan but also figure out a bit more about the island with the cool name. I will say it again, Majorca (don’t pronounce the J, substitute a y).
I had stumbled upon Co-op Travel’s website so I thought that this would be a pipe dream and that it would be an expensive holiday that really I could afford, but shouldn’t. I decided to sleep on it and see what I felt on “Monday.” You guessed it, I was onto them to find out what the damage would be. It was so very very affordable with the last minute deals, that I impetuously booked it for the following week. After a discussion with work, my leave was approved and so all there was to do, was to buy some new beach wear and some super cool, “summer” dresses and of course shoes and to go to Majorca. So, yes the clothes cost more than the holiday, but that can be justified. Don’t ask me how, I haven’t figured that out.
I did some homework on Majorca and I had opted to stay at Palma, the capital of this island. I also read about the fact that there were still quaint unspoilt fishing villages, which typified the lifestyle of the Majorcans. Yes, there were my beaches, and my cafes but also a lot more that many guide books didn’t say. I figure though that if Chopin and Miro were inspired by Majorca, maybe I would be too.
Well I am back and in love – with Majorca. It is more than what people claim on the sites. Yes there are the ubiquitous tourists (I am so not one of them !!) but there is also a rich heritage and culture that I found when driving around this island. The northwest coast, dominated by the Serra de Tramuntana mountain range, is a beautiful region of olive groves, pine forests, and quaint villages, with a spectacularly rugged coastline. The food in Majorca reflects the agriculture on the island.
All I can say is, bring on more rainy Sundays and newspapers and when my tan fades and my waistline recedes I will be back.
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Photo by paulwoolrich on Flickr
