Dinner at Sant Elm, June 4, 2010

After we came back from Palma, Rita's parents wanted to go to Sant Elm for a seafood dinner as they were impressed with the quaint waterfront restaurants they had seen on our first visit. After checking our guidebook for recommendations we set off for the 20 minute drive to the little fishing village. We found the El Pascadora restaurant and it was perfect, right on the waterfront. The owner has his own fishing boat (The Macarena) and catches the restaurants fresh fish which are delivered to your table on a platter for you to choose. We had a lovely evening that included a fresh John Dory dinner, Majorca rose' wine and a great sunset. This is why you love Majorca:)

The catch of the day being presented for our selection.

Evelyn and Franz enjoying the local beverages

The Macarena moored at Sant Elm Harbour

Sunset with Sa Dragonia Island in the background

Scouting Palma, June 4, 2010

Rita and I went to Palma today and we left her parents to explore Port de Andratx. Rita wanted to come up with a tour of Palma that would be of interest to her parents but not be too physically taxing. We spent the day touring Old Majorca, the Arab District, Mercat Olivar and Palma Cathedral. Rita also managed to squeeze in some shopping, fancy that!!!

Rita in front Le Seu (Palma Cathedral)

Rita walking the narrow streets of Old Majorca

Fresh Fish Stand at Marcat Olivar, Palma's huge covered market

Rita checking out the cafe's in Placa de La Llotja

Hiking and Strolling, June 3, 2010

Rita is almost over her larangitis and sore throat and she wanted to start our little power walk program today. Since we have been here for a few days and explored our local surroundings, we had mapped out a route that would take about 50 minutes and use the surrounding hilly terrain. It's amazing how a few days of no physical activity can soften you up. Hopefully, we will be in better shape in a few days.
View of our apartment and Port de Andratx from our walking route

After our power walk we decided to go and visit another popular resort area for Germans, Peguera. This is a place that we definately would not want to stay at. Beautiful beach but filled with thousands of tourists and the seafront promenade is a strip mall of bars, tacky souvenir shops, beach clothing and real estate offices. It actually reminded me of Porta Villarta in Baja, Mexico. Very happy to get back to the peace and quiet of laid back Port de Andratx. Are we old or what!!!!

Beachfront atPeguera with rented shade and lie-lows
Rita and her Dad, Franz, strolling down the promenade in Peguera

Visiting Relatives, June 2, 2010

Quite by accident Rita and I found out that my cousins from London were holidaying on Majorca at the same time, so we had to go and visit. They were staying in a villa just outside of Porto Pollenca, which is heavily visited by the Brits. It's about an hour drive from Port de Andratx with most of it driven on the one main highway that encircles Majorca. We had our TomTom which took us to the closest village and a copy of the written directions to the villa. It was no use. After going up and down the little country road we could not find the turn-off to the villa and so had to give my cousin Lis a phone call. She walked out onto the country road and guided us to her. Obviously, my navigation skills from my days as a Boy Scout have been lost.

Had a wonderful hosted lunch, by my aunt Kate, at Stay Restaurnt in Porto Pollenca and catching up with everyone at their peaceful villa before heading back to Port Andrartx. A pleasant bonus for Rita's parents was being able to have a conversation with Paul, my cousin Sally's husband, who could speak some German.

My cousins villa which is surrounded by olive groves and farmland

Charlotte, Jamie and Sophie jumping into the pool.

Porto Pollenca waterfront just outside Stay Restaurant

Charlotte, Sophie, Sally, Kate, Lis and Rita at Stay Restaurant

Andratx Market Day, June 2, 2010

The town of Andratx is about a five minute drive from Port de Andratdx. It is much larger and was built inland to protect is from pirate raids. It's a working town and does not have much going for it except on Wednesdays when the streets are taken over by market stalls selling vegetables, cheeses, meat and fish. Its rated as one of the best markets on Majorca and so we wanted to experience it for ourselves. The five minute drive to Andratx was uneventful, but as soon as we got into town it was bumper to bumper traffic and no parking to be found on there very narrow streets. Decided to drop Rita and her parents off at the flower section of the market and told them I would park and meet them there. Big mistake. Went through town without any luck finding parking. Ended up being funneled into a one-way road that did not allow you to turn off and took you completly out of town. Was able to find my way back to the road that took me into Andratx from Port Andratx and was heading for the flower market area when I was rerouted by a police officer who had closed the road due to heavy traffic. Had no idea where I was going but followed the other cars. Saw a couple get into their car on a side street and so quickly turned down an alley to try and get to them before they left, which I did. Now just to try and find the flower section of the market. Managed to find everyone to their great relief as it had been about 35 minutes since I had dropped them off . Thousands of people come to this market in cars and tour busses to look, sample and buyt the merchandise available. We focussed on the food section, of course, and bought some local cheese, meats, fruits and vegetables. It is a wonderful experience as long as you all stay together. The biggest market is in Palma and is open every day and we will go there to check it out as well.

Rita purchasing some local olives

Vendor selling local Sausages, ham and Cheeses

Fruit stand with local and Spanish fruits on offer

Sant Elm, May 31, 2010

Had to pick up some groceries in the much larger village of Andratx which was further inland. Many villages in Majorca were initially estabished inland to protect them from invasion by pirates. On the way we took a detour to go and visit the old fishing village of Sant Elm. It 's main attraction these days is its large sandy beach which attracts a lot of day tourists. After a leisurley stroll and coffee at an oceanside cafe we headed for Andratx for supplies and then home for more relaxation.

The Harbour at Sant Elm

Rita and her parents, Evelyn and Franz, on the ramparts overlooking the Sant Elm Harbour

Getting into Majorca Lifestyle, May 30, 2010

Weather continues to be warm and sunny, around 27c. Settleing into a leisurely routine of getting up and having breakfast on the deck, a little reading before heading into Port de Andratx for coffee, lunch, suntanning by the pool, appi's and gin & tonic on the deck, a little more reading, dinner and watching the sunset before more reading and bedtime.


Have just finished a wonderful novel called "The Book of Negroes" by Lawrence Hill and am just starting "World Without End" by Ken Follett. It's his sequal to "Pillars of the Earth" and should take most of my time in Majorca to get through.

Rita having breakfast on the deck of our apartment

Rita and her Mom, Evelyn, getting some rays by the pool

Rita sitting on the rocks in the small Bay just below our apartment

Our apartment complex from across the small Bay