By Lyn Funnell
The buses went to Palma every 15 minutes, opposite our hotel, the Bonsol.
We all speak Spanish and our daughter went to pay the driver. But he waved us inside, saying, ‘It’s OK, my ticket machine roll has run out.’
The scenery on the journey was lovely. The bus mainly followed the coast.
In Palma we walked from the bus-stop to the seafront where the magnificent Gothic cathedral stands. But the queue was so long even that early in the morning that we decided to spend our time walking around the area.
I’ve been there a couple of times before. But it looks different every time.
Palma’s seafront has been completely transformed, with bike lanes and pedestrian pavements, separated by low walls. It’s very tastefully done.
Bikes and scooters whizz past the bus, travelling safely along the roads with plenty of room. It’s the best way to travel around the city if you’re fit enough – and you don’t need to be young either!
Behind the cathedral is a maze of narrow Medieval Moorish lanes. Just wander aimlessly through them. And if you look carefully, you can peep now and then through wrought-iron gates into beautifully-maintained little courtyards.
There were plenty of market stalls with craft workers displaying their paintings. One of them was drawing people’s names on a large ornate sign. We bought one for our granddaughter Isabella. He said he’d been there for 18 years. And how the human statues stand perfectly still for so long beats me!
Sometimes there’s a group playing in a square, selling their latest CD.
We went in a beautiful church in a lane. It was called the Parochia Basilica de San Miguel.
We stopped in a rather rough-looking square at a bar that had a large sign saying Tapas. As it was busy with people sitting outside we knew it must be good.
The rule in Spain is, Never go in an empty bar!
The inside was tatty but clean and the tapas were traditionally displayed in a glass cabinet.
And yes, the food was fresh and tasty, all served in little dishes with plenty of bread to mop up the delicious juices.
It was a shame that we had a German next to us, seriously examining his toe! Yuck. But our granddaughter thought it was hilarious. She Christened him Toe Man.
After lunch, we walked inland to find the station as we were catching the train to Soller the following day. We walked slowly as the temperature was hot. Lovely!
The roads grew wider and there were a lot of Designer stores.
We found the station easily. Then we found the bus stop that we wanted and went back to the hotel to enjoy the afternoon in the sun.
The Mallorcans are so friendly and welcoming!
Maybe the fact that we speak Spanish helps.
When you’re going on holiday it’s so easy to learn the basis of a language. I learnt Spanish while I was doing my ironing. It made a hated chore more interesting!
Two things we didn’t like; all the Mallorcans walk around staring at their phones. On the buses I think we were the only ones looking out the windows at the gorgeous scenery!
And they don’t pick up after their dogs. In some areas you have to be careful where you walk.
We stayed at
Bonsol Hotel
Paseo de Illetas 30
E 07181 Illetas
Mallorca
Espana
Tel 34-971 402 111
www.hotelbonsol.es
bonsol@hotelbonsol.es
