By Lyn Funnell
We caught the train from Palma to Binissalem. It was so simple to buy tickets and find the platform.
I’d been to Binissalem once before and I loved the typical atmosphere of a Spanish village, away from the tourists.
When we got out of the station, we could see the church spire which I knew was in the town square. So we headed in that direction, along the narrow streets. All the houses were immaculate, with interesting wooden doors and plants on the window sills.
We sat down in the square and had a drink. Hubby John and I had coffee, and our daughter and granddaughter had fizzy drinks. Prices were very reasonable.
After paying, we walked further along the road. And we came to a Bodega. You usually have to make an appointment for a tour, but the man was happy for us to walk round.
Oh, I wish I could have carried more. The prices were so low, for locally made wine!
I bought a bottle of rose wine, for 2 euros 90. About £2.50!
It was time to find somewhere to eat. But it was a Monday in the Autumn, so there were only sandwiches on offer.
We decided to catch the train back to Palma and began to walk to the station.
Then, oh joy! We turned a corner and there was a bar full of locals, which is always the place to head for. It was called the ca s’hereu.
We went to walk in, but we were stopped by a man who glared at us and said in Spanish, Have you booked? But we answered him in Spanish and asked if we could have something to eat.
And oh, how he altered when he heard we could speak Spanish! He obviously didn’t welcome tourists. He smiled and led us to a table.
Then came the next test; he handed us menus which were in Mallorquin, the local dialect. But as we lived in the Costa Blanca for five years, we could understand some Valenciano and we managed to translate most things.
Back he came and placed on the table a bottle of still water, fizzy water, a carafe of local wine, bread and a dish of olives, which were all included in the meals.
I ordered Tumbet with eggs, which is a Majorcan speciality. It’s a selection of roast vegetables.
Our daughter and granddaughter are vegans, but nothing was too much trouble for us now. So they had Tumbet without the eggs.
Hubby John had a delicious potato salad with meatballs.
Then we were given the Postre (dessert) menu. Again we nearly managed to work it out.
I had a large slice of cheesecake, Hubby John had ice cream, and unfortunately the only vegan choice was a banana.
A waitress asked if we wanted coffee, which was also included, but we didn’t.
The bill came to 44 euros, 11 euros each. Excellent value!
We walked back to the station where we didn’t have to wait long for our train. And in Palma it was a short walk to the bus stop and our bus soon appeared. It seems to be 2 euros wherever you go.
Then it was back to the BonSol to enjoy the facilities. I relaxed and soaked up the sun while the girls went to the pool. Then it was time to eat again…..
Bonsol Hotel
Paseo de Illetas 30
E 07181 Illetas
Mallorca
Espana
Tel 34-971 402 111
www.hotelbonsol.es
bonsol@hotelbonsol.es
