Monthly Archives: September 2007

Wine Tasting Fair in Binissalem

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This may not be the most exciting photo you will have seen, ever, but the picture is taken in a field of vines carrying the grape variety of Manto Negro, one of the many autochthonous red wine grapes from Mallorca.

If you are into the pleasures of wine drinking and would like to taste a number of different grape varieties, why not pop down to Binissalem where the annual wine tasting festival is held, the Festes des Vermar, in the Parc de la Rectoria, today from 11h30 to 14h00 and from 17h00 to 21h00. Unless you have already been yesterday, Saturday. Admission is 4 € for adults. Under aged youngsters are allowed in but won’t be served the alcoholic nectar.

The photo was taken near Felanitx, Mallorca, Spain. The date: September 29th, 2007. The time was 17:57:56.

A Not so Dry Riverbed

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A torrente in Mallorca signifies a riverbed with no water, i. e. a dry river that only holds water when there are heavy rains.

Sa Riera is one such torrente, in the heart of Palma de Mallorca. For centuries it ran through what now is the Passeig des Born, until in 1403 there was some severe flooding, reportedly causing the death of more than 5,000 inhabitants of Ciutat.

As a result of the catastrophe, Sa Riera was eventually moved to outside of the then city boundaries, to what today is known as the Passeig Mallorca.

Sa Riera is now flooded on purpose, even in dry summer, to present a more pleasing appearance.

The photo was taken in Palma de Mallorca, Spain. The date: September 19th, 2007. The time was 12:27:27.

Llampuga Time

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Autumn – September to November – is the time when the Llampuga fish (Coryphæna hippurus) can be caught, and bought. You will find it in most of Palma’s markets such as Plaza Olivar or Plaza Garau.

Llampuga is also offered under the name of Pez Dorado, whereas you might know it as Common Dolphinfish. A treat under whatever name. If you are too nervous to have a go for yourself, any reputable restaurant on the island will serve Llampuga during this season.

There is even an annual Mostra de Llampuga in Mallorca, in Cala Ratjada, to be precise (third weekend of September).

The photo was taken in Palma de Mallorca, Spain. The date: September 26th, 2007. The time then was 12:29:21.

Waterlogged

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The city of Palma de Mallorca is very proud of its new Metro underground service, inaugurated only five months ago. The line at the moment connects the Plaza España with the university campus of the UIB, by way of the poligono.

Was proud, that should read, and used to connect. Because the Metro is now out-of-service, indefinitely.

The new system is flooded. Every time there is a lot of rain, and recently there was a lot of rain, the underground system gets flooded, then delayed, then waterlogged, then shut down. What a shame.

It is so difficult to be a proper metropolis.

The photo was taken in Palma de Mallorca, Spain. The date: September 19th, 2007. The time then was 15:25:50.

Fancy a Gamble?

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The most unassuming village that I have come across in Mallorca must be Son Macià, between Manacor and Felanitx.

But don’t let appearances betray your eye, or your mind. Son Macià is said to have had some illicit dealings in the past, during the Franco years. Gambling was the word. People reportedly came from as far as Palma to play the Banca cards with the locals for a quick gain. Apparently, the authorities were paid to look the other way.

Well, rumour has it that gambling is back in vogue, in Son Macià, believe it or not. It is still illegal, but that seems of no great concern.

The photo was taken in Son Macià, near Felanitx, Mallorca, Spain. The date: September 16th, 2007. The time was 13:27:06.

What a Lot of Waste

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The average amount of rubbish per person in Mallorca goes up every year in line with increase in earnings. At last count we seem to stand at 935 kg per person per year, including the elderly, infants and newly born. That is an aweful lot of waste.

This number does not even include the rubbish that is produced by Mallorca’s annual 11,000,000 tourists.

At least, Mallorca (and Spain) seem to have cottoned on to the concept of rubbish separation such as glass, paper, plastic and everything else.

The photo was taken near Felanitx, Mallorca, Spain. The date: September 16th, 2007. The time was 14:29:16.

A Place in the Country

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I have not yet shown you many photos of Mallorcan finca farmhouses in the country.

Here you have one finca that I have known for many years and that I have always liked a lot. It is still in its original state of preservation, as yet untouched by the eagerness of wealthy estranjeros.

The photo was taken near Felanitx, Mallorca, Spain. The date: September 22nd, 2007. The time was 13:08:54.

Seven Sisters

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Es Baluard is the name of an old city fortress in Palma de Mallorca dating from medieval times.

A few years ago the ruined fortress was rebuilt and converted with tons of public money into a museum for modern and contemporary art. I had told you a few days ago about its one and truly spectacular feature, the old water cistern, the Aljub, which was converted into a stage for temporary exhibitions and specially commissioned installations.

Outside, at the museum entrance you can spot some impressive images as well such as these reflections of the seven sisters.

The photo was taken in Palma de Mallorca, Spain. The date: September 19th, 2007. The time then was 12:55:14.

To See the Sea

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Here is an interesting story for the beginning of the Autumn season. Happy times to you all.

I know a Mallorcan lady, aged 93, who told me the other day that she had never ever seen the sea. Not once in her life. Being Mallorcan born obviously means, that this lady has lived on a relatively small island for all her life. An island, by its nature, is surrounded by the sea. When I offered to take her by car to the sea, she happily declined. It was not what she most wanted out of life.

The story shows that not everyone lives by the same code, habit, standard or custom as everybody else. What is important is that one is happy, sea or no sea.

The photo was chosen from my archive. It was taken in Cala Llucalcari, near Deià, Mallorca, Spain. The date: May 21st, 2005. The time was 11:46:33.

On Your Bikes

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The municipal police force of Palma de Mallorca has equipped some of their men (and women) on the beat with snazzy mountain bikes to facilitate their quick chase after whoever might be the culprit.

Why they should use pedestrian walkways when they are not pursueing anything, is another question. Ah, Spain.

The photo was taken in Palma de Mallorca. The date: September 19th, 2007. The time then was 12:06:12.