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Month: August 2007

In Praise of Libraries

I really like public libraries, especially those that have an air of tradition to them. Spain is well placed for history and tradition, and so is Mallorca, this jewel in […]

Bats, Anybody?

Palma de Mallorca, believe it or not, has a bat in its coat of arms. Yes. Not many people know that. Have a closer look when next in Palma. You […]

Let the Fiesta Begin

Each and every village or town in Mallorca has their own Saint, and consequently, their own fiesta when that particular Saint is celebrated. Campos, in the southeast of the island, […]

Todo Por La Patria

The Guardia Civil in Spain is a police force with both, military and civilian duties. During the times of the Civil War and under Franco, they acquired a reputation as […]

After the Rain

There was a bit of a downpour the other day in many parts of Mallorca. After the rain, the air was fresh and clean. To enjoy some fresh air, these […]

Under Monastic Vows

Spain is a deeply religious society, even though that slowly seems to be changing. Religious here means Catholic. On the island of Mallorca there are some 45 monasteries, of which […]

Las Sombras del Sonido

The late Korean composer and conductor Ahn Eak-tai (1906-1965) played a prominent role in Mallorca’s cultural life. Ahn was the founder of the Palma de Mallorca Symphony Orchestra, in 1946. […]

Birmingham Delayed

I had to go to Palma de Mallorca’s airport last night. Some flights were delayed. During the summer months, PMI is Spain’s second busiest airport, after Madrid. Last weekend, PMI […]

Fancy a Swim?

If the sweltering heat of August gives you an urge to jump into the water, you can’t have a swim right here. No fishing and no swimming is allowed in […]

A Place Steeped in History

Mallorca is a place steeped in history. And so is the island capital, Palma de Mallorca. Here you see a detail from the patio of Castell de Bellver, built between […]

Spirit and Genius

Most art museums offer you the artists’ work without any reference to the artists themselves. At the Fundació Pilar i Joan Miró a Mallorca, in Palma de Mallorca, you are […]

Heavily Discounted

Rebajas have been going on for a few weeks now. Who knows, you might find a bargain this year. Summer Sales in Mallorca will last until the beginning of September. […]

Las Méninas

The ‘Ladies in Waiting’ that I showed you on 21st July, have now disrobed. The ladies are some very impressive bronze sculptures by Spanish artist, Manolo Valdés, called Las Méninas […]

The Human Condition

It is said that even kings and queens have to go where we all go. Does that make them more approachable? Or do I touch on a taboo here? The […]