Palma de Malorca, Spain

Palma de Mallorca, Spain

            Approaching the Palma de Mallorca port is truly spectacular – the sky and equally blue sea provide an arrival that far exceeded our expectations. Half the population of the island lives in this city and it spreads along the coast for miles; at its center, mountains provide a backdrop to a valley of densely populated buildings. Two structures, however, stand tall: the Cathedral of Majorca dominates the skyline and the Bellver Castle looms over the city, 300 meters above it. The Cathedral has the second highest ceiling in its nave (more than 150 feet), two gigantic colorful stain glass rose windows and Baroque architecture, art, and ornamentation mixed with Gothic characteristics – the church dates back to the 13^th century. The Castle is the first circular castle ever constructed in Europe. We enjoyed the panoramic view from its highly fortified walls and interior levels. Its moat is more than 30 feet deep, and large solid doors are the entrance as one passes over a drawbridge. It was a bit difficult to climb the many steps to reach its summit, but the view very much worth it. We could easily image the soldiers in their metal suits of armor defending the high ground.

            Before hailing a taxi to get to the Castle, and yet still near the Cathedral, we walked through one of the oldest parts of the city where only people, not cars, can pass. My command of Spanish, at least in my own mind, is sufficient to acquire a map of the city from a nice gentleman behind a desk in some sort of information center for ancient ruins. Navigating with the map, we begin strolling through narrow passageways and eventually encounter a fairly large plaza across from the Royal Palace. Small cafes and stores surround an olive tree in its center that is surely thousands of years old. I enjoy sitting there watching the locals and tourists mingle while consuming a delicious pastry and some much needed water.

            The weather could not be more perfect – low 70’s, a comfortable breeze and clear blue skies; our photos will show the striking colors. We hail a taxi at the Castle for a return to the ship, and we almost lose Ray. He is halfway into the back seat of the cab when the driver begins moving forward. I yell, “Wait!” and luckily the tone and sense of urgency would stop anyone regardless of the spoken language, and the driver is no exception. I can see him thinking “Whew!” as he stops just in time to save Ray from losing his legs and who knows what else.

            Upon our return to the ship we are all completely exhausted. After a quick late lunch at “Johnny Rockets,” the ship’s outdoor restaurant on Deck #12, I nap for a solid two hours, Debbie for one hour, Monica we discover later for more than an hour, and given the yawns at dinner, Ray may have passed. At any rate, we return to our respective cabins after a short evening stroll on the top deck. The city lights romantically dot the hillsides and coast, and the Cathedral and Castle are particularly visible. Moreover, the evening air remains delightful.

            I was a good day. We fall asleep watching “White House Down,” a movie in our cabin. Tomorrow, the last full day of our cruise will be in Valencia, Spain on the mainland; the second largest city in Spain.