I know we should not complain, but that is what the British do best!! Only teasing, I am very grateful for this fantastic weather and just wish others could enjoy the sunshine, blue skies and wonderful warm waters around our coastline.
Having started off quite disappointing at the beginning of the year, where, for Mallorca it was really quite cold until almost the end of May and beginning of June, we now have wonderful 'hot' days, perfect for relaxing in. Ok for you guys working here it is not so much fun, especially when no matter what you are wearing, half an hour down the line it is soaking. After a shower you are actually wetter than when you were in there even after drying yourself. Still I love it, so much better to have such long, bright days that go on and on until at least nine in the evening than short cold and wet ones.
There really is nowhere better than this wonderful island which has so many things going for it. We can even grown our own fruit in this wonderful climate. We have fruit trees on our terrace which absolutely love this weather, our lemon tree has so many little green fruits and our little clementine tree also has fruit this year, it is the first year for this one. The lemon tree we have had three years now. They do take a while to settle down and produce fruit but when they do it is wonderful to see them produce such fresh and tasty fruit. Still waiting for our nectarine and cherry to produce. I just love having fruit trees on the terrace. We are also trying to grow olives, figs, pomegranates and grapes.
Sorry it has been a while since writing, I have been working hard on AdsMallorca, adding lots of articles about the many different sides of Mallorca and all you can experience.
I will try and come back a little sooner next time.
If you haven't decided where to go on holiday either this year or next check out AdsMallorca for information on all you can do on Mallorca, you never know I might bump into you when you are here!!
This really is a beautiful island and I love being here and love the diversity of the people who live here too but I am constantly being brought back to reality with a culture shock that I am still finding hard to accept.
Coming from the UK where animals are treated with respect by the majority of people and there are laws to protect any that are not. Here, under Spanish law, and with the Spanish mentality, and culture, things are so different. Animals are seldom shown any sort of respect and are looked upon as creatures that have now awareness of pain or fear.
Silly little things remind me of this, such as this morning, as it had been raining yesterday all of the snails try to make their impossible journey from one side of the path to the other without being squished, more often than not I help them on their way when I see them (perhaps not the prettiest of creatures but still life is precious no matter how big or pretty it is). Unfortunately many do not think this way at all and this morning when walking the dogs I came across at least ten snails which had been trodden on. I know, perhaps I should not take any notice but it reminds me each time of the lack of care shown to animals generally in Spain. It is accepted that if you don't want an animal you just throw it out onto the streets, and they are the lucky ones, many, such as kittens and cats are thrown out on the motorway from moving vehicles and do not survive.
I realise that this is a cultural difference but it really is one that needs addressing. Perhaps in the schools first so that children do not grow up with the same fixed ideas on animal treatment as their parents and grandparents.
The mood here in Mallorca is relatively upbeat as we begin the summer season, especially on hearing that British Airway's business airline, CityFlyer, has announced it now has its first ever leisure flights coming here to Palma from London City in May. This has to be a big plus for Mallorca at the beginning of what is predicted to be a much more successful season this year compared to 2009. With Air Berlin using Palma as its European hub it brings with it over six million passengers to the island with an expected increase of 10% this year, Palma airport is still the third busiest airport in Spain.
Of course the majority of visitors will be heading out to hotels but there will still be a good proportion of visitors who own properties here and are looking forward to spending time in their own apartment or villa on this wonderful island. Now is the time to feel and be positive about our 2010 tourist season. I for one am just looking forward to feeling the warmth of the sun on my face, to getting rid of the boots and jackets, getting out the flip flops and making the most of this incredible island and all it has to offer. Not just for the tourists, it really is a wonderful place to 'hang your hat'.
