(Part 3) - "No Spain, No Gain" - by Travellin' Tony T
Here we go with round three of Europe's Canuck Connections. Our next destination is a Spanish island in the Mediterranean called Mallorca
(pronounced May-orca or Ma-jorca to the British). Mallorca is a
spot not to be missed if you're spending any time in the area.
Grab a boat from Barcelona or Valencia, or a charter flight
from almost anywhere. Return from London through
a small "bucket shop" travel agent runs 70-90
pounds depending on availability.
This is the land of package deals, so if you're interested in accommodations including meals, in many different price ranges, ask for details. You may find the food less than appetizing, and the hotels packed with partiers, so make sure you ask a lot of questions regarding your vacation specifics. I selected the "strap on the backpack and see what's out there" option, but not by choice. Arrangements had been made for me to join up with some cohorts from London at their friend's villa on the North coast of the island. They were to call me upon arrival with directions, as neither of us had been there before. My back packed, ticket in hand, I anxiously await the call that would deliver me to nirvana. My friends on the other hand, had left my phone number at home, and never rang. I was on my own, somewhat trepidations about winging away to an island I'd never been to with no contacts or travelling partners. Up to this point my adventures had included companions, either old or new. Time to get kicked out of the nest.
Cap Formentor, at the islands Northeast tip, is a coastal cliffside spectacle not to be missed. And the tiny train from Soller to Porto Soller in the Northwest provides a unique perspective , descending the small mountain straight to the coast. Everyone from Cindy Crawford, to Michael Douglas to King Juan Carlos Himself have homes here. Like much of Europe, Mallorca ranges from the expensive and prestigious to the dirt cheap and raunchy. My trip encompassed mainly the latter ;)