After what can only be described as a perfect winter so far, pay back finally arrived a couple of weeks ago.  One day there I was taking a coffee break on the terrace in the sunshine, thinking this is the life.  Sea looking like a mirror, sky a baby blue and then…..

-2º are you kidding!!!!  We don’t do -º in Mallorca or if they appear it is for about an hour in the morning once and that is it.  We have had sleet and snow too at regular intervals and time to thank your lucky stars that you don’t live in the mountains.   For those of you who came over after looking at the regular warm weather I feel for you. It was a shock to us all going from 18º – 22º most days down to -2º, showers, storms, strong winds and just darn miserable.

To be honest we did need it.  The cold keeps the mosquito and other insect  populations down, kills  germs, flees and ticks for those of you who have animals.  Also  after the heavy rain the reservoir will be happier too.  I could tell by the calc blocking up the taps that the water levels were low.

Good News

Temp is coming back to normal and as I look through the window while typing this, the sun is shining and it is hovering between 5º and 10º.  Hopefully now the Almond blossom can resume its progress and bless us all with its beauty.

Yesterday it was warm enough to go out on my bike.  I love riding around the port in the sunshine and so does my little dog Pepa.  She sits in a basket on the back like Queen of all she surveys and thoroughly enjoys the ride.  If you see us riding past you in the port give us a wave.

When you are next in Pollença I look forward to seeing you.

Best Wishes.   Lynn and of course little Pepa.

This morning yet again, clear blue sky and sunshine, another walk along the front definitely on the cards. This time we walked along to the I’Lliador hotel and as happens on the first day of November most other things were closed. The Hotel Mirimar had people eating breakfast yesterday, today all closed up for the winter. Most of the shops and cafes too. It gets me every year this sudden, last one out shut the gate atmosphere.

Still a gorgeous day, people actually sunbathing on the beach it is THAT warm. All those who thought of coming over for the end of October and didn’t, you missed one of the warmest Autumns for years.

The tea and cake at the I’Lliador was idyllic and much needed after working so hard all summer.

Pepa wonders what has hit her, two long walks in two days……

Viernes 4 de noviembre – 21 hs
Iglesia de Santa Eulalia (Palma)
Requiem de G. Faure

Camerata Pollencina – Grup Coral 717 – Coral Juvenil Federativa – Agrupació Coral Femenina de Sant Francesc.

Miembros de las corales Orfeó Ramon Llull, Musicantes de Mallorca y otras corales federadas

Soprano solista: Marta Ferrer
Baritono solista: Joan Seguí
Piano: Joan Lainez

Se trata de un concierto benefico organizado por el ayuntamiento de Palma a favor de la Cruz Roja.

Entrada colaboración: 2 euros.

TV report on the fiesta.

The build up and  start of the Battle.

The end at the football ground.

I am so glad I don’t have to wash all the Christians white clothes afterwards.

ON Saturday 23rd July the Camerata choir took part in the 3rd,  Association of choirs for the Baleares, coral competition organized by  Llubi town council.  It was a wonderful evening and a pleasure to take part. Made all the more of a pleasure as we won the best choir award.  You can see us all in the picture above singing our hearts out.

http://www.festivalpollenca.com/2011/en/programa.html

On Saturday I had the pleasure of going to see Jose Mercé a famous Flamenco singer. The guitarist was incredible and the atmosphere built up wonderfully with each song he sang. I know this is an acquired taste in music however it is hard to ignore the mastery of this type of music in the timing and use of both the guitar and the vocal chords of the singer.

Both Jose and his guitarist were completely together on timing a wonderful performance.  At one point Jose walked away from the microphone and sang to the audience from the front of the stage. It was wonderful and a standing ovation was the response.  The applause at the end seemed to go on for an age with everyone on their feet and hoping for more.

Here is a short video I am afraid the sound quality does not do the performance justice but you get the idea.

The official blurb:-

9th July Jose Mercé -  He is an indispensable figure in the summer festivals in Andalucía, as he is the most successful and famous cantaor on the flamenco scene.

Here is a video from Jose himself so you can really hear his heart felt singing and the wonderful guitarist in the quality they deserve.

As we move through the month of May the Poppies that provide a wonderful show of red all over the countryside slowly disappear making way for flowering bushes and trees like bougainvillea that will then delight the eye for the rest of the summer.

There is always something stunning to find as  you explore the island, be it one beautiful little flower, or the most amazing view.

On Sunday 24th April The Club Pollença were given a delight with the performances by two young women one on Piano and Elena Armenteros on the Harp.  To be honest I have never heard a harp other than when it is part of a large orchestra and I thoroughly enjoy the variety of pieces they had chosen.  The two women played together very well, the timing excellent.  Complimenting each other with each piece of music.

An absolute joy and highly recommended if  you hear of another concert by them, they call themselves the “Amara Duo”.