Palma
Trip Start
Apr 04, 2008
1
33
108
Trip End
Jul 03, 2009
Palma,
Balearic Islands,
Spain and Canary Islands
Saturday, August 16, 2008
The nice surprise on the island is we went on an old wooden train yesterday that was built in 1912. It goes from Palma up to Soller about 1hrs ride. It works its way along dry dusty flats at the back of the city up into Rocky Mountains covered in what looks like a type of pine tree. Stone Villas dot the mountain side and stone terraces filled with Olive or Citrus trees cover the hill side. Stunning! Felt like singing the "Hills Are Alive with the Sound of Music" but knew my boys would beat me up before I'd finished the first verse so decided against it
Along the Beach Front
. The train passes right thru the mountain (very long tunnels) to the other side and looks down upon the town of Soller. Soller looks like it's from a story book and unfortunately my camera does not do it justice. When we reach the bottom the village is gorgeous with tree lined streets and fantastic old buildings and a small town square littered with cafes. Just what you'd imagine a European village to be but don't seem to exist anymore. After lunch in a little cafe here we then catch a wooden tram which goes down to the port. We when reach the port, my breath is taken away. It looks like something from a 50's or 60's movie with little villas lining the port and cafe's and shops and small wooden boats floating in the harbour. The beach is rocky (Most of Mallorca is lovely sand) a typical looking Med beach, umbrellas and deck chairs line the shore. It is so gorgeous we decide to sail the boat up here and stay for a few days. It's also cheaper than Palma... It is so expensive over hear and if you atke the exchange rate into consideration it only makes it more frightening.
On our return journey on the train we accidentally climbed into the first class carriage (which we didn't know existed) and decided to play dumb (No Comprehendo) and stay as when we bought the tickets there was no mention of 1st or 2nd class. Tom who is like the financial controller was concerned they would make us pay more for sitting in these padded roomy chairs and we should move back to cattle but we stayed put and it was no problem. Much more comfortable....
One more night of drunken party goers and its off to Soller....
