Mallorca Connections

I won't lie- my knowledge of the existence of the island of Mallorca comes exclusively from Harry Potter.

The small island first came on my radar when Vernon Dursley decides he wants to buy a vacation home there, although Harry isn't too keen on the idea.

"Harry couldn’t feel too excited about this. He didn’t think the Dursleys would like him any better in Majorca than they did on Privet Drive." - JK Rowling

Read More...

Our trip to Mallorca (Majorca is the English spelling) began after a full day at sea. Malta is 697 miles (606 nautical miles) from Mallorca so we spent a day lounging on the deck of the boat and I finished reading my 6th book of the trip (no joke).

After docking in Mallorca the next morning, we headed out into the city, viewing a castle and a pearl factory before making our way to a bull fighting ring.

We headed inside and of course I pretended to wave my flag to the invisible bull. When in a bull fighting ring?

We made sure to find the infirmary- probably the most important area!

Next, we headed back into Palma (the capital) to visit the cathedral and walk around.

The Palma Cathedral, also known as La Seu, is a main attraction in Palma.

This impressive Gothic Roman Catholic Church did not begin its life as a church. It was originally being built as a Muslim Mosque, but when James I conquered Mallorca in 1229, he decided to just use their structure to build his church. So, as the building was recycled, instead of facing Jerusalem, the altar in the church faces Mecca.

Gaudí (of Barcelona fame) was also hired at the beginning of the 20th century to help in the restoration of the building. Unfortunately, creative differences sent him packing and his pupils ended up finishing up the work.

Palma was such a beautiful green city!

I'm pretty sure our tour guide had been waiting for us to arrive on one of this tours for a long time.
He quickly latched on, asking us "Are you from America? Where?"

When we said California, he was beside himself.

He was quick to tell us that our own Junípero Serra (4th grade California history anyone?) was born and raised in Mallorca! It was a nice fun fact and I think we made his life by being interested in his tidbit.

Had to get a shot of the palms in Palma!

One of my very favorite things were the paintings lining the harbor.

Various aquatic creatures were dotting the way labeled with their names in what I believe to be Catalan?

The boat took off that night to send us back to the beginning- Barcelona...

but not before leaving us with one of the most beautiful sunsets over the Mediterranean.

#nofilter