Travel Blog: Touring and Cycling Trip to Barcelona, Gerona and
Mallorca 2017-08-22
Barcelona
Tuesday July 11
Our flight landed on schedule around 10 in the morning after a
surprisingly restful sleep on Air Canada’s discount carrier Rouge
(the last time I flew Rouge in 2014 to and from Phoenix, Arizona we
were delayed four times including the loss of one full day of
vacation and my friend’s carry-on luggage which for some reason he
checked ended up in Cayo Coca, Cuba. He was not able to retrieve
the bag until the end of our week long trip – a very funny story I
still ‘rib’ him about). Nevertheless, I was able to scoop the
middle row of three seats, curl up and sleep for approximately four
of the 7 hours of flight time which is very unlike me as I am a
light sleeper. The ear plugs and eye mask were very helpful in
falling asleep; I never travel without them even to the cottage.
They are a travelling necessity for me and I highly recommend them
to you.
Our Hotel Universal, Barcelona (
www.hotelbarcelonauniversal.com/en/ ) was not ready at this early
hour but we were able to take a refreshing dip in the roof-top
pool. Thank God! So we toured the city of Barcelona for
approximately five hours walking about 12 kilometers. No wonder
most Europeans are slim and fit: they walk everywhere. The
“Almighty” car is not as prevalent in Europe as it is here in North
America (I live in Ottawa, Ontario where single occupant vehicles
prevail); but scooters are very popular. One cannot help but
discover the magnificent “Les Rambles” on a tour of the city with
waves of people strolling by like 5th Avenue in New York City as
you walk down the pedestrian boulevard. It is a magnet for
tourists, entrepreneurs of every stripe and entertainers. You also
hear multiple languages as people mill about and it is very lively
at night. The walkway is sheltered by a beautiful canopy of trees
along either side of the Rambles sheltering you somewhat from the
45 degrees with the humidex on this particular day.
We stopped a Starbucks for overpriced coffee and a sandwich
around noon and of course there was a long line-up (the servers
really take their time at Starbucks, have you noticed?) but we
needed sustenance and the caffeine to keep us awake. We took a
quick look in the huge, vibrant, colourful open air market near St.
Joseph’s Church just off of the Ramblas which was stocked with
fresh food of all sorts – the healthy, world-famous Mediterranean
diet is the key factor in keeping most Spaniards thin.
As we approached the end of the Ramblas by the statue of
Christopher Columbus (he looks to be pointing to the beach but not
necessarily to the new world, ironically). We encountered Port Vell
with a shopping mall, a Gondola ride up the mountain lookout and
fancy yachts in the marina. We moved along towards the beach with
numerous loud sales pitches from mostly Nigerian street vendors
hawking beach towels, running shoes, sun glasses and hats among
other items. We walked along the approximately 10 kilometer
spectacular shoreline. You quickly grow accustomed to the topless
and in some cases naked sun bathers lying about. The Westin Hotel
is located at the end of the beach. We researched their rates –
expensive but beautiful accommodations with a spectacular view of
the ocean.
We checked into our room at Hotel Universal later in the
afternoon had a siesta and prepared for dinner. We ate just outside
the hotel on the sidewalk at Antic Cafe Espanyol as we watched many
people stroll by on the sidewalk. We both ordered European style,
thin crust Mediterranean pizza accompanied by a red house wine
which was excellent. Our waiter Nick was efficient and business
like serving us.
Wednesday, July 12
Hotel Universal had a breakfast included in our package. The
dining room was beautifully designed and decorated and the
sumptuous food was plentiful. We were told at the check in desk the
breakfast was “free” but the hostess at the dining room wanted to
charge us. However, we explained it was included she checked and
all was well.
We walked another ten to 15 kilometers around the City where I
met Picasso (he’s dead FYI) and had the good fortune to take a
picture with him. We walked to the beach encountering many sun
worshippers and took a quick swim in the ocean – very refreshing
but very so salty (I must remember to close mouth when swimming in
the ocean). All this walking created huge appetites so we headed
for St. Joseph’s Market (Mercat de la Boqueria) for a late lunch
around 2 and grabbed a veggie wrap packed with various goodies
which were tasty.
We then returned to our hotel for a dip in the rooftop pool
(forgot to take a picture of it but check out the above link) along
with a few pints from the roof top bar. We chatted with a mother
and her teenage daughter from Norway as we relaxed in the sun (me
in the shade as I had had enough sun). Mom had a PhD in
microbiology and had been conducting viral based research into
fighting cancer; fascinating work. Barcelona as you may know is
very cosmopolitan.
We ate dinner again nearby just up the street at Grup
D’Hosteleria Pic-Zas (catering more to the hostel traveller); the
paella was passable but the food was not as good as the place we
ate the previous night.
Thursday, July 13
We left Hotel Universal about 7:30 in the morning to catch the
subway to the bus terminal to connect with the train to Gerona
around 8:50. My buddy had his large Thule bike box about the same
size a seventy or 80‘’ TV which is not heavy but bulky. I could not
have been bothered to lug a bike box about so I opted to rent
bikes; more on that a little later. Unfortunately, my friend had to
lug his bike box up and down a series of stairwells in order to be
on the correct subway platform for our destination (we were on the
wrong one at first, Oh brother!).
We arrived in Gerona Spain (also spelled Girona) in the
Catalonia region of at approximately 9:30; the train was reasonably
priced, clean, comfortable and on time FYI. We taxied to the Hotel
Historic (www.hotelhistoric.com/ ) in the ancient city where Lance
Armstrong and his entourage had stayed during training stints in
this region in preparation for the cycling seasons. The hotel was
magnificent with beautiful stone walls containing remnants dating
back to the Roman era.
I ate a decent omelette with ricotta cheese, mushrooms and
tomatoes at the nearby Cafe Federal (a chain for your information
and nearby our Hotel). I would heartily recommend this little cafe
as the food was good and the scenery lovely with a great view to
watch people of all nationalities pass by; we ate there a couple of
times over our 8 day visit.
We then ventured off to BikeBreaks (www.gironacyclecentre.com/ )
to rent a bike for $210 Euro for 8 days. We were greeted by the
lovely Anna who set me up with a 56” bright yellow and black,
leisure ride Cannondale (notice the top of the frame is sloped)
complete with disks brakes – a nice feature considering some of the
downhill riding we ended up doing. They also had wider tires on the
bike for better grip and control on descents. In Europe they have
also trended towards filling the tires with less air pressure,
closer to 90 psi or 100, for enhanced grip versus the normal 110 to
120 I have been used to over the years. They sell maps and have
suggestions for cycling routes or check out www.mapmyride.com/
My buddy and I rode about 65 kilometres first up Els Angels
climb about 12 kilometers in 30 degree heat and humidity but
thankfully it was mostly overcast. Upon returning to Gerona, I went
north and my friend went east (he had cycled there before). I got
lost temporarily but nevertheless was able to find my way back to
the Hotel.
We had a brief siesta (had to get used to the clanging of the
neighbouring Basilica bell). The air conditioning was desperately
needed at this time given the weather was very hot and humid. The
air conditioner was very noisy which caused me to configure my
pillows and cushion in such a way as to block out most of the
noise.
Another friend arrived from Rome around eight in the evening to
join us for the week. Walking about the ancient city is a challenge
as there are numerous, hills, staircases and cobblestone walkways
and alleys.
We ate at Can Roc Gerona (note to self: take a picture of the
restaurants where you had meals); I had veal and it was excellent.
We completed the evening with a Kilkenny pint at a nearby by Irish
pub.
Friday, July 14
We ate at the Hotel breakfast at 8:30 in the morning; there was
plenty of food and you could order scrambled eggs with bacon, along
with cereals, yogurt, freshly squeezed orange juice, fresh fruit,
and slices of cheese, breads, jams and cold cuts. Coffee and tea
came in abundance as well. Xavier, the owner, served us
breakfast.
We visited BikeBreaks on our way to our cycle route as my friend
required an adjustment to his bike. I spoke with Anna once again; a
very sweet and accommodating lady. We did the same ride up to Els
Angles, descended the other side for about four or 5 kilometers,
turned around and went straight back up some pretty steep climbs.
The smell of the pine trees en route reminded me of our family
cottage in Norway Bay, Quebec on the Ottawa River. I cannot get
enough of that scent; I think it helps clear my senses and brings
visions of sunsets and fond memories of the Bay. I digress, the
ride was about 60 kilometers and took about 3.5 hours with a half
hour rest at the monastery atop Els Angels (generally we average
about 20 kilometres per hour in the mountains and 25 - 30 per hour
on the flats as long as it is not too windy).
Nearly forgot to mention there are excellent hiking and/or
mountain biking trails in this area. The scenery is beautiful and
you can see for miles. It was very hot and humid again; of course
mid July in Spain – what would one expect. Try to get your rides in
early to avoid the stifling heat or go in April or September.
We had lunch at La Fabrica Coffee Works and Cycle Shop in
Gerona; we had cake and coffee as a reward for completing the long
ride. In addition, I ordered a scrumptious salmon with cucumber on
a bagel which really hit the spot after our long, intense, hilly
ride. Nicky was our waitress – a young lady from Australia whose
passion among other athletic pastimes was surfing and kiting. We
also met a young couple from the area along with their 5 week old
son Alex who was of course super cute.
I returned to the Hotel around 2 to get out of the heat, have a
siesta, post pictures to FaceBook, read and freshen up.
We had dinner at the Casa Marieta located in a large square
across the river from our Hotel. The food was great and the gelato
even better. We walked about ten kilometers this evening.
Saturday, July 15
We did the same ride up Els Angels to introduce our friend to
the route and again it was very hot and humid. We took a break at
Santuari Angels ( www.santuarisdegirona.cat/angels/ca/index.asp )at
the peak of this ride and I enjoyed a refreshing “Aquarius”, a cold
and refreshing citrus based drink. Oh yeah! He turned back and my
other friend and I rode through Monells to Casa de Salva and back
to Gerona – the George Hencapie climb.
We had a late lunch around two at Le Bistrol located in an
ancient part of the city near our Hotel where a Game of Thrones
scene was shot. I had the duck which was good but a little greasy –
the first time I had this meat in years.
The pizza at Casa Marieta for dinner (located near the river and
tourism building) was very good but the waiter was not
friendly.
We walked around the town again enjoying the spectacular sites
for about 10 kilometers stopping for gelato once again.
Sunday, July 16
Unfortunately, I had a restless sleep last night but these
things a likely to happen when one travels. We attended mass at Es
Glesca Catedral Basilica de Gerona at 11 which was held in
Spanish.
We took the bus to the beach at Palamos around one in the
afternoon; the scenery was breathtaking and a nice cooling breeze
blew in off the ocean. We flaked out for two or 3 hours on the
beach taking dips to cool off when necessary. The smell of sea salt
and the gentle breeze off the ocean was relaxing and refreshing.
You can rent a chaise long and umbrella FYI.
We ate at Felin St. located just off the beach. I had the
Spanish omelette which was good all be it a little plain. The
sangria was good but a word of caution; they add sugar to sweeten
it unless you tell them otherwise. We caught the return bus around
6:30 but did not arrive back in Gerona until shortly after 8 as
there were many stops along the route home.
We walked another ten to 15 kilometres over the course of this
day.
Monday, July 17
I slept really well as I was exhausted from the previous day’s
activities.
We rode 70 kilometers on this day but he reverse of the day’s
ride through Casa de Salva, up to Monells through to Els Angels
enjoying the over 10 kilometre descent back to Gerona.
(FYI, I burn approximate 1800 calories per 50 or 60 kilometer
ride; I weigh in at 155 pounds and stand a little over 5’ 7’’
notwithstanding the heat, humidity and/or wind).
I had lunch at Le Federal waited on by Mara, a local young lady
who was on a scholarship in the States for basketball who plays
guard; she was friendly and the service was great.
Given the heat, I returned to the hotel room to relax and get
ready for dinner around 7. We ate at Sin Cogtactos located in the
large square off Gran Via De Jaume across the river from our hotel
– a 3 or 4 kilometre walk.
We went to an Irish Pub to watch the season seven premier of the
Game of Thrones; gotta love Arya – I hope she ends up on the throne
(those in the picture below remain anonymous a. k. a not us). The
pub was virtual empty when we entered about a half hour before show
time but packed when the episode began.
Tuesday, July 18
We effectively had breakfast and did the same ride as the
previous day but in reverse through Casa de Salva, Monells (see the
picture below) peaking at Els Angels; man, was it hot and humid. We
lunched at Le Fabrica again around 1:30. I headed for a much needed
siesta around 3.
We ate dinner at the Vita Italian located in the town square. I
had an excellent veggie pizza washed down with two bottles of fine
Spanish house, red wine Gardenos (Rioja) which is comparable in
quality to fine, and local Italian wines. Note: my two friends also
helped consume some of the bottles, not just me.
Wednesday, July 19
On this day after breakfast I rode up to the peak of Els Angels
and down the other side towards Monells reversed course at the
bottom and climbed back up. The descent was a rush.
We lunched at Le Bistrol where I had spinach cannelloni, steak
tuna along with white wine chocolate cake and coffee. The food was
great, service friendly, the prices reasonable and the scenery even
better. I would highly recommend this restaurant.
We walked another five to 7 kilometres in this day which was
about our average daily tour. We had dinner at the Eppi Mas Pujol
Sl restaurant in the square where the tapas and other dishes were
inexpensive but very tasty. We opted for Estrella beer (which I
preferred to San Miguel) to help wash down our food.
Thursday, July 20
I cycled solo on this day early in the morning around 40
kilometers from our Hotel to the top of Els Angels. It threatened
to rain the whole time as the sky was overcast and thick with dark
clouds but I lucked out and not one drop fell. I wanted to squeeze
in one more ride before I had to return my bike to BikeBreaks;
these people are very accommodating and their prices for rentals
were reasonable. It almost brought tears to my eyes to have to
return the bike; I liked this Cannondale so much I would consider
buying one (I ride a Specialized Tarmac which is also an excellent
ride).
We then hopped on the train to Barcelona in the early afternoon.
We arrived at our Apartment Hotel-Vin Barcelona which ran us $210
Euro per night. We introduced our friend to the delights of Les
Ramblas, Port Vell and the beauty of Barcelona’s beach. We walked
another ten to 15 kilometres on this day.
We ate tapas at the restaurant, Palau de Marina, at Port Vell
but the food was not great and the waiter was unfriendly.
Friday, July 21
We arose early to take the subway to the Sagrade Familia (
www.tiqets.com/en/barcelona ) for 9 A.M. but it was sold out. Note:
get your tickets in advance on-line so as not to be disappointed as
it sells out frequently. We had a nice leisurely breakfast at
Starbucks (man, do they take their time serving customers,
whoosh!). The subway is safe, clean and very efficient FYI but keep
your valuables especially purses out of sight (I would recommend
not using one; a money belt is suggested for safety).
We returned to the Ramblas area and visited the home Palau Guell
(www.palauguell.cat) designed and built by Antoni Gaudi (the same
designer of the Strada Familia). This home is nothing short of
spectacular and a must see when one visits Barcelona. The opulence,
design and beauty overwhelm the senses. Obviously money was not an
issue when they built this fabulous home. It is hard to imagine
people lived in this home at one point. Check it out.
After this we toured numerous shops on side roads adjacent to
Les Rambles.
We went to the gym located next to the beach by the Westin for a
couple of hours on this afternoon. The gym equipment was not as
modern as here at home but workable. We jumped in the ocean after
this to cool off.
We walked another 15 kilometres on this day. We dined this
evening on local pizza and red wine.
Saturday, July 22
We opted for a McDonald’s breakfast on this morning (KFC and
Burger King along with Subway were the only fast food places we saw
in Spain – another reason the Spanish are generally thin - very
little junk food).
I went for a quick haircut just off the Ramblas at Giovanni
Ferrah’s for $8 Euro with a $2 tip. It was one of the best cuts I
have ever had plus the barber was super quick but unfortunately not
very talkative. He was all business which is good.
We walked to the beach once again and up towards the Westin for
another total of ten to 15 kilometres. I was so hungry I stopped on
the Ramblas for beer and pizza at Giovanni Ferrana which was great
but pricey (have you figured out I like pizza especially European,
thin crust style).
When we were in the subway system travelling to the Sagrada my
friend had a very bizarre encounter with a local who was upset
because he thought my friend was blocking the walking escalator
(like those in airport terminals) which we were walking on and
started yapping at him in Spanish. My friend fired back with verbal
gibberish and the man finally walked away but continued to glare at
my friend as we waited for the train on the subway platform. Best
to disengage but be firm if need be with people like this guy and
yes, stay to the right on these moving, escalator sidewalks for
your well being.
We visited the Sagrada Familia which makes make one almost
speechless. It overwhelms the senses with its magnificent carvings,
numerous statues, architectural uniqueness and beauty both inside
and outside the structure (parts of it are still under construction
slated to be finished between 2018 -20). Unfortunately, Gaudi was
run over by a street car crossing the busy road way to work on the
church one day. His remains are in the crypt in the basement of the
church. A word of caution: where ever you travel but particularly
at the Sagrada be careful as there is tons of traffic on the
roadways surrounding the church and they are all in a rush to get
wherever, just like home.
I ate at the local Subway afterwards as hunger overwhelmed me
again. We travelled back to the Rambles area and I joined my
friends in the Irish Temple Bar for a pint as they ate dinner. We
watched Donegal defeat Galway in a final Gaelic football match - a
multi skilled sport you must see - an excellent game FYI. I have
cycled both of these regions in Ireland and they are
spectacular.
Sunday, July 23
We arose at 5 A. M. to grab a cab to the Airport to catch our
flight to Mallorca and our buddy his flight back to Rome. Some of
the revellers were still actively engaged in partying – oh to be
young and crazy again.
We arrived at Hotel Gracia (www.hotelgraciamallorca.com) in
Mallorca around 9:30 after a quick flight (less than an hour). The
rate for two double beds was $100 Euro per night. We walked about
five kilometers on the beach and took in the spectacular beauty of
the ocean and the sleek and not so sleek bodies on the beach. There
are lots of beach activities in which to participate. The Hotel
Garcia is not open in the winter months FYI.
We joined the Iron Gym (a few blocks from our hotel) for $25
Euro for the ten days we were staying in the area.
We had dinner at the hotel for $7 Euro which was excellent as it
was plentiful with a huge salad bar, choices of five or 6 main
dishes and a dessert bar. The in-house buffet was recommended by
two French ladies and they were bang on. They also had a spring
water machine accessible at any time for cold, fresh water. A litre
of bottle water runs you $ 1 to 2 Euro a pop so this saved us a few
bucks. The only thing we did not enjoy was there local red house
wine as it turned out to be awful – plonk as Shakespeare would call
it. However, we had the white a few nights later which was much
better.
Monday, July 24
We had breakfast at 8 A. M. which again was plentiful with fresh
fruit salad bar and numerous choice of hot cooked delights like
eggs sunny side up along with perfectly cooked bacon (breakfast is
included in your room rate).
I visited the Quintana Bike Shop ( www.ciclosquintana.com/en/ )
nearby at 9:30 to rent a bike for ten days for the price of $145
Euro plus $10 Euro for insurance and refundable $50 Euro damage
deposit – an even better deal than BikeBreaks.
We began our ride around ten which was a little late given the
heat factor but nonetheless we pereserved and completed the 80
kilometers by about 1:30; after receiving directions from trusty
bus drivers we travelled from the bike shop on a bike path up to
Luccmajor towards Cami des Palmas where we asked a fellow cyclist
(this French dude who seemed a little perturbed we asked for help
in the first place) for directions back to S’Arnel but his
information did not turn out to be helpful. We ended up riding much
longer than we hoped. But with the help of directions from a local
farmer we biked through Campos, S’Aguila back to S’Arnel where
Hotel Garcia is located and jumped in the pool as soon as possible
as again it was a very warm, humid day. The traffic was reasonably
quiet but given it was our first tour it was a little nerve
racking.
I washed my cycling clothes hung them up on the balcony right
after the ride and they were dry a few hours later given the heat
and humidity.
I read for a while and had a siesta for 5 to 6. Dinner at the
Hotel begins at 7 and costs $7 Euros.
Tuesday, July 25
We went to the gym at 10 for a couple of hours.
We lay out by the pool from about one to 3 after which I
returned to the room to read and have a siesta four until 6. We
then had dinner.
We walked the boardwalk by the beach and listened to a singer
with an electric guitar playing old rock and roll tunes; he was
great. I gave him $5 Euro.
We soon discovered we had booked in the rowdiest part of the
island at the craziest time of the year (between Bar 1 and Bar 3;
book your hotel closer to B10). Young students mostly from the
Netherlands and Germany descend on the island to party it up like
the students do at Spring Break in Florida during March every year.
Adorned with their drinking team shirts they often party all night
and early morning, some until 5 A. M. and sleep most of the day. A
word or warning: they are very rowdy; mind you our hotel room was
virtually sound proof.
I would strongly recommend visiting in April and or September in
order to avoid the rowdiness, extremely hot and humid weather and
to take advantage of much lower prices for flights and
accommodations. Thousands of tri-athletes converge on the island at
during these warmer months.
Wednesday, July 26
We arose at 6:30 to a very cloudy morning as we intended to ride
about 100 kilometers round trip from S’Arnel to Valldamossa and
back to S’Arenal. We decided to head back to bed and postpone the
ride until Friday morning. Good thing we did as it absolutely
poured around 10 but only for about half an hour – a brief respite
from the heat and humidity.
Other hotel guests included Derrick and his companion Katherine
from Ireland gave us sage advice on which safe bike routes to take.
Derrick has stayed on the island previously some “30 different
times”.
We started our ride around 11 and rode about 70 kilometers on a
the same route we did the day before except this time we rode
through stunning coastal town Ripita and Badia Gran back to the
Hotel Gracia.
Lounged and cooled off by the pool from about 3 to 5, had a
siesta had dinner and walked the boardwalk strand.
We ended the night with a large pint of St. Miguel at the hotel
bar.
Thursday, July 27
This day was effectively a repeat of Tuesday except I swam for
about a kilometer from B1 to B3. A word of caution: the bottom is
very rocky around B3 and do not swallow the water because of the
salt as I did again. You can walk out about half a kilometer before
the water becomes deep and there are a ton of water activities you
can do including kiting, wake boarding, water skiing etc.
We ate at Cafe Del Sol across from the beach which was highly
recommended by Diane (sweetheart), one of the hotel managers. I had
a salmon sandwich along with sangria but I forgot to tell them not
to add any sugar, but it was still tasty.
Friday, July 28
We had breakfast around 6:45 as the night manager got us some
cereal and milk. After some lollygagging we left around 7:15 to do
the Valldamossa loop through Palma. Stay on the bike paths passing
B12 and 13; continue along until you hit the intersection and turn
north into the city at Catedral de Palma (we went way passed here
and we wasted about 20 minutes finding our way). Stay on the
pathways throughout the city as best you can until you see signs
for the military base on the north side of the city.
Palma, an ancient port city, is a very tricky city of 500,000 to
circumvent on a bike during early morning rush hour trying to
follow the clearly marked bike paths which go in every direction to
the north side of the city where the climbing begins by the
military base. We got side tracked a few times and squandered about
twenty minutes. People were very helpful with directions especially
the two bus drivers we chatted with near the fire hall. We
eventually found the ride to San Sardina to Valdamossa through
Puigpunyent to Palmanyola back to Palma (how do you fancy those
names?). The return ride back through Palma was much easier going
in this southerly direction following the bike paths (designed to
take you through the heart of the city which is very beautiful and
worth a visit) towards the ocean. The ride along the coast was
refreshing as we returned to S’Arnel completing 105 kilometres on
this ride.
We had a quick stop here for much needed coffee, water, snack
and directions from fellow cyclists. Be sure to replenish water and
snacks (I like Cliff Bars) as much as possible in order to prevent
dehydration. Experienced riders will know to eat and drink even
when you do not feel like it as dehydration can set in quickly
especially in the heat and humidity.
We had lunch around 1 P. M. at El Paso (near Bar 10) along the
main strip as we completed our longest ride; the pizza, cold water
and beer really hit the spot.
Ditto for dinner and walk as the night before.
Saturday, July 29
This off day from cycling was a repeat of the other two off
days.
We listened to a female guitar player and singer after dinner
along the strand. She was very good.
Sunday, July 30
We started our ride around nine and rode about 75 kilometers on
the same route we did on Wednesday riding through breathtaking
coastal town Ripita (shown below with easy access for taking a dip
in the ocean) and Badia Gran back to the Hotel Gracia.
We hit the beach again around 2 until about 4; as I sat just
outside the hotel checking email and FaceBook a fellow guest, Arvid
– a Norwegian who claimed to have captained of cruise ships (he
certainly had the tattoos of a stereotypical sailor) offered to buy
my a pint from the hotel bar to which I agreed thankfully. I tried
to reciprocate but he would have none of it and bought me a second
one, which really hit the spot. When he offered a third, I
graciously declined realizing if I had not this may not turn out so
well. Arvid was a very friendly chap with intriguing stories about
his work as well as the ones about fighting with his girlfriend who
happened to be asleep in their hotel room at this time. Take the
time to chat with your fellow guests: they are a wealth of
knowledge for recommendations on restaurants, shopping, museums,
bike routes, touristy stuff etc.
After this, I had a much needed a siesta until about 6:30.
We walked the strand, sat and watched people pass, saw the sun
go down and listened to the male guitar player once again after
dinner.
Monday, July 31
I rode from out Hotel up to Luccmajor and back for about 40
kilometers and then sadly returned my bike to the shop.
We followed the same routine as before in the previous days.
Tuesday, August 1
I ran 10 kilometers along the beach beginning around 9 with the
humidex already at 30 degrees; I was soaked when I had finished my
run (note to self: go earlier next time).
Wednesday, August 2
We arose at four to catch a cab at 5 for our 6:30 flight from
Mallorca to Barcelona. All went very well and we arrived home
safely and close to on time. I will definitely return to Spain
again but not likely in the middle of summer.
Our trip home was uneventful with the exception my buddy’s bike
was never put on the plane and was not there in Ottawa when we
arrived home. It was sent to his cottage the next day by courier
thankfully. I strongly recommend for this reason and the fact you
must lug it around wherever you go on sidewalks, subways and trains
that your rent a bike especially with airlines charging hefty fees
to check a bike nowadays. Renting is nearly equivalent to the fees
charged for checking a bike anyway.
Kevin is a retired teacher, vice-principal and principal
(sometimes). Kevin has cycled extensively in the following
countries as well: Ireland and Scotland, France, Belgium, The
Netherlands, Italy, Cubaand Bosnia.
Please send any constructive feedback and/or questions to my
blog: power777blog.files.wordpress.com
