5-2-16 CIUTADELLA, MENORCA, SPAIN: At first light the ship was pitching and rolling significantly. We had left Barcelona after dinner the night before to gentle rocking. Out our cabin window the steep, rugged, craggy peaks of Mallorca drifted by. The steep terrain is only occasionally punctuated by scruffy vegetation. The capital of the Balearic Islands, Palma, was visible in the distance. The city sits at the end of a bay on a plain between mountains. We made our way to Menorca, 35 miles to the east, through moderately rough seas. Breakfast was poorly attended.
By lunchtime we were in the lee of Menorca, and the ship was much steadier. There were lectures on the Balearics and birds during the day. In the late afternoon we Zodiaced to shore and had a tour of the city of Ciutadella. The city is on the western end of the small island. The bedrock and most of the buildings are limestone. The island’s history goes back to pre-historic times and almost everybody has had a piece of the action, including the Phoenicians, Greeks, Carthaginians, Romans, Vandals, various pirates, Moors, Turks, Byzantines, English and finally the Spanish.
We saw the old Plaça des Born, churches, the Cathedral, Casa Olivar, a restored 18th century house, palaces, shopping, and the harbor before heading back to the ship by Zodiac for dinner. The food has been excellent and the bar open at all times.
Mallorca through the morning fog and mist.
Ciutadella de Menorca harbor. The stuff growing out of the wall is mostly capers.
Town Hall, Ciutadella.
Capers gone wild.
Crest over the door of a palace. Palace is used to describe any large house.
Bell tower.
Plaça des Born.
Cathedral interior.
Casa Olivar dining room.
Rehearsing for her first communion.
Visit to the bridge and Captain.
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