Bridge Over Troubled Water

"Miles and miles of unbroken golden sands, shimmering turquoise sea, deep-azure skies of endless summer sun, and canals attractively landscaped with the contents of a rubbish container." Knew it. Should have been a brochure-writer after all.

One thing that does exercise the minds of internet-forum critics of Alcúdia is the state of the canals and the occasional bridge as well. Not without some justification. The canals, in theory, lend the resort a flavour of Venetian-lite aquatic ambience. The fountains that spring on and off assist in water circulation, but they only do so much. They cannot contain the mosquito larvae and the litter, merely help to push it to the edges. The photo above is not untypical. Where was it taken? Opposite the reception to Sea Club. Nice vista for those pulling up in the coaches. The other day I watched the rather unedifying sight of some young boys attempting to hook a large and very dead fish out of the canal between the two parts of Sea Club. Sort of thing kids get a kick out of, and maybe get something else out of if they come into physical contact.

Perhaps we shouldn't get too precious. Canals everywhere were designed for people to chuck things into them. Though this may well be one of their main raison d'êtres, it doesn't mean they shouldn't get cleaned. Well they do - sometimes. But by whom? Now I always thought, as I imagine others would as well, that this was all down to the local town hall. Apparently it isn't. Alcúdia council, like others, has its own environment division, but one wonders quite what they do with themselves all day, as - so I am told - the canals are the responsibility of the mythical "costas". For many the word "costas" will summon up images of the Spanish del Sols and Blancas etc., but it is also a word that strikes fear into many. The "costas", as the name suggests, are the government's beach police, but have engaged in some inland acquisition as well. From what I can make out they are actually part of the government environment ministry, presumably the local Mallorcan one in this instance. This is the same environment ministry that would happily clear the beaches of any semblance of human development in pursuit of the protection of nature but seemingly can't get round to regularly removing empty bottles of Saint Mick or Pepsi cups from the canals. And the bridges over the canals? Same deal it would appear. Alcúdia town hall? Not my job, mate.


QUIZ
Yesterday's title - Green Day (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XKOwGffqlbM). Today's title - er, is there anyone who doesn't know this?

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