Jaume Matas. Haven’t given him much of a mention here despite his being the leader of the Balearics Government. The other day he made his pitch during the annual state of the Balearics debate in the local parliament. During this he congratulated himself and his government on restoring tourism as the driving force of the Balearic economy. Well, good for him. The figures do indicate that tourism is once more buoyant, and it’s true that the government is quite proactive in getting its message out, but we come back - as ever - to the nature of that tourism, and the degree to which it is bolstered by the all-inclusive with its attendant problems.
I have had cause here to point to some of the oddities of local publications, notably those in English. This is the front-page headline of the current “Euro Weekly” - “Clean Up Or Clear Out”. All very striking. What’s the story? Well it’s about dogs fouling pavements, especially the one at the back of the beach in Puerto Alcúdia. Fine, except that the whole “big story” is based on one lady and her family’s experience. Not even someone well-known, just a regular, ordinary tourist. From this, the paper conjures up a front-page story. Staggering.
Apparently Pollensa town council had a budget deficit for 2005 of some 800,000 euros. Maybe that’s why they can’t afford someone to get the typing right on its www.pollensa.com. Wonder what that - and all the Ç branding stuff - has cost?
Alcúdia Fair is taking place this weekend. It is a popular but curious thing - part agricultural and trade fair, part traditional Mallorcan fiesta, with oddball stuff such as a slot-car championship thrown into the mix together with late-night music events. Despite this diversity, or perhaps because of it, it is one of the best of the local events as so much is packed into a short period of time, rather than rambling on as do some of the main fiestas. A personal nomination would place the Alcúdia Fair alongside the Pollensa Patrona as the two stand-out events of the year.
Saturday, September 30, 2006
Tuesday, September 26, 2006
Tourism economics / Mañana / Websites
Happy days - the Balearics, with over 92%, was the area of Spain with the largest hotel occupation in August, Alcúdia registering nearly 97% occupancy. There then, everything’s all ok then.
That was Saturday’s news. Today we learn that the first eight months of this year have seen the best ever tourist numbers in the Balearics, while the number of people arriving by air - to the islands - is up by some 600,000 over last year. Great. Wonderful. What are they all spending?
More poor weather at the weekend, a mini-tornado causing havoc though the north of the island got off relatively lightly compared to the likes of Port Andraitx in the west. But for now, it’s ok. Warm.
Mañana. This word means morning and tomorrow. It is also English for “some time, maybe”; so it is in Spanish. A client who has owed me a fair sum for a year or so (whose invoice might I add was declared and tax and VAT duly paid; he had given me two cheques that bounced) has started finally to cough up. A chap who works at his place joked with me about “mañana”. He thought it was distinctly amusing when I pointed out that the mañana in this case had lasted for a year. Mañana is one thing, communication is another. Getting people to do anything - answer emails in particular - is a nightmare here. It affects all sorts of people. I left an enquiry with my lawyer about something two weeks ago. Nothing. I asked my printer about their invoice. Nothing. Is this now a general malaise or is it just another example of mañana?
Oh yes, www.pollensa.com update. For those of you haven’t been paying attention, this is the town hall’s extravagantly publicised website which was - until recently - only offered in Catalan. Well now it isn’t, in that it does now offer other languages including English. Quite honestly it is not worth the shout; there isn’t much and what there is suffers from the old problem of poor English or maybe just typos. Accomodation? Yes, one “m” is here. Sevices of interest - whatever they might be - they are there, too, minus the “r”. Poor. For English coverage go instead to www.thepollensaguide.com (linked on the right here) or www.puertopollensa.com.
That was Saturday’s news. Today we learn that the first eight months of this year have seen the best ever tourist numbers in the Balearics, while the number of people arriving by air - to the islands - is up by some 600,000 over last year. Great. Wonderful. What are they all spending?
More poor weather at the weekend, a mini-tornado causing havoc though the north of the island got off relatively lightly compared to the likes of Port Andraitx in the west. But for now, it’s ok. Warm.
Mañana. This word means morning and tomorrow. It is also English for “some time, maybe”; so it is in Spanish. A client who has owed me a fair sum for a year or so (whose invoice might I add was declared and tax and VAT duly paid; he had given me two cheques that bounced) has started finally to cough up. A chap who works at his place joked with me about “mañana”. He thought it was distinctly amusing when I pointed out that the mañana in this case had lasted for a year. Mañana is one thing, communication is another. Getting people to do anything - answer emails in particular - is a nightmare here. It affects all sorts of people. I left an enquiry with my lawyer about something two weeks ago. Nothing. I asked my printer about their invoice. Nothing. Is this now a general malaise or is it just another example of mañana?
Oh yes, www.pollensa.com update. For those of you haven’t been paying attention, this is the town hall’s extravagantly publicised website which was - until recently - only offered in Catalan. Well now it isn’t, in that it does now offer other languages including English. Quite honestly it is not worth the shout; there isn’t much and what there is suffers from the old problem of poor English or maybe just typos. Accomodation? Yes, one “m” is here. Sevices of interest - whatever they might be - they are there, too, minus the “r”. Poor. For English coverage go instead to www.thepollensaguide.com (linked on the right here) or www.puertopollensa.com.
Thursday, September 21, 2006
Tourism economics / Fat people
Everything must go! Everything must go!
It would appear that the tour operators (TOs) are offering some real bargains in order to shift holidays for what is - one operator admits - a difficult end of season. Now, this really does not chime with what we were led to believe, making one ever more suspicious of the figures and messages that the authorities churn out. However, there is - or would seem to be - another factor, i.e. the package holiday is taking a knock from the independent traveller. This is what is being “blamed” for a shortfall in the sale of package deals this autumn, and yet not so long ago we were also told that holiday lets in parts of the island were down. What is going on? Does anyone really know? Or are just fed a diet of total bollocks?
The answer to that is almost certainly yes. Anyway to make matters even less ducky, winter tourism is set to be lower than usual, to which one might well enquire what winter tourism. The fact is, and I’ve said it before here, Mallorca is not really a winter destination. The TOs can get people to go to the Canaries for the simple reason that it is warmer.
Another little matter about this season is the fact that all the talk about people abandoning Turkey because of bird flu and coming to Mallorca turned out to be crap as well. They did turn their back on Turkey to some extent but opted for Greece instead.
After the deluge and floods, the weather has returned to something like normal. Very pleasant in fact, though the first duvets of the late summer are now needed.
The obsession in the UK with the national obesity problem is understandable; if, that is, one takes a sizeable (literally) proportion of the temporary inhabitants close by and along the Greasy Mile as being representative. Stupid fat white men and stupid fat white women. Not everyone, of course, but man alive you could be excused for thinking the whole of the UK was about to sink under the weight of blubber if what one witnesses around there is indicative. The other day I encountered a slight traffic problem. Well not slight really, fairly big; in fact fucking enormous. There was a family-sized tub of lard attempting to pedal a trike over the admittedly rather steep little bridge halfway along the Greasy Mile. Could they make it? Could they heck. But when you’re looking to shift several hundredweight of lard it’s not surprising. All one can do as a driver behind this less-than-heaving mountain of human flesh is to stay put at the foot of the bridge and wait for it to finally dismount and push itself over the summit.
It would appear that the tour operators (TOs) are offering some real bargains in order to shift holidays for what is - one operator admits - a difficult end of season. Now, this really does not chime with what we were led to believe, making one ever more suspicious of the figures and messages that the authorities churn out. However, there is - or would seem to be - another factor, i.e. the package holiday is taking a knock from the independent traveller. This is what is being “blamed” for a shortfall in the sale of package deals this autumn, and yet not so long ago we were also told that holiday lets in parts of the island were down. What is going on? Does anyone really know? Or are just fed a diet of total bollocks?
The answer to that is almost certainly yes. Anyway to make matters even less ducky, winter tourism is set to be lower than usual, to which one might well enquire what winter tourism. The fact is, and I’ve said it before here, Mallorca is not really a winter destination. The TOs can get people to go to the Canaries for the simple reason that it is warmer.
Another little matter about this season is the fact that all the talk about people abandoning Turkey because of bird flu and coming to Mallorca turned out to be crap as well. They did turn their back on Turkey to some extent but opted for Greece instead.
After the deluge and floods, the weather has returned to something like normal. Very pleasant in fact, though the first duvets of the late summer are now needed.
The obsession in the UK with the national obesity problem is understandable; if, that is, one takes a sizeable (literally) proportion of the temporary inhabitants close by and along the Greasy Mile as being representative. Stupid fat white men and stupid fat white women. Not everyone, of course, but man alive you could be excused for thinking the whole of the UK was about to sink under the weight of blubber if what one witnesses around there is indicative. The other day I encountered a slight traffic problem. Well not slight really, fairly big; in fact fucking enormous. There was a family-sized tub of lard attempting to pedal a trike over the admittedly rather steep little bridge halfway along the Greasy Mile. Could they make it? Could they heck. But when you’re looking to shift several hundredweight of lard it’s not surprising. All one can do as a driver behind this less-than-heaving mountain of human flesh is to stay put at the foot of the bridge and wait for it to finally dismount and push itself over the summit.
Friday, September 15, 2006
Weather / Tourism economics / Balearics economy / Open Holidays
More weather. Great downpours have been occurring, the temperature is down to around 20 degrees. The mainland has really copped it in the neck, and some parts of the island have been particularly hard hit. And still there is a general weather warning.
It happens pretty much every year, at pretty much the same time, despite what my neighbour reckons. Was it last year or the one before? Around the middle of September, it rained so hard and heavy here there were things floating along the road outside where I live. It’s depressing in some ways. You know the season is coming to an end, but the awful weather gives it a feel not so much of closing but of collapsing.
But there’s always next year. Here we go, some early 2007 figures. And what do you know, it will be even more of a record year than this has been - allegedly. Thomas Cook are predicting a three per-cent increase over this year, so long as hotels don’t push their prices up too much, which is a strongly coded message from Thomas Cook to them to say that they won’t tolerate higher prices. Five per cent is as much as Thomas Cook will accept as “this year we have reached a limit in demand and capacity”. Eh? If they’ve reached a limit in demand, how will there be a 3% increase next year? Oh well.
(* Quote from the Majorca Daily Bulletin.)
Some general economy stuff. The annual economic report (for 2005) from the bank La Caixa shows that immigration to the Balearics rose by some 16% between 2000 and 2005. Alcúdia experienced one of the highest overall population growths of all - 30% in that period, compared with 11% in Pollensa, 4% in Muro, 14% in Sa Pobla and a pretty sizeable 22% in Santa Margalida (which includes Ca’n Picafort). An interesting bit of trivia. Apparently there are - or were in 2005 - 338 bar/restaurant businesses in Alcúdia and 223 in Pollensa. So, now you know. Also on things economic, the Balearics saw a fall - of 0.1% - in its retail price index, placing inflation at a current 3.7%.
An addendum. The assets of Open Holidays (see 3 September) have been acquired by www.skybargains.co.uk, also trading as www.skyvillas.co.uk.
It happens pretty much every year, at pretty much the same time, despite what my neighbour reckons. Was it last year or the one before? Around the middle of September, it rained so hard and heavy here there were things floating along the road outside where I live. It’s depressing in some ways. You know the season is coming to an end, but the awful weather gives it a feel not so much of closing but of collapsing.
But there’s always next year. Here we go, some early 2007 figures. And what do you know, it will be even more of a record year than this has been - allegedly. Thomas Cook are predicting a three per-cent increase over this year, so long as hotels don’t push their prices up too much, which is a strongly coded message from Thomas Cook to them to say that they won’t tolerate higher prices. Five per cent is as much as Thomas Cook will accept as “this year we have reached a limit in demand and capacity”. Eh? If they’ve reached a limit in demand, how will there be a 3% increase next year? Oh well.
(* Quote from the Majorca Daily Bulletin.)
Some general economy stuff. The annual economic report (for 2005) from the bank La Caixa shows that immigration to the Balearics rose by some 16% between 2000 and 2005. Alcúdia experienced one of the highest overall population growths of all - 30% in that period, compared with 11% in Pollensa, 4% in Muro, 14% in Sa Pobla and a pretty sizeable 22% in Santa Margalida (which includes Ca’n Picafort). An interesting bit of trivia. Apparently there are - or were in 2005 - 338 bar/restaurant businesses in Alcúdia and 223 in Pollensa. So, now you know. Also on things economic, the Balearics saw a fall - of 0.1% - in its retail price index, placing inflation at a current 3.7%.
An addendum. The assets of Open Holidays (see 3 September) have been acquired by www.skybargains.co.uk, also trading as www.skyvillas.co.uk.
Wednesday, September 13, 2006
Weather / Skin cancer
Selective memory. It plays tricks.
I have a neighbour. She has been living on my urbanisation in Playa de Muro for 40 years. I spoke to her about rain the other day. Oh, no, it doesn’t rain in September. Yes, I said. It can rain very heavily. Oh no, she said.
Last night there was the most almighty storm. It was not the worst. In Alaró in the centre of the island there was total mayhem. One dead.
Selective memory.
Something personal. I saw the dermatologist today. I knew what was wrong, and he confirmed it. They’re doing the biopsy.
Skin cancer.
Only superficial, it is not a big deal. At least I don’t think so. But it might have become so.
There was an unexplained sort of blistering. This then grew a bit and joined with a freckle. The freckle started to grow. It itched occasionally. I knew what it was, and so it was.
Sun. You can’t really avoid it here after all. But to anyone who has a slightly unusual skin complaint, just go and get it looked at. It will probably be as everyday and swiftly treatable as my little melanoma - I hope.
I have a neighbour. She has been living on my urbanisation in Playa de Muro for 40 years. I spoke to her about rain the other day. Oh, no, it doesn’t rain in September. Yes, I said. It can rain very heavily. Oh no, she said.
Last night there was the most almighty storm. It was not the worst. In Alaró in the centre of the island there was total mayhem. One dead.
Selective memory.
Something personal. I saw the dermatologist today. I knew what was wrong, and he confirmed it. They’re doing the biopsy.
Skin cancer.
Only superficial, it is not a big deal. At least I don’t think so. But it might have become so.
There was an unexplained sort of blistering. This then grew a bit and joined with a freckle. The freckle started to grow. It itched occasionally. I knew what it was, and so it was.
Sun. You can’t really avoid it here after all. But to anyone who has a slightly unusual skin complaint, just go and get it looked at. It will probably be as everyday and swiftly treatable as my little melanoma - I hope.
Saturday, September 09, 2006
Rental accommodation / Tourism economics
The regulations on rental accommodation (last reported 25 August) seem ever more confusing. I spoke with the boss of a company that manages and arranges holiday lets. Not only did I get a copy of the tortuous “law” and accompanying documentation, I also got the view that apartments are not covered, i.e. the regulations are focused on villas etc. Pollensa town hall, it would appear, has said (to this particular company) that apartments are not included, or at least that they cannot rubber-stamp aspects of the regulations as they might apply to apartments.
This is not surprising; the documentation makes reference to “vivienda unifamiliar aislada”, which literally means cut-off (i.e. stand-alone) single family home. To apply and certify such property there are various hoops that owners need to go through, and being an owner is signiifcant. If one is not the owner - e.g. of a whole block of apartments but of just one - no application can be made as the regulation requires a statement of such ownership.
My view is that if an apartment owner cannot comply with requirements in the documentation, this does not mean he or she can just turn a blind-eye; on the contrary, the inability to comply may mean that apartments simply cannot be offered as holiday lets - period.
There is then also the issue as to how all this might be enforced, as responsible technicians from the Ministry of Tourism need to enter properties and check on quality/safety aspects.
God knows what all this really means. It strikes me as a bureaucratic nightmare.
More back-slapping on numbers through the airport. Not only did Palma register more than 3 million passengers in August, it is set to see a similar number in September. This is being interpreted as more excellent news, with high hotel occupancies. Maybe, but the visitor spend is still key. You can have all the passengers in the world, but if they don’t dosh up sufficiently...?
This is not surprising; the documentation makes reference to “vivienda unifamiliar aislada”, which literally means cut-off (i.e. stand-alone) single family home. To apply and certify such property there are various hoops that owners need to go through, and being an owner is signiifcant. If one is not the owner - e.g. of a whole block of apartments but of just one - no application can be made as the regulation requires a statement of such ownership.
My view is that if an apartment owner cannot comply with requirements in the documentation, this does not mean he or she can just turn a blind-eye; on the contrary, the inability to comply may mean that apartments simply cannot be offered as holiday lets - period.
There is then also the issue as to how all this might be enforced, as responsible technicians from the Ministry of Tourism need to enter properties and check on quality/safety aspects.
God knows what all this really means. It strikes me as a bureaucratic nightmare.
More back-slapping on numbers through the airport. Not only did Palma register more than 3 million passengers in August, it is set to see a similar number in September. This is being interpreted as more excellent news, with high hotel occupancies. Maybe, but the visitor spend is still key. You can have all the passengers in the world, but if they don’t dosh up sufficiently...?
Friday, September 08, 2006
Taylor Woodrow / Language / Crime
Taylor Woodrow. A well-known name in the construction industry. They are building on what was the Garbi hole in Puerto Pollensa that caused so much amusement back in April. They have a slogan, an ungrammatical slogan. It is: “We build in Spain since 1958”.
Now, setting aside any attempt at possible post-modern grammatical irony, how can they come up with something so wrong? English grammar, and English language, is sometimes subject to flexible usage (for flexible, read wrong, as in the use of the present perfect by football managers, players and pundits - “He’s crossed the ball, and the boy’s put it in the back of the net” - when they should be using the past tense for a completed action).
Strictly speaking, the slogan should read: “We have been building in Spain since 1958”, i.e. the present perfect continuous to imply that they will be continuing to do so. Bit of a mouthful admittedly, so the abbreviated “Building in Spain since 1958” would be acceptable.
The answer to this lies - I assume - in that Spanish grammar has been applied. While there is a continuous usage in Spanish, the expression of actions begun in the past and continued in the present is done with the use of the present tense. Hence, literally in Spanish, it would read: “(Nosotros) edificamos (or construimos) en España desde 1958”. A twist here is that in one of the Spanish past tenses - there is more than one - “edificamos”/”construimos” is the same, so it could also read “we built”.
Either way, it isn’t correct. Maybe there is some attempt at irony here after all, or at least an attempt at being funny. Or maybe someone’s just ballsed up.
Well, what was I saying about crime? The Balearics has the third highest level of crime among regions of Spain. Now, much of this is as a consequence of the huge influx of people during the summer. The argument being made here is that Madrid needs to recognise that the all-year population (of around one million) is a red herring when it comes to the crime problems of summer. Hence, central government is being lobbied to provide greater funding for police and Guardia Civil.
Now, setting aside any attempt at possible post-modern grammatical irony, how can they come up with something so wrong? English grammar, and English language, is sometimes subject to flexible usage (for flexible, read wrong, as in the use of the present perfect by football managers, players and pundits - “He’s crossed the ball, and the boy’s put it in the back of the net” - when they should be using the past tense for a completed action).
Strictly speaking, the slogan should read: “We have been building in Spain since 1958”, i.e. the present perfect continuous to imply that they will be continuing to do so. Bit of a mouthful admittedly, so the abbreviated “Building in Spain since 1958” would be acceptable.
The answer to this lies - I assume - in that Spanish grammar has been applied. While there is a continuous usage in Spanish, the expression of actions begun in the past and continued in the present is done with the use of the present tense. Hence, literally in Spanish, it would read: “(Nosotros) edificamos (or construimos) en España desde 1958”. A twist here is that in one of the Spanish past tenses - there is more than one - “edificamos”/”construimos” is the same, so it could also read “we built”.
Either way, it isn’t correct. Maybe there is some attempt at irony here after all, or at least an attempt at being funny. Or maybe someone’s just ballsed up.
Well, what was I saying about crime? The Balearics has the third highest level of crime among regions of Spain. Now, much of this is as a consequence of the huge influx of people during the summer. The argument being made here is that Madrid needs to recognise that the all-year population (of around one million) is a red herring when it comes to the crime problems of summer. Hence, central government is being lobbied to provide greater funding for police and Guardia Civil.
Wednesday, September 06, 2006
Guardia Civil / Parking / Language
Well, my thanks to the Bulletin for some interesting stuff today.
Firstly, collar-felt time. Collar-felt time big time, laddy. Not your average Joe crim, but the head of the Balearics Guardia Civil who - allegedly - has been siphoning off Guardia funds for building works that have never been done. He was duly sacked yesterday. I’m not saying anything; not another word.
It is rare indeed for me to find anything of note in Riki Lash’s musings, but I have to go along with him when he attacks the on-the-spot fines for tourists (and also those fines for foreign residents) who don’t understand road warning signs. He argues that car-hire firms should give information as to what these signs and symbols mean. Fair enough, methinks.
There is also a letter from a lady who received a parking ticket in Santa Ponsa. The deal was this, it would appear: the hire car was legally parked with a piece of paper on the dashboard stating day and time of parking. Yet a police officer still slapped a ticket on the car. The curiosity about this is that the driver had to write out the time on a piece of paper. This sounds remarkably similar to the system in operation - after a fashion - in the parking area by the marina in Puerto Pollensa. Here one is meant to write out the time, parking being limited to an hour and a half. And yet I seem to be the only one who does this. The last couple of occasions I’ve parked there, I’ve looked at other cars. No notes about times. Yet there is still a sign (not immediately obvious it must be said), explaining that this is indeed what you need to do. Frankly it’s a daft arrangement. Why not have a machine that issues a ticket? Or at least have large signs explaining what to do. Then there is a practical point. What if you don’t have something to write with? Nuts, I reckon.
The writer of the letter suggests she won’t be coming back. An over-reaction? Well maybe, but I have some sympathy. I once watched an incident involving some German tourists in Alcúdia. It wasn’t immediately obvious to me what they were meant to have done wrong - it was that they had turned left where they shouldn’t have - but the police officer was pretty abrupt. “You pay now!” They really did look quite upset, and I couldn’t blame them. I don’t really blame the police officer either; he was only doing his duty. But - and moving to a different point - his language was not good enough to communicate in a half-pleasant fashion. Consequently, the encounter was highly negative for people who looked like they wouldn’t say boo to a goose (i.e. very decent and up-standing) and who also might have thought twice about returning.
It is the case here that any significant dealings with the local plod require a translator for which the tourist has to pay. I don’t know that this is right. In a tourist area I believe that there should be sufficient numbers of police officers who can speak at least English; and some German would come in handy, too. Any language trainers out there?
Forgot to mention that - weather-wise - August was officially cooler than average, which will come as no surprise. September has seen a return to warmer and more humid weather, though - as yet - there are no signs of the occasional massive storms that can gather around this time of the year.
Firstly, collar-felt time. Collar-felt time big time, laddy. Not your average Joe crim, but the head of the Balearics Guardia Civil who - allegedly - has been siphoning off Guardia funds for building works that have never been done. He was duly sacked yesterday. I’m not saying anything; not another word.
It is rare indeed for me to find anything of note in Riki Lash’s musings, but I have to go along with him when he attacks the on-the-spot fines for tourists (and also those fines for foreign residents) who don’t understand road warning signs. He argues that car-hire firms should give information as to what these signs and symbols mean. Fair enough, methinks.
There is also a letter from a lady who received a parking ticket in Santa Ponsa. The deal was this, it would appear: the hire car was legally parked with a piece of paper on the dashboard stating day and time of parking. Yet a police officer still slapped a ticket on the car. The curiosity about this is that the driver had to write out the time on a piece of paper. This sounds remarkably similar to the system in operation - after a fashion - in the parking area by the marina in Puerto Pollensa. Here one is meant to write out the time, parking being limited to an hour and a half. And yet I seem to be the only one who does this. The last couple of occasions I’ve parked there, I’ve looked at other cars. No notes about times. Yet there is still a sign (not immediately obvious it must be said), explaining that this is indeed what you need to do. Frankly it’s a daft arrangement. Why not have a machine that issues a ticket? Or at least have large signs explaining what to do. Then there is a practical point. What if you don’t have something to write with? Nuts, I reckon.
The writer of the letter suggests she won’t be coming back. An over-reaction? Well maybe, but I have some sympathy. I once watched an incident involving some German tourists in Alcúdia. It wasn’t immediately obvious to me what they were meant to have done wrong - it was that they had turned left where they shouldn’t have - but the police officer was pretty abrupt. “You pay now!” They really did look quite upset, and I couldn’t blame them. I don’t really blame the police officer either; he was only doing his duty. But - and moving to a different point - his language was not good enough to communicate in a half-pleasant fashion. Consequently, the encounter was highly negative for people who looked like they wouldn’t say boo to a goose (i.e. very decent and up-standing) and who also might have thought twice about returning.
It is the case here that any significant dealings with the local plod require a translator for which the tourist has to pay. I don’t know that this is right. In a tourist area I believe that there should be sufficient numbers of police officers who can speak at least English; and some German would come in handy, too. Any language trainers out there?
Forgot to mention that - weather-wise - August was officially cooler than average, which will come as no surprise. September has seen a return to warmer and more humid weather, though - as yet - there are no signs of the occasional massive storms that can gather around this time of the year.
Sunday, September 03, 2006
Open Holidays / Tourism economics / Beaches / Smoking
A bit more trouble on the apartment/villa front. Though applications for the correct certification are expected to come flooding in by the 26 September deadline, one company - well-known in Pollensa especially for marketing this sort of accommodation - has gone into administration. Open Holidays had the administration filed on 31 August. It rermains to be seen as to what the future may hold, though it is easy to imagine that the confidence of both property owners and those renting will have taken a knock.
August hotel occupancy in Mallorca stood at 95%, so the hoteliers say, an increase of 2.5% over last year. The number of people visiting the Balearics in total has risen by just over half a million during the first seven months of the year. Oh well, there you go.
Beach problems in Puerto Pollensa. The strip along the main paseo (Anglada Camarassa) leading to the pinewalk is one of only two beaches in the whole of Mallorca to have been declared deficient according to the weekly analysis. The pong is rumoured to be caused by sewage from one of the hotels. Yuck.
The deadline for premises to adopt smoking measures has passed. In the Balearics, those bars/restaurants etc of less than 100 square metres do not need to physically separate smoking and non-smoking areas. Those of greater size do, with the creation of, for instance, a wall. However, the authorities appear to be taking a softly-softly approach, and there is some talk of other means of “separation” being used, e.g. air curtains and extractors.
August hotel occupancy in Mallorca stood at 95%, so the hoteliers say, an increase of 2.5% over last year. The number of people visiting the Balearics in total has risen by just over half a million during the first seven months of the year. Oh well, there you go.
Beach problems in Puerto Pollensa. The strip along the main paseo (Anglada Camarassa) leading to the pinewalk is one of only two beaches in the whole of Mallorca to have been declared deficient according to the weekly analysis. The pong is rumoured to be caused by sewage from one of the hotels. Yuck.
The deadline for premises to adopt smoking measures has passed. In the Balearics, those bars/restaurants etc of less than 100 square metres do not need to physically separate smoking and non-smoking areas. Those of greater size do, with the creation of, for instance, a wall. However, the authorities appear to be taking a softly-softly approach, and there is some talk of other means of “separation” being used, e.g. air curtains and extractors.
Thursday, August 31, 2006
Crime / S’Albufera / Index for August 2006
And then there is violent crime. A British youth staying in Puerto Alcúdia is apparently in a coma after getting into a fight with some other Brits. I don’t know if there are any crossed wires here, but if not and it is therefore a separate incident, I was told this morning that a girl was beaten up in the Bellevue vicinity last night.
All is seemingly not well at S’Albufera. According to an environmental group, the nature park is suffering from “progressive decline”. There has been no director in situ since April, there is no promotion of the park and there are inadequate technical staff. All of this is rather a pity, especially as the Targeta Verde Magazine, from the Balearics Foundation for Sustainable Development makes such a noise about S’Albufera in its summer edition.
Index for August 2006
Albufera - 31 August 2006
Alcúdia Jazz Festival - 30 August 2006
Alcúdia’s industrial estate - 14 August 2006
All-inclusives - 13 August 2006, 16 August 2006
Barquita Restaurant - 21 August 2006
Beaches - 11 August 2006, 13 August 2006
British tourists - 21 August 2006, 31 August 2006
Ca’n Picafort - 13 August 2006
Crime - 30 August 2006, 31 August 2006
Desalination - 9 August 2006
Driving - 2 August 2006, 13 August 2006
Ecology/environment - 11 August 2006, 14 August 2006, 31 August 2006
English breakfasts - 2 August 2006
Ensaimada - 14 August 2006
Fresh juices - 2 August 2006
Holidayforums - 13 August 2006
Jazz - 30 August 2006
Jellyfish - 9 August 2006, 10 August 2006, 17 August 2006, 22 August 2006
Language - 22 August 2006
Palma Airport - 8 August 2006, 11 August 2006, 25 August 2006
Playa de Muro - 11 August 2006, 25 August 2006
Price controls - 30 August 2006
Rental accommodation - 25 August 2006
Sunbeds - 25 August 2006
Terrorism - 11 August 2006
Tourism economics - 16 August 2006, 25 August 2006
Twister - 14 August 2006
Water - 9 August 2006
Weather - 2 August 2006, 7 August 2006, 8 August 2006, 14 August 2006
All is seemingly not well at S’Albufera. According to an environmental group, the nature park is suffering from “progressive decline”. There has been no director in situ since April, there is no promotion of the park and there are inadequate technical staff. All of this is rather a pity, especially as the Targeta Verde Magazine, from the Balearics Foundation for Sustainable Development makes such a noise about S’Albufera in its summer edition.
Index for August 2006
Albufera - 31 August 2006
Alcúdia Jazz Festival - 30 August 2006
Alcúdia’s industrial estate - 14 August 2006
All-inclusives - 13 August 2006, 16 August 2006
Barquita Restaurant - 21 August 2006
Beaches - 11 August 2006, 13 August 2006
British tourists - 21 August 2006, 31 August 2006
Ca’n Picafort - 13 August 2006
Crime - 30 August 2006, 31 August 2006
Desalination - 9 August 2006
Driving - 2 August 2006, 13 August 2006
Ecology/environment - 11 August 2006, 14 August 2006, 31 August 2006
English breakfasts - 2 August 2006
Ensaimada - 14 August 2006
Fresh juices - 2 August 2006
Holidayforums - 13 August 2006
Jazz - 30 August 2006
Jellyfish - 9 August 2006, 10 August 2006, 17 August 2006, 22 August 2006
Language - 22 August 2006
Palma Airport - 8 August 2006, 11 August 2006, 25 August 2006
Playa de Muro - 11 August 2006, 25 August 2006
Price controls - 30 August 2006
Rental accommodation - 25 August 2006
Sunbeds - 25 August 2006
Terrorism - 11 August 2006
Tourism economics - 16 August 2006, 25 August 2006
Twister - 14 August 2006
Water - 9 August 2006
Weather - 2 August 2006, 7 August 2006, 8 August 2006, 14 August 2006
Crime / Pricing / Jazz
The “boom” in holiday bookings in the Balearics - we are led to believe that all records have been smashed - has brought with it an increase in crime. This is explained in exponential terms; the more people, the more crime. QED. Brits get into a fair bit of bother it must be said, but then there are also break-ins. Burglary is not a massive problem in Spain, by comparison with the UK, but it happens, of course it happens. My neighbour’s house is like Fort Knox but he has had uninvited guests in the night on more than one occasion. And then there is theft from hotels. One hotel around here, which I shall not name, seems to have suffered quite a bit from theft from rooms, and others have been affected, too.
There was a “viewpoint” the other day in The Bulletin, the thrust of which argued for price controls as a means of stopping Mallorca - and in particular its bars and restaurants - from pricing itself out of the market. This is a facile argument. Price controls rarely work; indeed they run contrary to the principles of a free market, and can - in certain circumstances - drive up the final cost to the consumer. Fundamentally, the imposition of a price control disturbs the natural price equilibrium which is achieved by the constant movement of supply and demand. At what level can a control be set? Too low or too high - either way the equilibrium is broken. Additional costs come, from other things, the bureaucracy needed to administer controls, which can only be found through the public purse.
Some while ago there was a highly simplistic solution proposed in a German newspaper to the problems of falling demand created by all-inclusives. It was: lower prices, and increase quality. Easier said than done. Inflation has risen here, key costs having gone up significantly over the past year or so - petrol, gas, electricity. The bar/restaurant owner has to contend with all of these in addition to rent, staff costs etc. The squeeze from all-inclusives means that margins can be eroded even more. Lowering prices may lead to increased demand, but it doesn’t lead to increased profit.
The argument that Mallorca is too costly is not necessarily borne out. Researching comments on the Internet, price - and this applies to research into Alcúdia - is not something that many people complain about; indeed some services (buses and taxis) are felt to be good value for money. So, price controls? Nah.
One of the summer’s last music programmes is about to start in Alcúdia. This is Alcúdia Jazz, a series of concerts during September. The performers are exclusively Mallorcan/Spanish. Nothing wrong with that. Spanish jazz, especially the crossover with flamenco, is often pretty damn good. Latin influence in jazz, down the years, has thrown up some of the world’s best jazz musicians. Chick Corea, for instance, even recorded a track called “Spain”, which was simply brilliant.
Corea’s contemporary, Billy Cobham, was one of the artists at this year’s Sa Pobla jazz festival. I mention this as I feel the Sa Pobla event has one over on Alcúdia. Promoting local talent is fine, but internationalising an event - in the same way that the Festival of Pollensa does - can help to attract a wider audience. Promoted correctly, with the right artists, and it could be a different means of bringing in visitors.
For information on the Alcúdia Jazz programme, click on the What’s On Blog in the links on the right side.
There was a “viewpoint” the other day in The Bulletin, the thrust of which argued for price controls as a means of stopping Mallorca - and in particular its bars and restaurants - from pricing itself out of the market. This is a facile argument. Price controls rarely work; indeed they run contrary to the principles of a free market, and can - in certain circumstances - drive up the final cost to the consumer. Fundamentally, the imposition of a price control disturbs the natural price equilibrium which is achieved by the constant movement of supply and demand. At what level can a control be set? Too low or too high - either way the equilibrium is broken. Additional costs come, from other things, the bureaucracy needed to administer controls, which can only be found through the public purse.
Some while ago there was a highly simplistic solution proposed in a German newspaper to the problems of falling demand created by all-inclusives. It was: lower prices, and increase quality. Easier said than done. Inflation has risen here, key costs having gone up significantly over the past year or so - petrol, gas, electricity. The bar/restaurant owner has to contend with all of these in addition to rent, staff costs etc. The squeeze from all-inclusives means that margins can be eroded even more. Lowering prices may lead to increased demand, but it doesn’t lead to increased profit.
The argument that Mallorca is too costly is not necessarily borne out. Researching comments on the Internet, price - and this applies to research into Alcúdia - is not something that many people complain about; indeed some services (buses and taxis) are felt to be good value for money. So, price controls? Nah.
One of the summer’s last music programmes is about to start in Alcúdia. This is Alcúdia Jazz, a series of concerts during September. The performers are exclusively Mallorcan/Spanish. Nothing wrong with that. Spanish jazz, especially the crossover with flamenco, is often pretty damn good. Latin influence in jazz, down the years, has thrown up some of the world’s best jazz musicians. Chick Corea, for instance, even recorded a track called “Spain”, which was simply brilliant.
Corea’s contemporary, Billy Cobham, was one of the artists at this year’s Sa Pobla jazz festival. I mention this as I feel the Sa Pobla event has one over on Alcúdia. Promoting local talent is fine, but internationalising an event - in the same way that the Festival of Pollensa does - can help to attract a wider audience. Promoted correctly, with the right artists, and it could be a different means of bringing in visitors.
For information on the Alcúdia Jazz programme, click on the What’s On Blog in the links on the right side.
Friday, August 25, 2006
Tourism economics / Palma Airport / Rental accommodation
Well here we go, some more “cheering” news. September is going to be a “bumper” month, with many hotels fully-booked, so says “Euro Weekly”. But, it would seem that much of this September frenzy is down to “young partygoers”. Maybe so, but I find it hard to believe that’s the whole story. On an Alcúdia-Pollensa note though, it would appear that the majority of these party animals are going to the south of the island. But this late-season surge is hardly unusual; indeed on 9 November on this blog I noted (thanks also to Euro Weekly) that the final two months of the season in Alcúdia were “surprisingly busy and successful for tourism”.
More on the traffic through the airport. Palma has seen the highest proportion of “low-cost” airline passengers of all Spanish airports during July - nearly 450,000 apparently, and up 12 per cent on 12 months earlier. Air Berlin is the biggest contributor. Now, this is all very well,. but in the Bulletin’s report of this, it then goes on to say that the numbers of passengers who arrived on traditional airlines in July was close to 800,000. Eh!? Those of you are paying attention will note that on 8 August I reported that Palma had “seen over 3 million passengers passing through it for only the second time. The figures are for July this year.” 800,000 + 450,000 = 1,250,000. Hmm. Frankly I give up on much of this statistics stuff, which is a shame as one of the key aims of this blog is to give an overview of economic activity.
But not to be put off, hotel occupancy in the whole of Mallorca during July was 89.8%. Jolly good. Maybe.
Back in December I reported also on the greater regulation of tourist rental accommodation. Seemingly 85% of tourist flats* have - as yet - failed to register properly as holiday accommodation. The deadline runs out on 26 September. Alcúdia and Pollensa are especially affected by all of this. If the proper certification is not in place, the accommodation will be deemed residential, and there cannot be dual purpose (residential and holiday; it must be one or the other). I say again what I said then - to regulate quality (and proper fiscal controls, and let’s face it there’s a strong sense of stopping tax evasion here- quite rightly) is good. No problem at all. Just that the hotel industry is big on complaining about this accommodation.
*I should point out that these flats are private rentals.
And finally for today, seems that Muro police have been busying themselves with removing sunbeds from the beach at Playa de Muro. The reason: more sunbeds than are allowed. There you go.
(Sources: Euro Weekly and Majorca Daily Bulletin)
More on the traffic through the airport. Palma has seen the highest proportion of “low-cost” airline passengers of all Spanish airports during July - nearly 450,000 apparently, and up 12 per cent on 12 months earlier. Air Berlin is the biggest contributor. Now, this is all very well,. but in the Bulletin’s report of this, it then goes on to say that the numbers of passengers who arrived on traditional airlines in July was close to 800,000. Eh!? Those of you are paying attention will note that on 8 August I reported that Palma had “seen over 3 million passengers passing through it for only the second time. The figures are for July this year.” 800,000 + 450,000 = 1,250,000. Hmm. Frankly I give up on much of this statistics stuff, which is a shame as one of the key aims of this blog is to give an overview of economic activity.
But not to be put off, hotel occupancy in the whole of Mallorca during July was 89.8%. Jolly good. Maybe.
Back in December I reported also on the greater regulation of tourist rental accommodation. Seemingly 85% of tourist flats* have - as yet - failed to register properly as holiday accommodation. The deadline runs out on 26 September. Alcúdia and Pollensa are especially affected by all of this. If the proper certification is not in place, the accommodation will be deemed residential, and there cannot be dual purpose (residential and holiday; it must be one or the other). I say again what I said then - to regulate quality (and proper fiscal controls, and let’s face it there’s a strong sense of stopping tax evasion here- quite rightly) is good. No problem at all. Just that the hotel industry is big on complaining about this accommodation.
*I should point out that these flats are private rentals.
And finally for today, seems that Muro police have been busying themselves with removing sunbeds from the beach at Playa de Muro. The reason: more sunbeds than are allowed. There you go.
(Sources: Euro Weekly and Majorca Daily Bulletin)
Tuesday, August 22, 2006
Language / Jellyfish
News that the British Government is considering pardons for soldiers executed for cowardice and other offences during the First World War has led to calls for other military people of the past to be pardoned as well. One such is Admiral Byng who was shot for his alleged failure to relieve the garrison in Menorca in the mid-eighteenth century. This I mention by way of introducing the possible origin of an expression used widely in Menorca and also Mallorca.
“Uep”, pronounced ‘wep’, is a term of greeting akin to “all-right?” in English. As suggested to me by old friends from university days, one a resident of Barcelona, the other something of a polyglot, ‘uep’ might have been derived from the northern-English “hey-up”. It’s a possibility, and one I once put to the chap who is head of the pre-print section at my printers, and a man of some scholarly background, who thought that it could well be the case.
Given that much of the English language is, in essence, nicked from others, it’s nice to think that the people of the Balearics might have assimilated something from our own language, even if it is only a form of slang. Though of course this does raise the question as to the derivation of ‘hey-up’.
Jellyfish alert: Beaches in Calvia have now been affected, e.g. at Portals Vells, close to Magaluf and around the promontory (Cap de Cala Figuera) from Santa Ponsa. Most are the fried-egg variety (in appearance that is). Seemingly their emergence means that the mauve ones are on the way out, which is a bit of god news as they are the more painful chappies, and indeed it was a “mauve stinger” that was the “throbbing gristle” on Playa de Muro beach I alluded to on 23 July. The authorities are denying that there is a “plague” as in fact there are fewer jellyish than in previous years.
“Uep”, pronounced ‘wep’, is a term of greeting akin to “all-right?” in English. As suggested to me by old friends from university days, one a resident of Barcelona, the other something of a polyglot, ‘uep’ might have been derived from the northern-English “hey-up”. It’s a possibility, and one I once put to the chap who is head of the pre-print section at my printers, and a man of some scholarly background, who thought that it could well be the case.
Given that much of the English language is, in essence, nicked from others, it’s nice to think that the people of the Balearics might have assimilated something from our own language, even if it is only a form of slang. Though of course this does raise the question as to the derivation of ‘hey-up’.
Jellyfish alert: Beaches in Calvia have now been affected, e.g. at Portals Vells, close to Magaluf and around the promontory (Cap de Cala Figuera) from Santa Ponsa. Most are the fried-egg variety (in appearance that is). Seemingly their emergence means that the mauve ones are on the way out, which is a bit of god news as they are the more painful chappies, and indeed it was a “mauve stinger” that was the “throbbing gristle” on Playa de Muro beach I alluded to on 23 July. The authorities are denying that there is a “plague” as in fact there are fewer jellyish than in previous years.
Monday, August 21, 2006
Barquita / Brits abroad
Restaurants come, and restaurants go. One of the more depressing aspects of living here is to see new owners take on a place, have bundles of enthusiasm, good ideas, the right attitudes, only for the whole thing to go belly-up.
Barquita in Puerto Pollensa is one case.
Julie and Michel had all the right ideas. Nice folk, really nice folk. But they had problems with the restaurant from an early stage this season, notably with terrace roofing. Then they had problems with staff (not uncommon, I’m afraid). Then they just stopped opening.
Very sad.
According to a survey by lastminute.com, British travellers have the unenviable reputation as being the “most unsociable of holidaymakers”. Apparently we Brits are the worst for giving other nationalities “the cold shoulder”, and we are accused of having a “reluctance to speak local languages or to explore culture beyond the British-themed pub”. Hmm, does sound rather familiar I must admit.
(Quotes from “The Times”, 18 August.)
Members of the Sa Pobla Cricket Club were rightly indignant that the final day at The Oval was called off because the Pakistanis took their ball home, or rather had it taken from them. All very stupid and of course ball-tampering here is a common thing, in that when the ball gets leathered for a six, someone comes back with a potato. Good for reverse swing, apparently.
And jellyfish. Still pretty much all clear up here. But the problem along the south-east coast has been confirmed.
Barquita in Puerto Pollensa is one case.
Julie and Michel had all the right ideas. Nice folk, really nice folk. But they had problems with the restaurant from an early stage this season, notably with terrace roofing. Then they had problems with staff (not uncommon, I’m afraid). Then they just stopped opening.
Very sad.
According to a survey by lastminute.com, British travellers have the unenviable reputation as being the “most unsociable of holidaymakers”. Apparently we Brits are the worst for giving other nationalities “the cold shoulder”, and we are accused of having a “reluctance to speak local languages or to explore culture beyond the British-themed pub”. Hmm, does sound rather familiar I must admit.
(Quotes from “The Times”, 18 August.)
Members of the Sa Pobla Cricket Club were rightly indignant that the final day at The Oval was called off because the Pakistanis took their ball home, or rather had it taken from them. All very stupid and of course ball-tampering here is a common thing, in that when the ball gets leathered for a six, someone comes back with a potato. Good for reverse swing, apparently.
And jellyfish. Still pretty much all clear up here. But the problem along the south-east coast has been confirmed.
Thursday, August 17, 2006
Jellyfish
Well, while there is no obvious development in the advance of the jellyfish, the Health Ministry has issued guidelines in the event of a sting, which go further than those briefly given on 10 August.
The guidelines - in outline - are these:
1. Treat the affected area with alcohol.
2. Clean the wound with sea water, preferably at a high temperature.
3. Use an antiseptic and cotton wool with a 50% solution of ammonia or vinegar. Or - at least I think this is the case - use an anti-histamine or anti-inflammatory cream.
4. After a period of rest, apply heat and then a gel to reduce inflammation.
What not to do:
a. use fresh water.
b. use a compress.
Furthermore, advice is to take a 5% solution of acetic acid or vinegar to the beach, to never touch parts of jellyfish on the beach and to not scratch a wound.
So, there you have it. Basically, you should take the contents of a pharmacy, your drinks cabinet and a calor gas stove with you. It raises questions. It doesn’t say what alcohol should be used, presumably not a pint of Saint Mick though. How on earth are you meant to heat sea water? I’m baffled as to why one is advised to use a 50% solution but take a 5% solution with you.
Anyway, thanks to the “Bulletin” for presenting these guidelines today. On balance I think I shall continue just to take the anti-histamine with me.
NOTE AGAIN ON EMAILING AND COMMENTS: Please mail me direct at info@thealcudiaguide.com with your comments or queries. By all means add comments, but note that these are posted as "anonymous", and I cannot respond. If all else fails, I can add your comment to the relevant article if you've mailed me and want it included. Ta very much.
The guidelines - in outline - are these:
1. Treat the affected area with alcohol.
2. Clean the wound with sea water, preferably at a high temperature.
3. Use an antiseptic and cotton wool with a 50% solution of ammonia or vinegar. Or - at least I think this is the case - use an anti-histamine or anti-inflammatory cream.
4. After a period of rest, apply heat and then a gel to reduce inflammation.
What not to do:
a. use fresh water.
b. use a compress.
Furthermore, advice is to take a 5% solution of acetic acid or vinegar to the beach, to never touch parts of jellyfish on the beach and to not scratch a wound.
So, there you have it. Basically, you should take the contents of a pharmacy, your drinks cabinet and a calor gas stove with you. It raises questions. It doesn’t say what alcohol should be used, presumably not a pint of Saint Mick though. How on earth are you meant to heat sea water? I’m baffled as to why one is advised to use a 50% solution but take a 5% solution with you.
Anyway, thanks to the “Bulletin” for presenting these guidelines today. On balance I think I shall continue just to take the anti-histamine with me.
NOTE AGAIN ON EMAILING AND COMMENTS: Please mail me direct at info@thealcudiaguide.com with your comments or queries. By all means add comments, but note that these are posted as "anonymous", and I cannot respond. If all else fails, I can add your comment to the relevant article if you've mailed me and want it included. Ta very much.
Wednesday, August 16, 2006
Tourism economics
The news that the overall numbers of tourists is at its highest since 2001, as reported today, should be cause for celebration. Except... except that many don’t always believe the numbers, and also except that - and this is admitted by the tourist authorities - visitors are not spending enough. Accordingly, they are looking to find ways to increase spend.
What a ...!!!
The answer is glaringly obvious. Ok, consumers are more wary of spending generally, the euro has upped the ante, but - as or perhaps more importantly - is the growth of the all-inclusive. The market logic is so simple it barely needs reiterating. But let’s do it. If the tourist has spent once - as part of the AI package - he or she will not spend a second time, or will have less incentive to do so.
Want to increase spend? Cut back on the AIs, my friends, cut back.
What a ...!!!
The answer is glaringly obvious. Ok, consumers are more wary of spending generally, the euro has upped the ante, but - as or perhaps more importantly - is the growth of the all-inclusive. The market logic is so simple it barely needs reiterating. But let’s do it. If the tourist has spent once - as part of the AI package - he or she will not spend a second time, or will have less incentive to do so.
Want to increase spend? Cut back on the AIs, my friends, cut back.
Monday, August 14, 2006
Weather / Industrial estate / Ensaimada
Curious and curiouser, the weather. Still liable to a drop of rain, and a fair amount of cloud. But also today, around mid-afternoon, the wind that had been blowing from the south, i.e. across land, stopped abruptly. The sea was flat calm. Normally, there’s breeze away from the beach or by the sea; rarely is it still in both areas. Suddenly, amidst the calmness of the beach, there was a mini-twister. Sand spiralled upwards, sucking up lilos, beach-mats, umbrellas. One lilo ended up a fair way out. And then it stopped. It occurred in an area of no more than about 20 square metres, and lasted about a minute. Very odd.
The new industrial estate in Alcúdia has stayed off this blog’s radar for a while. There is a lot of preparatory clearance work going on, the actual construction due to start in October. The environmental issue, especially important given its proximity to the Albufera nature park, has led - or rather will lead - to this “polígono” being granted an environmental certification, the first of its kind in Europe. Specifically, 25% of its total area will be “green”, a significantly higher proportion than other estates on the island. Rainwater will also be collected in subterranean deposits and used for around 50% of the estate’s water consumption, while materials used in the actual construction will be recycled. Bet it still doesn’t satisfy the environmental lobby.
The ensaimada. This I can take or leave. For anyone who doesn’t know, it is the local bread type thing made in the shape of a coil and sprinkled with castor sugar. There are variants on this theme. Basically, it’s fat with sugar. Fat and sugar - yum, yum. In the absence of anything much else, the ensaimada, together with that other pile of grease, the croissant, passes for what is a Mallorcan breakfast. I don’t see the attraction, nor do I understand those folk who buy large ensaimadas at the airport when trooping off to the mainland. I can well imagine these folk’s relatives or friends in Madrid or wherever thinking: “Oh no, they’ve brought a bloody ensaimada again.” Or perhaps I’m wrong. Anyway, in Sant Lloreñç, on the east side of the island, there is a night fair, just celebrated. This year the ensaimada was the “star” product at this gig. Star product. Fat and sugar.
Jellyfish status. All clear at present in this area.
The new industrial estate in Alcúdia has stayed off this blog’s radar for a while. There is a lot of preparatory clearance work going on, the actual construction due to start in October. The environmental issue, especially important given its proximity to the Albufera nature park, has led - or rather will lead - to this “polígono” being granted an environmental certification, the first of its kind in Europe. Specifically, 25% of its total area will be “green”, a significantly higher proportion than other estates on the island. Rainwater will also be collected in subterranean deposits and used for around 50% of the estate’s water consumption, while materials used in the actual construction will be recycled. Bet it still doesn’t satisfy the environmental lobby.
The ensaimada. This I can take or leave. For anyone who doesn’t know, it is the local bread type thing made in the shape of a coil and sprinkled with castor sugar. There are variants on this theme. Basically, it’s fat with sugar. Fat and sugar - yum, yum. In the absence of anything much else, the ensaimada, together with that other pile of grease, the croissant, passes for what is a Mallorcan breakfast. I don’t see the attraction, nor do I understand those folk who buy large ensaimadas at the airport when trooping off to the mainland. I can well imagine these folk’s relatives or friends in Madrid or wherever thinking: “Oh no, they’ve brought a bloody ensaimada again.” Or perhaps I’m wrong. Anyway, in Sant Lloreñç, on the east side of the island, there is a night fair, just celebrated. This year the ensaimada was the “star” product at this gig. Star product. Fat and sugar.
Jellyfish status. All clear at present in this area.
Sunday, August 13, 2006
Beach party / All-inclusives / Driving
The wind blew in really strong from the sea yesterday and last night, bringing some more rain. At least it was 24 hours too late to spoil the fun on Can Picafort beach. The Friday-night beach party, part of the Can Picafort fiesta fortnight, is a seriously big gathering. The road into Can Picafort is jammed till around two in the morning with people coming in for the event, many of the cars emitting their own party sounds of booming music. Want to sleep if you live by the road? Forget it!!
All-inclusives. There is a very good discussion of the impact of AIs going on in a forum at http://holidayforums.co.uk. While largely in the context of Greece, there are nonetheless some very interesting and intelligent points being made. Go to the site, find the All-Inclusives forum and then the Why All-Inclusives thread.
The new points system for driving offences seems to be having an effect. Whilst there are penalties being issued for mobile use and for not wearing seat belts, there are also those for speeding and reckless driving - both of them the real villains of the piece when it comes to road accidents. I don’t know if it’s my imagination, but I have the impression that drivers are observing speed limits much more faithfully. Good news.
All-inclusives. There is a very good discussion of the impact of AIs going on in a forum at http://holidayforums.co.uk. While largely in the context of Greece, there are nonetheless some very interesting and intelligent points being made. Go to the site, find the All-Inclusives forum and then the Why All-Inclusives thread.
The new points system for driving offences seems to be having an effect. Whilst there are penalties being issued for mobile use and for not wearing seat belts, there are also those for speeding and reckless driving - both of them the real villains of the piece when it comes to road accidents. I don’t know if it’s my imagination, but I have the impression that drivers are observing speed limits much more faithfully. Good news.
Friday, August 11, 2006
Terrorism / Playa de Muro beach
That some people may have been inconvenienced or delayed coming to or leaving Palma Airport is unfortunate. But what else are the authorities and the airlines expected to do?
I am one of those, like many, who think that Blair, Bush and others may have cried wolf on occasion where terrorist threats are concerned. There was plenty of comment - speculative - flying around yesterday on both sides of the Atlantic that the alleged plot to blow up the five planes was an example of this. I don’t think so; I don’t think so for one moment.
The authorities are damned - by some - if they do, and damned - by all - if they don’t, or rather were not to have done. What is some inconvenience compared to the loss of significant life? No, this was for real; I’m sure of it.
To other matters ... My local beach, as I have mentioned before, is the rustic beach at Playa de Muro. This season part of the dunes has been roped off, people being asked not to enter. Apparently it’s an attempt to get the Kentish plover to nest there. The notice informing us of this ends with a further request, namely that when people leave the beach could they kindly dust all the sand off themselves and their belongings, as the sand is needed. Strange thing to ask. How much sand can one person carry away with him or her? But that’s ecological sensitivity for you.
The kitesurfers are really larging it at present along the rustic beach, and also at the La Marina rustic beach outside Alcúdia. Conditions are spot-on; a good breeze constantly blowing in to land. Whilst popular, it isn’t possible for anyone to come here and try their hand at kitesurfing - at least not officially. It’s considered dangerous and hence no licences are issued. Shame as I think a lot of people would like to give it a go.
Jellyfish watch: nothing more dramatic to report for the moment.
I am one of those, like many, who think that Blair, Bush and others may have cried wolf on occasion where terrorist threats are concerned. There was plenty of comment - speculative - flying around yesterday on both sides of the Atlantic that the alleged plot to blow up the five planes was an example of this. I don’t think so; I don’t think so for one moment.
The authorities are damned - by some - if they do, and damned - by all - if they don’t, or rather were not to have done. What is some inconvenience compared to the loss of significant life? No, this was for real; I’m sure of it.
To other matters ... My local beach, as I have mentioned before, is the rustic beach at Playa de Muro. This season part of the dunes has been roped off, people being asked not to enter. Apparently it’s an attempt to get the Kentish plover to nest there. The notice informing us of this ends with a further request, namely that when people leave the beach could they kindly dust all the sand off themselves and their belongings, as the sand is needed. Strange thing to ask. How much sand can one person carry away with him or her? But that’s ecological sensitivity for you.
The kitesurfers are really larging it at present along the rustic beach, and also at the La Marina rustic beach outside Alcúdia. Conditions are spot-on; a good breeze constantly blowing in to land. Whilst popular, it isn’t possible for anyone to come here and try their hand at kitesurfing - at least not officially. It’s considered dangerous and hence no licences are issued. Shame as I think a lot of people would like to give it a go.
Jellyfish watch: nothing more dramatic to report for the moment.
Thursday, August 10, 2006
Jellyfish
Here it comes - the plague of jellyfish. Can’t help but feel that this talk of “plague” is a bit over-egging the situation, but there seems little doubt this is a fairly serious situation. Like the inexorable march, or should that be swim, of waterborne Cybermen, the little monsters are gathering. Less a call for Doctor Who though, more one for International Rescue; at least it would put Gordon to good use for once in Thunderbird 4.
But to the reality ...
There are already jellyfish conventions off the south-west of the island around Andraitx and off the south-east from Santanyi up to around Porto Cristo.
Advice and action:
Civil defence advises to check with them before using waters
Yellow flags will be flown if jellyfish are spotted
If stung, use sea water but do not rub it into the sting (One might also pack a tube of anti-histamine cream such as the local “Neosayomol”, which is specifically recommended for jellyfish stings.)
Also if stung, contact the civil defence, Red Cross or lifeguards for aid with treatment.
Now, where’s that wet-suit?
NOTE AGAIN ON EMAILING AND COMMENTS: Please mail me direct at info@thealcudiaguide.com with your comments or queries. By all means add comments, but note that these are posted as "anonymous", and I cannot respond. If all else fails, I can add your comment to the relevant article if you've mailed me and want it included. Ta very much.
But to the reality ...
There are already jellyfish conventions off the south-west of the island around Andraitx and off the south-east from Santanyi up to around Porto Cristo.
Advice and action:
Civil defence advises to check with them before using waters
Yellow flags will be flown if jellyfish are spotted
If stung, use sea water but do not rub it into the sting (One might also pack a tube of anti-histamine cream such as the local “Neosayomol”, which is specifically recommended for jellyfish stings.)
Also if stung, contact the civil defence, Red Cross or lifeguards for aid with treatment.
Now, where’s that wet-suit?
NOTE AGAIN ON EMAILING AND COMMENTS: Please mail me direct at info@thealcudiaguide.com with your comments or queries. By all means add comments, but note that these are posted as "anonymous", and I cannot respond. If all else fails, I can add your comment to the relevant article if you've mailed me and want it included. Ta very much.
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