Travel Journal:

Island of the Calm


Introduction
 
We hopped the fence of an olive tree farm just outside Andratx and walked around with the sheep and the donkeys at the base of the mountains. I picked a dark green olive from a tree that was over 1000 years old. Twenty minutes ago we were sitting on the beach sipping sangria and watching the sun wash over the two-toned crystal blue waters of the Mediterranean near Banalyalbufar. We are trying to make it to Soller before sunset, where you can ride the antique electric train into the mountains. It has taken us almost the whole day to drive around just one thrid of the almost 4,000 miles of coastline that make up the island of Mallorca.

Neslted between Menorca and the global party destination of Ibiza, Mallorca is the largest of the Balearic Islands. Since the beginning of time, this place has been home for nomads, pirates, refugees and artists. Infiltrated by tourists and invaders from every culture, Mallorca inherently boasts a tradition of hospitality unparalleled by any other place on Earth. Strangers feel compelled to wish you well and inquire about your day. Life is slower here. They get it. It is here that Chopin came to rest his ailing lungs in the northern city of Deia. This place is real and the secret of its perpetual lust for life is shared with everyone who comes to the Island of the Calm.

 
Map and Photos for Island of the Calm
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Ratings for Island of the Calm

Writing Quality:Hurried Polished
Travel Experience:Wide-eyed Worldly
Humor Content:Straightforward Humorous
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Reviews for Island of the Calm

andrewprice03 submitted a review on 2006-08-08 15:04...
Wow, great writing. That shot is beautiful. Enjoy your trip. I'll be following jealously.