Mallorca 1

Hey family! I´m writing this from the wonderful bar in Tierramar, our hostal (no sarcasm).

Quick story pre-Mallorca: I was on the bus and a woman leaned over and asked me in Spanish, what 30 minus 7 was. She was completely serious.

So the bus ride was once again very long to Madrid (6 hours) but we made it. We were a bit rushed to the airport to catch our 940 flight after leaving the bus station at 725. Ryanair service was actually just fine. They are very picky on what kind of bag size you can carry on - a way to boost their fees, so you just have to slide it in a metal box to prove that its small enough. I actually have more room to spare so I feel better about my upcoming week-long trips. The plane was actually very new and clean - not what i was expecting from a 31 Euro round trip flight. You just pick your seat when you get on the plane because there is no first class. Phil, Kyle and myself all had our own three person rows. All staff members were prolly 25 years old or younger. My guess is they work at a low quality company until they get enough experience to work at a better company. You could tell the staff on the plane really didn´t care. Also, throughout the whole hourlong flight they were selling things, food, drinks, treats, lottery tickets, the list goes on and on.

We walked about 5 miles to our hostal. It was brutal. We literally left the airport and asked a bus driver "which way is the water" - we´re on an island. We headed toward where we believed the water was and then knew that we simply had to head south along the beach. We walked along the highway, a service road, and then had to run accross a 6 lane highway - but then we made it to the water. Looking down the beach, we then realized that we had to walk another 3 miles down the beach to our hostal. After arriving in our GREAT rooms (i feel like I´m in a nice hotel) we got groceries and had lunch on the beach - waiting for Janet to arrive. We found out that she could take a 2 Euro bus from the airport to the hostal, wish we would´ve known... It was great seeing her! After getting her settled we went to the roof of the hostal (not quite allowed) to watch the sunset. It was perfect. The hostal is like half a block from the beach. After that we had a nutella and crackers party on Phil/Kyle´s large patio and went to bed at about 10. Oh - and, my shower is AMAZING. It reminds me of the Seinfeld where Kramer gets the showerhead for Elephants and circus animals.

We got up early to take a bus to the famous caves on the west coast of Mallorca, but while I was grabbing my iPod in the room, the bus drove by while about 7 people were waiting (all americans), the only one of the day. It was a bit frustrating because, just like in Seville, you need to wave your hand to attract the driver´s attention to get him to stop. So, plan B. We took a bus to an old-fashioned train leaving from Palma going to Soller. While waiting for the bus we got some ice cream (i went with cookies and cream - a taste of home :) )Its a well-known train that runs along and through mountains to the small city. We basically explored for the day, following some rivers and taking in some views. We also went to an ice-cream factory place that makes their own ice cream. I went with Caramel!

We got back at about 6, getting off the bus early to sprint to the beach and catch the sunset. We got off the bus so early that we had to walk about 2 miles along the beach after the sun set. It was worth it, we got some great views. After showers and eating we´re now having drinks with the owner and bartender of the hostal. He´s a great guy, a Brit. Catch you later!

Aust