More angels
These were in the chapel at La Granja
And this one somewhere on the first story of a building in Palma
We set off for La Granja on the 1st of May, a Friday, and did not realise that this was a bank holiday and the bus was on a limited schedule. The bus from Palma stops just by the Country Estate. We had planned to leave earlier and spend some time in the pretty town of Esporels. However as we had to stay longer, we had a walk into the upper parts of the Estate, watched goats gamble on steep rocky slopes and caught a display of amazing horsemanship, and horse ballet.
Its a museum of Folklore, with lovely antiques, and interesting displays, well worth spending the day there. The grounds have lovely places for picnics with fine views of the valley. We had a great lunch in the cafe along with dozens of cyclists on their tour of the Island, open air with great views of the garden. You can stop off and go to the cafe without paying the entrance to the Estate. Sadly all the tickets for the house and banquet were gone, but we had the snacks option and really enjoyed tasting the locally produced preserves, meats, wine etc. We could hardly in fact do it justice as we had had lunch before!
In the grounds, apart from the lovely gardens, water features, and fine buildings, there was an interesting water mill, with the grinding stone above.
With a long history or spinning and dyeing there were some interesting looms, but I felt some of the baskets had been filled with 'artificial fibre yarn' not at all suitable for weaving!
In one of the rooms, the one used for ironing, clothes sewing etc, in the corner was this little stove, which used to heat the irons. I remember these irons being used in Mauritius when I was little, and even where homes had electricity, when the supply was interrupted after cyclones, they still came in handy.
On another day we walked along the Coast to Fundacio Pilar I Joan Miro. On the way back with my inbuilt sense of direction, always in tune when I want to get back for a good ice-cream and coffee at Fillippo's, I found a short cut, which meant using these steps.
The buildings are really interesting, and I left Mr S at the cafe enjoying a drink, whilst I explored the gardens.
In the Centre of Palma we visit The Palau March, which was only built in 1939, but what an amazing space. It contains so much of interest,
from Modern Sculpture, to antique fans,
boxes,
maps, beautiful embroideries with goldwork
as well as offering great views of the Palace next door.
We visited the Almudaina Palace which is truly magnificent, but with no photography allowed. Their tapestries are alone worth the entrance. From the terrace where there are great views, and there are some quality cacti displays.
We visited other places, a long bus ride, took us to Andratx on Market Day. We walked up to Santa Maria, where we were disappointed to find it closed, but looking back the view was worth the walk.
We love to go at a time when we know the early spring flowers would we out and we were not disappointed. Great to see plants growing in the wild, even on stony ground like this lavender
nd now for a few more, no names....
I even manged a sketch or two inspired by what I saw, but not exact copies!
Mr S wants it noted that he went into the pool and swam round the island even though the water was very cool.
With a lot more to see and do, we shall most definitely be returning.
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