How to capture my days in Menorca
Where does one start when talking about Menorca. Do you start with the scenery, the blue warm water, the tastiness of the food. Yes you could start there, but you would not be starting with the true treasure; the special wonder of the people. I happened to meet a family in California a month ago and we clicked. They were about to move back to Barcelona. After hearing I was heading to Europe they opened an invitation to join them in a place called Menorca. Describing Menorca as magical does not do true justice to the place.
I joined them in a town called Cuitadella at Patricia's dads restaurant and the lesson in friendly hospitality began. Meeting Ramon (Patricia's Dad) and Choro (Patricia's sister), I was welcomed in to their lives I felt at home as one of the family.
It seems to me the rhythm of life in Spain revolves around food. Breakfast in the market around the corner from the house. Afternoon lunch at 3pm, which makes for 9 or 10 pm dinner time which lasted well into the night. My body clock did not always cooperate but the blissful tiredness I felt was so worth it.
The town of Ciutadella was charming and beautiful. Surrounding a harbor, the town is a draw for the summer holidays of those from Spain and further. Bustling all day and into the wee hours of the morning. In A stroll back to my place at 12:30pm I saw the streets still alive with families eating and drinking. A morning ritual I started was Café con leche (Coffee with milk) and a pastry while sitting next to the harbour. After which I was off to do some work.
I stayed in a little apartment in the harbour that could not have suited my needs better. The sound of the street below wafted in the open window like the fragrance of a meadow. Sitting next to the window with an espresso I was able to see the boats make their way out to sea and watch the holiday makers marvel at the scene.
True to the site seer in me, I got out on a scooter to see the island and savor the beaches. Some of which I ended up finding to be clothing optional. The relaxed nature of this place was intoxicating.
Did I mention the food? As I write this my brain flashes back to the tastes of Menorca and my mouth is wet with anticipation . The freshness of the seafood was an experience I was not expecting. I feel I am ruined for any type of seafood not caught the day before. With a fish market steps away from the family house, seafood was on the menu.
We spent some afternoons at a private beach with only a single building off the grid and no running water. Rain water captured in a cistern inside the house was pulled up by bucket. Sleeping over night in this house was utter bliss. A Carles family tradition on a full moon night is to "moon" the moon. So much fun at this quiet beach, snorkeling and spear fishing, laughing and soul filling delight.
On more than one occasion we took out Ramon's (Patricia's dad) boat and found a bay to snorkel, spear fish and relax. I have not seen water so clear before. I was in awe and found my self laughing underwater at just how wonderful my life is. To be able to work remotely from a place like this and then enjoy nature is a blessing I am well aware of. I have opened my heart and life to the Divine and She has filled it to overflowing.
