It took us a while to get going this morning, and I spent a very pleasant half hour sitting at the table in the courtyard, soaking up the sun and reading the newspaper. The sun felt lovely and warm! By 11 am, we were breakfasted, showered, and ready to hit the streets of Pollenca.
Keith wanted to go to the larger Eroski in Puerto Pollensa so we took a leisurely walk back to the car, popping into a pharmacy to buy something for Keith's toothache and plasters for Sophie's heels. The chemist gave us a gift, so we'll open that tomorrow!
It wasn't far to Puerto Pollensa and the Eroski on the outskirts. Bearing in mind that today was Christmas Eve, it wasn't as manic as it would undoubtedly be at home! We parked in the horrible underground car park and made our way to the supermarket. Having looked at restaurants and realised that most would be closed, we decided to cook ourselves on Christmas Day, so we bought steak, potatoes, Brussels sprouts (yes, really!), mushrooms and a slab of Tiramisu for dessert.
We loaded the shopping in the car and headed back to Pollenca. This time I had a van driver right behind me the whole way back to the house, which was unnerving. I wasn't able to park opposite the entrance to our tiny street so had to pull in further up the road. Keith and Sophie took the shopping to the house and when they returned I had to reverse back down the hill. It was not a pleasant experience...
Traffic troubles!
On the way back to the outskirts I met another car and had to reverse to let him past, and then we met a second vehicle who had to reverse down a long stretch of road to give me access! We all agreed that this would be the last time we'd do this until we had to take the car up to load our luggage! I'm surprised that cars are still allowed through the tiny streets. In Provence this year, one village was car-free and people had to park on the outskirts to visit!
We parked the car and walked back to the square where we decided to have a drink at U Placa. Sophie asked if they were open in the evening, but they were closed so we decided to have lunch instead. We ordered a glass of Sangria apiece, Keith had a beer, and we looked at the menu. Quite a few of the tapas dishes weren't available, so Sophie and I chose a meat paella while Keith went for fish and chips.
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| Sophie proudly sporting her Newcastle tee shirt! |
The square was busy with people celebrating Christmas and large family groups had gathered to eat and drink. It was very convivial. Behind us, men were working in the large marquee, and every now and then music would blast out loudly. Thankfully, it was only short bursts!
Our paella was lovely, and the portion was huge for the two of us, but I still prefer Sophie's version, even if it perhaps isn't strictly authentic! It was lovely sitting outside but I began to regret my short-sleeved top as the wind picked up. Everyone was wearing padded coats but it was still far warmer than it would have been at home. When we go out again, I'll wear my coat over a top!
After paying, we strolled back to the house, taking it slowly as our tummies were full! We walked past La Scalinata and it looked closed, so no cocktails tonight then!
Back at the house, we relaxed for a couple of hours before Sophie and I decided to have a walk and then call in for a hot chocolate at a café on the square. This time I made sure I was wearing my warm coat and scarf!
Visiting old haunts
We left Keith at the house and walked back down the steps to Ideas, a beautiful shop selling jewellery, clothes, accessories and silk scarves. Sophie picked out two pairs of earrings and I stroked one of the two cats that wandered in.
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| La Scalinata |
It was lovely to stroll around the almost deserted town. We called in at a wonderful delicatessen/supermarket next to La Font del Gall that stocked a wide range of essentials, as well as wine and beer. I wish we had known about this yesterday as we needn't have gone to the Eroski on the outskirts of town! Sophie bought a bottle of white Mallorcan wine and a beer for Keith and I treated us to a slab of chocolate and biscuits!
We strolled along the road and found the old Ca'n Costa restaurant, which looks like it's been split into two apartments. Some of the old camera equipment (it was once a cinema) was displayed in the entrance hall. I miss this gorgeous restaurant as it used to be my favourite place to eat.
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| Ca'n Costa no more |
Continuing along the street we arrived at the Son Sant Jordi Hotel where we stayed in 2021. They were open so Sophie booked a table for Friday night. We ate at La Placeta years ago and had a very disappointing experience, so I hope it will be better later this week!
On the way back, we met a little ginger and white cat who took a liking to us and followed us! I wanted to find another old favourite, Trencadora, so we followed directions on my phone (it had been a while since we ate there) and the little cat trotted along with us!
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| Deserted streets |
We found Trencadora, firmly closed for the winter, and we peered through the gates into the garden. We had some lovely meals here and I had great memories of the beautiful restaurant and the seating in the garden.
Opposite was an art gallery, also closed for the winter. Ah well!
We walked the short distance back to the square (I remembered the way to the restaurant now!) and saw that U Placa and the Café Espanyol were now closed. The trees were lit up and there was a real festive air.
We visited a small café/bar and sat down next to a lively Spanish family. Sophie ordered us hot chocolate and it was delicious and thick. A lot of the waiters from the two restaurants had gathered to have a drink and wind down for Christmas.
After paying the bill, we decided to head back, admiring the decorations in the square and noticing a long queue of people with children who were waiting to get into the marquee. To see Father Christmas perhaps?
Il Giardino and Ca'n Olesa were also closed, as was a boutique hotel on the edge of the square. We meandered back up towards the steps and some of the jewellery and clothes shops were still open for last-minute Christmas gifts.
We pulled ourselves up the three flights of steps to our street and collapsed on the sofa in the living room. Phew! It had been a lovely walk!
Christmas from the Vatican
We spent a very relaxed evening in the cosy living room with the heating on and watched a Christmas service live from the Vatican. Sophie made us drinks (a G&T for me, Vodka and ginger for her). We don't have Netflix here but it was great to watch the service and then see Spain's King Felipe VI give his Christmas speech (I found out he's fifteen days younger than me).
At about 9pm we ate some nibbles, but by 10pm we were all ready for bed. Bring on Christmas tomorrow!
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