Mallorca

I had five days off at xmas, and I decided to go to Palma de Mallorca. I got flights from Lufthansa, change in Frankfurt, for about 200 €. I booked a studio in an apartment hotel, for 4 nights it cost me 140 €.

Again I had a ridiculous flight time, at 5.05 a.m. There are no busses at that time from Limerick to Dublin airport, the first bus would arrive at 4 so I didn't want to risk being late. So I took the bus on Friday evening already, and stayed the night at the airport. Sleeping at a floor is not really my thing but all the couches were taken already. Slept maybe 15 mins… better than zero! During the flight I was able to sleep about half an hour too! Considering that I woke up on Friday morning at 5.50, I was feeling just a bit tired when arriving to Frankfurt. I had a long stop, so I took the train to the city and walked around a little, until it started to rain. Went early back to the airport and I am glad I did! I knew December 22nd is one of the busiest days, but omg, I did not expect that Frankfurt airport is zero organized for the day! The line for the boarding pass control was just crazy and went through the airport with no control where it goes. There was ONE guy walking around and telling people which line to go to, and people were just running and rushing around, and no signs anywhere. After that the line to security check was even longer, but luckily there was some organising. After that I saw a lot of people just running like crazy trying to make it to their flight. I wonder how many people actually were late… but I had enough time for lunch before my flight to Palma :)

A few pics of Frankfurt

I was very tired and naturally then my flight is delayed about 2 hours. First an hour, then 30 mins more… and then another 30 mins more. I found a comfy chair to take a little nap though! It was already dark when I arrived to Palma, and my total sleeping time was about 1h 5 mins, so I just took a taxi to the hotel, that took only maybe 10 mins. Quick check-in, went to supermarket to get some food and wine, had a big glass and slept 10,5 hours. My hotel was Apartamentos Embat in Can Pastilla, just across the street from the beach. I had booked a studio, unfortunately all studios with sea views were booked, so I had a crappy view :D. But that was ok. Studio was quite small, but it had everything I needed and it was clean and quiet. The distance to Palma was about 7 km, but busses run frequently nearby, and the bus ticket costs 1,50 €. Sunday and Monday I spent in Palma. The weather was great, around 20 degrees the whole time, and lots of sunshine ☀. On Sunday I did a hop on hop off bus tour, the cost was 18 € and I got a good look on the city! Other than that I just walked around a lot, stopped at at a tapas bar when got hungry and had a glass of wine or sangria 🍹.

Pics of Palma

I wonder how how many bars are named Molly Malone? :D

Tuesday I stayed in Can Pastilla, walking mostly at the sea, and also dipped my toes to the sea but too cold for swimming! Tuesday was the warmest day, in the sun just a t-shirt was enough. Lots of people were walking and sitting in the cafes, even some small shops were open even though it was xmas day. It was just a short holiday, 3 full days, but I totally enjoyed the sun and the sea again. As I said after Cyprus, I love that mediterranean soft sea breeze! Wednesday was travel day again, and for once I had a good schedule :D. My flight from Palma was at 11.40, and after 2 flights (via Frankfurt again) and one bus ride, I arrived at home around 20.45. Of course on the first flight there was a screaming kid near me, yikes… I can't say I am expert in raising a child, but I am pretty sure the screaming doesn't stop when mom is screaming back *rolling eyes*.

Some pics from Can Pastilla

Last week I had a rough couple of days. First on Thursday evening a kitchen door crashed on me! I wasn't hurt and I even caught the falling door. Secondly on Friday morning I slept in! Me who have sleeping problems, have no memory of alarm that morning. I woke up at 7.47 and I start working at 7… Fuuuuuuuuuck!!! I got up faster than ever. Then thirdly on my way home from work on Friday, an idiot walker did not look anywhere, just walked straight to the cycling trail in front of me. I was able not to hit her totally, but just her backpack, which made me fall on my bike. Now, people, wear a helmet! My helmet got broken, otherwise it would've been my head. I have huge bruises on my legs, otherwise I am ok. And what does that lovely woman do? Walked away, and let me collect my things and fix my bike alone. Nice. I never ever cycle without a helmet. One more time; WEAR A HELMET!!! Since these things always happen in three, my bad luck should be over for a while.

I can't believe 2018 is almost gone… I started the year in Lisbon (that was one hell of a party by the way), moved to Amadora, had a few choices for my next destination and in July moved to Limerick. Found eventually a nice place to live, and at the moment I have co complaints about my life :). Weirdly I have no trips booked, but planning on a couple of trips in the next months. Hopefully some friends will visit me too. My next trip will probably be Northern Ireland in March, I want to visit before Brexit. I also have to visit Dublin, because I need to apply for a new passport, since I am planning on travelling outside Europe and my passport is expired.

Next I will finally post my nomadic alphabets, but I better not promise when. I just wish everyone a happy new year!