"Off to Mallorca"

We celebrated the New Year in the Balearic Islands off the coast of Spain. Using the small city of Palma as our base, we rented a car and explored the beautiful and rugged island of Mallorca. On New Year's Eve day we went to the Cathedral where an annual ceremony marked the Christian reconquista of Mallorca led by King Jaume I in 1229. This was followed by a colourful parade of traditionally dressed Mallorcans and horsemen through Palma. 		     
"twelve grapes at midnight"
We rang in the New Year in the Town Hall square where a band was playing to a mostly British and German crowd. As the clock tower began to strike midnight everyone ate one grape for each stroke, which is more difficult than it sounds and can make for a messy New Year's kiss. In preparation for the tradition of eating our 'uvas de suerte', we had previously discussed our twelve wishes for the New Year. We are happy to report that some of wishes have already come true!                

      See them in Order

1. Crack team of Santas invading Catalunya 2. Our mini-tree and major loot 3. Lynn's first action figure!
 		 4. Christmas lunch at Cafe de la Princesa
 		 5. More cava please...
 
6. Valldemossa - Where Chopin spent his winter of discontent 7. A Study in Contrasts
  		8. Town square in Soller
  		9. No scurvy in these backyards
 		 10. Mallorcans dressed as horsemen entering cathedral
11. They almost look like the real thing 12. Mallorcans in traditional costumes preparing for parade 13. Those Inquisitive Clerics 14. Last minute primping 15. Palma Town Square
16. Later that evening in the same square 17. Last moments of 2001 18. The Moravian star leads the way... 19. for the Kings' Harem ... 20. and the Kings


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