World's Cleverest Fountain

Is this the world's cleverest fountain? Taken in Menorca some five years ago now.

Bow Windows In Menorca

It is the windows that draw me back to Mahon, that most British of Spanish cities. Situated on the eastern tip of Menorca, Mahon is the first city in Spain to see the sun rise in the morning and more often than not her windows throw the orange light around her streets, bouncing it back off each other as if playing with a football.

These are no ordinary windows however as they are huge bow windows with sashes brought by the British when they moved the capital here from Ciutadella in 1722. Still known in the local dialect as “boinders”, streets such as the Carrer Isobel II are adorned with these magnificent Georgian structures with their Sheraton and Chippendale style furniture in situ behind.

The British moved the capital here because of Mahon’s superb harbour, the largest in the Mediterranean, but the Phoenicians had a settlement long before as did the Carthaginians and the Romans. The harbour is indeed a magnificent site, it is also far easier to park, and it’s free, rather than in the city with its pay and display bays or in the underground carp park in the Placa de S’Espalnda.

Have a great day now.

Menorca's Tsunami

Ciutadella’s harbour in Menorca, like the city’s streets is narrow and compact which has restricted the amount of trade that comes here and thus the growth of the city itself, preserving its ancient character. For some unknown reason probably due to a combination of the moon, atmospheric pressure and other factors the water level in the harbour sometimes starts to flow in and out. 

Boats can be left high and dry dangling from their moorings and just as quickly the sea floods the dockside area completely. In as many minutes the waters can rush up and down several times. On some occasions it will happen again within a few days and can be unusually violent dragging the larger vessels up to the top of the creek and sinking some of the smaller ones. The wharf side shops and restaurants can be submerged under almost two metres of water. For a supposedly tideless sea this is an amazing card for the Mediterranean to have up its sleeve. Have a great day now.

The Naveta des Tudons

The Naveta des Tudons is about 3,000 years old and is found in Menorca. It is the oldest roofed building in Spain and has a horseshoe shaped interior. The building resembles an upturned boat therefore this kind of prehistoric building is known as a "naveta" (vessel).  As you can see it was a bit overcast and raining when we were there but in someway this added to the visit. I hope you enjoy your day now.

Pantiles. Menorca

Funny how your eye catches things and you feel you just have to take a picture of it. Thes pantiles are on a roof overlooking the harbour at Ciutadella in Menorca. Have a great weekend wherever you are.

Ferreries. Menorca

This is Ferreires, the highest town on Menorca and just about plumb in the middle. Have a good week everyone.

Well in Menorca

This well is in Ferreires, Menorca. It was built by the Moors in 900 .D. and the towns peope have used it ever sines. How amazing is that?

Ciutadella, Menorca

This is the meat market in Ciutadella, Menorca, the most Catalan of cities. The shops are open to the air and spread out along an arcade of arches of a former Augustinian monastery but the Moorish influence can also clearlyy be seen. The chairs are for customers or friends to sit and chat and it is not uncommon to see butcher going to other shops paying for meat and selling it to their own customers.