Castillos y Mercados

Our Global Navigators are settling in nicely in sunny Palma de Mallorca. We visited the nearby Bellver Castle with its amazing views of the city and port of Palma. There we learned about the sandstone castle built in the early 14th c. which housed royalty until later becoming a political prison in the early 18th c. We climbed ALL the steps to reach the castle, then more steps to take in the breathtaking views. But it sure was worth it. To be at the top of the castle or in the fortress, surrounded and protected by trees while looking out at the sea was a great way to spend the morning and a big thanks to our Guardian Angels for joining us!

While one group was visiting the castle our other group was doing a little shopping at the Olivar Market. The Olivar Market is where we can go to find local products from produce to seafood, fresh-cut meats and gourmet cheeses. We can also find local hand-made Mallorquín goods, pottery, bags and jewelry. At the market we were able to practice our Spanish with the local vendors with a little help from our Spanish teacher, Tania. We learned how to ask for the cost of items, what the best sellers are at the fish market, which pastries are made with "saim" and lots of other interesting facts about local Mallorquín dishes. Then we bought some things for our homestays to go with the evening's dinner. All of our navigators are probably enjoying an "ensalada de trampó" or a "pa amb oli" for dinner tonight before tomorrow's big excursion to Dragonera island. We've had so much fun this first week and can't wait to continue this journey together!