Sparkling Mallorca

 

Mallorca is a popular vacation destination with Europeans.  I met a woman on the plane from London who still visits the island once a year, even though now she lives in California.  Her parents maintain a small apartment and an older car there.  It's a quick flight from Heathrow.  She and her girlfriends have been going there together for years. 

This is where I parked my bicycle at the bike racks and stopped to take a swim.  The Mediterranean Sea is magical.  I had forgotten that in many parts of Europe, the women sunbathe topless.  Their attitude towards nudity is so relaxed and healthy.  I could easily spend a week in Mallorca and enjoy the sunshine, bike paths, and beaches.  The restaurants, hotels, and shops are impressive.  I loved the architecture.

This was our view at my friend Richard's wedding.  It was a spectacular venue.  Out of curiosity, I looked into what it would cost to retire here.  Depending on your assets, there is a steep wealth tax on foreigners.  They take a percentage of everything you own.  I think it would be wiser to plan vacations there a couple years in advance while getting a reasonable airfare.  I really liked taking the cruise with NCL, staying in London for a few nights, and then spending my last three days in sunny Mallorca.  It was quite costly.  However, I would rather not travel so far as often, and save up for a few years in order to go.  I definitely want to return.

What is your favorite place for a Holiday?

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Enthusiastic About London

 

You all seem to be as enthusiastic about London as I am, so here are a few more photos for you.  It is such a pretty city.  I love the combination of the clean streets, lush, mature trees, freshly painted buildings, and charming lamp posts.  After slowly witnessing the deterioration of San Francisco, New York, and Los Angeles, I was greatly impressed with this vibrant and well cared for city.  This is how I it should be, I think.  When I think of our homeless population and the crime problems in America, I cringe.

All of these beautiful sights were within walking distance of my hotel.  As you can see, people were out and about, but it wasn't jam packed.  The weather was glorious, which from what I hear, is unusual.  The people working at Hotel 41 joked that I brought the sunshine with me from California.  You still always need an umbrella.  I did get caught is a rain storm on my last day and returned to my room soaking wet.  It was worth it for a trip to Harrods, though.  Housekeeping helped me dry out my drenched clothes in time to travel the next morning to Mallorca.

This was taken from the bus on my London tour with NCL.  I didn't go inside, but someday I will return and enjoy a meal there.  Some a gorgeous entrance...I was wowed!  I love how theatrical the decor is...it reminds me of old Broadway and the vintage glamour days of Hollywood.

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Hotel 41 in London: A Posh and Elegant Experience

 

After reading the rave reviews about Hotel 41 on Trip Advisor, I decided to splurge and book a room for three nights.  I was not disappointed.  The hotel oozes charm, elegance and class.  It was a very luxurious and rewarding experience.  Located right across the street from Buckingham Palace, my daily walks were inspiring and filled with lush greenery.

The decor was tasteful and impressive.  I loved the detail.  There was a tray of scrumptious petite fours on this table to welcome me.  I was also given a complimentary glass of champagne when I arrived.  It was served in the Executive Lounge.  I asked to have a cappuccino instead, and they agreed.  It was the best one that I have ever had!  Their hotel logo was inscripted with powdered chocolate in the frothy milk.  The attention to detail at this hotel is superb, as is the food.  I bought breakfast there, as it was so comfortable to just walk down the hall from my room each morning.  The complimentary tea and scones each afternoon were delightful.  I looked forward to them.

After being on a cruise ship for nine nights, it was wonderful to have a bathtub again.  I did enjoy the jacuzzi tub in the sunshine while on the Norwegian Star, though.  I felt inspired by the decor at Hotel 41.  They had a delicious buffet in the late evening which I unfortunately missed the first two nights.  The first time I fell asleep, and the second night I met friends at The Ivy.   On my last day there, I enjoyed it immensely.  They served a hearty shepherd's pie, salad, vegetables, other items, and small desserts.  Next time I will eat there each night, since it is included in the room price.   The food was divine!

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My First Time in London

 After cruising for nine nights from Barcelona to Southhampton, I spent three fabulous days and nights in London.  What a spectacular city!  I am in love with that place.  The people, architecture, shopping and gardens absolutely thrilled me.  

My friend Sara and I took photos in this gorgeous art deco bathroom at The Ivy.  I love those pink marble sinks.  It reminded me of old San Francisco in so many ways.  My grandparents had majectic grey marble steps leading up to their 1920's house on Taraval Street.  I was always in awe as I walked up them to their stately front door.   

 I found this charming rose cafe near Hotel 41, where I was staying.  I  stopped in for a cup of tea.  Don't you just love the decor!   It reminded me of my cottage in LA.  Some of my ancestors are from England, and I really felt at home there.  It was as if I was connecting to my roots and style.  

This is the magical view from my hotel window at sunset.  It took my breath away; it was such a lovely scene.  The hotel itself was absolutely gorgeous.  I will post more photos of Hotel 41 in future posts.  

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Eating Out While On Vacation

As most of you know, I normally cook all of my meals at home.  I wait until I am traveling to splurge on restaurants.  Europe was no exception.  These photos are from Hotel Can Bordoy in Mallorca.  The food that they served was divine!  The dessert above was my absolute favorite.  It's called a Pavlova.  It tasted absolutely heavenly.

This is the gate that leads to the pool area.  The garden was so lush and colorful.  It inspired me to continue to develop my outdoor living spaces at home.  There is nothing like dining al fresco.  The flowers, birds and fresh air gave each meal such a delightful ambiance.

I went to the beach every day.  The water there is so clean and clear.  It feels incredibly healing.  I love contrast of the rocks against the Mediterranean Sea.  Mallorca really is a spectacular and magical island.  

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Why I Loved Cruising on NCL's Norwegian Star

 

Quite often I read articles written by first time cruisers on why they don't enjoy cruising.  I, on the other hand, absolutely love it!  My most recent cruise was from Barcelona to London on the Norwegian Star.  This photo was taken from my balcony.   I love to sit outside and gaze at the water.  It is so relaxing and mesmerizing.  It puts me in a trance.  Chores and responsibilities seem so very far away...

I love the fact that once I have unpacked, my work is done.  I can just enjoy the delicious food, entertainment, people and scenery.  I feel like I get so much more for my money when cruising.  The chefs on the Star were exceptional.  I was highly impressed with every meal that I had.  Because I booked my travel during the height of Covid, I got some excellent deals.  I was afraid that the journey might be canceled, but everything went as planned.  I bought travel and Covid insurance, just in case.  Our ship was only sailing at half capacity, so it wasn't crowded.  It was easy to get a lounge chair at the pool, find a seat in the bars, and quickly be sat at a table in the fantastic restaurants.  

To my delight I received a letter stating that I could enjoy my breakfast and lunch in the restaurant that is usually reserved for The Haven guests, only.  That was such a fantastic and unexpected perk!  The specialty restaurants are my favorite, especially Cagney's Steakhouse.  Basically, I was given two first class meals per day.  I felt so spoiled and pampered.  I even splurged for a massage, which was excellent.

Cruising suits my personality because travelers are so friendly.  I made friends wherever I went.  The staff went out of their way to make the trip exceptional.  I find it a wonderful way to travel solo.  You can have privacy if you want, or can join in on group activities when you feel like being social.  

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