ROQUETA
03
AUGUST 2024
WELCOME AUGUST 2024 - ROQUETA MAGAZINE Whether you are a regular reader, or this is the first time you are reading Roqueta magazine, WELCOME! If this is your first time in Menorca, your tenth visit, or if you love it so much you have made Menorca your main home or second home, please be reassured that we are delighted you are here to experience the island’s unique beauty and relaxed and happy atmosphere. Menorca is a destination to be absorbed, savoured, and enjoyed at a slow pace. It has always been known as a safe destination, ideal for families, couples and groups of friends and it remains very different to its much bigger neighbours, Mallorca and Barcelona. In our August issue we remind you of the unique history of the island, governed by the British three times, the French once, and influenced by so many different nations over the centuries because of the strategic importance of its geographic location and safe natural harbour. If you live here, you will have heard the stories many times before, of Governor Richard Kane, Collingwood, poor Admiral Byng, the Duke of Richelieu and his love for mayonnaise, the origin of gin and of bow windows… but when re-telling the stories to visiting families and friends, you can now reference this edition of Roqueta if you are struggling to recall the relevant dates. In the heat of the summer, try to follow the example of the locals; enjoy a long lunch and then take a siesta to avoid the mid-day sun. Our Eating Out Guide will give you some ideas for restaurants around the island and, if you want to experience a local speciality, albeit pricey, we have featured the famous Menorcan lobster or Langosta. But make sure you are ready to make the most of the many special evening events and activities which reach a peak in August. Highlights this month include the summer arts festival in the unique setting of the Lithica Quarry, or a series of quiet concerts in their medieval garden. There are some wonderful evening street markets; in Ciutadella, you can find one every evening on the slope down to the Port, but every town has its own version on a different day of the week. Often there is free live music in the streets, traditional and modern, laid on by the local councils to create a special atmosphere. In this issue we meet some of the artists you may discover on the streets or in the bars and hotels of your local resort. In Mahón, there is a music night and market on a Tuesday in the town centre and another every Thursday in the Port. The latter includes a special Arts Evening with 50 artists displaying their work on 16th August. If you are here at the end of the month, don’t miss the spectacle of the classic yachts taking part in the Copa del Rey annual regatta. Details of the events mentioned above, as well as many more and guided tours, can be found in our What’s On section. We hope that within these pages you will find all you need to make the most of your time in Menorca. Don’t forget that if you enjoy this issue, you can subscribe online or buy a postal subscription for yourself or for family and friends back in the UK or around the world. On a dark winter’s day, a little bit of sunshine from Menorca will arrive through the letterbox to help you plan for your next visit. Our island is truly the jewel in the crown of the Balearics and there is so much to discover and enjoy throughout the changing seasons.
WOULD YOU LIKE TO RECEIVE ROQUETA BY POST? BUY A SUBSCRIPTION FOR FRIENDS AND FAMILY WHO LOVE MENORCA OR ORDER BACK COPIES Publisher: John Davies Editor: Liz Parr Printer: LV Grupo Grafico y de Communication, L’Hospitalet de Llobregat Dep Legal ME: 187/1973 No. Registro: 1037/3.992 The Publisher reserves the right to edit any material submitted for publication.
All prices quoted were correct at the time of going to press No articles may be reproduced without written permission from the Publisher For Editorial contact info@roquetamagazine.net For Advertising contact roquetajohn@gmail.com For Subscriptions contact roquetajohn@gmail.com
ROQ U E TA M AGA ZI N E . N E T
Liz & John
IN THIS ISSUE ISLAND NEWS 04 August Fiestas, Laura Kenyon, La Caldereta Langosta, Tax & Pensions, Property Review, Isla Del Rey & Boutique Hotels in Ciutadella EATING OUT & WINE
21
THE GREAT OUTDOORS 30 Menorca History, Marina Menorca, Menorcan Capers, Spiny Lobster & Charity Gala ART IN MENORCA
39
WELLBEING
44
GRAPEVINE
48
CLUBS AND ASSOCIATIONS
51
WHAT’S ON
58
READERS CORNER
64
ISLAND NEWS
04
AUGUST 2024
ISLAND NEWS
By Christine Brooker
KEANU REEVES IN MENORCA Keanu Reeves was in Menorca in July. He had lunch in Es Bruc, the restaurant overlooking the beach at Sant Tomàs, and happily posed for photos with staff and customers; he was also spotted in other places, including the Hauser and Wirth gallery on the Isla del Rey. The star of Matrix and John Wick was later photographed in Hiper Centro (a reliable source says he bought a suitcase!), to take home some products from Menorca maybe? Another Matrix star, Monica Bellucci, and her partner the American film director, Tim Burton, also spent time on the island in July. MOT TESTING The contract for ITV (Technical Inspection of Vehicles), as the MOT is known in Spain, is being studied by the Consell (Island Council) to possibly open it up to competition from private companies; the Govern in Palma has passed an Administrative Simplification decree which liberalises the system. At the moment there is a monopoly, and this has proved highly problematic, leading to long waiting lists for the public to get their vehicles checked and causing major headaches for companies. The last contract expired at the end of November 2023 and there has been an extension for one year. The Consell has spent months studying the conditions of the new contract. Seven companies tried for the service six years ago. SANDY FEET
LACK OF SAND IN SANT TOMÀS
The Ayuntamiento in Es Mercadal has removed all the foot showers from its beaches in order to save water. The beaches at Arenal d´en Castell, Playas de Fornells and Son Parc will now have to use sea water to comply with the Hydrological Plan for the Balearic Islands that has been in force since 2023. However, the cost is 30.000 Euros per shower and the Ayuntamiento say that they cannot afford this. They will save the 2.279 Euros that the two in Arenal cost in 2023 while Alaior and Ferreries will continue to maintain theirs; although Ferreries will reduce the time they are open.
Hopefully Keanu´s visit will have cheered up the businesses in Sant Tomàs, which have been losing trade due to the lack of sand on the beaches. Residents and regular visitors will know that the sand disappears sometimes on the south coast of the island, due to the weather conditions. The Ayuntamiento in Es Migjorn has asked coastal authorities to regenerate the beaches as is happening in some parts of Tarragona and the Ebro after the effects of the “Nelson” storm. Some years ago, machines were used to dredge up the sand that had formed sandbanks in the sea and replace it on the beaches, but later ecologists said the process upset the ecosystem and it hasn´t been done since. The Ayuntamiento is of course losing income from the concessions they grant for sun beds etc. Last year they received 170.000 Euros for the season.
D O N ’ T M I S S A N E D I T I O N , S U B S C R I B E T O D AY ! V I S I T: R O Q U E TA M A G A Z I N E . N E T
ISLAND NEWS
05
AUGUST 2024
FISHING BOATS CATCHING BLUEFIN TUNA Nine fishing boats, eight with Italian flags and one from Malta, have been reported off the coast of Menorca catching atun rojo (red) as the bluefin tuna is known in Spain. This is legal as they are allowed to fish in exterior waters more than 12 miles offshore. However, it raises questions about the limitations put on Balearic fishermen and the practices of foreign vessels. The Balearic Government has stated that Menorca does not have a big area of “interior” waters; only from Artrutx to the Isla del Aire, in one direction, and in the other, from Artrutx to Punta Natí, Cala Morell to the Isla del Porros and La Mola in Fornells to Favàritx and from there to the Punta de s´Esperó and on to the Isla del Aire.
EXPENSIVE ACCIDENT Cristobal Rogelio Llambías, the previous owner of Zoco, one of the horses that bolted when it was tethered in a street in Mahón during the local fiestas in September 2016 (we reported it at the time) has already spent 80.000 Euros through court cases and compensation to pay some of the injured. Now he is appealing through the courts for some help from the Ayuntamiento who have contributed nothing but have helped in other cases. He has called for them to have a more specific insurance policy for public spectacles, not just the Civil Responsibility Insurance which is cheaper but does not cover much. The insurance companies don´t want to pay anything, his lawyer says. One of the protocols states that the horses should preferably be the pure Menorcan breed who adapt well to the fiestas. The first horse that bolted and sparked off the problems was a Spanish one, a breed that is more unpredictable (not Zoco who is Menorcan). Llambías had to sell Zoco; because of all the expense he could not afford to keep him. He warns people who ride in the local fiestas this year - Mahón is in September as usual - of the possible liabilities.
The waters around the Balearics are essential habitats for blue fin tuna, important for reproduction and larval development, which has resulted in the area becoming an epicentre of tuna fishing vessels both with national and foreign flags. The foreign vessels catch tuna to take back to fatten up in farms as well as selling the tuna back at their home ports. The Marilles Foundation has denounced foreign tuna boats that throw the catches that die during operations back into the sea so that they do not count towards the fishing quota assigned to each boat. This is an illegal practice, for which Marilles has requested an investigation because it poses serious risks both for the sector and for the marine ecosystem. Off the coast of Mallorca, a fishing boat caught 1000 kilos of rotting fish. The Balearic Guild of fishermen are very careful not to catch too many so that they can keep up supplies. From April until the end of December professional fishermen in the Balearic Islands will be able to catch some 50 tonnes of red tuna, the quota assigned to the Autonomous Community by the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries.
ALLOTMENTS
BOOM IN NUMBER OF SWIMMING POOLS Menorca continues to be “the swimming pool island”. According to statistics on the rateable value of properties, 130 new ones have been built in the last year, one every three days, and there are officially 10,156 on an island with only around 100.000 inhabitants but with 200 kilometres of coastline. This is a swimming pool for every 9.68 residents compared to the national average of one for every 37 residents. Not even Mallorca and Ibiza can compete, as the average for the Balearics is one for every 16 inhabitants. All this is happening at a time when water supplies are low and not one ayuntamiento has approved legislation to control the use of the pools. There are officially 36 private indoor pools, although if these are not declared they are difficult to detect. The leader in the number of pools is San Lluis with one for every 3.3 people. GOB, the ecological group, has calculated that swimming pools on the island lose about 35.000 tons of water each week due to evaporation, and they suggest covering them when they are not in use. They also think that pools should be included in the size of the buildings when planning permission is granted, possibly meaning choosing between a pool and an extra bedroom. They want to encourage water cisterns to collect rainwater which were common in Menorca not many years ago.
The Ayuntamiento in Mahón is renting out 72 allotments of 30.000 sq. mts. each, on 6000 sq. mts. of land by the Camí de Guixó on the outskirts of Mahón. The successful applicants will have the allotments for four years, with the use of water and sheds for their tools, and they must cultivate ecologically unlike previous allocations, retired people are not being given priority. Alcalde Hector Pons says that they want to encourage the exchange of information between different age groups. The ground assigned this year is larger due to popular demand; another 20 allotments will be adjudicated later in the year.
WHATSAPP GROUPS WARN ABOUT POLICE CONTROLS Three WhatsApp groups are warning each other about police controls on the Menorcan roads to avoid checks on alcohol consumption and drugs. This is sabotaging action by the Traffic Police, Guardia Civil and Municipal Police. Each group has about 1000 participants. Traffic Police intend to check more of the side roads and have eight extra officers this summer. Many users delete their posts in order to remain undetected.
ROQ U E TA M AGA ZI N E . N E T
ISLAND NEWS
06
AUGUST 2024
FATAL ACCIDENTS IN MENORCA Two fatal accidents have occurred recently in Menorca, both involving motorbikes. The first one, on the road to Cala en Porter from Sant Climent, happened on 24th June when a 29 year old man from Galicia who worked on the island hit a lorry that was turning off into the Camí Vell de Sant Climent. There were various witnesses to the accident and the cause is being studied by police. The second one on 29th June was on the Cala Galdana road near the S´Atalaia camping site. Three other cars were involved and a theory is that one them drove on the wrong side of the road. The man killed was 64 years old.
BOAT HIRE To general relief, especially amongst qualified sailors, the maritime authorities in Palma are limiting the range of boats that are hired to people without any qualifications. For maritime security, they can now only go five nautical miles, the equivalent of 9.26 kilometres from the Port at Ciutadella. This will take them to Cap d´Artrutx (the light house at Cala en Bosch if they go south) or to Punta Natí lighthouse, towards the north. Clients will not be able to go to the unspoilt beaches at Son Saura, Macarelleta or Macarella, their main destinations. Naturally the companies who rent the boats are furious saying that they are losing 1000 Euros daily and that they have invested a lot of money in their businesses, adding that last year’s problems of too many boats and trailers have been solved. They pay the port authorities between 19.520 and 35.000 Euros yearly. What is astonishing is that these businesses were allowed to start in the first place; we have reported accidents and other vessels putting their passengers at risk to save incompetent sailors.
The Neighbours Association at Talatí de Baix has collected 1.500 signatures asking the Consell to improve the exit from the area to the main road between Mahón and Alaior. This after the first fatal accident this year when a resident’s car stalled as he drove out and he was killed by a car crashing into him. The latest news is that the Association has accepted the Consells proposals, left turns will be prohibited, a zebra crossing installed and those wishing to change direction will have to do so at the roundabout that leads to the airport where improvements will be made (kilometre 4.8). They have accepted with reluctance but say that this is the best option, at the moment.
D O N ’ T M I S S A N E D I T I O N , S U B S C R I B E T O D AY ! V I S I T: R O Q U E TA M A G A Z I N E . N E T
ISLAND NEWS
07
AUGUST 2024
SPLASH The Aquatic park in Biniancolla has a stay of execution. We reported last month that the Ayuntamiento in Sant Lluis has ordered its closure. The argument has been going on for some time and could be expensive for taxpayers as originally the water park was built legally. Now the owners have presented a new appeal to the courts and nothing will be decided until the end of the season as August is not a working month for court cases.
CHRISTIAN BASILICAS IN MALLORCA AND MENORCA Josep Amengual, a historian and prior (Mallorca 1938), has presented the second volume of his history of the Balearic Islands and Pityusos, which deals with the period between 453 and 903 A.D. (Vandals, Byzantines and Muslims). Asked about Christianity in the Balearics he says that Bishop Severo (V century) in Menorca wrote letters to Saint Augustine when the religion was clearly established. He also mentioned the Jewish community in Mahón (Magona) where the Christians were in a minority and in Ciutadella (Iamona) where they were the majority. The Jews were under pressure to convert but no violence was used. He believes that this is why their faith survived until the Christian conquest in XIII century. He says the Romans introduced Christianity originally before the Emperor Constantine, and he has found a number of Basilicas in Menorca and Mallorca of good quality with a high density. He says the five Basilicas in Menorca were probably built by the Menorcans and the Christians who had fled from Carthage after the Vandal attacks; most who escaped had money and came with architects, stone masons and artists. His theory is that most basilicas are typical of the latter half of the V century A.D. and the beginning of the VI, with Byzantine influence on the lovely mosaics that were built after the Vandals attacked Menorca.
STABLES TO BE RESTORED The Ayuntamiento in Ciutadella will soon put out to tender the second phase of the restoration of the Royal Alcazar, (Governor´s Palace in Moorish times) in the basement of the present town hall. The first part was funded from the Ecotax. This last part of the project that must be finished by the end of 2024 will cost 400.000 Euros with money from Europe, part of a total of 1.4 million. The stables and the old mill that used animals to move the grinding stone (blood mills in Spanish) are at the back of the Ayuntamiento, in an area that was used for storage. There are boxes full of old publications and leaflets, many in poor condition. Work will include restoration of the Gothic Saloon, the main room in the town hall, restoration of gardens, stairs and new toilets. The wall next to the ramparts is cracked and work to repair this, valued at 40.000 Euros, will start once the tourist season is over.
SOS FOR DRY STONE WALLS The dry stone walls in Menorca are part of its history and have shaped its agriculture. Now they are in dire need of maintenance, and the Association the Amics (friends) of the Cami d’en Kane (Kane´s Road) are worried about the situation. A lot of the native bushes have been allowed to grow wild and the roots always affect the walls. The walls were cited in Menorca´s achievement of becoming a World Heritage Site as most of the prehistoric settlements are protected by them. It has been published before, but if all the 11.119 kilometres of walls in Menorca were put end to end starting in the Born Square in Ciutadella, they would reach Santiago de Chile. The Association has undertaken some repairs themselves. There is a school teaching dry stone wall building in Mallorca and the Consell is studying a plan to do the same here. It would seem a good idea as the art seems to be dying out and the modern walls are much narrower than the original ones.
PARENTS PROTEST IN FERRERIES 26 families in Ferreries are protesting to the Consell about the plans for the next term at the CEIP (State school) Castell de Santa Agueda to reduce the classes for P3 (children between three to five years of age), from two to one. Not all of the 26 children will fit in the class which has a maximum number of 20, and the rest will have to go to Sant Francesc, another school which is partially private and subsidised by the authorities.
ROQ U E TA M AGA ZI N E . N E T
ISLAND NEWS
08
AUGUST 2024
AUGUST FIESTAS
CENTRAL GOVERNMENT WARNS PROHENS Pedro Sánchez, the Spanish president, has warned the Govern in Mallorca and other autonomous communities, that if they insist on reducing taxes for the rich, he will not provide them with the additional funds they have requested. He also doesn´t like the fact that the Balearics have abolished inheritance tax from parents and grandparents and reduced it between siblings, uncles and aunts and nieces and nephews. Many people renounce inheritances because they cannot afford the tax and more people are donating during their lifetimes. They argue that people who save and buy properties have already been taxed, so why should the beneficiaries pay again? This falls on deaf ears in Madrid. TRAFFIC POLICE TO TAKE CHARGE OF PARKING FINES Traffic Police have taken charge of the radar traps that the Ayuntamiento in Mahón installed in 2022 on the Vía Ronda (bypass), although no fines were imposed until 15th April this year. The DGT (Director General of Traffic) has notified the local police, who had installed the radar after a fatal accident, that the placement of the radar is on inter-urban roads that are not their responsibility, something the municipal police had not realised. Neither had the alcalde and corporation, but after negotiations they agree that the police are the competent authority, (strange they only made their responsibility known once the fines started!). The DGT will now pay part of the costs plus a new vehicle for the municipal police in order to maintain traffic control and for educational courses. Alcalde Hector Pons has asked for the 150.000 Euros that was spent on the installations to be refunded and has also asked for part of the money collected from fines to go to the municipality instead of the state to maintain the road, pavements, traffic signs, policing the road etc. as it belongs to the municipality. The corporation says the road is much safer now and they had budgeted for an income of 900.000 Euros from fines. The radar traps in Es Migjorn that have caused so much controversy (extremely low speed limits, huge amounts of money spent on posting the fines, that we have reported already), are also interurban - unsurprisingly the controversial alcaldesa Antonia Camps is saying they are not. Eventually after 22.700 fines were levied between 22nd January and 7th April, this year she moved the radar to Santo Tomàs. HEAD TEACHERS COMPLAIN Following on from the earlier article on the subject of “concertado” schools, which were originally religious schools that the state helps to fund, La Salle in Mahón is to extend the age group next term to teach the Baccalaureate level (like GCSE). The directors of the Insitutos (Institutes – Senior schools) in Menorca are complaining that at this level the education is voluntary and that there are sufficient places in the schools in Menorca. They argue that the money should be spent on improving these instead of in the private sector.
+HUH ZH GHVFULEH WKH $ODLRU )LHVWD EXW HDFK ÀHVWD IROORZV a similar format with the town’s own patron saint. Alaior: Sant Llorenç 10-11 August The festival dedicated to Sant Llorenç began in the hermitage of Binixems, just after 1301. And it lasted almost unchanged until 1832-1833, when the celebration moved to Alaior. Friday: After the pregón or opening speech, a banner is presented to the Council presiding over the fiesta and, specifically, to the person known as the “caixer fadrí” (bachelor horserider). The festivities then commence with the beat of drums and a “fabiol” (type of flute). The “dissabte of Sant Llorenç” 10:00h. The Council of riders known as the Junta de Caixers who preside over the fiesta, invite everyone to join in the activities and the procession through the streets of Alaior. This is the call of the “Gloriós Sant Llorenç”. 17:00h. This is the time that all the children have most been waiting for, with the appearance of the giants and “capgrossos” (big-heads) accompanied by music from Alaior’s Cornet and Drum Band. 18:00h. The retinue of horses celebrate the solemn Completas mass in honour of the saint in the hermitage of Sant Pere Nou. Once this religious act is over, the famous “Jaleo a Sa Plaça” begins. The horses and riders dance among the cheering crowd. After the “Jaleo”, the retinue does a couple of rounds of the town, known as “caragols”. “Diumenge de Sant Llorenç” 09:00h. The Band wakes up the population with a parade that resumes the festivities of the previous day. The image of Sant Llorenç is carried from the Town Hall to the church, where the “Missa de Caixers” takes place. After mass, the second “Jaleo” of the festivities takes place at midday. The traditional celebration ends with the knights handing out “aigua-ros” (rose water) to their neighbours, on a route through the homes of Alaior. Since the 1970s, there has also been a parade of costumed floats.
LOCAL FIESTA TIPS 1. Dress comfortably & travel light. No push chairs, skirts or open shoes recommended. 2. Local Fiestas are spirited at times, especially with the horses and when the band is playing, so keep your distance. Watch where you walk and keep looking behind you when near the horses. 3. Pace Yourself with the Gin & Lemon, which is called ‘Pomada’ everywhere on the island except Ciutadella where it is ‘Gin amb Llimonada’.
OTHER FIESTAS Es Migjorn: Sant Cristófol 3-4 August Sant Gaietà de Llucmaçanes 3- 4 August Sant Climent de Sant Climent 17-18 August Sant Lluis de Sant Lluis 24-25 August
D O N ’ T M I S S A N E D I T I O N , S U B S C R I B E T O D AY ! V I S I T: R O Q U E TA M A G A Z I N E . N E T
ISLAND NEWS
09
AUGUST 2024 I read that you were on the “junta de caixers” - what does this entail? We have a junta de caixers in Sant Lluis (every town has one). It’s like an organising committee and I’m a caixera vocal this year. I have to keep an eye on everyone (or try!) to make sure they are doing what they should be doing, on time, and to help the rest of the committee to solve any problems etc. In the junta there is a caixer fadrin who rides at the front carrying the flag (an unmarried person), caixer casat (married), caixer vocal (organiser), caixer municipal (policeman), caixer payes (farmer), caixera baltle (mayor or representative), and a caixer capella (vicar). Who did you train with to ride in the fiestas? I learnt with my friend Toni Llano (he is no longer with us now). Now I ride at TARIS riding school (near Alaior) with Jake Ford and Natalia Enrich. Do you own your own horse?
K TO WE TAL
LAURA KENYON
Yes, at the moment I have two. Ponti is Menorquin and is now retired as he is 21 years old. He’s been with me since he was 4 years old, and lives at home with me, my husband, Dolly and Tokio our dogs, and Pericu our parrot. We used to do fiestas together until he had a problem with his tendons, so I retired him. Rio my other horse is Español, 5 years old and he is training to be a fiesta horse like Ponti. He lives at TARIS. I ride at least one hour a day. How many women ride in the fiestas? In my town, Sant Lluis, around half the riders are women. It varies in different towns, and of course there are still no women riders in Ciutadella. What is it like to ride in the fiesta? It is the best thing ever... no words can describe it. How many hours are you riding at a time? The fiestas are usually about 7-8 hours each day (Sat /Sun)
The first English Rider in the Fiestas How do you and your horse handle the heat and the crowds? How old were you when you started riding? I started riding in Blackburn when I was 8 years old. We moved over to Menorca in 1993 when I was 12 and I carried on riding and jumping here and wanted to ride in the fiestas, but at that time the English were not allowed to take part. Then, in 1999, I became the first English person to ride in the Menorquin fiestas, in Cala en Porter. The following year I went to Palma to represent Menorca in the Dia de les Illes Balears and in Sept 2000 I was invited to ride in the Mahón fiestas. From then on there was no stopping me.... I have been riding in the fiestas every year for 23 years. This year I’m riding in Es Castell and Sant Lluis.
You don’t really handle the heat... but I enjoy it too much to think about anything else, once you’re wet ... you’re wet hahaha. When you ride together every day the horse learns to trust you, and in the crowds and music he just follows your instructions.... it is pure trust. Most of the horses enjoy the fiestas and all the attention. But obviously it’s hot for them as well. So, you just have to go slow and make sure you don’t do too much. There is a vet on call at every fiesta, so if any horse is not well he’s looked at straight away. I’ve had a few bruises but nothing too serious, I hope it stays that way... What was it like to move to Menorca as a child? It was a bit difficult as I got “chucked in at the deep end” haha. I started at the school in Es Castell in Sept 93 not speaking a word of Spanish, but by December I was doing the classes with the rest of the kids. Riding helped me a lot to integrate with the Menorquins. What do you do when you are not riding? At the moment I’m responsible for ‘vending’ with a company called AREAS (worldwide). I’ve been working here at the airport since Jan 2020. Before that, I was a guide with the Jeep Safari.
Laura and her husband David
Laura and Rio
Thank you, Laura. You seem to take it all in your stride and make it sound simple, but we know it must take an awful lot of talent, stamina and hard work from you and your horse to have become such a valued participant in the fiestas.
ROQ U E TA M AGA ZI N E . N E T
ISLAND NEWS
10
AUGUST 2024 By Vanessa Jeny, Menorca Blue
DISCOVER MENORCA’S GASTRONOMIC TREASURE:
LA CALDERETA DE LANGOSTA When starting to explore the Mediterranean Diet of Menorca there are so many delicious choices from which to decide what to eat. Either farm grown local produce or delicacies of the sea, the essence of the Mediterranean Diet is quality and simplicity. Menorcan Cuisine personifies this ideology basing traditional dishes on ingredients readily available from season to season. There is no better place to start than with what is in season right now, and coincidentally one premium local product unique to the island is the Menorcan Lobster. Caldereta de Langosta, or Lobster Soup is an iconic dish which not only embodies the essence of Menorcan gastronomy but also tells a story of tradition, community, and the sea’s generosity. Whilst some of the islands richest tasting ingredients are the simplest fruit and vegetables, the Menorcan Lobster although simple and incredibly rich, is only available for a limited time each year and therefore it commands a much higher price tag. La Langosta Menorquina as it is known here, is in season between April – August, when during the peak holiday period its value can be up to €130/kg in any restaurant. The price also reflects that fishing for Lobster is no easy feat, with strict regulations that ensure that lobsters must meet a size and age of maturity before being caught to ensure the protection of the species in the Balearic Sea. A Local Seasonal Experience In Menorca, La Caldereta de Langosta is more than just a meal; it is an experience to be savoured and remembered. Traditionally served in earthenware pots, the dish is enjoyed communally, often accompanied by crusty bread perfect for soaking up the flavourful broth which is made with all natural ingredients. D O N ’ T M I S S A N E D I T I O N , S U B S C R I B E T O D AY ! V I S I T: R O Q U E TA M A G A Z I N E . N E T
ISLAND NEWS
11
AUGUST 2024
Freshly caught spiny lobster is the star of the dish, revered for its succulent meat and delicate taste. The supporting cast includes ripe tomatoes, peppers, onions, garlic, stock, bread or biscuits, parsley all harmonising to create a rich, aromatic base. Olive oil and some sea salt are staples in Mediterranean cuisine, imparting a smooth, velvety texture, and sometimes a splash of brandy adds depth and complexity to the broth. The Art of Preparation Creating Caldereta de Langosta is both an art and a labour of love. The process begins with sautéing onions, garlic, and green peppers in olive oil until they meld into a fragrant sofrito. Tomatoes are then added and simmered gently to release their sweetness and form a luscious, thickened sauce. The lobster, cooked separately to enhance its flavour, is carefully integrated with the sofrito, allowing it to absorb the aromatic blend. Bread or biscuit crumbs help to thicken the stew which has stock added to it to create the soup. The caldereta is left to simmer slowly over time, permitting the lobster to tenderise and the flavours to meld into a sumptuous, hearty stew. It is then left to rest before eating for the flavour to intensify. The vibrant red hue of the stew, contrasted with the lobster’s striking shell, makes for an enticing visual feast and a surprisingly filling meal. Where to Indulge While the dish is a highlight in many Menorcan households, several local restaurants have gained acclaim for their exceptional Caldereta de Langosta. Fornells, the fishing village in the north of Menorca is the home of the Caldreta de Langosta which is also where the Spanish Royal Family is known to dine on this dish when they visit, most certainly a dish fit for a king! Truth be told, we are spoilt for choice here with many excellent restaurants all over Menorca that specialise in fresh fish and seafood of the island, all of which will serve an exquisite Menorcan Lobster Stew in the traditional recipe. If you are a lover of seafood and can indulge in the luxury, then it’s a treat not to be missed. Best enjoyed in the shade of a restaurant terrace with a sea view and a light cool breeze for a long lunch followed by a long siesta. This is how the locals enjoy their Caldereta de Langosta! Alternative ways to enjoy a taste of Menorca Another equally filling splurge is to try a Paella de Langosta which is the typical Spanish Paella where the base is made with Lobster instead of or with traditional seafood. Sofrito, the tomato sauce base of the Paella, is made in a similar way to that of the Caldereta. With a few changes to this sofrito it turns the dish into either a Caldereta (stew) by adding stock, or Paella (risotto) by adding both stock and rice. The lobster gives this rice dish a distinctive taste, an unforgettable feast for both the eyes and the stomach. In both dishes the fun part is dissecting the pretty pieces of Lobster to extract the succulent flesh inside the bright red shell. These dishes are the essence of scrumptious slow food. A good couple of hours of time, love and attention is poured into the preparation of either a Caldereta or Paella with most of this time being dedicated to cooking the sofrito. Like all the best quality seafood, the Menorcan Lobster is perhaps best served as a plate on its own halved, either lightly fried in olive oil with garlic (a fisherman’s favourite) or grilled on a barbeque plate. D’alt de tot! As they say here which means … Better than anything! ROQ U E TA M AGA ZI N E . N E T
ISLAND NEWS
12
AUGUST 2024
WHAT DOES THE NEW UK GOVERNMENT MEAN FOR TAX AND PENSIONS?
By Cathal Rochford, Partner, Blevins Franks
It’s all change at Number 10, but what changes are in store for British expatriates in relation to tax and pensions? It is very early days, and we may have to wait until the autumn budget for any firm evidence of the government’s fiscal plans. For now, we look at the Labour Party manifesto and campaign rhetoric for indications of what direction it will take. Any new government will review tax revenue and spending costs, and new Chancellor Rachel Reeves inherits a challenging economic situation. Public sector debt surged due to the pandemic and inflationary pressures brought on by the invasion of Ukraine. Increasing tax revenue would go some way to improving debt levels but, with the tax burden already the highest in 70 years, increasing taxation on families struggling with a high cost of living would not be a popular move. Here we look at what we know, and what we don’t know, about the issues that may impact retired British expatriates. Income tax, national insurance, VAT The Labour Party manifesto confirmed that it would not increase income tax, national insurance contributions or VAT. Raising tax rates is not the only way to increase revenue from such taxes, however, and keeping income tax bands and allowances frozen also serves to improve the Treasury’s coffers. The Conservative government employed this policy since 2021 and, with the resulting fiscal drag, many people are now paying more tax than previously.
able to shelter offshore assets from IHT, regardless of when the trusts were established. There has been no mention of other changes to the inheritance tax regime, such as to the 40% tax rate or the two nil rate bands. Pensions These are interesting times for UK pensions, with the Labour Party having promised to review the whole pensions system. This means we do not have much indication of any plans yet, though the manifesto did affirm that the ‘triple lock’ will be maintained. The State Pension will continue to increase annually by whichever is highest of inflation, annual average earnings growth or 2.5%. A welcome pledge, but a costly one for the government. The manifesto also indicated that the new administration would look at the potential of imposing requirements for pension funds to invest more in UK markets. This could help re-energise the UK economy but may mean less flexibility on which investments you can hold in your UK pension fund. One very notable absence was the lifetime allowance. When the 2023 spring budget abolished this allowance and resulting tax charges, the Labour Party was quick to voice its opposition and commit to reinstate it.
We do not yet have a clear indication of where the new government stands on frozen tax allowances. It could maintain them till 2026 as planned, end them earlier, or perhaps extend them.
Doing so would be no easy task, however, especially after three new pension allowances came into effect this April. But no doubt the government will look at these allowances when it reviews the pension system, to determine what reforms it will introduce.
Capital gains tax
British expatriates
This is where it gets interesting. The manifesto did promise not to tax an individual’s main home but did not include anything on capital gains tax rates. That said, during the campaign period Labour candidates maintained there were “no plans” to increase CGT rates – but this has not stopped speculation that this tax could be one of the targets for increasing revenue.
While many UK changes do not directly affect British expatriates (unless they later return to UK), taxation can have a long reach, especially if you own assets in the UK, and inheritance tax follows you around the world in most cases.
If indeed that does happen, it is likely to be further down the line and we would not get much warning.
Until a tax or pension change is announced, we can only speculate what will happen in the ever-changing world of politics. Manifesto and preelection promises can be broken or have to be adjusted, and reforms are only set in stone when the government releases the relevant new documentation (budget announcements, finance bill, legislation etc).
Non-domicile regime and inheritance tax The Conservative Party’s last budget included plans to abolish the non-domicile regime from 2025 and replace it with a residence-based system, though it was then missing from its proposed Finance Bill 2024. The Labour Party manifesto followed this up by promising to address unfairness in the tax system and abolish ‘non-dom’ status once and for all, replacing it with a modern scheme for people genuinely in the country for a short period. We need to wait for details, but this would be a significant change to how foreign nationals living in the UK are taxed, as well as potentially for British expatriates and their liability to UK inheritance tax (IHT) on worldwide assets. What we do know is that the Labour Party plans to end the use of offshore trusts to avoid UK inheritance tax – non-domiciles would no longer be
And reforms to the pension system will impact everyone with UK registered pensions, including retired British expatriates.
We now await developments over the coming weeks, at the next budget, and whole parliamentary term. In the meantime, you may have a brief window to adjust your wealth management under current regulations, if you prefer acting on known rules rather than facing potential future changes. The tax rates listed within this article are as at April 2024; they may change when the Spanish government later releases and approves its 2024 budget. Any statements concerning taxation are based upon our understanding of current taxation laws and practices which are subject to change. Tax information has been summarised; an individual should take personalised advice. Keep up to date on the financial issues that may affect you on the Blevins Franks news page at www.blevinsfranks.com.
D O N ’ T M I S S A N E D I T I O N , S U B S C R I B E T O D AY ! V I S I T: R O Q U E TA M A G A Z I N E . N E T
ISLAND NEWS
13
AUGUST 2024
PROPE RT Y
REVIEW BY Juan Mateo, Bonnin Sanso
A GEM IN THE MEDITERRANEAN Menorca, one of the stunning Balearic Islands, has become a hot spot for property investments and second homes. With its unspoiled beauty, tranquil lifestyle, and historic charm, it’s no wonder this island is gaining popularity. Let’s explore the property market on this enchanting island and explore the unique opportunities it offers.
Buyers On the buying side, Spanish non-resident also dominate the market, representing 50% of the buyers. Menorca residents follow with a significant 20% share. French and British buyers each make up around 10% of the buyers’ market. The remaining buyers include Italians, Belgians, South Americans, Germans and others, reflecting the diverse international interest in Menorca’s property market. This balanced mix of both domestic and international buyers and sellers underscores Menorca’s growing reputation as a desirable location for property investment. Popular Areas and Property Types
Mahón: The Heart of Menorca Mahón, the capital of Menorca, is a vibrant town with a rich history and a bustling harbour. Property prices in Mahón centre vary widely, catering to different budgets and preferences. In Bonnin Sanso small townhouses needing renovation start at around €200,000, while fully restored properties can range from €1 million to €3.5 million. The diverse range of price options makes Mahón an appealing destination for both investors and those looking for a charming second home.
Mahón remains the most sought-after town, followed closely by Es Mercadal, which includes the urbanisation of Addaya, Arenal, and Son Parc. Ciutadella is equally popular, along with Alayor, Sant Luis, Es Castell, Es Migjorn, and Ferreries. Apartments are the most traded type of property, representing over 40% of sales, followed by villas (20%) and townhouses (12%). Price Segmentation The property market in Menorca shows a diverse price range:
Ciutadella: Historic and Picturesque Ciutadella, with its narrow cobblestone streets and stunning architecture, is another sought-after location. Townhouses in Ciutadella’s centre start at approximately €240,000 for properties requiring renovation. Prices can soar to €6 million for vast, unrestored buildings, reflecting the town’s desirability and potential for significant returns on investment. Tourist Licences: A Lucrative Investment For those looking to invest in properties with tourist licences, Menorca offers a range of options. Currently, Bonnin Sanso has just under 100 properties available, with prices ranging from €160,000 to €4 million. These properties, often located in prime spots, offer excellent rental income potential, making them a smart choice for investors. Market Trends and Comparisons Property values in Menorca have seen a steady increase, outpacing even the more famous Balearic Islands of Mallorca and Ibiza. This trend is attributed to Menorca’s rediscovery as a serene and authentic Mediterranean destination. The rising prices reflect the island’s growing popularity and the increasing demand for its unique offerings. Front line apartments now range from €230k to €5,4M while front line villas go from about €500k to €5,4M. Sales Insights: A Strong Market Bonnin Sanso, a leading real estate agency in Menorca, reports robust sales numbers for the first half of 2024, with over 100 properties sold by the end of June. This impressive performance highlights the island’s strong appeal to both buyers and sellers from various nationalities. Sellers The majority of sellers are Spanish non-residents, accounting for just over 50% of the total sales. This group is followed by British sellers, who make up 20% of the seller market. Menorca residents contribute to 13% of the sellers, with the remaining percentage comprising Italians, Swiss, French, Americans, and others.
- 40% of sales are under €200,000. - 36% range between €200,000 and €500,000. - 24% exceed €500,000. These price brackets indicate that Menorca caters to various buyers, from budget-conscious individuals to luxury seekers. Digital Presence and International Interest The traffic on Bonnin Sanso’s website predominantly originates from Spain, followed by the United Kingdom, France, Germany, and the United States. This international interest underscores Menorca’s appeal as a global property hotspot. Spotlight on Developments The residential Cala Corb development in Es Castell has attracted significant interest with several hundred initial leads. Six properties are reserved with an imminent seventh reservation as we go to press. Buyers are evenly split between Menorcan residents, Spanish non-resident, and British nationals, with purposes ranging almost equally from personal use to investment and second residences. Meanwhile, the Sa Llosa complex in Son Parc is progressing very well, with the pilot home completed and 35% of the properties already sold. This development has attracted mainly national buyers, 90% primarily from Madrid and Barcelona, with a small 10% international presence. Conclusion Menorca, with its blend of history, natural beauty, and modern amenities, is a promising destination for property investment. Whether you are looking for a renovation project, a luxury townhouse, or a property with rental potential, Menorca has something to offer. The island’s rising property values, strong sales figures, and international interest make it an appealing choice for discerning buyers. Explore Menorca and discover why this Mediterranean jewel is capturing the hearts of investors and homeowners alike.
www.bonninsanso.com
ROQ U E TA M AGA ZI N E . N E T
ISLAND NEWS
14
AUGUST 2024 By Beverley Ward
ISLA DEL REY The visitors are coming from all over the world, in the first instance to see the Hauser & Wirth Art Gallery, and some famous people were with us a few days ago including the actor Keanu Reeves and the ex-President of Spain, Felipe Gonzalez. Arrangements are also taking place for a British film crew to visit and include us in a series called “The Jewels of the Mediterranean” for Channel 4. Many who arrive on the island are ignorant of the story of the old British hospital until they get here, and we invariably have more visitors who opt to join the guided tour than those who are initially booked. When you arrive at the jetty the sight of the huge building is awesome, and the story behind its restoration by volunteers even more so. A recent article published by the Director of Diario Menorca was a recognition of what has been achieved over 20 years He mentions the 4 decades of abandonment and pillage of what he called a “Jewel of our Patrimony”. We are currently preparing a room in the Director’s red house to store the many historical documents and photographs accumulated over these years to ensure that the details are not lost.. Apart from the variety of entertainment activities being offered by the Art Gallery, the Foundation is also keeping up the traditions such as the The Procession of Our Lady of Carmen, when all the boats, including the military boat carrying the statue of Santa Carmen, the Patron Saint, pause during the tour of the harbour in front of our jetty, and for a few minutes we are all united together to sing the mariner’s song. It’s a moving moment. The annual art sale for the benefit of our Foundation starts on 26th July in Carrer Nou, Mahón and on 14th August we will be holding the annual Forum on Isla del Rey when all public are welcome to listen to or participate in a debate on an important topic; this year it will be Artificial Intelligence. Volunteer Stories – Lus from The Netherlands Despite the heat of these mid-summer days, the work and activities carry on apace on the island and the good feeling and friendly atmosphere are almost palpable amongst the volunteers on a Sunday morning. During the week there is some building work taking place on the huge buttresses which supported the building 300 years ago when of course no cement was used. The arches of the flying buttresses on the two sides are particularly beautiful and of considerable architectural interest.
To represent the international nature of our volunteers, I’d like to make mention of a special lady of Dutch/Indonesian origin. Lus won’t mind me telling you that she is now a magnificent 86 years old. I asked about her personal history and it was fascinating to hear how she was born in Indonesia and spent three years from 1942-1945 in a Japanese prisoner of war camp. Her father, who was in the Dutch military, was imprisoned in one camp and she with her sister and mother in another. In fact, as she explained, despite the terrible conditions her mother felt it was safer in the camp than outside
D O N ’ T M I S S A N E D I T I O N , S U B S C R I B E T O D AY ! V I S I T: R O Q U E TA M A G A Z I N E . N E T
ISLAND NEWS
15 11
Lus
AUGUST 2024
Marie Eve
with the Japanese troops running rampant in the villages. They survived what was a traumatic experience and at 15 years old Lus was sent to school in Holland to complete her education. Much later, after living in La Haya and Amsterdam, in the 1970´s she was to move to Menorca where she has lived ever since. She has been coming over to help on Isla del Rey since 2014 and despite setbacks of health including knee operations, Lus has a strong desire to help and make herself useful and loves the company and happy atmosphere on Sunday mornings. You might find her cleaning in the Botica (pharmacy) room or doing some restoration work. Marie Eve and Patrick from France Although quite a large percentage of our volunteers are retired, this is not always the case and I’d like to tell you about a young French couple who have proved themselves invaluable as helpers in plenty of ways. Marie Eve has been with us for about two and a half years now. She previously worked for Air France but she has a medical background and her father was an archaeologist, so the perfect mix for being attracted to hospital full of history and old medical equipment. She felt touched by cultural and historical themes and especially the rewarding feeling that you are doing something good in helping restore somewhere of considerable importance to the patrimony of Menorca. Many rooms are looking cleaner and tidier thanks to her efforts, but she is also appreciated as a guide
Patrick
for the French visitors who can take guided tours on Wednesdays and Sundays. Patrick, her partner, was director of a water bottling company in the French Alps before deciding on a lifestyle change and a move to Menorca. The welcoming attitude of the Menorcan people, the tranquillity and the security seduced him into staying. On the Isla del Rey the mixture of international history, the company of local people as well as the international flavour has kept him coming back to help as a volunteer. These days Patrick is normally to be found painting walls, a task which seems to be endless as the building is vast, and the marés walls flake a lot, but he continues undeterred. Like all good volunteers, he’s also willing to help in any other of the 101 other jobs required on the day. If you would like to meet us and to see the work going on, then the best day to visit is Sunday with the catamaran at 09.00, but if that’s a bit too early for you, then you can also come on Tuesday or Thursday for an English tour on the 11.00 yellow catamaran. I hope you can make it, for sure you won’t regret it!
+ Info y Tickets: https://menorca.hauserwirth.com Fundación Hospital de la Isla del Rey - www.islahospitalmenorca.org https://www.yellowcatamarans.com/en/kings-island
ROQ U E TA M AGA ZI N E . N E T
ISLAND NEWS
16
AUGUST 2024
BOUTIQUE HOTELS IN
CIUTADELLA There are a wonderful variety of boutique hotels now established in each of the towns in Menorca. Last month we reviewed a selection of boutique hotels in Mahón. This month we look at some of the beautiful places available in Ciutadella. There are so many to choose from in this historic former capital of the island that it is impossible to include them all. I have chosen a sample which have an interesting history or something unique. You can find a full list of hotels on the website of menorca.es https://www.menorca.es/en/Allotjaments/16076. You should be aware that many of these boutique hotels are “Adults Only.”
HOTEL CA S’ARADER C/ Portal de sa Font, 37. Tel. +34 670 22 21 15 / +34 605 62 92 09 reservas@hotelcasarader.com www.casarader.com Ca s’Arader is a charming little adults-only hotel dating back to the 18th century, a period during which Menorca was under British rule. It is named after Menorca’s artisan carpenters that used the wood from the indigenous wild olive tree to make gates and all kinds of furniture and farming tools including the plough. In the olden days it was an essential role for the island’s economy that was passed on from fathers to sons. This craftsmanship was started by the current owner’s great-grandfather, who was born in the house. The four bedrooms are named after Menorca’s most important winds. The most significant, from the north, is called Tramuntana, a cold and strong wind. The east wind, called Llevant, originates in the central Mediterranean; the south wind, known as Migjorn, is warm and humid; and the west wind, called Ponent, is warm and dry.
CAN SASTRE BOUTIQUE HOTEL Placeta del Roser, 6. Tel. +34 971 38 62 14 reservas@hotelcansastre.com www.hotelcansastre.com Can Sastre is located in the old town in a 17th-century family home where Leopoldo Sastre founded “La Sin Nombre” pastry shop in 1862. The family tradition was maintained for four generations, until 1987. The original counter of the old pastry shop has been converted into the hotel reception. Glass jars, scales, vintage baking utensils and family recipes are details that generate a warm atmosphere, from a recent past. Magda and Josep, the fourth generation of Can Sastre, converted the family home into a hotel in 2018.
D O N ’ T M I S S A N E D I T I O N , S U B S C R I B E T O D AY ! V I S I T: R O Q U E TA M A G A Z I N E . N E T
ISLAND NEWS
17 11
AUGUST 2024
HOTEL ARTEMISIA Placeta del Roser, 5, Ciutadella. Tel.+34 971 48 41 55 reservas@hotelartemisia.com www.hotelartemisia.com The Artemisia Hotel describes itself as a place dedicated to art and culture… a lively and creative space to communicate and share the extraordinary experiences that the island of Menorca offers. The Hotel is a 14th century Marés Menorcan manor house, now completely renovated in a warm and modern style. There are 5 double rooms and you can book the whole hotel for family gatherings or any other special event. They can organise a small concert, training sessions, yoga retreats, flamenco workshops and will send you an array of tailor-made activities.
MAROSI BOUTIQUE HOTEL Calle de la purissima 27. 07760 Ciutadella. Tel: +34 689 06 32 45. info@ marosihotel.com www.marosiotel.com Located in the heart of Ciutadella, this small stone adults-only hotel is just a stone’s throw from the church of S.Francisco. Respecting the historic nature of the building, the townhouse has been sympathetically renovated to reflect Menorcan tradition. The 6 tastefully decorated ensuite rooms do not have TVs in order that guests are assured of total relaxation and the hotel has a roof-top terrace, and ground floor courtyard.
HOTEL CAN ARAYA C/ de Sant Cristòfol, 10. Tel. +34 689 17 17 31 hola@florderosassa.com www.florderosassa.com
HOTEL ABRIL 37 Passeig Sant Nicolau, 37. 07760 Ciutadella. Tel. +34 636 59 12 39 / +34 971 48 92 57 hotelabril37@gmail.com www.hotelabril37.es
Flor de Rosassa is a Menorcan family business that manages this small hotel and a Co-Living space AdD LiVitum in Ciutadella. Hotel Can Araya has a bohemian-chic touch, with eight rooms and an interior patio where you can enjoy a cool and fun pool and relax in a colourful Hammam. This is a project from Chile which has been created “with a lot of love”. The business also runs the Ànima Cafeteria as part of the Tres Sants Hotel.
Hotel Abril 37 is the result of the recent repurposing of a family house, built at a time of great growth in the 1930s. The hall and main staircase have stately origins and the courtyard has been converted into an urban ecological garden, complete with an orchard and vegetable garden, making it the perfect base to disconnect and relax. The space gives visitors the sensation of calmness and tranquillity, whilst still being located close to town and the Port of Ciutadella. The hotel has eight double rooms, all ensuite, decorated in a minimalist style.
ROQ U E TA M AGA ZI N E . N E T
ISLAND NEWS
18
AUGUST 2024
MURADA HOTEL C/ Federico Pareja, 56. Tel. +34 971 38 59 50 info@muradahotel.com www.muradahotel.com Murada hotel was a family house for many years. It is located in a quiet cobbled square at the limit of the contramurada, where one of the ancient bastions of the city wall that protected Ciutadella was placed. When the city wall was demolished on Rovell street in 1886, the young priest Federico Pareja Mesa, built a huerto (allotment) which he devoted to Ciutadella teenagers’ education and promoted the salesian movement in Menorca. The Sant Francesc de Sales school, better known as Calós, was founded in 1904 by Federico Pareja and by 1908 had 800 pupils. The building has been refurbished with a large hall, and 6 rooms.
DIVINA SUITES HOTEL C/ Sant Sebastià, 12B Tel. +34 650 69 74 85 / +34 971 38 50 91 concierge@divinasuites.com www.divinasuites.com
CHEAP & CHIC HOTEL
The website description is that of a “hotel with soul” which has been restored to conserve the most emblematic original elements of the Menorcan architecture. The “Heaven Suites” are of large dimensions, between 40 and 50 sqm; composed of a day area, with a living room and a fully equiped office and kitchen; and the night area, with Queen-sized beds and marble bathrooms. The “Angels Suites” have unique, and original architectural elements like the groin vaults, the boinder (bay window), sloping ceilings or Arabic inspired windows. Some of them also have a patio or terrace. It is an Adults Only (over16) establishment.
C/ San Jeroni, 10 Tel. +34 635 23 65 87 info@cc-hotel.com www.cheapandchichotels.com Cheap & Chic has a minimalist, modern and fresh style with the rooms displaying an exquisite collection of Menorca’s foremost artists to make a unique setting. It is the result of the passion of a couple with a love of architecture and design who have spent 10 years renovating and transforming the space into an exclusive retreat.
PETIT HOTEL 5 FARS C/ Carnisseria, 40 Tel. +34 971 48 92 20 / +34 696 08 87 08 reservas@hotel5fars.com www.hotel5fars.com The Bosch brothers converted an early nineteenth century townhouse into a boutique hotel with only five bedrooms: named after 5 lighthouses of Menorca: Favaritx, Cavelleria, Cap D’artrutx, Punta Nati and Illa de L’aire. Born in Menorca, the brothers say they like exploring and know every inch, every talaiot and every adventure worth experiencing on the island. They go for a walk along the Camí de Cavalls on Sundays, and you can join them.
HOTEL FRAGILE C/ del Roser, 9 Tel. +34 685 479 957/ +34 618 176 561 fragilethug.mm@gmail.com www.hotelfragile.com This house was the home of Marino Benejam Ferrer, the well-known cartoonist born in Menorca in 1890. As an integral part of the house’s own history, art continues to be a part of the hotel. Michelangelo’s Pieta - a representation of fragility and transitoriness of life - is said to be an emblem for the name and concept. Contemporary art pieces are on display in the lobby and embellish the walls of the rooms, while more classical pieces play a role of inspiration for their embroidered room signage. All rooms are different, some with balconies, others with a private patio where you can gaze over the rooftops of Ciutadella. Some offer external showers and others self-standing bathtubs, for you to relax your senses after a day exploring the island. The hotel is the home to the Dos Camins restaurant run by twin brothers Jesus and Isaac (see July’s edition of Roqueta for the restaurant review).
D O N ’ T M I S S A N E D I T I O N , S U B S C R I B E T O D AY ! V I S I T: R O Q U E TA M A G A Z I N E . N E T
ISLAND NEWS
19 11
AUGUST 2024
SODIUM HOTEL BOUTIQUE Av. Jaume Conqueridor, 82. Tel. +34 635 23 65 87 reservas@sodiumhotel.com www.sodiumhotel.com At Sodium, the owners have spent the last seven years turning “one of the loveliest houses in the Contramurada area in Ciutadella into a very special boutique hotel, combining the beauty of both traditional and contemporary style with a warm and welcoming touch”. Each of the six bedrooms has a private balcony or patio where guests can enjoy optimum wellbeing and comfort.
LA CAYENA C/ Alaior, 40 Tel. +34 636 18 49 72 / +34 971 48 22 12 l acayenamenorca@gmail.com www.lacayena.blogspot.com The owners found an old house in the historic centre of Ciutadella, renovated it and turned it into La Cayena Restaurant in 2004, serving dishes they liked most from their travels. In 2016 they transformed it into accommodation. La Cayena is an authentic place with a bohemian atmosphere where you can relax and get to know Menorca. There are no common areas nor Reception, just spacious and bright rooms, and they are available via WhatsApp 24/7. There are 4 rooms named after spices. El Cardamomo and El Cilantro (Coriander), are spacious double rooms overlooking the narrow streets of Ciutadella’s Old Town. La Pimienta Rosa (Pink Pepper) and La Cúrcuma (Turmeric), are super studios with kitchens.
S’ESPARTERIA BOUTIQUE HOTEL C/ Sant Joan Bosco, 20. Tel. +34 971 48 09 24 reservas@hotelsesparteriamenorca.com www.hotelsesparteriamenorca.com The Esparteria began its activity at the end of the 19th century and for several decades was a local company dedicated to the manufacture of esparto grass, wicker and leather products such as baskets, rugs and footwear. There are 10 rooms with rustic and warm elements designed around the origin of the old Esparto house and the colours and sensations of the countryside and the Mediterranean Sea.
HOTEL NOU SANT ANTONI C/ de Sant Antoni, 9. Tel. +34 971 38 3590 / +34 648 65 68 78 reservas@hotelnousantantoni.com www.hotelnousantantoni.com The building has its origins in medieval times, when the courtyard was used by butchers. It linked through an alley to the current Carrer de sa Carnicería, now a pretty shopping street. The noble family Quadrado acquired the house in the middle of the 19th century. At the beginning of the 20th century, the building which was being used as a workshop for making shoes became the house of the family Salort Olivar. Generations of the nobility of Ciutadella have passed through this house connected to the festivities of Sant Joan. It has 10 rooms, each with the name of a street from the old town.
ROQ U E TA M AGA ZI N E . N E T
FOOD & DRINK
21
AUGUST 2024
EATING PRICE GUIDE € = up to €30 €€ = €30-50 €€€ = €50-80 €€€€ = €80-100 €€€€€ = Sky’s the limit! We are into the height of the summer season now. On the negative side, one cannot fail to mention the large increase in the number of vehicles on the roads, especially around the towns and resort areas! And consequently, the challenges to find accessible parking spaces! I live in Es Castell, where the council have addressed this problem by creating a large number of new parking areas located just outside the “evening exclusion zone” (Residents Only after 6 pm). These are well signposted on the main approach road. As I write, the San Jaime Fiestas are about to take off, so it will be interesting to see if they’ve gone far enough to accommodate the expected hoards!!
OUT By Lorraine Ure and Roqueta’s Team of Tasters
AUG 2024
On the positive side, it is great to see people out and about enjoying themselves, and we bless the fact that we are not faced with some of the excruciating activities suffered by other “holiday hotspots”. I need not elaborate! Hopefully this will be a highly profitable season for everyone in the hospitality sector, which cascades through Menorcan society on many different levels and brings greater prosperity to all, even those not directly employed within restaurants and hotels. We’ve enjoyed some excellent meals so far, although the hike in menu prices makes one feel one should pull one’s horns in a little more! I must emphasise that all our team of tasters pay their own way, whether reviewing restaurants or simply out for pleasure! Generally, service has been excellent. I can’t emphasise enough how the initial “meet and greet” from the Front of House can make or break an occasion! Here are some places we have particularly enjoyed recently …. Two words of warning: everywhere is getting very full nowadays, so we recommend you book in advance to avoid disappointment. Check online as some offer an automatic booking service which gives instant confirmation. Secondly, be aware of fish and meat which are offered with a “per kilo or “market price”. The weight is based on the raw product, often including skin, bones, heads, tails and other extremities which you will not be eating. This can bring some nasty shocks!
CA N’OLGA c/pont de Na Macarrana, Es Mercadal. Tel: 971 375 459. €€€€ Disabled access via side entrance; ask as you enter. Closed Sunday lunch and all-day Tuesday. This is one of our “go to” restaurants for a special day out. It’s right in the centre of Mercadal, hidden under an archway, and has a glorious, shaded terrace garden. Pablo is in charge here. Years ago he was the chef, and now he’s the owner, and as passionate as ever. A frequently changing menu including a tempting Menu del Día, has some old favourites like the “Pastel of spinach and mushrooms with port sauce” as a starter, and slow-roasted baby goat! His Rack of Lamb is famous and this year he offers it off the bone if you wish. He has also installed a splendid barbecue style grill to further enhance his culinary offerings. Another new dish is a “tortilla coulant containing foie gras”…wow! Plenty of other choices, using locally sourced produce.
ROQ U E TA M AGA ZI N E . N E T
FOOD & DRINK
22
AUGUST 2024
RESTAURANTS If you would like to advertise your restaurant in the Eating Out section of Roqueta please contact John Davies by email: roquetajohn@gmail.com or by Whatsapp 609851186
D O N ’ T M I S S A N E D I T I O N , S U B S C R I B E T O D AY ! V I S I T: R O Q U E TA M A G A Z I N E . N E T
FOOD & DRINK
23
AUGUST 2024
ÓVALO Café des Pla, San Clement (in the square opposite the church). Tel: 971 377 979. €. Disabled access; it’s right on the street. The town car park is very close by. What a lovely place to while away a few hours during the day, with a cold drink in this delightful Placa, which has a really charming Spanish village atmosphere to it! You can ready yourself for, or recover from, a visit to the excellent Cas Tix Supermarket, one of the best on the island, for freshness, great service, a proper butcher, great cheeses, local olive oil, local wines and plenty more! Spotlessly clean too.
JAGARO Moll de Levant, 334. Mahón (by the refuelling station for boats). Tel: 971 362 390. €€€€ Disabled access; it’s right on the street, parking nearby. This is a very long-established restaurant, and a great favourite of the Spanish looking for the best lobster and other shellfish in the port of Mahón. It is well known for its plates of lobster, egg and chips! I was not lucky enough to go myself but friends of mine did last night, and thoroughly enjoyed all that was on offer. The special lobster menu offered a Caldereta to start with, followed by the body of the lobster served with the chips and fried eggs. Lobster ( langoustine) prices are around 75€ for half a kilo, and Bogavante (clawed lobsters) at 57€ (see our article on Menorcan lobsters in this issue). Large prawns are 50€. A “Lobster Menu” of 3 courses is quoted at 60€ (min 2 persons). However, they offer a one portion Caldereta too, which is very unusual. Hey… you are on holiday… do it once! Then you can go to Fornells and do it all over again, that’s the “home of lobster”!
But we’re here for the Pizzas! Óvalo is adjacent to the Cafe des Pla (which offers a very wide choice of all kinds of food). I am very picky about pizzas, having spent some time in Naples, and this place is the most authentic I have found. They are HUGE, and oval in shape, hence the name. Some friends can manage a whole one, whilst we normally share between two which still leaves enough to enjoy as a tapa later in the day. The bases are light and crispy and the toppings generous and tasty, with the chance to add extra ingredients. All at a very reasonable price. They also do take away, and delivery, but I feel a pizza needs to be eaten the very minute if comes out of the oven!
Now a few for those looking for something less extravagant, but great nonetheless.
CLUB MENORCA Carrer de sa Mina, 2, 07730 Cala en Porter. Tel 971 377 978 €€ By Mrs Yummsville Great Food! Stunning location! Friendly Service! My second visit for lunch, with friends and again with hubby... he was not disappointed. Richard & Charlotte are now running the restaurant and what a fantastic job they have done this year and last year with brother Alex revamping and bringing the hotel and restaurant up to date. Their Dad Peter must be very proud!
TRATTORIA VIANELLO Cami de Baix 47, Llumacanes. Tel: 971 356 710. € Very handy for Hospital visits…… This typical “Italian neighbourhood trattoria” with a large dining room and rustic garden has been going for a while now. It has a loyal following all year round. We were five for lunch and enjoyed the Menu del Día at 18€ per person, which always includes at least one homemade pasta dish. All the food has a true “homemade” feel about it…..no flouncy bits, foams or smears (well not intentional!) but excellent value. You park in a field next door. There are a few tricky steps to get in and out but all the staff rush to assist. If you are due a hospital visit, this cheers up the prospect no end!
Sitting under the sails we shared a starter of calamari, tender and tasty in a very lightly dusted flour, plenty for two. Seabass a la plancha perfectly cooked with herb & lemon topping, served with small roasted potatoes and vegetables - delicious! Hubby had Chicken breast with sobrassada, tender and very tasty, with a large parmesan crisp and looked spectacular with home made rustic chips. Savoured with a bottle of Laus Rosada. The bill totalled €79. It is a perfect place to spend the afternoon admiring the views, and in the evenings the cocktail bar above the restaurant is sunset heaven! You need to book to avoid disappointment. It is also a popular wedding venue but the waiting list can be 2 years long.
FOOD & DRINK
24
AUGUST 2024
D O N ’ T M I S S A N E D I T I O N , S U B S C R I B E T O D AY ! V I S I T: R O Q U E TA M A G A Z I N E . N E T
FOOD & DRINK
25
NAMASTE Carrer Moll d’en pons No 6, Villacarlos, Cales Fonts. Tel: 971 48 36 62 €€ We love this simple tapas bar, at the far end of Cales Fonts located in a fisherman’s cave under the Barcelo Hamilton Hotel, and that was before I found out it was owned by Christine’s niece, the lovely Neus Seguí It is a wonderful location next to the water where you can watch the boats go by as they sail up and down the harbour. It is a popular venue to watch the organised chaos of the Fiesta del Carmen out on the water. We went recently as a group of 8 on a Friday evening. We chose our favourites which are the breaded king prawns with a mango and curry dip and the aubergine tempura in honey, along with calamari, and the more hungry members of our party ordered the burgers and bao buns. Also good are the chicken wings in teriyaki sauce and the mixed gyozas. Our bill came to 35 Euros each with wine and beers.
AUGUST 2024
That’s it from me for August, and I will be in UK for much of the month, so we’d appreciate receiving your own recommendations, critiques and comments info@roquetamagazine.net. Keep them coming in to Liz, the Editor. ¡Buen provecho!
A ROUND UP OF CHANGES THIS SUMMER In Ciutadella, Miguel and Vianey, from Smoix, have left Nopales and moved to Katú by SMOIX Restaurant, where Smoix used to be at Avinguda de Jaume I el Conqueridor, 38. Katú offers a mixture of Mexican cuisine and some favourites from Smoix plus more. Miguel Sánchez and Smoix can now be found at the Hotel Rural Sant Ignasi off the Ronda Nord, Ciutadella. Meanwhile Matías García from El Hogar del Pollo has now opened Pampa where Nopales used to be on Carrer de Sant Sebastià, 2. Matías arrived from Argentina 17 years ago and you can enjoy his tapas and Argentine specialties such as steaks and pies. You can now enjoy an aperitif, tapas and cocktails at Gioia Aperitivo in Carrer Josep Maria Quadrado, in Ses Voltes, or check out the hot dogs and tapas at Moix Queperros, the bar at the Moix Negre cinemas in Ciutadella.
PARADAS 7 7 Moll de Llevant, 216, Puerto de Mahón . Tel: 971 32 95 50 € Word spread quickly around the port about the delicious coffee and bagels available at this new café open for brunch in the Port. The owner has a café with the same name on Marqués de Paradas, 7 in Seville and with the same menu. There are also freshly made pizzas. There are many different types of Latte coffees available including a choco and a chai and there is Kombucha, cold presses and smoothies. So far, we have tried the Special bagel with bacon, avocado, manchego cheese and fried egg for 6,50€ which is delicious, and the healthy Forest Bowl made with homemade granola, berries, raspberry jam, greek yogurt, honey and mint 5,50 €. Listed under toasts is the Papageno with avocado cream, fresh cheese and tomato at 3,75€ but this is actually a delicious small bocadillo made with brown bread and excellent value for money. You can also choose from a range of colourful tables decorated in the style of artists such as Monet and Vincent Van Gogh.
EL MEZQUITE Mercat del Claustre, parada 40, Mahón. This small authentic Mexican restaurant is located in the Mercat des Claustre in Mahón with a couple of tables inside but most on the terrace to the rear. It is run by chef Luis Loza. formerly from Torralbenc. and his wife Karen, both Mexicans. Their menu is inspired by a collection of family recipes and from trips they have made. They use local products from the island to create flavours that linger on your palate. It is best to order individually as the delicious handmade tacos are only big enough for one person although you can share the nachos and toasts. They provide three jars of different strength spicy oils if you like your food with extra chilli. Reservations are not accepted so you will have to queue if they are busy, but a takeaway service is available. Contact them on Instagram @elmezquite.taqueria
According to Comete, Andreu Busutil, the fourth generation of Diamante pastry shop, has taken over Nibs Healthy Bar, the popular place to have a breakfast or brunch or a takeaway in Plaça d’Artrutx. Voramar the sunset bar in Los Delfines next to Coral, has now been taken over by Oriol and Alex from Tarambana in Cales Fonts. Next to the arch in Los Delfines Sa Torreta de Can Rafa now has a cocktail menu in addition to its tapas and breakfasts. In Cales Fonts, the staff from Sa Barqueta and Can Delio are now running Sacardiu next to Moll de Sa Punta, offering cocktails and tapas. Also in Cales Fonts, further along near Es Llenegall, Román Vila, creator of Contrabandu in the port of Mahón, has taken over Es Llaüt, now a gastrobar, offering cocktails paired with dishes to share. In Fornells, Chef Emilio Samblás once at Es Cranc Pelut has opened Casa Emilio, around the corner, with his rice dishes, stews and fish and seafood dishes. Originally from Jaén, Emilio came to Menorca in 1996 at 15 years of age and worked in Bahía pizzeria in Fornells. A year later the restaurant was transformed into Es Cranc Pelut. At the age of 20, Emilio was taken on a tour of the Basque country by Juan José Lapitz (19342017), the acclaimed gastronomic journalist from Diario Vasco. After honing his skills in some of Spain’s most prestigious kitchens, Emilio decided it was time to return to his roots in Fornells and share his unique take on cooking with the world. Emilio says “In every dish I create, I seek to convey a story, an experience that awakens the senses and nourishes the soul.” If you have been, let us know. In Es Grau, Patricia and Luís, from Binifadet, have taken over the management of the beachside bar which is now called Bar Tamarindos, differentiating it from their nearby Tamarindos restaurant. In Cala Tirant, a traditional beach bar has reopened, which had been closed for years. After a thorough renovation and new management, the Xiringuito Tirant offers a menu of informal, beach-style cuisine with views, for the summer. It is third time lucky for the iconic American Bar founded in 1924 and then closed by owners Pepe and Xavi Pons in 2021. Binifadet tried it for a year, and then Castell the shoe company, and now it has been rented by an Ibizan company and is open every day from 9am to 9pm and Sundays 10 til 4pm. Let’s hope they can make it work. We would love for it to remain open in winter as a central place to meet friends.
FOOD & DRINK
27
AUGUST 2024
ROQUETA RECIPE
PINA COLADA TARTS A recipe by Sharon Pickersgill
INGREDIENTS
METHOD
320g packet of puff pastry 200g chilled thick custard 100g finely diced pineapple (fresh or frozen) 1 tablespoon coconut (dried or freshly grated) 1 tablespoon rum (dark or white)
Pop your oven ideally on the fan setting at 180oc. In a bowl add the custard, pineapple, coconut and rum. Gently mix to incorporate all the ingredients. Roll out the pastry until approx 35x23 cm. Using a 78mm cookie cutter this will make 12 tarts. Taking a 12 bun tray, press each pastry round into the cups to make individual bases. Using a teaspoon, scoop a heaped spoon of the pineapple mix into each tart case. Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes. Serve with a dusting of icing sugar. Also delicious served warm with coconut ice cream and a splash of rum.
FOOD & DRINK
28
AUGUST 2024
By Michael Stevenson
RIOJA
SPAIN’S MOST FAMOUS WINE IS EVOLVING
winemakers in Rioja. Graciano has been holding its own as a single variety and Mazuelo, also known as Carinena, is used as a seasoning variety adding structure to blends. White wine may account for less than 10% of total production in Rioja but there is plenty of individual expression within that band. Viticulture and Viura (the dominant white variety) have gone hand in hand to develop fresher structured wines. The other white grapes used are Garnacha Blanca, Malvasia, Tempranilla Blanca, Turruntes and Maturana Blanca. Other grapes also allowed by the Consejo Regulador DOC Rioja are Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Verdejo. As a result of recent regulations, Rioja has its own traditional method sparkling wine category, which is a very old tradition in Rioja. Then there is Rioja Rosado, which is usually a blend of Viura and Tempranillo. The major producers such as Muga, CUNE and Marques de Riscal produce good examples of these. The regulations govern many aspects of wine production but of most significance to wine drinkers are the rules specifying oak ageing: JOVEN: wines that have no oak ageing.
In Spain’s most famous wine region, there is a wealth of historic producers, many of whom have been making wine for centuries. The Phoenicians introduced wine making to the region around three thousand years ago. Then the Romans took over the region in the 2nd century BC. As was customary they planted vineyards, cultivated the land and produced wine for local consumption. Since then, wine has been produced even under the Moors. The Spanish Civil War put a stop to the expansion of the region and at last in the early 1970s the fortunes of Rioja began to revive. Now Rioja has a wonderful variety of styles varying from the traditional to the spectacularly innovative. Rioja is located in north - central Spain and is bordered by Pais Vasco and Navarra to the north and east, Aragon to the southeast and Castilla y Leon to the south and west. It is Spain’s second smallest autonomous region and sits at the western end of the Ebro River valley. The capital is Logrono. The vineyards are divided into three sub regions; Rioja Alavesa, Rioja Alta to the northwest and Rioja Oriental (formerly Rioja Baja) to the southeast. The soils are calcareous clay, ferrous clay and alluvial. The most important grape is Tempranillo and is at the heart of most of Rioja’s wines. Garnacha is an increasingly popular choice for ambitious
CRIANZA: wines that spend a minimum of one year in oak barrel and one in bottle before release. RESERVA: wines must spend one year in oak barrel and two in bottle. Reserva wines are some of Rioja’s finest. GRAN RESERVA: wines are usually made in the best vintages where the fruit quality is rich enough to support two years in oak barrel and three in bottle. What can be confusing is that these are minimum regulations and each house does its own thing. The premium wines will often spend much longer in oak. The choice of which vintages will be suitable for the long haul is each winery’s decision. Modern Rioja does not adhere to the traditional method of production. The modern wines are darker and more extracted and usually spend less time in the barrel. They also tend to favour expressions of a single vineyard over blending. The resulting attitude to this is generally favourable though the modernists are unlikely to supersede the traditionalists; they will co-exist side by side. Examples of excellent traditional Rioja producers are Marques de Riscal, Marques de Murietta, Lopez de Heredia, La Rioja Alta, CUNE and Martinez de Lacuesta. Examples of good modern Riojas are Ramirez de Ganuza, Roda and Abel Mendoza. A good example of a winery embracing the old and new is Luis Canas. Rioja of all types is available in Menorca. You will find comprehensive selections in all the major wine shops and bigger supermarkets and every corner shop will stock some. Every restaurant and bar will have Rioja on their wine list.
D O N ’ T M I S S A N E D I T I O N , S U B S C R I B E T O D AY ! V I S I T: R O Q U E TA M A G A Z I N E . N E T
FOOD & DRINK
29
AUGUST 2024
HERE IS THIS MONTH’S SELECTION:
TINTO SIERRA CANTABRIA MURMURON 2022, RIOJA TEMPRANILLO. 14.5% ABV, DE VINS 8.65€ (MODERN STYLE) Intense ruby red, with red berries and strawberries on the nose. Fresh, smooth, mid bodied with hints of vanilla, good balance and tanicity. Good with BBQs. LA VENDIMIA, PALACIOS REMONDO RIOJA 2021, TEMPRANILLO AND GARNACHA, 14% ABV, DE VINS 9.80€ (MODERN STYLE). Rich cherry colour, blackberries and cherries on the nose. On the palate the wine is medium bodied but fleshy and flavoursome with good balance, ripe tannins and refreshing acidity. Lovely long finish. Good with grilled and roast meats, hearty vegetable stews and cheese. MONTE REAL RIOJA RESERVA 2018, TEMPRANILLO, 13.5% ABV, ENRIQUE PENALVER 13.79€ AND WIDELY AVAILABLE. Cherry red with a garnet rim, good fruits, spicy nose. Silky ripe fruit, mid bodied, hints of cloves, nutmeg and liquorice, complex, well-balanced with a lovely classy finish. Good with roast and grilled red meat and Menorcan cheese.
ROSADO MARQUES DE RISCAL , ROSADO, RIOJA 2023, VIURA AND TEMPRANILLO, 13% ABV, WIDELY AVAILABLE AROUND 8 - 9€. Vibrant pale pink. Raspberries and strawberries on the nose. Red berry fruit, lovely flavour, crisp with good balance acidity. Very refreshing and a good long finish. Good aperitif and with fish and shellfish. IJALBA, ROSADO , RIOJA 2022, TEMPRANILLO, 13% ABV, ENRIQUE PENALVER 5.65€. Light coral pink with a fruity nose. Fresh berry fruit, strawberries, crisp with good balance and acidity. Lovely quaffing Rosado at a good price. A pleasant aperitif, good to pair with fish and chicken dishes.
BLANCO IJALBA, MATURANA BLANCA RIOJA 2021, 14% ABV, ENRIQUE PENALVER 14.12€ Good colour with a green tinge. Very elegant and complex nose of tropical fruits, ripe with a lovely balance, multilayered and mouth filling, amazing long finish. A truly remarkable wine. Good with all seafood, chicken and pork dishes. Happy drinking! ROQ U E TA M AGA ZI N E . N E T
THE GREAT OUTDOORS
30 42
AUGUST 2024
MENORCA
Graham Capel
- ITS PLACE IN BRITISH HISTORY The island of Minorca (note spelling) was a British possession for over 70 years during three different periods, throughout most of the 18th century.
Road to besiege the British in Fort San Felipe. Admiral Byng was sent from England to prevent the invasion but arrived too late and with inadequate troops to attempt a landing. On 20th May 1756 the Battle of Minorca took place just outside the harbour of Port Mahon. You can see the location from the rooftop bar of the Hamilton Hotel or the restaurant on the point in Calas Fonts. After four hours of battle between equal numbers of ships on each side, both sides withdrew. News by the French claiming victory reached Paris and London first. The loss of Minorca caused an uproar in England. Admiral Byng was made the scapegoat. He was relieved of his command and court martialled for ‘failing to do his utmost to take, seize and destroy the ships of the enemy’. A cartoon of the time shows the British Lion losing its paw (Minorca). Admiral Byng was condemned to be shot by firing squad on the deck of HMS Monarch in Portsmouth harbour in March 1757. As Voltaire quoted in Candida – ‘to encourage the others’ - and it did! 1708-1756 BRITISH OCCUPATION Great Britain captured the island of Minorca on 30th September 1708. General Stanhope sent a message to Queen Anne: ‘Her Majesty is now in possession of the two best ports in the Mediterranean, Mahon and Fornells’. In recognition, General Stanhope was created Lord Mahon which the Stanhope family still hold today. Britain’s ownership of Minorca was confirmed at the Treaty of Utrecht in 1713, when we also gained Gibraltar which we have kept ever since! In 1711 the British Navy began construction of a Naval Hospital on the Isla del Rey in the centre of Port Mahon harbour. British Governor Richard Kane was generally popular in Minorca. He modernised agriculture on the island and introduced cattle. In 1720 he completed construction of the first proper road from the ancient capital, Ciutadella to Mahon, and in 1721 the capital moved to Mahon. There is a memorial to Governor Kane on the road leading out of Mahon to Fornells, and he has a memorial plaque in Westminster Abbey. Between 1710 and 1726 the Castle of San Felipe at the harbour entrance was vastly expanded by the British. Fort Marlborough was added with its underground fortifications which you can visit in the delightful tranquil cove of San Esteban (Saint Stephen). 1756-1763 FRENCH OCCUPATION On Sunday 17th April 1756, 12,000 French troops landed at Santandria in the West of the island. They marched the length of the island on Kane’s
The French General Richelieu held a victory feast to celebrate. It is said that his French chef needed to make a sauce but there was no cream to be found so he substituted it with olive oil. It was so well received that it was named Mahonaise after its birthplace. The mayonnaise which we still have today! An alternate Spanish version of history tells us that the French chef learned the recipe from the locals of Menorca but either way this is how it got its name. 1763-1780 RETURN TO BRITISH RULE In 1763, at the end of the Seven Years War, Minorca was returned to Britain. There was a lot of poverty on the island and, in 1768, 110 Menorcan families under Padre Camps of Mercadal left and settled in St Augustine, Florida. There is a monument to their emigration on top of Monte Toro in the centre of the island, and there are many Menorcan names in the St Augustine community of today. During their second occupation of the island, the British built a new military barracks town, which they called Georgetown, after King George III. This was a short distance from the walls of the ancient Fort San Felipe. This is Es Castell of today with the red painted barracks still surrounding the British Parade Square. Red painted buildings signify historic and largely exmilitary buildings. The Military Governor’s headquarters on the North side is now the Es Castell Town Hall. The town was designed by engineer Colonel Patrick MacKeller on a traditional grid pattern and was completed in 1771. It housed up to 4000 soldiers which were part of up to 18000 British troops garrisoned on the island.
D O N ’ T M I S S A N E D I T I O N , S U B S C R I B E T O D AY ! V I S I T: R O Q U E TA M A G A Z I N E . N E T
THE GREAT OUTDOORS
31
In 1776 the British Naval Hospital on the Isla del Rey was expanded into the 1200 bed structure which you see today. The sailors being treated there called it ‘bloody island’. You can visit the Isla del Rey (Kings Island from when King Alfonso landed there in 1287) and see the restoration of this British Naval Hospital by local volunteers. Take the Yellow Catamaran in the harbour and see the Hauser & Wirth art gallery as well. During this period of British occupation of the island, much building took place in Mahon and in other inland towns. The British Georgian influence can still be seen with many ‘Bay’ and ‘Bow’ windows (‘Boinders’ in Menorcan) and balconies. Other British words have crept into the local Menorcan dialect: - ‘torni screw’ for a screwdriver, and ‘grevi’ for gravy is still in use! With all the British military troops on the island there was a demand for their favourite drink, gin. At first it was imported but it was not long before gin was being distilled on the island. The local Xoriguer Gin of today has much the same distinctive flavour as when it was created. Do try some. There is a ’Gin Factory’ at the far end of the port with free samples. With cloudy lemonade it is the local ‘fiesta’ drink called Pomada (which also means ointment), unless you are in Ciutadella where it is called gin amb llimonada. 1781-1798 Spanish Rule After 19 years of British occupation, in 1781 the island was invaded by a Spanish force commanded by the French Duke de Crillon. After a 5-month siege of Fort San Felipe, the British were starved into surrender and the Duke de Crillon was made Duke of Mahon. In the first year of the new Spanish rule, Fort San Felipe was demolished leaving the ruins you can see today. It would be nice to see it rebuilt to its former glory one day.
AUGUST 2024
and were instrumental in a lot of its tourist development in the 1960-70s. There are still many ‘Brits’ living here today and there is even a cricket ground the MCC - Menorca Cricket Club. After the island was returned to Spain, the Napoleonic wars continued with France controlling the Spanish peninsular. The Balearic Islands were not involved and the British, who were still blockading the French in Toulon, used Port Mahon for reprovisioning and repair of their ships. After the Battle of Trafalgar, in October 1805 when Nelson was killed, the British Mediterranean Fleet was commanded by Nelson’s friend and his second in command at Trafalgar, Admiral Lord Cuthbert Collingwood In February 1810, after 5 years of patrolling the seas, Admiral Collingwood became very ill. He had not been granted any home leave to see his family in Northumberland since before the Battle of Trafalgar. He was taken ashore to the colonial style house ‘El Fonduco’ overlooking the harbour. It was too rough to sail, but on 9th March 1810 HMS Ville de Paris did eventually set sail with Collingwood on board. Sadly, he died just outside Mahon harbour the following day. He is buried alongside Nelson in the crypt of St Paul’s Cathedral in London. Collingwood House is now The Hotel Almirante - containing many items of Collingwood memorabilia. It is a superb example of colonial style architecture and well worth a gin and tonic on the front terrace looking down the Palm Tree lined drive. Collingwood had a large room overlooking the harbour, now Rooms 7 and 8. You can stay there but be beware of his ghost - in either room! Also, read about his dog ‘Bounce’ who was his closest companion at sea for many years. There is a bust of Collingwood on the Isla del Rey looking across to Fonduco.
1798-1802 THIRD BRITISH OCCUPATION This time Great Britain wanted Minorca as a base from which to blockade the French fleet in Toulon during the Napoleonic wars. In November 1798 Commodore Duckworth brought a British Squadron with 20 transport ships of British soldiers under General Stuart. They landed at Addaya and Mesquida on the north coast to capture the island. In October 1799, Vice Admiral Lord Horatio Nelson visited Minorca to ask the British Military Commander, General Erskine, for troops to relieve Malta which had been captured by Napoleon Bonaparte on his way to conquer Egypt in 1798. Nelson was not successful and left after 5 days in Port Mahon, as it was then known, to return to Lady Hamilton in Palermo. His ship, HMS Foudroyant, would have moored just off the Isla del Rey opposite the magnificent house on the top of the North hills of the harbour. This is San Antoni, and its golden fields of wheat went right down to the harbour edge. This was taken as a marker for visiting ships to drop anchor. It earned the name of Golden Farm which it still has today. 1802-1810 RETURN TO SPANISH RULE Under the Treaty of Amiens on 25th March 1802 Minorca was handed back to Spain. There has always been a rumour that the British planned to keep it, as they did with Malta which was also supposed to have been returned? Instead, the British now enjoy the island as tourists and residents ROQ U E TA M AGA ZI N E . N E T
THE GREAT OUTDOORS
32 42
AUGUST 2024
MARINA MENORCA A NEW PROJECT IN THE PORT OF MAHÓN Marina Menorca, owned by the Nautic Center, has been running the moorings in the Sa Colàrsega area of the port near to the power station since 2003. They recently won the concession to operate this area of the port for another 14 years by putting forward a pioneering project based upon sustainability and security. Starting in October, they will demolish the current facility and rebuild it from scratch to make it “the most ecological and sustainable marina”, promising innovative environmental practices and affordable rates. Marina Menorca aims to position itself as a benchmark in sustainability and safety in the Balearic Islands. Commitment to the Environment • New piloted pontoons will be installed, thus eliminating the current fixed pontoons. The boats will moor on fingers, contributing enormously to keeping the bottom of the marina completely clean. • 260 solar panels will generate 198,000 kW per year, prioritising renewable energy and reducing the carbon footprint. • “Marconn” Pedestals will be installed, which are smart shore power units for water and electricity, including chargers for electric boats. Customers can monitor their consumption through a mobile app, raising awareness on environmental resources. The pedestals are made of recycled plastic and every component used in the units can be recycled into new products avoiding waste material. Water and Waste management • The marina will install two desalination plants to ensure self-sufficiency in water supply, with a production of 96 m3 per day and a storage capacity of 40 m3, allowing the washing of boats with desalinated water. The waste water will be discharged into the sewer for subsequent treatment.
• There will be selective collection of waste, with smart containers powered by solar panels. • The “Flovac” vacuum sewerage system will be installed to capture bilge and sewage water directly from boats, helping to care for the aquatic environment. (There are currently no dedicated pump-out facilities for boats in Menorca). Competitive mooring fees Marina Menorca promise to offer social rates for boats up to 8 metres, making them among the most affordable on the island. Water and electricity services will be billed strictly at market prices, without any mark-up or profit margin.
THE GREAT OUTDOORS
33
AUGUST 2024
• A UNESCO Marine Observatory, “OCEAN DECADE”, will be installed by the University of Alicante, equipped with various probes and stations for measuring water quality; these actions, among others, will be some of the measures to combat pollution in the port of Mahón, which will be controlled directly from the Montgó-Dénia Scientific Station, of the Department of Ecology of the University of Alicante. Marina Menorca will run the concession for 14 years and they say that in accordance with legal deadlines, work on the project can begin in October 2024 and be completed before the start of the 2025 season. The total investment will be 7.8 million euros, taxes included. With this new project, Marina Menorca, wants to “reaffirm its position as a benchmark in the maritime field, combining excellence in services, sustainability and safety, to continue confirming its commitment to a more responsible and respectful future with the marine environment, its connection with the city of Mahón and the island and with its clients of all these years.”
Infrastructure and security The floating pontoons and elimination of anchoring will prevent damage from events such as the 2003 tsunami, guaranteeing greater security. In addition, there will be high-speed Wi-Fi, security cameras, new offices, changing rooms and first class toilets. A seafaring boat propelled by an electric motor, will reinforce the quality of the marina service. Use of Innovative technologies The marina will incorporate: • The “Jellyfishbot ” from IADYS, an aquatic robot for cleaning floating waste, • A fire sensor system • The “O2 Marine” system to contain waste and spills. By means of an APP and by pressing a simple button, the O2 Marine system instantly generates a bubble barrier capable of containing any type of spill, preventing it from escaping into the sea or expanding within the water surface of the port. A flexible pipe is anchored to the bottom of the port that covers the entire area and separates the pontoons. It has diffusers that generate a curtain of microbubbles from the seabed, which acts as a natural barrier that could prevent a possible leak from the dock, reducing its danger and facilitating its subsequent removal. Environmental initiatives • 15 Biohut refuge and feeding areas will be installed for the recovery of marine fauna, with monitoring by the company “ECOCEAN”, specialists in the recovery of marine resources and ecosystems. Biohut is an artificial habitat which offers food and shelter in order to increase the survival rate of fish larvae naturally entering harbours and other marine facilities.
ROQ U E TA M AGA ZI N E . N E T
THE GREAT OUTDOORS
34 42
AUGUST 2024
By Marc Moll
MENORCAN CAPERS TÀPERES: AN INTENSE TREAT FOR THE PALATE The wild capers or tàperes of Menorca are a distinctive product of this Balearic island, known for their intense flavour and versatility in cooking. There is a long tradition of collecting capers that continues today. In the month of June it is common to see men and women out picking for family consumption. The Wild Caper of Menorca There are two types of capers according to whether they have thorns or not, the Capparis spinosa subsp. rupestris, wild caper without spines and Capparis spinosa subsp. spinosa, wild caper with thorns. Description and Habitat The caper, scientifically known as Capparis spinosa, is a shrub that grows in arid and rocky terrain in the Mediterranean basin. In Menorca, the plant is found wild in coastal areas and on dry land, taking advantage of the warm and sunny climate of the island, also in walls and ravines. It can be found in places such as Punta Nati or Pont d’en Gil. Its unopened flower buds, known as capers, are the part most appreciated and used in gastronomy. Collection season Capers are harvested in Menorca from June to August. The buds, that are the capers, from July to the end of August. The gherkins, that are the fruit, have a peak harvest in the months of June and July. Pickers must be attentive to the young flower buds, as capers must be picked before they open to guarantee their quality and flavour. The collection is done by hand, and usually first thing in the morning. The smaller the caper, the better the flavour. Conservation process Once collected, capers must be processed quickly to preserve their flavour and texture. There are two traditional methods for conservation: 1. In Vinegar: Step 1: Wash the capers to remove any impurities. Step 2: Place them in a glass jar. Step 3: Cover the capers with a mixture of vinegar and water (in a 1:1 ratio) and add salt to taste. A modern option is to add some sea water to avoid adding salt. Some families put in some aromatics to give it flavour. Step 4: Let the bottle rest in a cool, dark place for at least a month before consuming. D O N ’ T M I S S A N E D I T I O N , S U B S C R I B E T O D AY ! V I S I T: R O Q U E TA M A G A Z I N E . N E T
THE GREAT OUTDOORS
35
AUGUST 2024
2. In Salt: Step 1: Wash the capers. Step 2: Place them in a jar alternating layers of capers and coarse salt. Step 3: Close the jar and let it rest in a cool, dark place for a month, stirring occasionally to ensure that all the capers are well covered with salt. Recipes and Typical Dishes Capers are used in various Menorcan recipes, providing a touch of acidity and salinity that enhances the flavour of the dishes. They go very well with fish dishes, with pasta, and with veal tongue. The caper flower, edible raw in salads, is one of the most beautiful flowers on the island. You can also put the tender sprouts in vinegar as if they were capers, they are delicious. Here I leave you some recipes and typical dishes of Menorca that include capers. • Oliaigua with figs and capers: Ingredients: Tomato, green pepper, onion, garlic, water, olive oil, capers, figs, dry bread. Preparation: Sauté the tomato, pepper, onion and garlic. Add water and bring to a boil. Add the capers and chopped figs. Serve warm with dry bread. • Caper sauce: Ingredients: Capers, olive oil, garlic, parsley, lemon. Preparation: Grind capers with garlic, parsley and a little lemon zest. Add olive oil and mix until you get a homogeneous sauce. Ideal to accompany fish and meat.
Marc Moll Marques was born in Ciutadella de Menorca. He is an environmental education guide, ethnobotanist, phytotherapist, floral therapist and forestry specialist. He has been teaching medicinal plant workshops in Menorca for many years and provides advice on gardening with native plants. He also advises on the cultivation of aromaticmedicinal plants native to Menorca for different farms on the island.
• Menorcan salad with caper: Ingredients: Potato, tomato, hard egg, tuna, onion, olives, capers, olive oil, vinegar, salt. Preparation: Cook the potatoes and eggs. Cut all the ingredients into pieces and mix them in a bowl. Dress with olive oil, vinegar and salt to taste. Add the capers to give it a special touch. Vitamins and Minerals of the caper Capers are small but they are loaded with beneficial nutrients for health. Here is a breakdown of the vitamins and minerals present in capers: • Vitamin K, vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E • Minerals: Calcium, iron, magnesium, sodium, potassium, copper Medicinal Virtues of Capers Capers have several medicinal properties that make them beneficial for health: • Antioxidants: Capers contain flavonoids such as rutin and quercetin, which fight free radicals and protect cells from oxidative damage. • Anti-inflammatory: The compounds present in capers help reduce inflammation, which can be beneficial for chronic inflammatory conditions. • Digestive: Capers are rich in fibre, which facilitates digestion and prevents constipation. • Cardiovascular: Thanks to its potassium content and other nutrients, capers help maintain heart health and regulate blood pressure. • Bone strengthening: The vitamin K and calcium present in capers help maintain bone health. • With the bark of the root, an oil or oleate is made for venous problems and varicose veins, as it is an excellent venotonic.
The Queen’s surprise Many people know the story of Queen Isabel II, who after arriving in Ciutadella while the authorities were waiting for the royal arrival in Mahón made a curious comment: - “The people of this town must be very alert, because despite arriving without notice they have been able to decorate the city for our arrival” I don’t know if the story is true but I like it because it makes a clear reference to how beautiful the old walls of Ciutadella are when seen from the sea with the blooming capers. ROQ U E TA M AGA ZI N E . N E T
THE GREAT OUTDOORS
36 42
AUGUST 2024
By Rachael Adams
A SPINY LOBSTER’S LIFE between the eyes and along the back until the carapace joins the abdomen, providing an estimate of their age, and importantly, if they are old enough to have bred before being captured. Thus, to be legally retained aboard a fishing boat lobsters must be 240mm long not including their feelers, or have a carapace measuring 90mm long. Wild lobsters can live up to 25 years of age, but the average individual age of a fished lobster is more like 4 to 5 years old. Hen lobsters use their swimmerettes not only for locomotion: they have special hairy bits on them too to hold the eggs to their abdomens while they incubate them. This is how you can tell the sexes apart! “Berried hens” are illegal to fish and so, after sitting stranded in a net for up to 48 hrs wondering what’s going on, they must be returned to the sea to release their eggs in due course.
“Did you see the lobster?? Those tell-tale feelers poking out of the crack? That was a lobster!” “Ahhhhh” – is often the blank-faced reaction I get when explaining a sighting to divers. Similar to octopuses, these animals use the same houses for a while so we know where to find them. Sadly, it feels to us dive leaders that such encounters are becoming fewer, and the individuals smaller. Spiny lobsters are decapod crustaceans, so they have five pairs of articulated legs on either side of their thorax. They also have flattened paddles called “swimmerettes” on each abdominal segment. Two spiny antennae protrude forward from their heads and can be used to wave scarily at divers in defence. More realistic threats to spiny lobsters in Menorca however, are posed by octopuses and conger eels. Here, with the main body of lobby firmly ensconced in a hole, the seemingly useless spines can be used to “point” or “parry” the predator to keep him at a safe distance —or to whip him with if he comes too close. They produce a stridulating noise with the base of their antennae that scares things off too. Adult lobsters don’t stray far from home, coming out at night to prey on shrimp larvae, scavenge detritus, or graze on microalgae if they can’t find anything tastier. Females, or hens, can stridulate to attract the slightly larger males (or cocks) to mate. Because their soft bodies are encased in a chitinous exoskeleton, they must moult many times throughout their lifetimes in order to grow. Just like crabs, they sometimes eat their moulted skins to regain lost calcium. The head and thorax are further encased in a protective shield-like carapace. In research, carapace length is used for measuring lobsters; a calibrated gauge is placed
Once the larvae hatch, they float about in the currents for a few months and then settle in the shallows. Finding out exactly what gets young lobsters to settle where is one of the major challenges at the Spanish Institute of Oceanography’s base near Mahon, the Jaume Ferrer research station. And it’s a particularly important one because lobster demand, prices, and consequently fishermen (with better and better kit) going after them, are constantly increasing. This can give a false impression that lobster is still abundant, yet, “in the second half of the 20th century, particularly in the Mediterranean Sea, spiny lobsters have faced a steep decline, leading them to be ranked as Vulnerable on the IUCN red list, or considered to be facing a high risk of extinction in the wild”. In an attempt to predict how close we are to crashing the Menorcan population, researching SCUBA divers do timed swims along rocky bottoms (of the sea) to search likely spots for young lobsters, and while a few have been found in Mallorca, only one has been found in Menorca thus far. They also routinely check some brick structures they have built to try to get lobsters to live in. Scientists suspect that, for some reason, baby lobsters around our island are settling much deeper than is affordable to survey using standard SCUBA equipment and training. Topside, years of data on carapace sizes gathered by fisheries observers on trawlers and small-scale fisheries boats (nets) in Mahon harbour show that our spiny lobsters here are currently being fished to their limit. This means the sea is just about able to produce enough youngsters to replace the ones we catch. This, however, leaves no redundancy in the event of adverse environmental conditions, such as a lack of food, suitable housing, an increase in predators, or changing weather patterns, say. The lobster fishery is regulated by two laws from 2001. Broadly, fishermen use trammel nets, which are like a three-layered curtain set on the bottom, measuring 2m high and up to 5 kilometres long depending on the fishermen registered per boat. The fishery is open for six months throughout the summer and is non-specific so other animals are caught as bycatch. There used to be
D O N ’ T M I S S A N E D I T I O N , S U B S C R I B E T O D AY ! V I S I T: R O Q U E TA M A G A Z I N E . N E T
THE GREAT OUTDOORS
37
AUGUST 2024
a fisherman in Ciutadella associated with the Slow Food movement who tried bringing back wicker baskets to catch lobsters in, mainly to reduce unwanted bycatch, or entanglement by turtles and mammals. But he had to check and re-bait his would-be pots daily before the bait rotted. Whereas the trammel nets are left for 48 hours. It therefore took him twice as many trips to sea as the other fishermen and so he couldn’t compete with their prices. There are actually three species of spiny lobster in our waters, the red one, Palinurus elephas, being the most commonly caught by far. Two other species exist: the white or pink one Palinurus mauretanicus, which is found beyond 200m deep, and the green or royal one, Panulirus regius, and no, that is not a misprint. Clawed lobsters (“bogavantes”) favour colder climates and aren’t something divers usually see in our part of the Med. Population studies and fisheries apart, eating a Caldereta de Langosta, or “lobster stew” in Fornells harbour is still an absolute treat for the senses, if not so much for the purse and even less for the lobster. A practice begun by the Romans, lobsters can survive for days out of water, before being boiled alive in a steaming pan. As well as making them look and taste better, this is said to be the only way to kill off harmful bacteria. Switzerland, Norway and New Zealand have now banned boiling and use a “CrustaStun to kill them first. Though Spain has yet to catch up: “12 minutes with salt” was the advice I got from a chef, “or use seawater”, “or you can slice them in half if not”. Apparently, some of the more humane cooks bung them in the freezer for a bit to sedate them somewhat before the plop in the pot. The end. If you do happen to spot a spiny lobster whilst out diving, Observadores del Mar would love to hear about it, and sightings can be reported at https://www.observadoresdelmar.es/ Rachael is a Spanish/Catalan translator and environmental journalist found at rachaeladamsblog.live
ROQ U E TA M AGA ZI N E . N E T
THE GREAT OUTDOORS
38
AUGUST 2024
MENORCA PRESERVATION
CHARITY GALA The 3rd Edition of the Menorca Preservation Charity Gala took place at the La Mola Fortress in July. The event brought together more than 260 people in love with the island and the natural values that Menorca entails. During the meeting it was announced that, in six and a half years, the non-profit organisation has awarded more than one million euros to environmental projects focused on the protection and preservation of the nature of Menorca: “After almost 7 years, we are very proud to have been able to support more than 95 projects from more than 20 environmental organisations, but we want to do more. Currently, we are finishing developing our 2030 Strategy in which we specify the roadmap towards the Menorca that we want to see: a benchmark island in the Mediterranean in terms of sustainability, through pioneering projects that combat the effects of climate change and with human activity and nature in balance,” announced Emmanuel Lagarrigue, President of Menorca Preservation, during the evening. The event featured a multitude of companies that have supported the organisation by offering their services, among which it is worth highlighting S’Algar Catering, in charge of carrying out the gastronomic offering, Bodegas Torralbenc that donated all the wine served during the Gala, Trifàsic, who was in charge of ensuring the technical needs of the evening and Hierbas Biniarbolla and iNNat, who offered a tasting as the final touch to a spectacular dinner. Other collaborators of the Gala were the Sa Punta restaurant and the Opera restaurant. Auction and Raffle The auction, was led by Beatriz Ordovás, Director of Christie’s Spain and specialist in contemporary and digital art. It included experiences and prizes donated by companies on the Island; Hauser & Wirth Menorca, Camí de Cavalls 360º, OBSAM-IME, SOM Menorca, Cristine Bedfor, Son Blanc Farmhouse, Acne Studios, Biniarbolla, Dorian Caffot De Fawes, Casa M and local artists such as Marta de Salvador and Magda Triay. More than 20 prizes were also raffled off, donated by local companies such as Llucasaldent Gran, Jardí de Ses Bruixes, Lago Resort Menorca, Blue Islands Diving Menorca, Menorca Music Festival, Rekandle Menorca, Es Tast de Na Silvia, Sports & Kayak Menorca, Yotangle, Menorca Discovery, Diving Menorca, Hotel Rural Biniarroca, Algaiarens i Son Felip, Paddle Tour Menorca, Menorca iNNat GIN, the local artist Marga Buñuel and the Menorcan shoemaker Dino. “Meaning”, a travelling exhibition The guests of the Gala were able to enjoy for the first time the winning images of the 2023 Edition of the MARE Contest, the Audiovisual Contest for the Conservation of the Balearic Sea. MARE is a project promoted by the Marilles Foundation and the support of conservation entities, diving centres and photography professionals. The exhibition can be visited until August 4 in the Rochina Park in Mahón, before it moves to Mallorca and Formentera. D O N ’ T M I S S A N E D I T I O N , S U B S C R I B E T O D AY ! V I S I T: R O Q U E TA M A G A Z I N E . N E T
ART IN MENORCA
39
AUGUST 2024
MEN IN RCA ART
Gloria’s Bathers on display in Seattle The Alcaufar bathers, created by Gloria Esbert, have travelled to Seattle in Washington State. They are exhibited at Spectrum Fine Art, a contemporary art gallery located in the heart of the city. This new cultural space was created a year ago by Jessica Catlin and Leah Steen. Gloria says, “I was lucky enough to meet Jessica last August. She found out about my work in a gallery in Mahón and after following me through Instagram, she contacted me and visited my modest workshop in the town of Sant Lluis. She fell in love instantly! She fell in love with my paper sculptures, with their delicacy and the tenderness they awaken when she looks at them... Universal feelings, always recurrent in my work, which I try to capture with paper, putty, acrylics and collage. “Bathers have been one of my great sources of inspiration, hence the name of the collection. They symbolise the women in my life, my grandmother, my mother... and they also represent many other women, mothers and grandmothers across the Globe - from Menorca to Seattle. “My small works of art have had the good fortune to meet wonderful people who have taken them home and where they feel appreciated and loved. Some of them are the result of very special personal commissions made by dear people who discovered me through Roqueta magazine, for which I am very grateful. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart.” Instagram: gloriaesbert Web: gloriaesbert.com glomenorca@gmail.com ROQ U E TA M AGA ZI N E . N E T
ART IN MENORCA
40
AUGUST 2024
SINGER SONGWRITER
JAMES KIRBY In July, singer James Kirby, originally from The Wirral, UK, arrived in Menorca, to play a series of concerts across the island as part of his 2024 World Tour. In April he performed in venues across the USA from Florida to Los Angeles and in June he travelled through Germany and Switzerland before arriving in Menorca via Girona.
Menorca is where James’ professional musical career began and from where his fan base grew from small beginnings to a worldwide network of admirers and contacts in the music industry. He is a multi-instrumentalist, with a mellow voice and distinctive percussive style of guitar playing. His music is a blend of folk, pop, blues, and indie rock, and his songs range from fast and furious to heartfelt and melodic. We caught up with him before his final concert in Menorca, at Es Claustre in Mahón, to find out more. How did your professional music career begin? In 2012, at the age of 26, I was working in an office but I was determined to make my living from my music. Every lunch break I was sending out emails trying to find work and one day an agency in Brighton came back to me and asked if I could sing cabaret as they needed someone to work a tourist season in Menorca. I was given a 6-month contract with TUI as a resident musician, in a number of hotels around the island. I worked 2-week cycles at different venues and my first live performance was at the Barcelo Hamilton hotel singing and playing the guitar for just two old ladies! I was expected to sing and play covers of well-known songs to please the audiences but from the beginning I mixed in a few of my own songs and by the third season I was playing all my own work. For those three years I lived at The Audax hotel, Cala Galdana. I used the experience to learn the trade of a musician, how to read audiences and interact with them between songs. I tried out new songs as I was writing them and then at the end of each season, in the winter, I would return to the UK to record an album before bringing it back with me to Menorca the next summer. Sometimes it could be tough, one lady told me to ‘shut up’ as she was trying to read. Another time I looked on Trip Advisor and someone had likened my performance of cover songs to ‘porridge’. It was the latter remark that spurred me on to drop the covers and only perform my own music. Which instruments do you play and when did you start writing songs? I started playing the guitar at the age of seven years old and I also learnt the piano and drums. I played in a number of bands ranging from indie rock to jazz orchestras. My father was my biggest inspiration as he was a church minister and there was music in our family life. At the age of 18, I D O N ’ T M I S S A N E D I T I O N , S U B S C R I B E T O D AY ! V I S I T: R O Q U E TA M A G A Z I N E . N E T
ART IN MENORCA
41
AUGUST 2024
applied to music colleges but was rejected and so I went off travelling around the world, busking, and playing my guitar whenever possible. I started to write songs in my early 20’s based on my experiences. The melody and the riff usually come first and the cord progression and then I home in on the lyrics and the meaning of the song. On stage I play the keyboard and acoustic guitars and I use a stomp box, a kick drum and looping to layer sounds. For this reason, I like to travel with my own rig as it is different to the equipment used by others. I like to use the guitar as a percussion instrument as well, surprising people by finding new and unorthodox techniques to make music from every part of the acoustic guitar.
beach in Cala Galdana when Giles, the skipper of ORCA, a Menorquin llaut, heard me playing. This developed into a lasting friendship and led to us organising sunset cruises onboard ORCA, where people can listen to my music in more intimate surroundings out on the water. I find that wherever I go in the world, someone who knows me from Menorca will get in touch to ask if I have somewhere to stay. My gigs around the world have pretty much all come about through people in Menorca.
How did you build up an international audience?
After visiting Florida, I travelled around the USA. There are many live music venues with open mic sessions but in the good ones you may have to wait for up to 5 hours to play one song. In Nashville it was worth the wait as I received a standing ovation for my performance of “Rising” and people came up to me with their contact cards. I ended up writing songs at Dark Horse Recording Studios in Tennessee where the likes of Dolly Parton and Taylor Swift have written and recorded their hits.
Just one example, I remember one evening I was playing on the terrace of the Port Mahón hotel and my music drifted down to the boats on the pontoons below. There was a group of Americans on a sailing yacht who liked what they were hearing, and they climbed the steps up to the hotel to find me. After the gig, I went on board their boat and they suggested I went to visit them in Florida where they helped me to find gigs, including some concerts in private homes. I find that his happens a lot in Menorca. When I am playing in calas for example the sound bounces off the cliffs and people come to find me. I was playing on the
Tell me about some of the songs you have written inspired by Menorca and the people here. I released my “Foreign Land” album in 2017 and it’s a collection of songs about travelling, love, loss and people I’ve met along the way. The track “Delayed Again” was written at Mahón airport when I was trying to get back to the UK at the end of a long season playing 4 gigs a day; starting at the pool, then cocktail hour, followed by the main stage and then onto a late night bar somewhere around the island. The “6 Euros in my pocket” refers to the money the airline gave me to buy some food, although the shops were all shut as it was so late. Many listeners can relate to it when their flight is delayed and the song gets tagged in social media posts. Pau Romero, who runs the Beat Garden studio in Barcelona, has become a good friend. I stopped off there first to record a single called “Hope” before catching the ferry over to Menorca in my camper van. My 4th Studio album will be recorded in Barcelona in early 2025 and Pau and myself will produce the album together ready for release in spring, ahead of another World Tour. How do you see your career progressing from here? I once sat next to a marketing man on a flight back from Mahón and after talking to me he said, “When you know why you are doing what you do, come back and talk to me and I can help”. I know that I want to help people either through teaching guitar and music or through my songs and lyrics. I like to explain a little bit about my songs when I am on stage. It is so rewarding when people come up to me after a show and say that a song has “given me hope” or that “I now know what I need to do”. In the pandemic I started to teach guitar online but even when I was working in Menorca, I liked to give lessons for free in my own time. My big dreams are to win a Grammy award and to play on the Pyramid stage at Glastonbury but also it would be great to play to a big audience in Menorca at a summer festival. There is still time to catch James in concert if you are in the UK with performances around the country until December; or he will be back in Menorca next summer with his new album. You can find all his songs on Spotify and a list of his concerts on his website jameskirbymusic.com
ART IN MENORCA
43
AUGUST 2024
MUSIC AROUND
MENORCA Alex Memu Alex is a young artist with strong links to Menorca. He plays a mixture of cover songs and his own compositions. His new single “Still Home” is about finding one’s real place, and the deep connection he feels towards Menorca, now calling it home. Born in 1989, in Bucharest, Romania, Alex’s life journey from an extremely troubled childhood to finding his passion for music is inspirational. Though he grew up in a poverty-ridden atmosphere with hardly any opportunities, his talent was discovered during music classes. He moved to the UK at the age of 16, where he finally found refuge and solace in the guitar and the dynamic music scene of the early 2000s but he eventually found his place in Menorca. Alex plays at Arena Beach Club in Arenal d’en Castell, the Audax in Cala Galdana, and Restaurant Aire in Punta Prima. You can find dates of performances on the Kitok App.
Joe Mina Joe Mina is a very popular Menorcan musician and singer, who is performing this summer in Menorca as a solo artist and with the blues band, The Gentleman Jacks, alongside Nacho Olivar and Pere Moll. During his solo performances he covers classics from the 1960’s up to the present day. Joe has been part of many groups in Menorca, including the Hoochie Coochie Band, Agrofunk, Orquesta Feeling, and Purple Haze. He is a self-taught musician although he has taken musical lessons at the Taller de Músics of Barcelona, at the Alaior School of Modern Music and from Jesús Vazquez on drums. But he says he has really learned his music in the rehearsal rooms and on stages, and especially from musicians who have played with him. In recent years he has been part of groups such as The Other Side (Pink Floyd Tribute), and The Factory Gospel Choir de Ciutadella, groups that have made a name and a place for themselves on the island of Menorca. Joe Mina plays at Hotel Lua Illa de Menorca in San Lluis, The Audax in Cala Galdana, Jimmy Hills Square in Los Delfines, AP Sea Club in Calas Picas, Hotel Valentin Star in Calan Bosch, Gentleman Jacks: 14 and 28th August at the Café Nao Beach Club, Cala Galdana.
Wanderlust Gemma More and Paolo Scarpa are an acoustic duo who define their style as Boho Pop. They make independent songs with a bohemian and Mediterranean feel, suitable for all audiences. Their influences are the melodic pop of La Oreja de Van Gogh, the strength and power of Lady Gaga, the energy of Nil Moliner and the sweetness of Katie Melua or Norah Jones.Their first album Un sofa en las nubes was awarded as Best Non-Catalan Language Album of the Balearic Islands 2023 by Enderrock. Wanderlust perform at weddings and events but you can find them around the island this summer at some of Tuesday’s Music nights in Mahón and in Alaior performing at the Candle Lit evenings. They will be at the Festes Alcaufar on 16th and 17th August. You can see their events listed on the website https://wanderlustmenorca.com You can find more local bands playing around Menorca on the Kitok App. In Cala en Porter you can always find plenty of live music in the bars. Check the Facebook pages of the bars or join the Facebook Group Just Calan Porter for up-to-date information in case the nights change Sa Paissa – Monday Brothers of Soul, Wednesday evening – Megastars – Queen Tina Turner and Elvis, Saturday Abba tribute band Irish Bar O’Braves – Friday night Speedway Jam, Tuesday Night Blue Velvet Aloha Cocktail Bar - Nathan Daniels, Souled on Motown Calas Picas Square shared by several bars including Jimmy Hills there are tribute bands every night after a childrens’ entertainment show: Monday Abba Seagull, Tuesday Joe Mina or Queen, Wednesday Smooth Criminal Michael Jackson, Thursday Motown or Millenials, Friday Havana, Saturday The Boys R back in Town (From Jersey Boys to Take That) Sunday From Vintage to Funky. These bands will be playing around the island so check out the hotels and bars in your nearest resort.
WELLBEING
44
AUGUST 2024
NUTRITION AND FITNESS WITH TOM AND JESS
A GUIDE TO BALANCING YOUR BLOOD SUGAR IN 8 KEY STEPS Blood Sugar Balance: Why Is It Important? Large spikes in blood sugar can affect our immediate health, with negative side effects from blood sugar mismanagement noticed 1-2 hours after eating. A spike in glucose can lead to... • Brain fog • Food cravings, leaning towards sweet indulgent foods or satiating salty flavours • Tiredness, particularly after meals • Gastrointestinal symptoms - diarrhoea, constipation, acid reflux, abdominal pain • Hanger, a combined feeling of being irritable and hungry • Inflammation - joint pain or stiffness, frequent infections, skin rashes After years of unknowingly experiencing blood sugar spikes throughout the day, not only can the above symptoms manifest, but chronic disease can also develop. The balance of blood sugar (or rather the imbalance of blood sugar) has been linked to many chronic diseases and conditions, including diabetes, PCOS, infertility, heart disease, and Alzheimer’s, so balancing your blood sugar levels now will increase your health picture for the future.
I hope you’re having a great start to your summer. After last month’s edition of fun things to do with kids on the island, I thought I’d make this month’s article more nutrition-focused as summer months are a time when we can really take advantage of all the fresh foods. If you experience low energy, a foggy mind, cravings, hanger or inflammatory symptoms on a frequent or adhoc basis, the 8 recommendations I’m about to share with you later on in the article will be worth casting your eyes over and incorporating into your life. As a health professional who’s helped clients improve their health outcomes for 14 years, blood sugar balancing is one of the first things I will focus on, as the side effects from having blood sugar levels managed are felt within days, which spurs people on to continue making better choices.
We associate foods like sweets or sweet fizzy drinks as obvious blood sugar triggers. However, some people will experience a spike in glucose levels after eating foods such as porridge, brown rice, beans, or salads with croutons and raisins. We’re all individuals and what might be an excellent blood sugar stabilising meal or snack for one, might be a spiking meal for another, depending on their cells responsiveness and management to sugar. Cereal for example isn’t a food most of us would associate with creating a notable blood sugar response but in one study it was reported that 80% of non-diabetics who ate cereal experienced a blood sugar rise into the pre-diabetes range (>140 mg/ dL) shortly afterwards. In fact, it’s very common for people to spike their post-meal blood sugar levels 2-3 times per day whilst making choices they would class as ‘healthy’, or blood sugar balancing. Most people only have their fasting blood sugar level and HgA1c (3 month blood sugar average) checked when they get their annual health check, at most. However, if you’re wanting to be more proactive about your health and better understand your body, or if you experience any of the previously mentioned symptoms that you’d like to get on top of, it’s such an easy marker to get checked more regularly. It’s worth noting that your average glucose levels may be in the “normal” range when you get your bloods done. However, this is a small snapshot of your day and it might be that throughout the day you experience spikes and dips in blood sugar so this one-time snapshot won’t necessarily be a reflection of your blood sugar management. For this reason, this is why you should be your own health advocate and prioritise balancing your blood sugar every day, to be proactive and to make sure you’re future-proofing your years.
How to Balance Your Blood Sugar in 8 Easy Steps It is important to remember that everyone has different nutritional requirements. However, there are several general tips you can adapt that will benefit everyone. Here are eight blood sugar-balancing science-backed hacks: D O N ’ T M I S S A N E D I T I O N , S U B S C R I B E T O D AY ! V I S I T: R O Q U E TA M A G A Z I N E . N E T
WELLBEING
45
1. Aim for protein at every meal and snack - quality and quantity The most satiating macronutrient is protein, meaning it will fill you up quicker and have you craving carbs less, and it’s also essential to the building of muscle. Put simply, a person with more lean body mass and more muscle mass will be more efficient at removing glucose from the bloodstream and keeping balanced blood sugar levels. Make sure you have protein with every meal, especially breakfast; this will set the tone for your blood sugar levels and food choices for the rest of the day, and whether it’s animal protein or plant protein, quality is key. Examples of this include: Breakfast - scrambled eggs with fresh herbs on optional toast, or a smoothie with protein powder with greens (spinach, peas etc.) and low GI fruit (berries) Lunch - Grilled chicken, cucumber, fresh parsley, red onion and Greek yoghurt in a salad or tortilla wrap Dinner - Fish with green beans and roasted garlic sweet potatoes or a fresh green leaf salad 2. Eat whole foods
AUGUST 2024
effect, or in the case of type 2 diabetes, inject insulin externally to keep your blood sugar levels in check. Managing your blood sugar levels does not have to involve cutting out all carbohydrates, especially for women who are still menstruating. Find out what amount of carbohydrates make you feel good and combine them with protein, healthy fats, and non-starchy vegetables. 6. Use the ‘Optimal Plate’ as a guide Whether eating out or at home, the ‘Optimal Plate Method’ is a really helpful visual to try and replicate in day-to-day meals. It recommends you fill half your plate with non-starchy vegetables, incorporate protein, healthy fats, and add starchy carbohydrates if you wish. Those with high insulin levels should limit complex carbohydrates and starchy vegetables or time them around exercise so you can utilise the carbohydrates right away to power your workout or to replenish your glycogen (carbohydrate) stores afterwards. So again, you can enjoy carbs strategically if high insulin levels are something you experience yet you don’t want to miss out on certain foods.
A highly processed food is more likely to spike blood sugar than a whole food. As a result of processing foods, glucose is absorbed into your bloodstream faster. Incorporate more whole foods into your diet since they usually contain more natural fibres that help slow down the meal/snack absorption. They will also usually be more nutrient rich and contain fewer unwanted ‘extras’ since they have been less tampered with. 3. Fill up on fibre Try to consume 40+ grams of fibre per day from whole foods, focusing on soluble fibre-rich foods such as nuts, seeds, non-starchy vegetables (anything that grows above the ground), low-glycemic fruits such as berries, apples and pears, and legumes. If you experience digestive issues, slowly work your way up to 40g per day and make sure you’re drinking plenty of water. Here is a list of non-starchy vegetables:
Artichokes Asparagus Artichokes Asparagus Bean sprouts Beet greens Bell peppers Bok choy Broccoli Broccoli sprouts Brussels sprouts Cabbage Cauliflower Celery
Collard greens Courgette Cucumber Dandelion greens Eggplant Endive Fennel Green beans Hearts of palm Jalapeno pepper Kale Lettuce (all) Mushrooms Mustard greens
Onions Pumpkin Radishes Radicchio Rocket Snap beans Snow peas Shallots Spinach Spaghetti squash Swiss chard Tomatoes Turnip greens Watercress
4. Limit frequent snacking and grazing Studies show that those who eat less frequently and thus have lower levels of blood sugar throughout the day, rather than a constant drip of glucose from frequent snacking, demonstrate glycemic improvements. Research also shows that those who don’t snack have a more efficient metabolism with a higher Resting Metabolic Rate (RMR) and better appetite control. If you’re going to snack, make sure you have some protein in there, so a fresh apple with a small handful of nuts, or some cucumber or carrots with some hummus - avoid pure carbohydrates, which I’ll come onto more in the next tip. If you’re someone who has a family history of blood sugar mismanagement or you have your own experience of rollercoastering energy and blood sugar levels, then try eating 2-3 more substantial and balanced meals, and no snacks, or 1 snack per day. Notice if your energy levels increase throughout the day, and if so, it’ll be down to your glucose recovery getting more efficient.
7. Intermittent fasting You can improve the quality of your sleep, your overnight glucose and insulin levels, and your ability to burn fat by increasing the length of time that you don’t eat, and typically this is easiest to do overnight. By restricting the amount of time you eat food, also known as Time Restricted Eating (TRE), it gives your body a break from having to process glucose and you reduce the amount of insulin that is released by your body. Overnight glucose levels can be more stable, and ketone levels can be higher the next morning, which makes it easier for you to access your fat reserves. If you’re adopting a 12 hour fasting window, you might choose to eat all your meals from 8am to 8pm for example, and then fast overnight, or a 16-hour fasting window would look like having your last meal of the day at 8pm and then breaking your fast at midday. 8. When eating a high-glycemic meal, add a couple of tablespoons of apple cider vinegar Mix 1-2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar with 180-240 ml of filtered water 1-2 times daily. A glass of apple cider vinegar or any vinegar, if drunk before eating a high-glycemic meal, helps increase muscle glucose uptake, lowering post-meal glucose levels. Starches are digested more slowly when they are eaten with acid, which keeps the blood sugar level stable. In 2013, researchers found that adding vinegar to meals (1 tbsp at mealtime twice a day) decreased blood sugar levels after meals. The effect of apple cider vinegar was greater than that of metformin. There we go! 8 tips from me. I hope you’ve found the above helpful and insightful, and I’ll see you next month for some summer-time recipes.
5. Avoid carbs in isolation Ensure you aren’t eating only carbohydrates, especially high glycemic/refined carbohydrates and added sugars, which cause blood sugar to rise and insulin resistance to develop which is where your cells become resistant to the effectiveness of insulin so your body has to produce more to have the same
Personal Training - Nutrition Support - Qi Gong - Yoga - Island Hikes Cooking Workshops www.jessntom.com
ROQ U E TA M AGA ZI N E . N E T
WELLBEING
47
AUGUST 2024
NEVER BEFORE! I did indeed give this some more thought and added the following counters to these statements: • Never before in history have so many people tracked their macros, calories, sleep, and activity levels. !!BUT Never before in history have we been so busy and so stressed out. Also, it can be stressful tracking all of the above for some people. • Never before in history have people worried so much about sugar and carbs. !!BUT Never before in history have we had access to so many addictive, flavour-full and nutrient-deficient foods (that we can especially get triggered to eat when we are busy and stressed out) • Never before in history have people had so much access to nutritional information from experts. !!BUT Never before in history have we been so confused by all this information, and as we all know, ‘If you confuse them, then you lose them’. And thus, paralysis from over-analysis happens, and we do nothing, well apart from eating more addictive, flavour-ful and nutrientdeficient foods! • And never before in history have we been this overweight as a populous. !!Well, see all of the above and a million other reasons this is happening. You could add your own comments to the above or not, but my point is that when we zoom out to see the bigger picture, it is not always quite so black and white. It is very easy to point fingers and make flippant statements like ‘people are lazy’ or that ‘all you have to do is eat less and move more’, and hey, presto, you’re in great health and shape. Generally speaking, empathy is needed by more people today.
I originally wrote this in the summer of 2022, and this article had some great responses. This included one from a lovely man in his mid-80s from New Zealand who really resonated with the article. He and his wife are disciplined in keeping moving and healthy, while many of their friends feel they are too old. In the email he sent me, he shared that the short time he and his wife take to invest in their health daily, it makes a huge difference in their lifestyle, posture, and mindset. It’s a good one to read if you’re in your 20s, your 100s, or anywhere in between. It’s actually applicable if you are under 20, too! It’s simple stuff, really, but really insightful. Good habits that add value to our lives are so important. The saying goes that “Once we make a habit, then the habit makes us”. Some are easier to keep up with and are more consistent than others. One habit I have been consistent with, is fitness and keeping moving. You may say that is my business (I am a health coach), which is true, but walking the talk can be left behind when children arrive (Olive is 4 on August 5th and Lola will be 2 in late November), work goes up a notch, family commitments and all the other reasons to push and steer us off course from good intentions. I read this the other day, which fired up my wanting to write this message: • Never before in history have so many people tracked their macros, calories, sleep, and activity levels. • Never before in history have people worried so much about sugar and carbs. • Never before in history have people had so much access to nutritional information from experts.
But coming back to habits, where I started, think a little about what I have said, and if you feel the need, then what is the number one step (pun intended) you can take towards better health tomorrow? Sure, there may be many reasons not to take that step, but let’s filter those out. Once a step in the right direction is taken, then another and then another, we find ourselves with more energy, clearer thinking, a more optimistic mindset, an improved immune system, and a reduced belt size, to name a few. Small things like drinking more water, walking further, committing to exercise for 20-30 minutes 2 - 3 times a week, not drinking alcohol so much or even reducing it completely during the week, eating vegetarian 2 - 3 days a week, having a method of fasting once a week, practising mindfulness for 5 minutes a day, being grateful about something (anything) once a day, starting a new hobby or even returning to a hobby you used to enjoy! Naturally, you can do some of these together to fast-track feeling better. The list is endless. If you can tie it into what you enjoy, all the better. No pressure, just make the commitment. Pick one or two things and set a goal to make them a habit. When we are healthy, it seems we have a million things to focus on. However, when we lose our health, we only have one thing to focus on - regaining our health! Focus on a few habits now, and here is to being rightfully healthy/healthier for the future. I enjoyed writing this. I hope you found some value, and I hope you can take some steps towards a brighter, expanded you in terms of fulfilment. Tom
• And never before in history have we been this overweight as a populous.
Personal Training - Nutrition Support - Qi Gong - Yoga - Island Hikes Cooking Workshops
Some food for thought there, I am sure you’ll agree!
www.jessntom.com ROQ U E TA M AGA ZI N E . N E T
GRAPEVINE
48
AUGUST 2024
GRAPEVINE Duke Godfrey - Barber Duke Godfrey, son of the well-known hairdresser Jason from Monet studio in San Lluis, is following in his father’s footsteps, although forging his own path as a specialised Barber. Duke is working on Saturdays at the Bel Pons hairdresser in Es Castell by prior appointment, and the rest of the time on a mobile basis. Two and half years of training in the UK means that he is a talented barber with knowledge of all the latest trends such as ‘skin fades’, ‘mullets’ and ‘first faders! Gone are the days when men visited the barber every 6 weeks. Now the younger generation must keep their complex hair styles in tip top condition with regular grooming. Duke was born in Menorca and went to La Salle school in Mahón. At 16 he decided he wanted to train to become a barber but he could not find a specialist course in Menorca, as here on the island they only offer very general training. Instead, he was accepted on a course in Buxton, Derbyshire in the UK, at one of the best hairdressing academies outside Manchester, affiliated to Derby University. Duke left Menorca to live with his parents Jason and Michelle, who had at the same time sold up in Menorca and moved to Tideswell in the UK. In Buxton, Duke completed Level 1 & 2 NVQ’s, paid for by the UK Government as part of his further education. He then paid to attend the more advanced Squires Academy every Sunday to where he had 1 to 1 tuition over 6 months to achieve Level 3. Fully qualified at the age of 18, with an internationally recognised qualification, Duke could have had the pick of jobs in the UK but the lure of Menorca was too strong and he has returned to the island to launch his career. This return to Menorca has not been achieved without difficulties. Firstly, he had taken his driving test in the UK and on his return to the island was told that it was not valid in Spain as he was a Spanish passport holder. Therefore, he had to start again and take his licence all over again. Secondly there are strict regulations for working as a self-employed barber in Spain. At Bel Pons he can only work in the salon from Wednesday to Saturday if he has confirmed appointments. So, if you would like to book an appointment in Es Castell or in your home or on your boat, call Duke on 692 885 495. Of course, he speaks English, Spanish and Catalan.
The Rowe family I received these fantastic ‘then and now’ photos of the younger generation of the Rowe family, who have been coming to their villa in Cala Llonga since they were small. There are so many families here who came to the ‘family island’ of Menorca with tiny children and returned to rent a villa every summer or loved it so much that they bought a holiday home. Mr Rowe senior only called into Mahón for a day on a cruise ship 20 years ago but he saw a for sale sign on a waterside villa and like so many people decided to make it his home from home. If you have been coming to Menorca since you were small and now have children of your own send us your ‘then and now’ pictures.
Jason Godfrey
D O N ’ T M I S S A N E D I T I O N , S U B S C R I B E T O D AY ! V I S I T: R O Q U E TA M A G A Z I N E . N E T
GRAPEVINE
49
AUGUST 2024
The Geckos Family We went along to The Geckos gig in Son Parc last month and met all the lovely family members of the group, including Mick’s wife Alison who was celebrating her 70th birthday and took to the stage with her tambourine to lead the vocals. Simon’s wife, Kim, and their three children were there. The boys play at Menorca Rugby and Kim takes an active role in the club, including organising fund-raising events She even went as far as to jump off the top of Monte Toro to raise money so that the players could travel to Bayonne in France to experience the training and team building of a 1st Division match. Her eldest son said it was the best 4-day experience he had ever had. However, that was before he travelled to the Under-14 National Championships in Vallodolid this year and beat the team from Barcelona!
EUROS 2024
By Alison Gurney
A M EN O R CA N C ON N E C T I ON
Congratulations to Spain
Well done to Gareth Southgate and his England team, reaching the finals and losing by just one goal to Spain - who had played so well throughout the tournament. This year excitement for the 2024 Euro tournament began early when Lidl in Mahón ( and I assume Ciutadella) began to reward our shopping with little packets of Match Attax football cards. Any primary school teacher will groan at the angst they produce among children of a certain age as they are lost, ‘stolen’, or swapped when little Johnny didn’t actually mean to swap his shiny one- and can he have it back now! etc etc. It was quite a novelty to open the packet and discover who we found. So,full of enthusiasm, we decided to splash out on the album - mainly because it gave us the complete timetable of matches. Opening the front page we spotted a name we recognised among the ‘Debutantes’ of the tournament. Xavi Simons, the youngster representing the Netherlands, had played here in Es Castell in 2018 with his Barcelona Academy teammates in the ME Cup. Xavi was a 15 year old, with a distinctive look, billed then as young player to watch, with several thousands of followers on Instagram! Our young players at the club here all knew about him as, at the age of 13 , he had his first advertising contract with Nike, then Adidas - now Puma! As I write this, he is being talked of possibly joining Manchester United from his current club PSG. He certainly demonstrated skill and flair as a young player and we certainly remembered watching him play against our boys from Atletico Villacarlos. However, I wasn’t quite so fond of him when he scored the early goal against England in the semi-finals - though it did seem to spur our lads into action. And, sadly, he is one of the spaces in my book!!! The ME Cup was an excellent opportunity for our young footballers here on Menorca to come into contact with players from the elite football academies from all over the world. Sadly now our boys have to travel to Majorca for the same chance as the tournament became too big for our island to cope with at Easter time. A lot of raffle tickets are sold to help with the costs for our local teams. There is now a girls’ competition too which is held towards the end of October and this year the girls from Rangers FC will be representing the U.K. Local football starts up again on the island after the Mahón Fiesta in about mid September. The matches we have watched at the under 19 standard are always exciting. It’s a good way to meet the local community and the bars always have very reasonable prices - and compared to watching back in the U.K. - it hardly ever rains!
ROQ U E TA M AGA ZI N E . N E T
GRAPEVINE
50
AUGUST 2024
MENORCANS AT THE OLYMPICS Menorca has two elite athletes competing in the Paris Olympics, joining a total of 21 competitors from the Balearic Islands, including Rafa Nadal. Sergio Llull Melià (Maó, 1987) will compete for the Spanish basketball team in the Olympics for the 4th time and Albert Torres Barceló (Ciutadella, 1990) is part of the Spanish cycling team for the 3rd time. Sergio Llull Melià Sergio LLull is already a double medallist (silver in London 2012 and bronze in Tokyo 2020), and he currently holds the record for the Menorcan with the most medals in Olympic history. Sergio Llull came from the La Salle Maó youth academy, and he plays for Real Madrid. We go to press before the start of the Basketball competition but on 27th July Spain will play Australia, on 30th July, Greece, and on 2nd August they face Canada, in the group stages. The two best teams from each group will qualify for the quarter-finals on August 6. The semi-finals will be on August 8 and the final and the match for bronze on August 10. If they get out of the group stage Spain will need to beat some of the top teams, which include the USA, Germany, Croatia and France. Find out more: https://www.sergiollull.com/
Albert Torres Barceló Albert Torres is a Spanish track and road racing cyclist, who currently rides in the Movistar Team. He competed in the London Olympics in 2012, missed Rio 2016 due to injury, and then went to Tokyo 3 years ago when the Olympics were postponed for a year due to COVID. He is looking to win his first Olympic medal. His focus is on the Madison event (he was World Champion in 2014), the final of which is scheduled for August 10, but the Omnium may be another option. Torres is the only Ciutadella-born athlete in history to have taken part in the Olympics. He has his own website https:// alberttorres.es/ Menorca She Several people have suggested we publish more articles from old editions of Roqueta, which date back some 51 years to 1973. Maggie Hatch, who I bumped into at the Ladies Lunch, told me she had once appeared in the magazine so of course I had to go and dig it out! The newcomer, Margaret Clough from Whitley Bay, featured in the June 1979 edition, having recently been selected as Miss She out of 9000 girls and was now a full-time model. We also learnt that she was a very accomplished ballroom dancer, appearing often on the BBC’s “Come Dancing” and winning the All-England championship. I feel an interview coming on… Then Dr Judy, who wrote in Roqueta earlier this year about the dangers of artificial grass, confessed that she was a regular contributor writing a tonguein-cheek column called Birds Eye View dedicated to fashion and shopping. I discovered that the fashion of the day at Boutique Pian in May 1973 included washable Trilenko trousers and ribbed tops by Rodier in yellow, black and royal blue, a third cheaper in Spain than anywhere else in Europe. At Angel 29
Judy told us that heavy cotton kimonos were available in 20 different coloured stripes “just think you have a beach robe, summer dressing gown and judo outfit all for 1,250ptas”. If you have something to confess just let me know and I will go ferreting in the archives. Spanish Lessons lead to Social Whirl I have noticed recently that everyone I meet seems to be enjoying an active social life thanks to their participation in the Spanish lessons organised by city councils such as San Lluis and Es Castell. I am not sure how much Spanish they are learning but there seems to be an endless round of lunches and dinners and meet-ups for football, dog walking and arts and crafts. The lessons are highly subsidised so make sure you sign up in your area after the summer to access this popular multinational social club.
D O N ’ T M I S S A N E D I T I O N , S U B S C R I B E T O D AY ! V I S I T: R O Q U E TA M A G A Z I N E . N E T
LOCAL NEWS
CLUBS AND ASSOCIATIONS
51
AUGUST 2024
NEWS
Almost everything we do at Age Concern Menorca is geared towards helping the ‘older’ people of Menorca to have an enjoyable and fulfilling life. The profits we make from the shop and other activities go towards making this happen. So, how do we do this? We pass on any important information via our website and Facebook page and, where relevant, with Notices in the shop. For example, we have recently received a letter from the British Ambassador in Spain about the need for UK pensioners over 80 to make sure they return their completed ‘life certificates’ to the DWP by 31st July; and also giving notice that pensioners over 70 are likely to be asked to do the same thing before the end of the year. Lifeline is our confidential service geared towards helping individuals who have various types of problems -help and support is just a phone call or email away. Our medical equipment short-term loan service is available to residents or visitors of any age who need to borrow mobility or hygiene equipment. Again, help is available at your fingertips. Our social activities are open to anyone but provide an opportunity for people to socialise in a friendly and inclusive environment. Looking back at June, there were two social highlights: Firstly, the Fish and Chips lunch in Bar Pons, Cala en Porter, was especially well attended, with an amazing 64 guests enjoying a fabulous lunch. There are no lunches during July and August so the next set of lunches will be: Bar Pons, Thursday September 5th, 1.00 for 1.30pm Please contact Sandy on 650 729 430 Can Avelino 23, Mahón Thursday September 19th, 1.30pm Please contact Chris on 669 949 370 Excursion to Ciutadella by Chris Crane, volunteer, trip organizer and (unofficial) guide for the day. On Thursday 13th June a group of Members, Volunteers and Friends enjoyed the Age Concern annual trip to Ciutadella, which was open for anyone to book, members or non-members. After coach pickups in Es Castell, Mahón, Son Vitamina and Cala en Porter, the route to the charming former capital took us through the countryside to
Alaior, passing the Taula d’en Torralba, one of the most-visited prehistoric sites of the island. Arriving in town mid-morning, everyone was keen to “do their own thing” for 2 hours, which included shopping - a haven for fashionistas with numerous and varied shops. Some people wandered the labyrinth of enchanting streets in the historic centre, visiting the fresh produce area in the central Plaza Libertad which offers meat, fish, fruit & veg, and the local specialities of honey, pickled capers, camomile for digestive infusions, spicy cured sausages, and award-winning cheeses (the latter 2 vacuum packed to avoid odours on the bus!). The Can Saura Municipal Museum attracted a few of our group who reported that it was a very enjoyable visit, giving an interesting insight to the island both past and present via audio-visuals, photos, scale models and artefacts. Entrance fees are nominal, and free to over 65s. A visit to Ciutadella is not complete without a drink “al fresco” combined with “peoplewatching” in one of the lively plazas, or harbour-side in the acclaimed Bar Tritón. We rejoined the coach to arrive at the lunch venue, Restaurant Cala Blanca in the west coast resort of the same name. Popular with both locals and visitors, this tried and trusted restaurant offers excellent food, service and views of the beach and bay from the terrace. Our 3-course lunch was served by the cheerful waiters with wine, water and coffee included. A “chupito” rounded things off nicely and we moved on to our last stop of the day. Truvi Garden Centre is situated a few kilometres off the main road, towards Cala Galdana, and is renowned throughout the island by discerning gardeners, pet owners and interior decor enthusiasts. Juana and her knowledgeable team are always helpful and welcoming; several trolley-loads of plants were trundled out and safely stored in the boot of the coach by Ernesto, our amiable driver for the day. The trip is a popular event every spring, so think about joining us next year. Information on this and other events will be posted on the “Age Concern Menorca 2015” Facebook page and in the shop. ROQ U E TA M AGA ZI N E . N E T
A reminder about other social activities First Thursday of the month we enjoy a Fish and Chips lunch at Bar Pons in Cala en Porter. Third Thursday of the month we have a Menu del Dia at Can Avelino 23 in Mahón. News from the shop: We have a 2€ (or less) clothes sale at the moment and this will continue until we have run out of clothes or until the end of summer – whichever happens first. Come along and stock up! Remember we have a huge stock of various greeting cards in English so do come and look. A huge thank you to everyone who donates goods for sale and also, of course, to the volunteers who staff the shop. We couldn’t do anything without you! Membership You can become a Member of Age Concern by paying 12€ to our Membership Secretary, Shelley, either at a lunch or in the shop or by bank transfer if you wish. You can also donate through the DONATE page on our website. Apart from the importance of offering your support to our organisation you also get a discount on the lunches you attend! Information and Contact Numbers Please remember our confidential Lifeline service to help with individual problems and information lifelineminac@gmail.com +34 676 904 487. Our Medical Equipment Loan service is available for everyone either on the island or just visiting acmenorcamedequip@gmail.com +34 629 016 307 Shop: menorca@ageconcern.org.es 971 156 110 Manager: 636 347 286 Opening hours: Monday – Saturday, 9.45 – 13.15. For the latest information and current offers follow us on Facebook: Age Concern Menorca 2015 or visit our website www.ageconcernmenorca.com
LOCAL NEWS
52
AUGUST 2024
By Janice Bocking
CATS IN NEED MENORCA Neutering and caring for stray and feral cats. Making a difference since 1999 I was reflecting this week that we care for cats from cradle to grave but in fact it goes beyond that for one of our main objectives is to prevent litters of kittens being born by carrying out constant year-round neutering of strays and ferals in the eastern end of Menorca. If they are not born, they can’t suffer. In addition, we do our best to care for poorly and injured cats, or just simply elderly cats. We never put a cat to sleep if it can have quality of life. Currently a lot of the cats who share my home are geriatrics, at least 17 years old or more. Many are like Donald, loved by all who meet him, a star of our open days. Donald lived in one of our colonies of cats in Binibeca until 2 years ago when he lost both weight and fur. He looked dreadful, but with antibiotics and good food we got him better. He has arthritis now and has a monthly jab of Solensia which makes him much more mobile. Also here from the same colony is Gilly, who was hit by a car just over 2 months ago and had a broken pelvis. She is learning to walk again and doing really rather well. She also enjoys a treat and a cuddle. Not so easy to spot is Pinot, a black female from one of our colonies in Mahón, on a cliff overlooking the harbour. She possibly was also hit by a car. She was new there and joined in with the others but couldn’t stand up without falling over and at first was dragging her back legs. But my goodness she was difficult to catch. She was still a lot faster than me and could scoot uphill under trees and disappear into holes in the cliff. Perseverance paid off and I caught her on the third day of trying. She stayed with our vet for a while. She was eating well and getting better by the day but still very wobbly. It seemed a shame to put her to sleep so again she came to live in our safe area. At first she lived behind the hut and came out to eat when there was no one around. Now she stretches out on the beds in sun or shade as she wishes. She still runs away from strangers but looks at me with her head on one side. But the Cat Café is just a fraction of the work that we do. We feed, between us all, over 200 cats every day, or rather I should say night, for that is when we have to go out feeding, when there are fewer people and hopefully no seagulls or chickens around to steal the food. Without all the special food that we buy for the old cats our food bill usually runs at 1000 euros a month. Plus vet bills. There is rarely a day goes by in the summer without a call out to a poorly or injured cat. We can’t take in kittens, nor can we find them homes, but we do help people and we have a massive project on at the moment. People often start off feeding one or two strays and sometimes don’t want them neutered as they think it is unnatural. Lo and behold after a couple of years they have 40 or 50 cats and panic sets in. We have recently neutered several adults, all females, and between them had produced 25 kittens. Two very poor ones sadly died, but the rest we treated for parasites etc. Three had to have an eye each removed, and then we vaccinated them and repeated the parasite treatment. We helped with some good food. We have to
repeat the vaccinations in August and really need some financial help to help cover the cost. The vaccinations alone cost just under 1000 euros. We get no subsidies, we rely on donations and the sale of some items such as mugs, greetings cards, jewellery and kitchen textiles. Lately we have had a lot of calls for elderly cats, many with dental problems. Amazing how much difference we can make to the life of a cat. It can be very satisfying, but of course there is sadness as well. The worst thing of all is to pick up a stray that is beyond help and it is a one-way trip to our vet. Even if they can have only a few months of comfort, safety, food and TLC, it helps us all.
Max
Some, such as Margarita in the cat garden, we didn’t expect to survive more than a few months. Here she still is more than 2 years on. We get very fond of the cats in our groups. We have some real characters living with us, such as Dillon, also known as Pesky. So clever he can open the oven door and break into a bag of cat food in seconds. Max is a big friendly Tom who loves a cuddle. Coco will love you for Dreamies. So many to meet. Some people have been coming to see us for years and remember the cats from one year to the next. If you have time please come and visit us. Children are welcome. We have hot and cold drinks and a lovely little shop.
Kittens
A big Furry Welcome awaits you. We provide the Dreamies, or bring your own. Should you wish to donate we are a UK registered Charity No 1161878 with a UK bank account 20 53 77 13280128. This is the best for us as we pay no charges. We have a PayPal account also. PayPal.Me/ catsinneedmenorca199 and if you are a UK Tax Payer you could download a Gift Aid form from our website catsinneedmenorca.org and indeed you can also donate through the website. Without this help we couldn’t do our work.
Street Cats Es Castell
Our Cat Cafe is open on Fridays and Sundays from 11 to 13.00. So much of our work is outside the centre that we cannot open more days. Address: Sinia Den Riera 16 Es Castell. We are on Facebook , Cats in Need Menorca and also Janice Bockling Tel and WhatsApp 0034 610012628. We try to keep calls to the mornings from 10 till 2 but WhatsApp is easier and can be any time. If you call about a cat we need to have the name of the road and house number etc. Please ask for help whilst you are here. When visitors leave, the cats often move on at once and we might never find them.
D O N ’ T M I S S A N E D I T I O N , S U B S C R I B E T O D AY ! V I S I T: R O Q U E TA M A G A Z I N E . N E T
Teddy
LOCAL NEWS
53
AUGUST 2024
TREBALUGER EQUINE RESCUE CENTRE By Samantha Lake
It’s been a busy few months. Now the summer is here there are more volunteers, which is fantastic. Also, we are meeting lovely visitors who are interested in the work we are doing with the animals at the centre, as well as those in need of our help around the island. One of the original mares who is now 30 years old has been having difficulty chewing so the vet came and filed her teeth to try and help. She had suffered many years of abuse and has the scars to show for it but is a gracious and loving horse. When I first rescued her she was emaciated, full of worms and wouldn’t allow anyone to touch her back legs, always terrified of what was going to happen to her. She’s been with us for 7 years and has relaxed and enjoyed her new life. She does not like the summer heat and due to her age she is struggling to maintain her weight again. A volunteer needs to stand with her whilst she eats her food, otherwise the little pony will steal it from her! There is a lovely lady who lives on the island who has been making natural homemade candles for us to sell to raise funds. They are amazing and we have them in our little shop. There are many other items, many homemade, donated by very generous people and all the profit goes into caring for the animals. A long story cut short - a male, non-castrated young donkey needed a home urgently last month. I received a call as he was going to be put to sleep as he was a nuisance to the owner. He was then moved to 2 different homes but they both decided they didn’t like him and he ended up at the rescue centre. I had to put him in with our other non-castrated male donkeys as I have no other space for him and he was terrified, as I don’t think he had ever mixed with animals or many humans before. Anyway, after a short time and a few arguments with the other boys, he is happy, settled and very very loving. He doesn’t realise how boisterous he can be sometimes, but he has found a happy place. We have called him Alfie. In a previous article I explained that I was writing to each town hall with the permission of the Consell Insular to recommend and help with the many issues of abandoned, non-chipped and not cared for equines around the island. I have received only one reply. I find it very sad that a charitable association is offering to help the island with a problem and they don’t appear to be interested. In the meantime, I have received many calls and messages asking me to rehome and help equines because it appears that there is no one else to ask. I cannot take any more unless the town halls will work with me. I have limited space, limited volunteers and very little funds. But fighting on, I won’t give up! I will again ask please can you spare 1€ a month and join our teaming page, it’s simple and safe to use but gives us a regular income that goes such a long way to covering our 3000€ a month costs. It is less than a coffee for you but means a lot for us; please join and thank you from every animal you help by doing so. https:/www.teaming.net/trebalugerequinerescuecentre. We look forward to meeting you Open every day 09.30-12.30 Whatsapp 689 802 108
We are well into summer and the temperatures are creeping up. People are on the go and spending lots of time outside. (Don’t forget your sunscreen!). As in previous years, The Arts Society Menorca takes July and August off, returning Thursday 19th September with our speaker Stella Lyons on American “painter of loneliness and melancholy, from solitary figures to deserted towns”…. Edward Hopper. There will be more about Mr. Hopper in August’s Roqueta. Ms. Lyons joined us via Zoom during Covid on the “interpretation of painting”. It was so interesting to hear that the origins of such interpretation have roots in cave drawings. As before, Jorge at the AeroClub San Lluís is our host with drinks and tapas available; his empañadas are very popular! Sponsor, Santa Margarita Anglican Church, offers a free beverage to guests, and of course we couldn’t do it at all without the sponsorship of Blevins Franks. “The Committee” wants to thank you, our members and guests, for your ongoing interest in our lectures and what they have to offer. Fascinating, funny and so much understanding and information shared by our excellent speakers. We still have two more lectures to enjoy completing our 2024 season; Stella Lyons in September; and Andrew Prince in October on Jewellery and Fashion from 1890 to 1929. Our Programme Secretary, Victoria Dowie, already has our 2025 season booked. More on that in later editions…! We were delighted in May to host Antiques Road Show expert, Will Farmer, who taught us about Clarice Cliff and her beautiful deco pottery designs. We are already working on getting Will here for a return engagement. One of our guests at the May lecture sent the comment below. I think it says it all! “A really interesting and informative talk yesterday evening. Will Farmer certainly knows his facts and added in some relevant historical points to ‘ground’ Miss Cliff. His anecdotes made us feel as if he’d met her as well as all the painting ladies. So glad I spotted the event online. Victoria made us strangers very welcome; we saw one or two faces we recognised and the empañadas were very tasty!” As always, please contact Malcolm at menorca@theartssociety.org to let him know you are coming to the lecture or to book membership or guest tickets. You can also follow us on FaceBook with up-to-date information and some fun stuff too! Thank you, and we hope to see you at the Stella Lyons lecture on Edward Hopper on 19th September. The Lecture starts at 8.00pm; doors open at 7.15pm. Your Committee: Victoria, Clive, Malcolm and Kate
Alfie
Laina
ROQ U E TA M AGA ZI N E . N E T
LOCAL NEWS
54
AUGUST 2024
SPIKELETS IN PETS: RISKS AND PRECAUTIONS by ROQUETA’s VET Caroline Langlois
Phone or WhatsApp: +34 685753292 Email: vetmenorca@gmail.com C/Santa Victoria 30, 07701 Mahon
As soon as spring arrives and throughout the summer, a dry grass is particularly to be feared: the spikelet. If you don’t spot it early, it can have serious consequences for your dog’s or cat’s health. Where do spikelets grow? What precautions should you take to protect your dog? How can you spot a spikelet and what should you do? All the explanations and our advice can be found in this article!
there’s probably a spikelet there! Even more so if the ear is leaking, seeping or smells bad. The spikelet clings to the hair around the entrance to the ear and descends directly to the bottom of the ear canal, where it can sometimes pierce the eardrum.
What are spikelets?
This is probably the second most frequent location. The dog sniffs actively in the middle of the tall grass, and suddenly comes back, curling up one of its nostrils and sneezing violently. Bleeding from the affected nostril may also be observed.
Not to be confused with a wheat ear, spikelets are small, spike-shaped seeds from wild grasses. They can be found in tall, wild or poorly tended grasses. but also in meadows, cultivated fields, roadsides, parks and gardens, whether public or private. In other words, spikelets are everywhere… Spikelets generally grow between spring and autumn, depending on where you live. They are currently very common in Menorca. It is when they start to dry out that they are most problematic: the seeds come off the plant and cling very easily to your dog’s or cat’s skin or coat. What risks do they represent? They attach themselves to any filamentous surface (clothing, but also animal fur), then progress, always in the same direction. Their pointed end enables them to perforate tissue, including skin. The spikelet hooks into the hair and starts to advance. When its tip reaches the skin, it perforates it, and continues to advance inside, always in the same direction, deeper and deeper, creating a simple abscess or more serious lesions depending on the location. Il can also enter through a natural orifice in the animal.
2) In the nose:
The tip of the spike sometimes still sticks out of the nostril, but it’s rare that you manage to grab it given the dog’s state of agitation, and even rarer that you manage to extract it, because of the difficulty of pulling back a spike: you generally end up with a small broken barb between your fingers, while the rest of the grass continues to advance inside the nose. In the best-case scenario, by sniffing too much, the spikelet can make its way up the back of the nose, fall into the throat and be swallowed and eliminated with the food. If it falls on the wrong side and heads for the lungs... that’s much more annoying!
They can lodge anywhere and are a frequent reason for veterinary consultations. Which animals are at risk? Small dogs, long-haired dogs or dogs with floppy ears are obviously the most susceptible, but they can also be found in all varieties of dog. Cats are much more vigilant, but oral, nasal or ocular lesions are fairly common in this species. Which parts of my pets should I keep an eye on?
3) In the eye:
In detail, spikelets can be found:
In these cases, the spikelet usually lodges under the third eyelid. It is important to remove this spikelet as soon as possible (sedation will often be required), otherwise the rubbing of the grass on the cornea will soon cause an ulcer, which can be difficult to heal and, in the most serious cases, can lead to perforation of the cornea and loss of the eye.
1) In the ears This is by far the most common location! When a dog suddenly starts twitching his ears in spring or summer, tilts his head, refuses to be touched...
D O N ’ T M I S S A N E D I T I O N , S U B S C R I B E T O D AY ! V I S I T: R O Q U E TA M A G A Z I N E . N E T
LOCAL NEWS
55
AUGUST 2024
More rarely, a spikelet may penetrate the lacrimal duct, leading to chronic suppuration of the lacrimal ducts.
If you have a garden, you can dispose of the grass clippings. Spikelets can be found in tall grass, but also in lawns!
This is a very painful area. Instinctively, the dog or the cat rubs and scratches to try to relieve the discomfort. He blinks his eyelids or keeps his eye closed and his eye runs.
What to do if my dog has a spikelet?
4) In the mouth: When swallowing grass, your dog may eat a spikelet, which may then become lodged in the cheek, gums, tonsils or throat. A dog that swallows and eats a spikelet will try to vomit and/or start coughing. In the most annoying cases, the spikelets pass through the buccal mucosa and become lodged downwards (trough abscess, between the jaws, etc., which is annoying), or upwards (abscess behind an eye). 5) In the genital tract In both males and females, the genital tract is an entry point for a small spikelet. The dog turns in circles, rubs its hindquarters on the ground and licks itself. In bitches, the spikelet enters through the vulva. It may travel up the vagina (causing vulval discharge), then along a uterine horn, which it may eventually perforate and end up in the abdominal cavity, causing peritonitis. It can also travel to the clitoral fossa, where it either gets stuck (again causing vulval discharge) or passes through the vaginal wall and under the skin, causing an abscess in the lower abdomen. In males, the spikelet enters the sheath. It may get stuck there, causing an abscess and purulent discharge, or it may pierce the mucous membrane of the sheath before going under the skin of the belly and forming an abscess.
1) If the spikelet is located in an area visible to the naked eye or if the spikelet is not embedded in the skin You can remove the spikelet yourself, using your fingers or tweezers, if it is not embedded in your dog’s skin. The spikelet may be located, for example on the skin, trapped in the hair, between the fingers of a paw, at the entrance to the ear canal or a nostril, in the oral cavity, stuck to the palate or the tongue, or outside the eye. 2) If only the hard tip of the spikelet is stuck in the skin The spikelet can be removed with your fingers or tweezers. After removal, apply a dog antiseptic to the wound to avoid the risk of infection. Monitor the treated area for the next few days and consult a vet if any complications arise. 3) If a large part of the spikelet is stuck in the skin Do not intervene yourself: by removing the spikelet, you risk leaving fragments in the epidermis of the skin. Take your dog to a vet who will probably need to perform a minor operation, sometimes under anaesthetic, to remove it. 4) If the spikelet is in an inaccessible area Do not try to intervene yourself if you notice that the spikelet is in the ear canal, under the eyelid or in a nostril, for example. Take your dog to a vet. Do not use any tools to remove the spikelet, as this could injure your dog, fragment the spikelet, perforate the eardrum or damage the cornea of the eye, leading to serious complications. The danger of spikelets to dogs should not be underestimated. Every year, they are responsible for numerous infections, sometimes with serious complications for the animal’s health. It is possible to protect your dog, mainly by regular inspection. It’s best to consult your vet if you suspect the presence of a spikelet, or if you’re not sure you’ve completely removed one that has been spotted.
6) Under the skin: The spikelet doesn’t necessarily need a specific entry point; it attaches itself to the hairs, progresses, reaches the skin which it runs through, and progresses into the subcutaneous tissue, creating fistulas, a kind of gallery that it digs as it progresses. Spikelets often penetrate between two toes, a thin-skinned area where it is easy to cling, and can then travel quite high up the leg: the dog then spends hours licking between the toes, and a small abscess may be seen at this point. They can also penetrate the skin just about anywhere (under the belly, along the flanks, etc.). Note that a spikelet that has been under the skin for several days, or even several weeks, may have gone absolutely anywhere, sometimes very far from its point of entry! Can spikelets be avoided? What precautions should be taken? Whether you’re out in the country, in the city or in the park, spikelets can be found wherever wild grasses grow. This can make walking a bit tricky, but during the warmer months when the grass is drier, it’s best to keep your dog on a lead when walking near a field of tall grass. And when you get home, inspect your dog thoroughly to remove any spikelets that may be stuck in its coat. You can also have your dog’s coat trimmed this summer. This is particularly recommended for dogs with long and/or curly hair. Small hairs around the ears and between the pads should be trimmed to leave as little room as possible for spikelets. All knots in the hair should be cut. ROQ U E TA M AGA ZI N E . N E T
LOCAL NEWS
56
AUGUST 2024
SPIRITUAL WELLBEING
By Rev Paul Strudwick
and their influence may be detected all the way from the British Isles, to parts of France, to Galicia, to Galatia in Greece, all the way to Anatolia in Turkey.
Food for the soul: Loreena McKennitt
For me, there is an undeniably spiritual quality to this music. Some of it is obvious, such as words from Saint John of the Cross, in the Dark Night of the Soul: ‘Oh night, thou was my guide. Oh night more loving than the rising sun. Oh night that joined the lover to the beloved one. Transforming each of them into the other.’ Other words connecting humanity to its environs and wondering about the mystery of the human condition spring from the artist herself, as in The Two Trees: ‘Beloved, gaze in thine own heart. The holy tree is growing there. From joy the holy branches start. And all the trembling flowers they bear.’ I could probably write a whole essay about the trembling flowers borne on the branches of the tree of life, their fragility and their hopefulness, but the words of the song do a better job. The Celts have increasingly over the past decades re-emerged as influencers of western Christianity. Celtic Christianity, which may be found in many places, especially the prayers, devotions and reflections of the Iona Community, or the Northumbria Community, blends the earthy, naturally-grounded Celtic connection with the world and environment in which we live and with a degree of mysticism that accepts with humility the place of the human being in a world still with much to discover and learn. It takes all of that and embeds within it Christian spirituality. The Northumbria Community draws upon words from the writer William Stringfellow to define itself:
Food for the soul: Menorca’s north coast, between Es Alocs and Cala Calderer.
THE REAL THING Why do people go to hear music performed live? I’m sure that there are many reasons. The writer, Brian Draper, recently wrote about going to a Taylor Swift concert with his daughters: ‘90,000, mainly young women, singing not just in ‘unison’ but with a fierce togetherness, every single word of every song echoed back for well over three hours. It was spine-tingling and goose-bumping.’ In a similar vein, but with a different genre of music, it is why people go to the Promenade concerts in London. Listening to the music is one thing, regardless of the quality of the recording. Being in the presence of the performer, or performers - and with others who appreciate the music - is about community as well as performance. There is something about live music, a quality that transcends recordings. In our culture, and with the technology available to us, recorded music has become the norm, whereas of course, live performances considerably predate the recorded medium. Once upon a time people bought recordings of music so that they could reproduce the experience of hearing live performances, whereas nowadays we go to live performances to hear the recreation of what we already know from recordings! In early July, Kate and I took a quick, impromptu trip to Barcelona to hear the Canadian singer-songwriter Loreena McKennitt in concert. It was not Taylor Swift, but for us it still had the ‘spine-tingling and goose-bumping’ effect. Her music draws upon Irish and Scottish folk music with infused ingredients drawn from Spanish and Middle Eastern sources. I have been listening to recordings of her music for more than thirty years, but this was the first time that Kate or I had heard a live performance of her music. I was reminded of the first time that I saw a comprehensive collection of impressionist paintings at a special exhibition in San Francisco. Until then, I had thought that I enjoyed Impressionism, based primarily upon seeing reproductions. The real thing took my breath away. There is a luminescent quality that seeing art in three dimensions reveals that cannot be seen in two-dimensional reproductions. Some years later I was in the Musée d’Orsay in Paris, now the home to a great collection of impressionist paintings, and I felt the same stirring in my heart. At that time, I was there eighteen months after the death of my first wife and one painting particularly touched me: Monet’s portrait of his dead wife, ‘Camille on her Deathbed,’ a visual testimony of love and grief, because, of course, it touched a raw nerve within me. Art can do that. Reproductions can do it; the real thing offers an added dimension. And so it was with that transcendent evening of Loreena McKennitt’s music in Barcelona, a swirling embrace of haunting and uplifting melody and lyrics brought to life by Loreena and her ensemble of talented virtuoso performers. Much of this brings our qualities that are undeniably Celtic in nature, and in a way, by bringing together elements from different parts of eastern and western music, Loreena is reuniting various strands of Celtic influence. As she notes when speaking about the Celtic roots of her music, the Celts (also known as Gauls) spread all across Europe,
‘Dynamic and erratic, spontaneous and radical, audacious and immature, committed if not altogether coherent, ecumenically open and often experimental, visible here and there, now and then but unsettled institutionally. Almost monastic in nature, but most of all enacting a fearful hope for human life in society.’ And that is where Menorca fits into the picture. This may not be an evidently Celtic community (apart from the red-headed locals whose genetics may be traced back to Scottish soldiers from the eighteenth century!), but it is a place where Celtic devotions can be very much at home. Given the large swathes of undeveloped land on this small island, it is relatively easy to find places of tranquility and calm, immersed and unified with the natural surroundings, that can be spiritually nourishing. Admittedly an overpopulated beach near to a tourist hotel in the midst of summer is not perhaps the best location for spiritual peace and contemplation, but a walk along the north coast from Cavalleria to Cala Pilar is seldom crowded at any time of the year. This is where we can find the value of the real thing, in terms of experiencing Menorca’s spiritual nourishment. From paintings, to photos, all the way to lovely videos produced from drones, the island is very photogenic. Yet actually to be alongside the gently rolling hills, the cliffs, the clear, blue sea, amongst grasses waving in the wind, or even just to relax in the cooling water of a beach in the heat of summer, is to find food for the soul. This is part of the gift of Menorca, like the texture of an impressionist painting, or the enfolding harmony of live music; may all who come here take advantage of at least a little of this offering. It can touch the heart and inspire dreams. ‘Here is my heart, I give it to you. Take me with you across this land. These are my dreams, so simple, so few. Dreams we hold in the palm of our hands.’ (Never Ending Road, Loreena McKennitt)
CHURCH NEWS Worship in the church of Santa Margarita takes place on Sunday mornings at 11am (no 9am service during August), as well as at 11am every Wednesday. Santa Margarita continues to offer worship online, to respect the needs of those unable to worship in person at the church. While the chaplain, Paul, is on holiday for three weeks in August, Santa Margarita is pleased and privileged to welcome the Rev. Michael Higgins to lead worship on Sundays and Wednesdays. The church web site will continue to be the place to seek up-to-date news and information about online worship. Our new web site can be found at www. anglicanchurchmenorca.net.
The phone number for the chaplain, Paul, is +34 617222382 and his e-mail is chaplain@anglicanchurchmenorca.com (which remains the same).
D O N ’ T M I S S A N E D I T I O N , S U B S C R I B E T O D AY ! V I S I T: R O Q U E TA M A G A Z I N E . N E T
LOCAL NEWS
57
AUGUST 2024
LADIES LUNCHEON CLUB
By Christine Brooker
JULY LUNCHEON AT Hotel Agamenon The July lunch started with a few announcements from Jayne Wolstenholme, our president. We are planning a coach trip to Ciutadella, provisionally on 16th October. People will be collected in Mahón and Es Mercadal, there will be plenty of free time in the city and then lunch nearby, before heading home. There is also a possible showing of Spanish Fly (some of us saw parts being filmed!) with Terry-Thomas and Leslie Phillips, to which members can bring partners and guests. Raffle prizes as always were spot-on included a lethal looking tennis racquet fly swatter. After a good buffet, our speaker was Tom Dyer who, with his wife Jess, writes such interesting articles in Roqueta. Tom has been in the health industry for 25 years. He told us how he suffered a stroke 7 years ago and spent 2 weeks in hospital learning to walk and talk again. He found meditation boring and so looked for a different sort of mindfulness and discovered the benefits of Qi Gong, from which Tai Chi and Kung Fu evolved. He teaches Qi Gong, online and in person, to improve energy, longevity and mobility (definitely of interest to the LLC, ahem). Tom soon had us up and moving, explaining about the importance of breathing correctly and using both sides of the brain. He also told us how, after sitting for 45 minutes, the body shuts down, so it is so important to get up and move around. He also stressed the importance of being hydrated. Drinking a large glass of water every morning on waking up is essential. We have been contacted by the Consell about the retirement home in Mahón for senior citizens. There are some British people there, some of you may know them, and some are lonely and would like a bit of company. If you think you can help, even if it is only occasionally, please contact the LLC, of course you don’t have to be a member.
LADIES PROBUS
ENFUSION CHOIR By Elaine Martin, Secretary
By Janet Quayle
Our July lunch was at S’Aturadeta Jardins, in the totally reformed restaurant which used to be El Picadero. It was a beautiful day, the restaurant gardens looked so relaxing and inviting. After an excellent lunch we were entertained by DJ’s Peter Janiszewski and Carlos Hebden Rogers. Many of the ladies were dancing and singing along and great fun was had by all. The August lunch will held at Can Avelino 23 in Mahón and we have a speaker, Sarah Jane Bayliss, a police officer from Edinburgh, who should be very interesting. To join us at the lunch, email probusmenorca@gmail.com
The Choir is looking forward to presenting a musical extravaganza on 31 August to include other artists. Raffle profits will be donated to the amazing good works of Carlos Mir, a cause with which the Choir is proud to be associated.
ROQ U E TA M AGA ZI N E . N E T
WHAT’S ON
WHAT’S
ON
AUGUST 2024 Every month we try to list events that we know are happening to help you plan ahead. Of course if you hear of anything else yourself that is of interest to the readers, then please let us know info@roquetamagazine.net
MUSIC FESTIVALS PEDRA VIVA Music and scenic arts festival in beautiful locations across the island. Full programme, location of concerts, and tickets from www. pedravivamenorca.com/ 2 and 3 August: Els Pirates, Torre-saura country house, Ciutadella, 9pm. 9 August: Sonoma La Veronal, La Mola fortress (Mahón), 9pm. 15 August: Joan Dausa, Torre-saura country house, Ciutadella at 10pm. 23 August: Vocal Vircan, Cova des Coloms (Es Migjorn Gran), 7pm. 30 August: Idiòfona, Joan Català, Es Pinaret (Ciutadella), 7pm. 5 September: Yarin, Kukai Dantza, Hauser & Wirth (Isla del Rey), 7.15pm. 22 September: Cadira, Pep Aymerich, Hauser & Wirth (Isla del Rey), 12.30pm.
MENORCA MUSIC FESTIVAL 2024 2-9 August: sustainable music festival held in the Recinte Firal in the town of Es Mercadal https://menorcamusicfestival.com/ 2 August: Melendi 20 años sin noticias 3 August: God Save The Queen Greatest Hits 4 August: Nil Moliner Lugar Paraíso 5 August: Guillem Gisbert and Stay Homas. 6 August: La Oreja de Van Gogh Tour 2024 7 August: David Bisbal 20 años tour 9 August: Taburete
CRANC ILLA DE MENORCA FESTIVAL 2024 26-29 September: taking place in Cala Figuera, port of Mahón. https://crancfestival.com
FOSQUETS DE LÍTHICA Every summer an arts festival takes place in Líthica quarries, on the outskirts of Ciutadella. Tickets available from www.fosquetsdelithica.com 1 August: Fl4menca, with Ana Fernández (vocals), Carmen García (guitar), Romina Vázquez (percussion) and Helena Cueto (dance), 8.30pm.
58
AUGUST 2024
8 August: Tanyedoores, performed by Milo Ke Mandarini, 8.30pm. 15 August: Classical music concert with the Bachcelona Consort, 8.30pm. 19 August: Night of the full moon with Balkan music Bratia and aerial show Al fil de la lluna, by A Plom i Vol, 10pm. 22 August: Il Gesto Armonico, by Especial Quietud Musical, 7pm. 29 August: Confesiones a Lope, drama performed by Cia. Almaviva, 8.30pm. 1 September: Day of the Labyrinth, from 5pm onwards. 5 September: Na Clara, performed by Clara Gorrias, 8pm.
SUMMER EVENINGS IN THE PORT OF MAHÓN Every Thursday evening until 12 September there is a night craft market along with live music between 20:00 and 23:30. 2 August: Vespre de Foc: firecrackers and drums with the Myotragus team and Esclat drums. 9 August: Cris Juanico in concert, along the harbour front. 16 August: Special Art Event 19:30 to 23:30 50 artists from Menorca will display their work along the port. 27–31 August: Copa Del Rey Classic Yacht sailing regatta. www.velaclasicamenorca.com
SUMMER EVENINGS IN SANT LLUIS The council have organised a number of events: live bands, craft markets, and so on. 2 August: Se Vessa Mos Canta, 8pm in Pla de sa Creu, in Sant Lluis. 3 August: Estados de Ánimo, 9.30pm in Pla de sa Creu, in Sant Lluis. 5 August: Ballroom dance music, from Amélie to Ravel, 9pm in Pla de sa Creu, in Sant Lluis. 7 August: Menorca en Dansa, 9pm in S’Algar. 9 August: Molí Market. Craft market 7-11pm in Carrer Sant Lluis. 9 August: Gospel music with Moments a Cor, 9pm by Molí de Dalt.
SUMMER EVENINGS IN LÍTHICA Quietud Musical en el Jardín Medieval: Live music played in the medieval garden of Líthica, Pedreres de S’Hostal, Ciutadella www.fosquetsdelithica.com/fr/programacio-2024 7 August: Joan Mercadal (guitar), 7.30pm. 14 August: Pau Marquès (cello), 7.30pm. 28 August: Elena Armenteros (harp), 7.30pm. 4 September: Joan Mercadal (guitar), 7pm. 11 September: Pau Marquès (cello), 7pm. 18 September: Elena Armenteros (harp), 7pm. TO RENT: Large family villa in Es Castell. Quiet location overlooking Calas Fonts and the harbour of Mahon and a few minute’s walk from restaurants, shops and all the amenities of Es Castell. Not a resort. 6 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, 2 sitting rooms, pool, garden, BBQ, terraces in a residential area with wonderful views. No air conditioning but high up so always a breeze. Fans for all bedrooms. 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms downstairs, 3 bedrooms 2 bathrooms upstairs. Very well-equipped kitchen as it is a family home. Wifi, toys and children’s books. TV for DVDs only. 2 cots, stair gates, 2 highchairs etc. Available 29 August - 12 September. Now booking 2025 Contact owner email stevos.chiswick@btconnect.com or 00447917717919
D O N ’ T M I S S A N E D I T I O N , S U B S C R I B E T O D AY ! V I S I T: R O Q U E TA M A G A Z I N E . N E T
WHAT’S ON
59
AUGUST 2024
NIGHTS OUT: La Terraza Discoteca Menorca: DJs nights in August. More info re guest DJs on Instagram: laterraza _ discoteca. Cova den Xoroi: sunset and night sessions. Guest DJs. Tickets from https://www.covadenxoroi.com/ Guitar recitals performed by the Balearic Guitar Foundation, every Tuesday evening in August, 8pm in El Carme church in the centre of Mahón. Admission free. Live music in the centre of Mahón Every Tuesday until 27 August, there will be music in the streets of the town centre from 8.30 to 11.30pm. Musical styles range from pop and blues to soul and jazz. Shops stay open late. Includes a free concert in Es Claustre Es Claustre The courtyard in Es Claustre, by Iglesia del Carmen in Mahón town centre is the scene of many live concerts; over seventy have been scheduled throughout the summer until October. https://www.esclaustre.com/es/agenda/ jazzbah Located in the port of Ciutadella, jazzbah regularly holds live concerts throughout the summer. Check online for more information on https:// jazzbah.es/ Candle lit evenings in Alaior 1 and 29 August: the streetlights are turned off and the town centre is lit by candle light, with live music at various spots throughout the ton centre. Karaoke nights in Alaior Every Monday night: karaoke singing in Sa Plaça, Alaior, 8.30-10.30pm, until 16 September.
FOLK DANCING IN CIUTADELLA 18 August: 8.30pm in Plaça des Pins. 25 August: 8.30pm in Plaça de l’Almirall Farragut
TEATRE DES BORN Plaça des Born, Ciutadella Ciutadella’s theatre puts on a full programme of events, listed on the website https://www.teatredesborn.com/ Tickets available online and from the ticket office, which is open Tuesdays 11.30am to 1pm, Thursdays 7 to 8.30pm, also one hour before the start of the performance.
TEATRE PRINCIPAL Carrer d’en Deià 40, Mahón This is the oldest opera house in Spain, dating from 1829, with a wide programme of shows and concerts. See website for full programme. Tickets available online or from the box office. Guided tours on Wednesdays until 25 September at 12 noon (45 mins) in Spanish, Catalan, English and Italian. Price: 8€. Bookings on telephone 971355602 or email principal@teatremao.com Box office open mornings Tuesday to Saturday 11.30am to 1.30pm. Afternoons: Thursday and Friday 6.30 to 8.30pm. Also, one hour before the start of the performance. https://www.taquilla.com/mahon/teatre-principal-de-mao 1 August: Evening of dance 78i... Gala d’Estrelles de la Dansa-Fundació Rubió, 9pm. 8 August: Concert performed by the Paquito D’Rivera Trío and Àngela Cervantes, 9pm. 14 August: Concert with the Èlia Bastida Quartet, 9pm. 22 August: Concert with Martirio and the Chano Domínguez Trío, 9pm.
52ND SUMMER CLASSICAL MUSIC FESTIVAL CIUTADELLA www.jjmmciutadella.com/
7 August: Harp concert performed by Lucero Tena and Xavier de Maistre, 9pm.
5 August: De bat a bat, performed by María Angels Gornés, 9pm in the Claustre del Seminari.
12 August: Magic show with Mag Lari, 7.30pm.
12 August: Cartografía del mar, André Cebrian (flute) and Pedro Mateo (guitar), 9pm in the Claustre del Seminari.
21 August: Black, dance show performed by Oulouy, 9pm. 29 August: Coque Malla with the Ciutadella Music band, 9pm.
18 and 19 August: Ritual, performed by Isabel Villanueva, 9pm in Numa and 9pm in the Socors church.
31 August. La Carn, dance show performed by Lluís Garau, for adults, 5pm.
26 August: Noelia Rodiles (piano), 9pm in the Claustre del Seminari.
TEATRE DE CIUTADELLA (TEATRE DE CALÓS) Carrer de María Auxiliadora 38, Ciutadella.
51ST SUMMER CLASSICAL MUSIC FESTIVAL MAHÓN 14 August: jazz concert performed by the Èlia Bastida Quartet, 9pm in the Teatro Principal, Mahón.
Tickets available from https://www.ukalarimenorcaevents.com/
OCIMAX CINEMA MAHÓN:
14 September: Comedy Vaya pack de vasc@s, 10pm.
https://www.aficine.com/cine/ocimaxmahon/
21 September: Aladdin Tribute show, 7pm.
Cineclub films shown in the original language on Thursdays at 8.30pm. ROQ U E TA M AGA ZI N E . N E T
WHAT’S ON
60
AUGUST 2024
MENORCA DOC FEST 4 October – 1 November: Documentary festival https://www.menorcadocfest.com/
GUIDED TOURS
CINEMES MOIX NEGRE CIUTADELLA http://www.cinesmoixnegre.org/ Films shown in the original language most Tuesdays at 8.30pm. Cineclub films screened every Tuesday and Thursday at 8.30pm.
OPERA AT THE CINEMA 8 August: Norma, by Vincenzo Bellini, recorded at the Artena Sferisterio, Macerata, Italy, 8.45pm. 22 August: The Barber of Seville, by Rossini, recorded at the Arena di Verona, 8.45pm. 29 August: Opera recital with Anna Netrebko and Yusif Eyvazov, recorded at Waldbühne Berlin, 8.45pm. http://www.cinesmoixnegre.org/
OUTDOOR FILMS SCREENING ALAIOR Cinema a la fresca films shown in the original language, in Pati de sa Lluna (convent de Sant Diego) at 9.30pm. 13 August: Las ocho montañas, by Felix Van Groeningen, 2022. 20 August: El acusado, by Yvan Attal, 2021. 27 August: Close, by Lucas Dhont, 2022. 3 September: Vasil, by Avelina Prat, 2022.
OUTDOOR FILMS SCREENING CALA’N PORTER Cinema a la fresca films shown in the original language, on Cala’n Porter beach at 9.30pm. 16 August: Spiderman, across the Spider-verse. 30 August: Mamma Mia! Here we go again. 13 September: Oppenheimer.
Teatro Principal (Mahón): Guided tours on Wednesdays until 25 September at 12 noon (45 mins) in Spanish, Catalan, English and Italian. Price: 8€. Bookings on telephone 971355602 or email principal@ teatremao.com Bell tower Sant Francesc church, Mahón. The bell tower is open to visits on Saturdays 10am-1pm and Sundays 11am-1pm, until 29 September. Donation: 1€. Torre d’en Galmés: Sundays at 10am (in English). Tickets online https://www.menorca.es/es/Visitas _ guiadas _ al _ poblado _ de _ Torre _ den _ Galmes/15447 Cova de s’Aigua, Caves in Cala Blanca: guided tours in English daily at 9.30am and 3pm. https://www.menorca.es/es/ Visitas _ guiadas _ la _ Cova _ de _ sAigua/14052 Free Guided tours of Es Castell 08, 22 August 05 September Meeting point: Tourist office (Maritime Heritage Museum - Thalassa) Call 971367437 email to turisme@aj-escastell.org or go directly to the meeting point. Priority will be given to those who have a reservation. Enjoy Ciutadella - Free Guided tours of Ciutadella. Artisan, Coastal and night time tours available https://www.ajciutadella.org/Contingut. aspx?IDIOMA=3&IdPub=56307 Guided Tours of Alaior offered by Ruta Turistica https://www.rutaturisticaalaior.com/
MENORCA BIOSPHERE RESERVE Guided visits on different aspects of the Biosphere Reserve. Visits are in Catalan and free of charge. Places are limited and are to be booked in advance on www.menorcabiosfera.org or by WhatsApp to 699 824 897 10 August: Pluja estel·lar, 9pm to midnight. 22 September: Una bassa d’oli, 10am to 1.30pm. 26 November: Una guarderia al mig del mar, 10am to 1.30pm. 16 December: De la pesca de l’anguila a la gestió de l’aigua, at 9.30am then again at 11.30am.
GOB WILDLIFE RECOVERY CENTRE Jul – 30 Sept Visit the GOB Wildlife Recovery Centre from Monday to Saturday from 6 pm until sunset. The Centre is located within the Pedreres de s’ Hostal de Lithica, on Camí Vell de Ciutadella, km 1. Discover the crucial work being done for the recovery of local fauna. www.gobmenorca.com/recuperacio-de-fauna/
TALAYOTIC MENORCA GUIDED VISITS: These tours are in Catalan and are free of charge: you just need to sign up for them. Tel: 689 33 28 88. 21 September: Talatí de Dalt 20 October: Trepucó 17 November: Es Grau – Torrre de Rambla. 14 December: Rituals in talayotic times, Museum of Menorca.
ENFUSION CHOIR 31st August “One Night Only” concert at the Aeroclub, Sant Lluis in aid of the Carlos Mir Centre. Doors open 18:30 for 19:30 start. Includes a raffle with prizes including meals for 2 at Biniarroca and Puig Sa Roca and a boat tour. Tickets 10 Euros by Whatsapp 600 293 626 / 689 177 164 or at the Aeroclub 11:30am on Fridays during practice. D O N ’ T M I S S A N E D I T I O N , S U B S C R I B E T O D AY ! V I S I T: R O Q U E TA M A G A Z I N E . N E T
WHAT’S ON
61
AUGUST 2024
THE ARTS SOCIETY MENORCA Thursday 19th September at 8PM Aeroclub Sant Lluís STELLA LYONS lecture: “All the Lonely People: The Work of American Realist, Edward Hopper” Thursday 24th October at 8PM Aeroclub Sant Lluís ANDREW PRINCE lecture: “From Downton to Gatsby: Jewellery and Fashion 1890 to 1929” For ticket information or to make a reservation contact Malcolm at: menorca@theartssociety.org
EXHIBITIONS ANTONI TÀPIES IN THE SHADOW Until 22 September CA N’OLIVER - C/ Anuncivay, 2 - Maó, Menorca East to West, a photography exhibition by Christelle Enquist and Jorge Delgado-Ureña, in Convent de Sant Diego, Alaior, until 1 September. Cossos, diàlegs amb Matías Quetglas, by Carles Jiménez, at El Roser exhibition hall at Carrer Roser 11, Ciutadella. Open Monday to Saturday 11am to 1pm and 6 to 9pm. Until 2 November. Admission free Jesús Rafael Soto, exhibition of the artist’s works at the Galería Cayón. Open Mondays: 6 to 9pm. Tuesday to Saturday: 10.30am to 2pm and 6 to 9pm. Open until 29 August. Carrer de Sant Roc 24, Mahón. Admission free. LÔAC: Contemporary art gallery located at Calle Santiago Pons Quintana 56, Alaior. Open Tuesday to Sunday 5 to 8pm, also Saturdays and Sundays 10am to 1.30pm. Admission 5€. Sculptures by Carlos Albert in Alaior town centre. Outdoor exhibition of art by Madrid sculptor in central locations around the town centre, until 15 September. Menorcan House museum: 18th century Menorcan house turned museum. Calle Isabel II 4, Mahón. Open Monday to Saturday 10am1.30pm and Tuesdays and Thursdays 7-9pm. Admission: 3€ (for the charity Manos Unidas).
NEW ART GALLERIES ALBARRÁN BOURDAIS This new gallery has just opened on Carrer d’en Deià 51 in Mahón (opposite the Teatro Principal), with an exhibition by Swiss artist Felice Varini. Open Tuesday to Saturday 10am-1pm and 5-9pm, until 26 October. Admission free.
CENTRO NUMA https://www.numamenorca.com/ corner of carrer Santa Barbara and carrer Marino Benejam (on the northern side of the port, just up the hill from the bridge). Run by the Fundación Numa, the centre is opening with the Inner Voice exhibition of 30 sculptures by Dutch artist Caspar Berger. Open Thursday, Friday and Saturday 9.30am to 12.30pm. Also Tuesday to Saturday 4 to 9pm. Admission 15€. Guided tours in English every Tuesday at 11.30am.
HAUSER & WIRTH Contemporary art exhibitions on Illa del Rei. The gallery is open until 27 October, showing works by Roni Horn and Eduardo Chillida. Admission free. Several activities (tours, concerts, workshops, etc) are organised throughout the summer. Please see website for more information. 21st August Outdoor Cinema Do the Right Thing (1989), directed by Spike Lee 120 min English language with Spanish subtitles in the gallery’s central courtyard https://menorca.hauserwirth.com/en/home ROQ U E TA M AGA ZI N E . N E T
WHAT’S ON
62
AUGUST 2024
GETTING AROUND THE ISLAND If you prefer using public transport as an alternative to taking the car, there are three bus companies covering different parts of the island. Buses are very punctual, although bear in mind timetables vary greatly depending on the time of year. Up to date bus timetables can be checked online. TORRES www.bus.e-torres.net Torres buses run between Ciutadella and resorts along the west coast, as well as to the unspoiled beaches to the north and to the south of Ciutadella. Torres also operate the line from Mahón town centre to the airport. TMSA www.tmsa.es TMSA buses run across the island connecting all the main towns, as well as routes to the resorts on the southern coast and eastern coast
NAVAL HOSPITAL ISLA DEL REY Guided visits around the Hospital on the Isla del Rey in English: Tuesdays and Thursdays at 11:20. In French: Wednesdays at 11:20. In Spanish: Monday to Saturday at 11:15 and 19:15. Sundays in all languages departing on the Catamaran at 9am
AUTOS FORNELLS https://www.autosfornells.com/ connecting Mahón with the north-eastern coastline up to Fornells, also connections to Alaior and Es Mercadal.
MARKETS CRAFT MARKETS
27 – 31 August Copa Del Rey Classic Yacht sailing regatta. www.velaclasicamenorca.com 28 September: The Trail Nocturna, night run, https://traildelsfars.com/nocturna 6 October: Artiem Half Menorca Triathlon. www.artiemhalfmenorca.com 11-13 October: Mountain bike tour of Menorca. www.menorcabtt.com 18-20 October: International cycling tour. www.menorcacicloturista.com 21 October: The October Trail run. https://illadelstrails.com/programa-october-trail/
Mahón: June to September, Tuesdays and Saturdays, Plaça del Carme, 9am to 2pm. Mahón: July and August, Tuesday evenings, in the streets of the town centre, 8 to 11pm. Ciutadella: 1 June to 15 September, Mondays and Fridays (also Wednesdays in July and August), in Plaça des Born 7pm to midnight. Ciutadella: 1 June to 30 September, daily, on the steps down to the port, 7pm to midnight Es Castell: 15 June to 15 September, daily, in Cales Fonts, 7.30pm to 1am. Es Migjorn Gran: July, August and September, Tuesday evenings in the town centre, 6 to 11pm. Alaior: Wednesday evenings, 7 to 11pm. Es Mercadal: July to end September, Thursdays, in the town centre, 7 to 11pm. Ferreries: July to September, Fridays, 6 to 11pm in the old part of town. Sant Lluis: 15 June to end August, Friday evenings in town centre, 7 to 11pm.
BANK HOLIDAYS
FARMERS’ MARKETS
CATAMARAN SUMMER SCHEDULE – Departures from Mahón from 11:00 to 21:00 Return from the Island from 12:30 to 23:30. Annual art sale for the benefit of the Hospital Foundation until 14th August in Carrer Nou, Mahon
SPORTS EVENTS
Everything closed, although in the summer months, many shops tend to stay open. All shops and businesses remain closed during the respective local fiestas. 15 August: Assumption Day 12 October: Spain’s National Day 1 November: All Saints’ Day 6 December: Constitution Day 8 December: Day of the Immaculate Conception. 25 December: Christmas Day.
LOCAL FIESTAS DATES SUMMER 2024: Es Migjorn: Sant Cristófol 3-4 August Llucmaçanes: Sant Gaietà 3-4 August Alaior: Sant Llorenç 10-11 August Sant Climent: Sant Climent 17-18 August Ferreries : Sant Bartomeu 23-24 August Sant Lluis: Sant Lluis 24-25 August Mahón: Mare de Deu de Gracia 7-9 September Es Mercadal: Sant Nicolau 14-15 September Cala’n Porter: 21-22 September
Ciutadella: Wednesdays and Saturdays 8am to 2pm in Plaza de la Libertad (by the fish market). Mahon: Sundays 9am to 2pm, in Carrer de s’Arravaleta and Carrer Nou (by the American bar). Mahón Tapas at the fish market: Monday to Saturday, 11am to 11.30pm. Also, open Sundays in July and August. Ferreries: Saturdays, 9am to 1pm in Plaza España (main square). Fornells: Mondays, Plaça Esglesia, 7 to 11pm.
STREET MARKETS Mahón: Tuesday and Saturday 7am to 3pm in the Plaça Esplanada. Mahón: Daily, Pla de Baixamar, 10am to 8pm. Ciutadella: Monday and Friday 8.30am to 3pm in the Plaza Borne. Alayor: Thursday morning in town centre. Fornells: Wednesdays, 9am to 2pm. in Carrer de la Mar. Sant Lluis: Mondays and Wednesdays, 10am to 1pm in Pla de sa Creu. Es Castell: Mondays and Wednesdays, 8am to 2pm in Plaza Esplanada. Ferreries: Saturdays 9am to 1pm in Plaça Espanya.
D O N ’ T M I S S A N E D I T I O N , S U B S C R I B E T O D AY ! V I S I T: R O Q U E TA M A G A Z I N E . N E T
WHAT’S ON
63
AUGUST 2024
ISLAND INFORMATION CONSULATES How do I contact the British Consulate? You can call or send an email to our contact centre Tel: 933666200 Email: spain.consulate@fco.gov.uk (Make sure you put ‘Menorca’ in the subject line) They will be able to answer most general enquiries and will pass you through to the team in Palma, should you need further assistance. www.gov.uk/government/world/spain. Germany San Andreu 32, Mahón. Tel 971 36 90 12 EMERGENCY NUMBERS General Emergencies 112 (equivalent to 999 in UK). 24 hour service in 4 languages. Domestic Violence 016 Local Police 092 National Police: 091 Police station Mahon: 971 363 712. Police station Ciutadella: 971 363 066 Fire Service 971 35 10 11 Sea Rescue 900 202 202 Emergency Ambulance 061 OTHER USEFUL INFORMATION Tourist Information visit www.menorca.es. Offices in Mahón and Ciudadela Taxis 971 36 71 11
Chemist shops are closed on Sundays, but some are open on Saturdays. Shop Opening Hours 09.00 – 13.30 and 16.30/17.00 – 20.30 Larger supermarkets Monday to Saturday 09.00 – 21.00 Sunday mornings in summer Banks Monday to Friday 08.15 – 14.00 If hiring a car, you are required to keep with you: Hire documents, driving licence and a photocopy of your passport. NB: Seat belts are compulsory, and children must be in the back of the vehicle For a comprehensive list of all bus times on the Island, please visit www.tmsa.es Internal flights in Spain from Menorca: Iberia – www.vueling.com, www.iberia.com POST OFFICES Carrer de Ciutadella, 76, 07701 Maó Plaça des Born, 9, 07760 Ciutadella de Menorca Carrer Llevant, 5-7, 07720 Es Castell Carrer Lepanto, 43, 07740 Es Mercadal Carrer de sa Lluna, 13 (antes, Carrer de Sant Esteve, 14), 07710 Sant Lluís HOSPITALS WITH 24 HR EMERGENCIES MAHON Hospital Mateo Orfila Rda. de Malbúger, 1, 07703 Mahón, Phone: 971 48 70 00
CIUTADELLA Canal Salat C/ Sant Antoni Maria Claret, s/n 07760 Ciutadella Tel: 971 480 112 PRIVATE CLINICS CLINICA JUANEDA Avenida Vives Llull, 6 07703 Mahón Tel. 971 351 115 info.menorca@juaneda.es CLINICA JUANEDA Jose Delfin Serra, 10, 07760 Ciutadella Tel. 971 480 505 info.menorca@juaneda.es POLICLINICA VIRGEN DE GRACIA Av Vives Llull 6, 07003, Mahon Tel: 971351115 RED CROSS CREU ROJA MAÓ C/ Josep Anselm Clavé, 162 ·07703 Tel.: 971 36 11 80 Creu Roja Ciutadella c/ de la Creu, 2 07760 Tel.: 971 38 19 93 CREU ROJA FERRERIES Av. Jaume Mascaró, 66, 07750 Tel.: 971 37 31 39 Creu Roja Es Mercadal C/ Veterinaris Gomila, 12, 07740 Tel.: 971 37 53 00 CREU ROJA ALAIOR C/ Orient, 39 · 07703 Tel.: 971 37 12 38
CREU ROJA SANT LLUÍS C/ Pere Tudurí, s/n · 07710 Tel.: 971 15 10 01 CHEMISTS Chemists or Farmacias are found around the island. For emergencies out of hours, there is a list of duty chemists displayed on the chemist door. GAS All cooking gas used in Menorca is bought from REPSOL BUTANO. Bottles can be exchanged at petrol stations and at the depots. Mahon: Avinguda de Fort de l’Eau, 125, BJ, 07701 Mahon: Main Road. Maó-Ciutadella ME-1, Km. 3,5. 07714 Ciutadella: Cala Morell Road, c/ Algaiarens, km. 1,5, 07760 See the website for opening hours https://gasmenorca.es/centros-dedistribucion/ FLIGHTS FROM THE ISLAND For all information and timetables regarding travel by air and sea to and from the Island please refer to the airline websites. To contact the airport, call 971 157 000 SANTA MARGARITA ANGLICAN CHURCH +34 617222382 e-mail chaplain@anglicanchurchmenorca.com
READERS CORNER
64
AUGUST 2024
VILLAGE CHARACTERS
By Ann Port
Becoming accustomed to a more rural and less sophisticated way of life in Menorca in the 1960’s, while not always the easiest of transitions, also had its joys. One was the weekly visit of José, on his bicycle wearing his jaunty black beret, huge smile and bringing his fresh catch. My mother learned a lot from José about the local fish, what it was called, how to cook it and what to serve with it. Some species were unrecognisable, but she rarely declined to buy it. One week though he produced the most enormous crab-like creature with curious tentacles (neither crab, lobster nor octopus) which spilled over the pan of his portable scales and looked completely beyond her culinary skills to transform into an appetising fish soup. Old Jaime, who kept his mules and donkey in the field opposite our house, would come twice daily to feed them. He wore a tall straw hat similar to that of his donkey with holes cut out for its ears, baggy trousers held up with string, and what I will euphemistically describe as a white shirt. He wore avarcas and chewed something between his remaining two teeth. My mother, always friendly, thought it would be polite to pass the time of day and they always engaged in a few words. One day, after ascertaining from others in the village that he was married but lived alone, she ventured to ask if his wife was dead. She received a pithy reply, “I wish to God she were”. For once she was stumped for a suitable reply to this imprecation. He wasn’t the only character in the village! The old chap Antonio who lived next door to us was very welcoming in the usual Menorcan fashion and invited us round for a drink. In his hall he had a sideboard that creaked with the weight of the number of bottles on it. Now my parents were among the most convivial of hosts with a generous number of options always available, but I had never seen such an array of liqueurs. Although not a drinker myself I was fascinated by the bright purple colour of one of the bottles. I think it was ‘Bols’ Parfait Amour. However, it wasn’t this that he offered us. Instead, it was something called ‘Palo’, a strange, dark colour reminiscent of a medicine I had been given as a child and with an even stranger taste. I don’t know if you have ever tried it, but I wouldn’t be in a hurry to recommend it. Perhaps it’s the reason I’ve never developed a taste for the hard stuff. Gin, I can manage but it must be a good deal more diluted than is customary in Menorca! The next invitation from Old Antonio was to share a local delicacy which he had cooked himself in clay, the traditional method in his wood-fired oven. Again, this was a novelty for me, as I had never before sampled hedgehog! Actually, it didn’t taste bad but there is very little to go round three people, so we never attempted it ourselves.
Mother and Father at the villa
The garden blossomed with Lorenzo tending the vegetable plot and my mother to her beautiful geraniums. In turn, my father became more immersed in village life and was a founding member of the ‘Association of Neighbours’ and performed part-time voluntary assistance to the Honorary British Vice Council, in addition to writing various humorous articles. Gradually more British families arrived and became a closely knit community giving Señor Pons, the village wine merchant, good business. We remained well integrated with the locals and were privileged to be invited to the pig killing and offered the chance to learn the skill of making sobrasada. My mother’s new-found cooking skills included paella and canalones and I took great joy in replicating the delicious Ensalada Rusa which they served at the Casino in San Clemente. Mine was very colourfully decorated with sieved egg yolk, anchovies, roasted red pepper strips and black olives. Not everything ran smoothly in the kitchen, however... We had an elderly cleaning lady called Josepha who tended to use her initiative and do her own thing despite the list of tasks my mother left her in our absence. One day we returned after a trip to the beach and my father went into the kitchen and noticed a strange smell. He was drawn to the cooker and opened the oven door. He closed it again very quickly as a huge flash of fire exited causing an enormous bang. The whole cooker was alight, and all the knobs were switched to ‘ON’. He drove straight to San Luis airport very nearby and they sent the fire tender, a Land Rover pickup. The three of them then reopened the oven door and jumped backwards, almost fell over one another, and closed the door again. They had no protective clothing in those days. Then one of them agreed to reopen the door while the other directed the extinguisher into the oven. They then proceeded to fill the kitchen with foam which covered the kitchen floor. Pleased with their work, they suggested waiting a short while in case it reignited. After seeing her kitchen and the totally destroyed cooker my mother was ready for a gin and so we all sat round the dining room table and imbibed. The afternoon turned into evening and the second bottle of gin nearly empty, the conversation got louder and jollier. My father wondered if hogging the only fire crew might cause the airport some inconvenience but the firemen seemed oblivious to the possibility and so we carried on our impromptu party with our newfound friends until well into the night. Eventually they somehow took their leave and managed to get back to base. The following day the foam had turned to a concrete-like consistency and the jollity of the previous day had descended into very hard reality. My mother had learned from two more mistakes; never assume everyone can read and NEVER leave a chip pan and basket full of oil in an oven. This didn’t quite compare with the great fire my grandmother had experienced when the family farm in Daresbury was burned down and the family had to flee in their nightclothes, but nor was it the only fire as we also had a house struck by lightning. D O N ’ T M I S S A N E D I T I O N , S U B S C R I B E T O D AY ! V I S I T: R O Q U E TA M A G A Z I N E . N E T
READERS CORNER
65
AUGUST 2024
PIG TALES
By Rachael Adams
PIGGY PARLEY!
in winter can be as early as 4 pm. She heaves her bulk inside her kennel, spends he ages ruffling her blankets into position, ag then finally, once all is prepared, turns the around face to the door, and flops down ar with a sigh of relief. “Aaaaaaahh, now w that was a good day’s eating things in th the garden” – she says. “I can’t wait to th gget up at dawn to eat some more, -after my beauty sleep that is. Zzzzzzzzzzzz, m …zzzz, zzzzzz” - she snores. … One is not, therefore, exactly thrilled O tto be awakened a mere two hours later by a couple of chatterboxes and their bottle of El Coto. “Flights are cheap to Nicaragua.” At first there’s a short grunt. She’s cautioning us. Oh bugger, she’s awake. We talk more quietly. “They have howler monkeys and sloths and toucans.” Then we forget and laugh about something. “Beer’s crap there though, tee-hee.” Another warning grunt, longer and louder. “Sorry pig!” - we whisper. “GET OUT – GET OUT - GET OOOOOUT!!!!!” – screams pig. “Ah man Dot it’s not as if you have to get up to go to work tomorrow” I grumble. This is her last stand, she’s finally barged out of her sleeping box in a fury and is planted square on the tiles in front of my friend and I. Eventually, she turns in disgust and storms off to the far reaches of the garden for her rest in peace. I roll my eyes and get back to our soirée and nice private conversation, peace for us at last too! And yet I do feel awful for keeping piggle up so late. The great thing about having such a loquacious pet is that, I believe, we have a deeper understanding of each other and our needs. Dot does have an awful lot to say, opinionated is an understatement. Demanding a euphemism. She leaves us in no doubt about exactly what she wants. Or doesn’t want in this case. Her sleeping box is located on our patio so she has the most shelter in winter. Unfortunately for her, that’s also somewhere nice to sit of a warm summer’s evening. Especially after a hard day’s work to catch up with friends. Dot goes to sleep when the sun goes down, which
As tends to happen when levels of wine in bottles descend and conversely increase in bloodstreams, other people’s discomfort becomes less and less of a worry to us. Dot, acutely aware of this problem, starts up a series of long high-pitched whining. “I hate you booooooth”, “shut up for God’s saaaaaake”she pleads. This noise distresses me greatly, she’s my baby and we are in tune. Not only that but it sets our hair on end. I signal to my friend to hush up quick! We cease all conversation immediately. Glasses poised mid-air; we wait to see if her tantrum abates. Maaaybe she’ll stop. After what seems forever, on tenterhooks, we try very, very hard to continue at a whisper. This is, after all, an amazing conversation with a friend I barely see. “So what’s his name then, what does he do? Does he like the sloths in your garden??”- I ask. But pig’s having none of it: “RIGHT THAT’S IT!!! I’VE HAD ENOUGH!! YOU’RE BOTH GOING TO GET IT NOW!!!” – is Dot’s response to those vital questions. Which brings us back to the scene at the start of the article. After a faceoff, and us nearly getting ours blasted clean off by her long-winded roars, she gives up and goes away. PHEWeeeeee pig!! – we sigh. Now back to the finer points of diving off the Corn Islands…
Dot’s extensive vocabulary never ceases to amaze me: She has short, impatient, grunty words for “hurry up”, “leave me alone”, or “feed me”. A “WOOO-WOOO-wo! WOO-WOO-wo!” staccato means “feed me NOW!” when she’s greeding and you’re still trying to get the food ready. She has amicable, quiet grunts for “I’m just over here”, “this tastes nice” and “thank you”. We use these mostly when out foraging in the woods or garden together. Pigs can’t see very well so this is her way of maintaining contact, so she also has a long rolling snort for “wait for meeee!!” if she gets left behind on our walks. When she’s very excited she barks, and this is used at dawn to wake me up for breakfast: “HELLO!”, or if I give her something meaty “OH MY GOD YUM!”- she cries. High-pitched squeals are for expressing rage and anger, or sexual confusion such as when she’s on her period. This last one nobody wants to endure, not even a boar I’m sure. It’s genuinely ear-splitting. She has a back of the throat, loud sort of chough noise if she gets a fright. She used to do this one when we argued about her getting back into the van after trips out. It also signalled to me that she was getting dangerously stressed and needed a breather. If she’s been naughty or doesn’t get what she wants (rarely!), she flicks the ground with her snout and wails. This happens when we’re out somewhere and I have to turn her around to head in a direction she doesn’t want to go. Dot’s list of words is a long one, though after 12 years of her teachings, I dare to call myself a relatively fluent speaker of pig. As Laura finally takes her slightly wobbly leave, and I promise to visit her at her campsite across the Atlantic, there’s a concomitant rustle in the bushes. A snout followed promptly by 4 short trotters marches hurriedly back to the sleeping box. She casts a sideways, contemptuous glance at me, then gets in, turns around and flops down with a shorter-than-usual sigh. “Urgh!”
MARKET
PLACE Riva Rudy Price 25,000 euros The Rudy Super is an elegant and refined boat that embodies the classic Riva spirit and design. The boat features a timeless design with flowing and harmonious lines. The hull is made of fiberglass, while the superstructure is constructed of fine wood such as mahogany.
Bavaria 36 Avantgarde Las Sirenas Price 100,000 Euros, Tax paid Spanish Flag, Mooring in Mahon paid until 2025, 3 cabins, length 11.3 metres, Teak deck, VHF, Log, Depth, Wind Instruments, hand-held VHF, GPS, CD Radio, Chart Plotter, Autohelm, Bow Thruster, Electric Winches. Electric toilet, heating, Radar, AIS
Bavaria 38 Cruiser Sa Barca Price 70,000 Euros, Tax paid Spanish Flag, 2004, Mooring in Mahon paid until 2025 3 cabins, Length12,3 metres, VHF, Log, Depth, Wind Instruments, hand-held VHF, GPS, CD Radio, Chart Plotter, Autohelm,
Dufour 405 Grand Large Isabelle Price 120,000 Euros, Tax paid Spanish Flag, 2011, Mooring paid until 2025, 3 cabins, 2 toilets, Length 12.2m Teak deck,VHF, Log, Depth, Wind Instruments, Hand-held VHF, GPS, CD Radio, Chart Plotter, Autohelm, Bow Thruster, Electric Winches, Heating, Radar, AIS
LET JOHN SELL YOUR BOAT Associated with the industry for over 25 years, Principal of an RYA sail and power school, Yachtmaster Instructor, Yacht charter business owner for 17 years, based in Mahon, Menorca For more information or viewing email roquetajohn@gmail.com Tel: 609851186 D O N ’ T M I S S A N E D I T I O N , S U B S C R I B E T O D AY ! V I S I T: R O Q U E TA M A G A Z I N E . N E T