Son Marroig and Valldemossa

There were some more hill towns that Pete and I wanted to see, but knew the kids would not be as thrilled. Oma and Opa were kind enough to stay back at the house with the kids while we explored on our own. 

We snaked our way in Good Friday traffic up the mountain to Valldemossa. Seeing the crowds, we continued on and returned later in the day. We stopped first at Son Marroig, a former estate of an Archduke. The views of the coast were lovely. We bought a very affordable oil painting from a vendor in the parking lot. 

Restaurant neighboring the estate

We continued inland towards Deia, a ritzy town where Robert Graves had a home. There was no parking in site, so we did a slow drive around town before continuing back to Valldemossa. 

Valldemossa was a really lovely town to walk around. Chopin lived here for some time and we could hear live piano music spilling onto the street from the concert hall into town. 

The dark pink flowering trees were so beautiful. 

Patron Saint of the town: Santa Catalina Thomas

We found that the buildings were very reminiscent of Provenance, but with green shutters instead of light blue. 

Terraced gardens were also very typical of the area

Back home, we had a final afternoon at the casa before checking out the next day. We had yet to make lemonade with all of the lemons hanging from the tree, so we set to work! 

When life gives you free flowing beer on tap and a nice pitcher of fresh lemonade, you make a Shandy! 

The town playground had been under construction when we arrived and opened up at the end of the week. We had our last meal all together in the town center with the kids coming and going. A nice end to a great week! 

We will miss Puigpunyent! 

Palma de Mallorca

We visited the beautiful city of Palma de Mallorca on Thursday. The city was hosting a number of holy week festivities, but we didn't want to contend with the crowds of the events or the inevitable questions that the stations of the cross would bring up for the kids. Unfortunately, as a result of the planned events, the interior of the massive Cathedral was closed. Just an excuse to go back one day!

While Pete looked for parking, the kids got out some energy. 

Walking the harbor front towards the center

Llotja de Palma. Beautiful interior with palm tree-like pillars.

A lively market beneath the Cathedral and palace. 

Waiting for delicious ensaimadas- large, round, sweet pastries with different fillings.

We walked up to the cathedral to see it from the outside. 

Then we wandered around old town. 

Stumbling upon other churches and little squares.

We visited the Basicilica de Sant Francesc, which had a lovely Gothic cloistered garden. 

And an ornate church interior. 

Back on the street, searching for lunch. 

Stopped in this cafe and had the best tapas of the trip. 

The line to enter the Royal Palace of la Almudaina had died down so I went in while the crew headed along the city walls to another playground in the sun. 

View of the cathedral from the palace's inner courtyard

They don't call it Palma for nothing! 

A successful outing! Home in time for some take away pizza and bedtime stories with Oma and Opa.