#Palma – A Pursuit of Life – Barefoot& High Heeled

Tunes, drinks, and epic times at Agua Bar

Live tunes, cold drinks, amazing people and an epic atmosphere. Sounds pretty darn awesome doesn’t?! That’s because those things are awesome! Agua Bar in Palma de Mallorca, Spain, is exactly where it’s at if those are things that are up your alley. Agua Bar has it all.

That’s actually a fish tank in the window, and looks really cool when you are beside it. You know, makes sense as Agua translates in English to Water.

One of my absolute favorite water holes for years now – and for good reason.

Agua has been around for about 11 beautiful years. It makes Palma a better place. Even though Palma is generally ridiculously amazing, Agua is the cherry on top.

Throughout the week they offer lots of various excitement for you to enjoy. Monday’s are flip night, where you can try your luck at a coin toss to see if you can call the throw correctly to nail yourself a beverage on the house. Thursday’s are ladies night, where the ladies can indulge in free wine & cava, from 7 – 10:30. Wine & cava not your thing? Well in that case you can instead receive 50 percent off any other drink your little heart desires. Friday and Sunday are the famous ‘Open mic nights‘, and then there is Charity Saturdays, where the generous, thoughtful and awesome guy’s who run Agua, Rich & Lee, will donate 50 cents from every drink purchased throughout the night to a charity. So you can drink with a cause and not feel guilty about being a party animal.

Care for a shot?

When in Palma, I frequent Agua bar on Friday and Sunday nights to take in their open mic nights. There is always some incredible talent to enjoy, and loads of Agua bar locals. Music feeds the soul, and makes my little world go round.

Why not have a little listen for yourself.

The famous open mic nights are exactly that, so that means they are pretty popular and the place fills up. Everyone wants to either hear or be part of the epic jam sesh’s.

You could say Agua is almost like a small community, its a place where everyone knows your name, and everyone just happens to be awesome. I am sure you agree that it’s rare and rad to find a bar that’s pretty much rammed with cool peeps. That would be Agua’s magnetism. It attracts exactly what it is. If you are good to the bar, they are just as good to you.

One of the best things ever is the ‘went for a pee card‘. If for whatever reason you have to leave your drink, all you gotta do is grab a card and pop it on your glass. It works like a freaken charm. Being such a kick ass establishment, its totally legit, and no one tampers with your drink. Not many bars you can say that about now-a-days.

Trust me when I say, no matter what day you go to Agua bar you are always guaranteed to have a damn good time. I have had many endless great times there.

It has some pretty sweet decor, show casing all the amazing classics all over the walls. The place is warm, inviting, and air conditioned in the summer. Let’s not forget Palma is hot as hell in the summer, so why not go cool down in Agua. Good ol’ Agua, just consistently checking all the boxes. It’s definitely a bar not to be missed in Palma. It will reel you right in – just like it did me. The first time I visited it, magic happened, I felt right at home, and the rest is history.

Sooo, see yah there this weekend? What are you waiting for?! Whether your there to play or just to listen, it will rock your socks off. Yup, that’s my kinda Jam.

Eating typically traditional in Palma at La Cueva

One thing to remember when embarking on a dinner mission in Spain – ‘Most restaurants don’t open before 8’. Freaken heck though, most westerner’s don’t like to eat after 8. It can be a tad bit of an adjustment. Seeing as how I am programmed to have dinner quite early in the evening, I always tend to forget this late dinner fact.

My friends and I had dinner plans, and we decided to just wing it – meet up, be spontaneous and just find a place. It just so happened to be about 6 pm, and the streets were quite and most restaurants chained up, dark and lifeless. Yes it was way to darn early. ‘Dang’ we thought, where the heck are we gonna get some chow?!’

Long behold, we came across ‘La Cueva’. With 20 people standing outside(well maybe 10, but in dead streets it looked like 20) we figured there was a good chance it was open. We took a peak inside – and damn straight, it was OPEN! Score! We were in there like flint.

Not before having a photo shoot in front of the door.

From the entrance we had to go down a few stairs(I know from the previous photo you would assume up, BUT, it was down), and enter into the restaurant which is very much like a cool ass little cave. With ‘La Cueva’ translating to ‘The Cave’ in English, it only made sense really.

I am all about fresh and local ingredients, and they definitely had the fresh part going on. I didn’t have a chance to ask about the local part though.

My eyes were already liking what they were seeing. Although, once menu was in hand, and you are presented with what appears to be loads of delicious plates, it ain’t so darn easy anymore.

Oh geez, what the heck to choose?! How about just one of everything?

OK, ok, that’s excessive, it would be far too much…… So we each just chose 2 tapas each for the table.

It was still way too much in the end, but at least we got to try a bit of everything. They have their system down pat, and are ready to rock with the plates at any given moment. It was very good service. The only thing I did notice was the microwave.

We were a bit shocked at how incredibly fast it came, and not being someone whom uses microwaves myself, it was a small bit daunting, but being as hungry as we all were – we weren’t about to complain, and in reality, its not like they were hiding the fact they use a microwave for some things. Everything was made fresh, and I suppose it was necessary to keep up with the capacity of clients they receive. So really, it is what it is. No biggy what-so-ever.

We opted to choose a different Vino then the one on the table, and instead went for the Jose. L. Ferrer. One of my favorite vineyards in Mallorca . We tested out a bit of everything food wise. From olives and aioli,

onward to, potatoes with aioli, mushrooms, pepper padrons(one of my all time Mallorcan favorites), Mallorcan bread and cheese.

Not to mention, shrimps still sizzling.

Calamari, octopus, and shaved ham.

Don’t forget to share – sharing is caring.

The food was all ridiculously good to be honest, and super traditional. If there is one thing I enjoy most in life, it’s taking in as much of the local cultures and traditions where ever in the world I may be. Even when it happens to be in my own Country of Canada.

Just when we thought we were having the time and feed of our lives – in came the live music. My little world would not turn without music, and I am ALL about live music, in any and all forms. So this rocked my darn world.

In came the cavalry.

Pucker up princess. They were freaken awesome! And such good sports. Not to mention, I do love the accordion oh so much! I am into the most random things. I also happen to play a few tunes on the harmonica. Bet you didn’t expect that.

My time was running short in Mallorca. Even though I am never gone that long, I like to end my time here with the most Mallorcan experiences as possible. Considering we thought we were outta luck unless we waited for places to open – we were pleasantly surprised. A feast for a king – a hungry king at that. This little gem of a restaurant was absolutely great, and I would go back to ‘La Cueva‘ in a heart beat.

Hungry for some traditional tapa’s before 8 pm? Well meet me at La Cueva.

Palma pallete adventures at OMBU.

Treating your taste buds to culinary seduction is always a sensory event not to be missed. It was a ladies do dinner day, and we weren’t quite sure where to go. After gallivanting all around the city,

enjoying the epic ambiance, and of course being awesome – we needed to pick a place to wine and dine ourselves. We were after someplace new, chic and darn delicious.

Palma has an endless selection of fab establishments to choose from. Mallorca in general actually. You could eat your little heart out with new places to try. So that being said, competition can be stiff -and my love story with Mallorca never ends.

We came across OMBU on our adventures, and having heard so many rave reviews about it, it obviously was a must try.

OMBU is part of 2 other restaurants, Forn & Koa. Each offering different menu’s, and different ambiance’s. I have eaten at both of the other establishments in the past, and had great experiences. Soooo, how could we really go wrong with this choice?!

As any foodie knows, gastronomy is the in culinary craze. Gastronomy is the concept behind OMBU, and their menu specializes in Tapa’s & Cocktails. The décor is modern chic and inviting.

‘Come on in’, it says.

Well, I don’t mind if I do.

Always do;)

We began our OMBU experience sipping on some vino outside, indulging in some people watching.

I do so enjoy a good people watching sesh. Just about as much as I enjoy a good vino sesh. They do go really well together. Like two peas in a pod.

Wouldn’t you agree that it’s just darn fantastic how most restaurants in Palma have little fires by the tables to keep you all toasty warm in the winter. My Northern Canadian blood likes a little chill, but a warm chill. I also love the fact I still get to sit outside. Later on though, as the sun had gone down it did get a bit too chilly to dine outside, so we moved on to get the feel for the inside, and grab a cocktail.

We both went for the Psycotonic.

It was so delish too! Made with ginger and grapefruit juice. Those just so happen to be a couple of my favorite things.

The menu had a nice little selection of Tapa’s to choose from, and in true tapas fashion, you order a few different things for the table to share.

We ended up having Spanish bread, cheeses, lamb and a couple other meat dishes.

The lamb in the martini glass was one of my faves! But seriously, everything was so good. Very well flavored and prepared. We were both very impressed with the food and service.

Our awesome server made sure to bring us an aperitif. Most places in Spain do always offer you a shot after your meal. It’s too good to pass up. So down the hatch it went.

We also were graced with the presence of our friend Paola for a quick catch up.

I would definetly say that if you wake up and find yourself in Palma, do give OMBU a try. It’s super good, and checked all my boxes.

Cheers to another successful dining experience.

The Ultimate Sunday Funday On The Island Of Mallorca

Sunday funday! One of my favorite days of the week. Its the day I just do whatever I darn well please. Hence why its called Sunday funday. So how does one go about enjoying a Sunday in Mallorca? Well a good start would be to find yourself a quaint little cafe and get your engines going. Coffee, and Europe just go together. I cant imagine one without the other.

So yes, after a good caffeine injection, the next course of action would be to get your blood pumping. I love the feeling of happy endorphin’s surging through my body.

I indulged my ears in the acoustic sounds of Rodrigo y Gabriela. A brother sister duo whom are absolutely incredible at making music. This day was the perfect day for them. Music adds to any experience. It plays a massive roll in my life. The first thing I do in the morning is turn on my tunes to get the day going. I have various music for various moments. If I am writing and need my creative juices to flow(and possibly raise my IQ), its all about the Classical.

I cranked my tunes, grabbed my sweet ass Canadian made bicycle and hit the open road of bike riding adventure.

Bringing my bike with me from Canada, was the best idea ever! I must thank my friends(and mom) for influencing that decision. It’s so freaken awesome having a piece of home with me, and trust me, my bike is loving the Mallorcan experience as much as I am. Leaving its little Canadian tire tracks all over the show.

So as Sunday funday was in full force, I embarked on a little 30km cycle from Palma onwards towards an area called Arenal. With the wind blowing in my hair, music tantalizing my ears, and scenery to write home about(or write to my blog about), I was winning! You can not help but love life when you are here and enjoying this rock star bike riding.

It may be December, but the sun is still shining as brightly as ever. The weather is oddly nice….. So you mine as well make the most of it. Am I right?!

On the way back I found a prime spot on the beach for me and my bike, where I was enjoying some epic ‘me time’, that I love so much – did some grounding, topped up on my vitamin D, and just took in my amazing surroundings.

As you can see my bike loved the beach as much as I did.

Well all that exercise does tend to build an appetite! For nothing less then awesome company and awesome food! Being a day of Mallorcan adventures, it was best to keep things local. So a Spanish restaurant and Spanish Tapa’s it was! We picked a very typical place, called La Plaza – and ordered a small array of tapa’s. No big deal, just a few of my fave’s.

Calamari, local cheese & ham, and some pepper padron’s.

Everything was spot on! Yes it is possible to have mediocre tapa’s, but this was not the case here.

Let’s not forget the Spanish Vino. They weren’t shy on the classy pour either. Pretty much heaving handing it every time. Just when you think its not possible to fit half a bottle of wine in a glass – they prove you otherwise. Talk about getting your money’s worth.

Good laughs, food and vino. Things were going superbly.

It doesn’t stop there. On any given Sunday evening in Mallorca, one of the best places to end up is at one of my fave watering holes. Agua Bar. Sunday and Friday they hold an open mic night, where loads of very talented musicians come out and jam. I love music!! I love Agua bar, jam sessions and I love the awesome people there.

At Agua bar, they have everything covered. They put their clients needs first.

You clearly can’t enjoy good music if you have to pee! I myself would rather be shaken my booty to good tunes, not squirming to hold my bladder together.yoi wouldn’t think it’s safe to leave your drink unattended, and yes in any other place I would not recommend it. Agua bar however is a different story. It’s local, and awesome, an no one ever tampers with your drink. They totally respect the sign. Possibly the best invention ever, in one of the best bars ever.

So there you have it. Mallorca on a Sunday. As does every darn day of the week here – Sunday kicks ass!

So what’s your plans this Sunday?? Because I suggest some Mallorcan adventures for the books if you ask me.

Once upon a time in Mallorca

Mallorca continues to provide me with ample reason to absolutely love it. My love for this amazing place just never ceases to continually grow. As any good thing does – it just gets better and better with time. Winter in particular is my favorite time of year here. I love the temperature, its perfect for my Arctic blood. Not like in the summer, when I am sweating my ass off. Sounds attractive doesn’t it?! Just as classy as ever.

With holiday season approaching us, Palma pulls out all the stops to make it a magical experience – and its darn freaken amazing.

The whole city is decorated with lights, and not just a few lights. The effort put into it every year is incredible.Although, in Mallorca they always know how to throw a kick ass party, bringing thousands of people together all the time. The epitome of true urban living, on one the most beautiful islands on this planet. Oh I could go on about my love story with Mallorca forever…. And I most likely will.

November 27th, 2015, marked the day the lights get a good old power surge, and transform the city to your very own fairy tale. It’s undeniably romantic.

Just like the Northern lights back home in Northern Canada, the magnificence of this never gets old. They began hanging the lights a few weeks ago, and every day when I was seeing them, I was waiting in eager anticipation for them to be turned out. I wasn’t the only one. Literally they whole downtown and old town area of the city is covered.

It rocks my world, and it slows time right down. Every night when you are walking through it, you can’t help but stay in the moment and take it all in. It’s a beautiful thing when time almost stops for a bit, as life just seems to fly by, and I like to be present in every given moment. Just loving life. As I do.

Next weekend all the Christmas markets are beginning, and they are full of Mallorca’s finest local products. From hand crafted local artisan products, to local cheese’s, meat, olives, and goodies. Let’s not forget the Mulled wine! It’s the best winter beverage ever! Warm, spicy, and made with my fave juice, which just so happens to be vino. As we all know. Mmmmm, I can taste it now. In the next couple weeks there are also going to be stages set up around the city with live music. Something for everyone to enjoy, bringing the community together. It’s gonna be epic.

Until then, I am still going to live in this moment, and enjoy the heck outta today. Why have it any other way? And yes, in case your wondering, I do believe in fairy tales.

Mallorca Film Fest and a Jet Leg Cocktail

Palma ambiance, classy venues, and an international film fest. Yes upon arrival back in Mallorca and learning about the 4th annual film fest, I was totally stoked to attend.

You know the times your eyes are bigger then your stomach. Well little did I know there also happen to be those times your excited eagerness fools you into thinking you have endless energy even after traveling like a rock star around Canada for a month and then back across the globe to Spain. Yes indeed, it happens.

Let me begin with the classy and chic opening party. Even though I was feeling shattered from my travels, there was no way I was missing it. Champagne, vino, and Palma’s finest in attendance. My kind of party.

I was able to power through to enjoy it, schmooze and be awesome, without letting on to anyone that I was pretty much sleep waking. Come time for the opening film and I was seriously struggling. Yes, even though most think I am super human – I am here to tell you, I am not. I am just a damn trooper is what I am.

So off we went, from the pre-party to the theater.

The theater itself where the opening film was shown was fabulous, and my taped open eyes thoroughly enjoyed taking it all in.

The movie was not my style, but I made it through. Barely. Once it was over, so was I, and I ever so gracefully sleep walked across Palma, and straight to my bed. Happy freaken days. One of those moments where there is no place like your bed. Beauty sleep was absolutely in order. Myself and sleepy eyes don’t get along. I much prefer not looking like I have been punched in the face by jet leg, totally losing, and left with two black eyes. I mean, that is if I don’t have too.

The film fest was on all week, so I knew I had plenty more to enjoy throughout the week.

I was however super stoked for the Friday evening shows. My friends and I had big plans to dress up, drink vino and play classy all night. Which we did.

The energies were high all throughout the place, everywhere except for within myself. Seriously, I never suffered jet leg in my life like this. Am I old? Is it age? Ummmm, let’s go with heck no! How about that. It was just a misunderstanding with me and my body. A small mishap. I am as young as a spring chicken.

The evening was off to a fantastic start, the vino was flowing, there was loads of handsome eye candy for me to treat my eyes with, and I had a fab group of friends with me, whom provided loads of laughter.

We were just 4 people being awesome, at an awesome event. The first movie was at 930pm, so after our pre-party in the San Juan Gastromarket, we grabbed a bottle of wine and 4 glasses to take with us to the show. That’s just how we roll. This is Spain, and these things are not a problem here. It was gonna be so darn great. I love movies, awesome friends, and delicious vino. Who doesn’t really? Unless that is, you don’t consume alcohol, your a hermit, and you just don’t enjoy films. Otherwise, who doesn’t?! Checks my boxes. Check, check, check.

Now after getting all settled in, popcorn in hand – of course I kicked over my wine glass. Well not ‘kicked’ it wasn’t football. I set it down for a moment while I was getting comfy, accidentally tapped it, and it fell over and broke. Luckily we had a back up. Sometimes you can’t take me anywhere! Clearly. Don’t let my classy composure fool you. I do at times trip over my own feet. But it was all good – the show must go on!

And that it did my friends. It went on alright, without me enjoying it.

Have you ever slept through a whole movie at the movie theater?! Well neither had I until last week. Literally! All I can say is jet leg. I remember is the film beginning, and then next thing I know, I am waking up to the lights coming on. What the?! I looked at my friends, ‘Oh my god, are you kidding me, did I seriously just sleep through that whole film?!‘ To which they responded, ‘Yup, you sure did‘. I right away asked, ‘OMG, why the heck didn’t you wake me up?!’ Well they said I looked so comfy and happy, that they were actually jealous of me. Not to mention, they did not enjoy the film at all, so assured me, I didn’t miss anything and made the right choice of napping.

Although it wasn’t by darn choice that I passed the freak out, my body made me do it!! If I had a choice I would have stayed awake, ate popcorn and drank wine, all while watching a bad film.

Oh well, what can I say, there is a first time for everything – and jet leg is really a thing. I was still able to go out dancing afterwards though! Trooooper!

Possibly I even looked fresher then before the movie.

I can honestly say, I was not as successful as I anticipated at taking in the film fest. I totally enjoyed the parts of it I did attend, and not sleep through. There was loads of awesome films, and fab talent. Maybe next year, I can go and leave the jet leg at home perhaps. Only me, only freaken me.

So who’s up for a movie date? Let’s not all jump up at the same time now. See you at the movies!

C’an Joan de S’Aigo, Palma’s historical ice cream parlor.

History, Coffee, Ice Cream, and your typical Spanish pastries. Sounds pretty darn delightful doesn’t it? Well, it was – and you probably should have been there.

Being Saturday afternoon after a busy week of being awesome. My energy was lagging a tad(even though it comes naturally, it still can take it out of a person) and it was time for an awesome caffeine fix and a historical Palma experience. Combining a new experience with a coffee, which just so happens to be two of my absolute favorite things – was sure to be a winner.

Ca’n Joan de S’Aigo, the oldest Ice Cream parlor/cafe in Palma. Founded in 1700, located in the old town(obviously, where else would it be – clearly not the new town), and it has managed to maintain its charm, flavor, and clientele ever since.

The popularity of this fine establishment is not to be under rated.

There was a continual line up at the door, and the turn over is so fast that we had to grab the only dirty table that was open. The gentleman serving us was quick to clean it up though. The place is buzzing, very local, and full of energy.

I must say, they really have maintained the place over the last 3000 years. That is lineage and dedication if you ask me.

The menu is small, and contains very typical Spanish delights. Really, its not big at all, very easy to hold, maneuver, and has 4 sections, covering 4 different languages. I am pretty sure they even had Gibberish in there.

Ta-daa, behold: the menu.

Being known for their home made ice cream, you have a nice array of flavors in which to treat your palette and your waistline. From almond, chocolate, strawberry, coffee, down to cava, and onward. Served in little glasses, its sure to please you. They also offer take out containers of the creamy cold stuff too, for nothing less then your take away pleasure.

Yup, she was loving it. Ice creamy happy place written all over her.

Besides the ice cream, they have a wonderful selection of Spanish pastry’s. Not a place to visit if your on a diet. Cakes, pastry’s, croissant’s, freshly made carb heaven. They also offer full cakes for take away. Perhaps you want to be the most popular guest at a party?? Well here’s your chance. Go on then! Get in there.

Top that off with a coffee, and your loving life. Are you drooling yet?

Not to mention the prices are ridiculous. Absolutely. Ridiculously good! Seriously, there is not much on the menu that goes over 2 euros. So I would say, you get a real historical bargain.

Would you look at that empty little cake plate. I would take that as a clear indication that it was so darn delish – it got gobbled right up.

Throw some fabulous company into the mix…….

Meaning mine of course.

Kidding! I was actually the lucky one to be in the presence of these fine ladies. Although as you can see behind us, they also had some very exquisite nude art on display. Nothing like appreciating a good nude art piece over coffee and cake. Not sure when it dates back to though.

With all of the above, its safe to say, you got yourself just another pretty exceptional must try Palma experience.

The magic just never ends in Mallorca.

Palma Indulginces at the San Juan Gastromarket

Gastromarkets. These concepts are a rave around the globe at the moment, popping up all over the show. For darn good reason too. Here in Palma de Mallorca, it is just the same. The art of food is a massive focal point for foodies – gastronomy is the craze. Enjoying a meal however, does always begin with your eyes. Although if it’s to be an incredible culinary art, as in a cut above the rest, something to write home about – it will bring something to the table that heighten’s almost all of your senses. That is a much more difficult feat. Yet is an astounding experience. I do very much appreciate gastronomy culinary art.

S’Escorxador is where San Juan, the newest and hottest gastromarket is located in Palma. Having opened in June, it has taken off very well. Since I returned to Palma, I had so many people telling me it is a must try; So I did just that. I went and tried it.

Considering it was raining, what better a day to choose to engage in an affair such as this. Sitting inside an exquisite establishment, sipping on fine wine, and indulging in an exceptional culinary experience. Yup pretty perfect if you ask me.

Okay, well actually, on that note – as a child when it would rain(or even hail) outside, I took it as the perfect opportunity to slap on the ol’ swimsuit, and head outside to have the time of my life in mother nature’s glorious shower. For hours my little heart would be content in it. Not gonna lie, even as an adult, I still like to play in the rain. Although I haven’t donned my swim apparel in quite some time for the occasion. Although the thought has crossed my mind. I mean, ‘why the heck not?!’ It’s refreshing, natural and fun. For a trip down memory lane, so little Petrena can live on inside of me. You catch my drift.

Second to that though, sipping on fine wine, and tantalizing my taste buds in a gastromarket – would be the next most ideal choice. One in which my sophisticated classy lady side happens to love.

S’Escorxador itself dates back to the beginning of the 20th century, and was the cities original central slaughterhouse. The re-vamp of the building has completely modernized it. I have a massive appreciation for history being restored and turned into something exceptional. Urbanization at it’s finest.

Upon arriving to S’Escorxador I immediately was drawn straight to the cinema posters. Dang, I love going to movies. They even played movies in English at this theater. Not that I mind watching Spanish movies, but to see a movie in my own language, is always enjoyable. Sooooo yah, 6pm movie after an afternoon gastromarket session, was exactly what my list of things to do entailed on this particular rainy day.

When I walked into San Juan I was instantly impressed.

I was digging the decor. Bright, crisp, clean, airy, and inviting. The lighting fixtures are very eye catching as well. It was undeniable, I was in for a fabulous experience. Seeing as how it is a gastromarket, and they have 17 gourmet food stalls there – you best be prepared to sample a few of the various delectable’s that are on offer.

First thing is first though. Get the vino flowin! Very important. Step freaken 1.

We grabbed a bottle of red called Damana 5 to get us going. Why on earth did we start with red?! Beats the heck out of me. Alright, alright, it was me who ordered it… I was eager to get the party started. So we did things backwards. First red, then rose, and onward. We were enjoying ourselves regardless of the wine sequence, and that is all that matters.

With Vino in hand, you can see Belle was ready to check out the various stalls. Let’s do this!

In accompaniment to the vino, we did do our utmost to sample various dishes. I must say, I thoroughly enjoyed how social it was sitting there. Different locals would come and sit beside us and would end up having a little chat. Socializing with different people absolutely adds to the experience. Bringing people together, one gastro experience at a time. Hmmm, new slogan perhaps?

Wendy was right in there being a gem and starting us off with some ceviche.

After which we had, Pad Thai, and some Mallorquin Ham and Cheese platters.

Onward and upward to some of my favorite things, Aperol Spritz’s and Oysters.

Oh heck yes. Now we were talking. Nothing like slurping an Oyster down the hatch, and then cleansing the palette with an Aperol Spritz(made with Cava of course). Oysters and bubbly just go hand in hand. Well in my case, hand to my mouth.

Wait she looks a bit unsure.

We even had a suck at some Percebe(otherwise known as goose barnicle).

As you can see the girls were absolutely loving them!

Wendy actually does love them though, I think she just got squirted in the eye.

Not my fave if you ask me, tastes a bit too much like a combination of rock and strong fishy sea water. Oh well, tis the way sometimes, I will always give things a try at least once though.

Space had become quite limited in our stomachs at this point. It was a must to go out with a bang though. Rarely do I eat red meat, but when its local, and a fine cut, not to mention, so tender it melts in your mouth like butter. Well, then its a different story.

It was ridiculously good. Save the best for freaken last – as they say.

After it was all said and done, we did still in fact take in our movie. The flic of choice was Desert Dancer – and it was nothing less then amazing. For myself it was one of the most emotionally moving movies I have ever seen. I loved it. Giver a go if your into an emotionally touching film. Its a fantastic little theater as well, with very friendly and happy attendants waiting to welcome you.

Well what can I say, San Juan did not disappoint.

We went, we indulged, we laughed, we socialized, and thoroughly enjoyed the ambiance. A gastronomic experience not to be missed.

Spontaneously, I woke up back in Spain.

As per usual Petrena style, I made the spontaneous decision to return to Spain for a bit. My other home. Palma de Mallorca, Spain. It seems I just can’t stay away for that long, it drags me back. Well, in all honesty it doesn’t take much dragging. Hello Palma!!

Holy man, first of all, the mid summer heat nearly did me in. My Arctic blood always has an interesting go at acclimatizing to the heat. Trust me, I am not in my most attractive state when I am sweating my ass off…. It’s a great way to detox your body. At least that is what I keep telling myself in order to power through. It’s a small price to pay though to be back in the one of the most epic places on this planet. Although summer is ridiculously busy on the island, and there are loads and loads of tourists – so I still prefer the winter here, however, I love it any and all times of year. It’s just undeniably amazing.

I also decided to bring my sweet ass Canadian made Lochside bicycle on the journey with me. I have traveled with quite an array of interesting things, from a massage table, to hoola hoops, and onward. This was my first time with a bicycle though. So packing it was also an interesting little feat.

Yet with some bubble wrap, tape, and some help from my awesome friends after a few glasses of vino, she was pulled together quite well. I even used a piece of rope to make a handle(which ironically was very handy). She made it though! Intact(well just a couple bumps and scrapes) and equally as excited for the Mallorca experience.

We were greeted by one of my best friends, and a fab wine and cheese spread. Let me just say, I am beyond happy I brought my bike, we just rock these bike paths together. She really is just such a smooth ride. It helps that the island is built for cycling, and there are loads of bike paths all over the place. I knew I wouldn’t regret bringing her along. My piece of home that I get to share with my other home.

Coming home Palma always also means one thing(among many). Catching up with my awesome friends. With time away, the excitement to catch up is always building.

Absence makes the heart grow fonder. Absence also creates in-between adventures, which in turn creates loads to talk about. Never a dull freaken moment. Between catch ups, cycling, and visiting my favorite restaurants, with Vintage(pictured below) in the trendy area of Santa Catalina being one of my all time favorites, I have been kept very busy.

I even had a quick trip up to Northern Spain, where I was able to have another reunion.

And while I was there, a visit Santiago De Compostela.

A place full of mucho history, it’s a beautiful area.

There is a well known pilgrimage called the Comino de Santiago, which takes about a month to complete. I have wanted to do it for years, more so for the fact that I want to say I have completed a month tour by foot. Santiago De Compostela is where the pilgrimage ends. So you see loads of happy people with their backpacks, exuding satisfaction at what they have just completed. Being there and seeing that reinforced inside me that I want to do the walk. And I will indeed.

I also checked out the little town of Poio. It is a small place with nothing too major to see. However it is still rich in history, and I fell in love with it’s little old town. It came out of nowhere. We went from a quiet lunch and streets of not much.

To jam packed little old town streets. In the matter of a turn of a corner.

I loved the atmosphere it had. Until it started raining. And then I was soaked. I love playing in the rain, I will dance in it, put on my swimsuit and love life in it. I just wasn’t equipped with the proper footing for it at that moment. However it was a memorable area.

Oh Spain. I absolutely adore you. Your just so darn fantastic. Not a bad place to wake up to – if I do say so myself.

Tantalizing my taste buds with market perfection;)

It was one of those days where I had a craving for some fresh food and Spanish market ambiance. After gathering the troops and getting a meeting point sorted, I was off to Mercat de l’Olivar, to indulge in some fresh seafood, and in addition to that of course, some very tasty Vino.

I love the fact that it is winter and the market is remarkably empty, in such a way that you can actually walk around it and even better than that, ‘find seats’!!
In the summer it just gets chaotic, and because of that, it can kind of lose the charm it has in the quieter winter months, where you can actually move and not get claustrophobic;)

We ended up at a little place called, Bar del Peix, well I didn’t actually pick it, it was my friends choice, yet cu-do’s to her, as it was a fabulous choice. Funny enough I made a pit stop to the ladies room, and upon my arrival there was a weigh scale welcoming my entrance. I suppose that is one way to make sure you keep your portions in control, as the food is pretty ridiculously awesome;) Only in Spain….. I love Spain, and its randomness. Well hello there Mr. Weight scale, it’s not everyday a public bathroom comes equipped with one of those bad boys.

After jumping on the scale(isn’t that what it’s there for?!) to make sure I had some room to spare for some tasty splurges, I set route back to the market stall we chose to dine at. At which point we ordered up, and preceded to feast on mussels, calamari, a little seafood mixture in a tomato based sauce, sardines(one of my personal favorite’s of all time at any Spanish market ), and last but not least fresh bread with olives. Mmmmmm, did I happen to mention how much I love a good ol’ mussel?! not just on my men, but also on my plate;)

Everything was spot on. You could taste the freshness of it, nothing was chewy or stringy, just tender and melt in your mouth delicious. They offer 1/2 orders or full orders of most dishes, but most things are so good that you start with a 1/2 order just to be classy and then end up ordering another half anyway. Oops!!! – Yes, and maybe I am referring to the mussels…..

I have to say the service we received was also fantastic and friendly, and at this establishment they leave the bottles of wine right in front of you for you to help yourself, no need to order a whole bottle, just order a glass and get in there! And that we did. Yes Sir, that is exactly what I was after to wash my tasty cuisine down with. Thank you very much. My kind of establishment!

I would say if you wake up and find yourself in Mallorca, then take yourself on a date or amuse a group of friends – head to the Mercat de l’Olivar, and treat yourself to a culinary and cultural experience. Happiness is guaranteed to ensue. That just so happens to be an above average day if you ask me!

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