Wednesday, April 18, 2012

Joie de vivre in Palma!

Here in Palma de Mallorca, there is so much joy!
Just look at these ruffled Flamenco dresses.
And there is art everywhere you turn, especially on the streets.
This is a Calder sculpture, I came across.  Lovely!  It was right in the middle of this pretty garden in the center of town.
Clearly, the beautiful surroundings, inspire l'amour...


Yesterday, I went to see the paintings by the Mallocan artist Hermengildo Anglada Camarsa at the Museum of Modern Art.  I loved Camarsa's paintings!  He was born in Barcelona in 1871, painted in Paris in the 1920's.  He was influenced by Degas and Toulouse-Latrec and Gustav Klimt and finally returned to the island of Mallorca.  Isn't this painting beautiful?
Oh, and then there's Valldemossa--a nearby village in the mountains of Mallorca.  I went on a little bus trip to pay pilgrimage to the studio (or cell as they call it because it's actually in a monastery) where Chopin and George Sands spent a winter together composing and writing.  Here is a photo of the piano that Chopin played while composing some his most famous works.
In the evening, back in Palma, we enjoyed the Crema de Catalana.  It's the Catalan version of the French dessert, creme brulee.  It's also called Crema de St. Josep and traditionally prepared on March 19th, the Spanish version of Father's Day.  Oh, and it's so yummy!  This one was served with a tuille cookie and some currants.  We also had a couple glasses of port.
 One last view of the Palma skyline...
And now, we fly to Barcelona!  Adios et au revoir Palma de Mallorca!

5 comments:

  1. Hi, just wondering if that last photo is of the Born Hotel? I'm off to Mallorca next month, it's one of my favourite places.

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    1. Oh, yes, it's the Born Hotel!!!! Did you know it used to be a palace> If I had the time, the patience, a great photographer and a whole lot of evening gowns, I'd insist on a day of fashion photography on that staircase. My advise--bring one dress or outfit that is just for that staircase. Ask the man at the desk to photograph you. I see you in something long and flowing. Royal blue? Chiffon? Velvet! You get the idea. Have a great time! We're in Barcelona now and I miss Palma!

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  2. You are in Barcelona Jamie? I am catching up with all of your fabulous travels...what a sensory feast! And Chopin's piano? I am swooning...my favorite composer, and Sand...one of my favorite writers. I am getting out my copy of that memoir tonight!
    I love the art, and the l'art de cuisine...
    Thank you so much for sharing all of this beauty!
    And don't you look fab and chic at that stunning hotel?!
    xoxo,
    - Irina

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  3. Bonjour, Irina and Silver Bunny! I am now home. Yes, I loved Palma!
    I will post some nice photos of Barcelona soon. What an amazing place! Oh, and thank you for your sweet comments. I adore George Sands and could really feel Chopin and her in that studio! I'm working on the new book, but will be back soon. xoxoxo

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