Sunrise from the ferry
As we approached the port of Mahón or Mao, as locals prefer, the colours of the sunrise deepened. A pilot boat lead us into shore. Quite a display of the island’s history : simple stone structures, a naval base, large homes, resort hotels, windmills and restaurants above and below the great stone wall and natural cliff.
We caught a local bus to the bus station, near our hotel. Artiem Capri. A very friendly 4 star hotel that caters for all the groups on adventure holidays on the island.
Only 7.30am and too early to access our room so we had breakfast at a cafe nearby.
…and did an orientation walk of the town.
Interesting shops with local produce, plazas and intriguing alleyways …
Views of the port and historical statues, remembering previous monarchs and the deprivations of the Franco era.
There is no cathedral but there are two beautifully presented churches - Our Lady of Carmen and the church of Santa Maria.
Flowers being prepared for a wedding today.
Tapas lunch near Our Lady of Carmen - music, sunshine and atmosphere
Goat’s cheese with pesto, sardines, Russian salad and slow-cooked pork cheeks
Local Minorcan rosé and cerveza
When we were finally in our room we could also have a swim in the rooftop pool, with views of the Mahón skyline and the ocean.
Exploring alley ways we found a restaurant open for dinner at 8.30. Glaswegian waitress. She and her husband had a choice of emigrating to family in Perth WA or closer to home in Menorca.
Multicultural menu - Italian seafood spaghetti, French chevre salad and Balkan spinach and feta pastry. Spanish beer and cava ( Spanish equivalent to Prosecco/ champagne)
Chet Baker soundtrack
Friendly ambience
On returning to the hotel we discovered that they provide wraps, salads, healthy snacks and a range of drinks all gratis in the communal area. These will be perfect for our lunch on our walk tomorrow.
There is also a wide range of alcohol, which is moderately priced, which is paid for through an honour system.
M&M
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