DAY 7: Palma and Afternoon Tea

On the streets of Palm

Palma

Well today we arrived in Palma, Mallorca. And what a beautiful gem of a town that is. After the Saga Sapphire cruise ship arrived to the port in the early morning, we were allowed to disembark and make our way through the quiet sleepy town in the warm morning sunshine. This enchanting Balearic capital has a wealth of attractions to offer, including the Bellver Castle which has dominated the skyline since the 14th century, and a cathedral which is a Gothic masterpiece that took almost 400 years to complete. On virtually every street there is something colourful and wonderful to please the senses.

In Palma you can see, hear, feel, touch and taste Spanish artistic passion everywhere; the flamenco of the guitar playing buskers or the shouts of the street sellers.

Our one grouch with the Saga cruise company so far was that our time in Mallorca was ridiculously short. Unbelievably, the ship was scheduled to leave this wonderful place already at 13:30. 

And so it was with heavy hearts that we reluctantly returned on board, wondering if we had made the right decision. However, once back the pampering began and it didn’t take long before we were enjoying ourselves again.

Afternoon tea

Afternoon tea

Somebody told me the other day that the average age of the passengers on this particular cruise ship is 75. I suppose it is probably true, even though at certain times of the day it seems more like 85. The afternoon tea ritual which starts in the Britannia Lounge at 16:15 precisely, is one of those moments.  

As the nationality of the passengers is exclusively British, this is a very important part of the day. With a classical orchestra in the background, English scones are served with cream cakes and tarts of every flavour, while white gloved waiters tour the lounge making sure your cup of tea is forever piping hot and full. The conversation each day now turns to politely commenting on what your neighbour has managed to do ashore that day. Expressions like ‘oh, really’, I say, or ‘I quite agree’ are the usual way to make this a pleasing occasion. I have to admit, that after seven days of this I am starting to miss having the opportunity to curse and swear. Nobody ever does this…ever. And I think that soon the time will come to use some of my Finnish language skills again. This evening, for example, before going up to bed, I plan to go to the bow of the ship, face into the wind and at the top of my voice yell those immortal words of my adopted Nordic countrymen…  Perkele, Viitu, Saatana. Then, I know I will be perfectly fine for a little more afternoon tea conversation tomorrow.