That might be a clue as to where I've been hanging out, somewhere I'd never been before - Mallorca (note how I take care to use the proper spelling, not the English MaJJJorca!) It was lovely, and ever so slightly Spanish.
I know that Michael Catherine Douglas Jones have a place there, but we didn't go to the millionaires' bit, so never saw them. It was just me and Daughter in a small, friendly hotel, and we loved it, me mostly because of the freedom! 99% of our holidays have been in self-catering establishments, and we never eat out very much, so not having to shop for food was in itself sheer joy, which saved so much precious holiday time, not to mention the luxury of being looked after. No shopping, deciding what to have for dinner, cooking, cleaning, washing etc etc etc. It was like being a teenager again with no responsibilities!
We got up in the morning, went down for breakfast to be greeted by a cheerful waiter and chef, then went out for the day leaving the key behind, and returned for dinner in the evening, finding a clean and tidy room with a bed ready - made, and then went out for rest of the evening, to discover that the Spanish come to life after dark.
We knew we weren't in Britain for these reasons:
There were palm trees everywhere,
Everyone drove on the right (wrong) side of the road,
The buildings and street signs were different,
We had to use this strange currency called "Euro",
Amongst all the Brits and Germans were some people of Mediterranean appearance who spoke a different but slightly familiar language very rapidly and who appeared to be at home, and finally:
The wonderful WEATHER!!!!!
Yes it was crowded and touristy, but with the flight from Gatwick being a mere two hours, I can see why the area is so popular with us shivering Brits. The locals I found in the main to be friendly and not a bit resentful of us foreign invaders who had taken over their town, and I did love being addressed as "signora".
Anyway, I am relaxed and stress-free ( for the time being), and delighted to see all this waffling. You don't need me at all.
Mr McFrugal, (I think you should be called Hector. Hector McFrugal sounds good to me. Did you know that if you ever come to Scotland, there are places where the Americans, Canadians and Aussies can research their Scottish ancestry, and discover what their clan's tartan is? I'm sure they would come up with a McFrugal tartan for you at the right price)
I agree with you about New York and posh hotels. Coincidentally, friends of ours have suggested going to New York for a few days in January, but I have said no, so Himself will go without me (well, fair's fair I suppose). For one thing, getting time off work during school term time means negotiating a swap with my job-share partner, who is very amenable but I don't like to take liberties, but mainly, the thought of travelling all that way to spend a few days in a city in the depths of Winter does not appeal at all. In fact if I ever go the US New York would not be on my list; I'd rather visit a National Park, such as Yellowstone. I do worry about that though, having seen a TV programme about this super-volano that's lurking under there, and if it erupts - well, that's it folks, no sunlight for months!
Sandra, I agree with you and Hector about hotels. As much as I love the total relaxation you get from being pampered in a hotel, I am a proud peasant and don't do 5 star, or fancy restaurants - just wouldn't feel comfortable. The hotel we've just stayed in was 3 star, comfortable but not fancy; no objections to shorts and flip-flops in the dining room, a waiter you could joke with and no embarassment at knocking your drink over!
Phew! Time to take a break. I'l be back with some tongue-twisters and to tell you about my sprained ankle...
Adios!
Signora Noe
