To Soller and back …..

Today we decided to visit Soller and go on the much touted train ride to Palma and back.

Soller was truly beautiful. The name comes from the Arabic, word soliar, which means golden bowl. I think it is a nod to its fertile lands but it looked dry and parched to me.

Lined with trees, many abundant with lemons.

We passed Sant Bartomeuchurch, which was built before 1236, large and imposing, having been added to over the years.

The shops were definitely less tacky.

We had some time before the train to Palma, so we stopped off at Sant Christo cafe, famed for making ensaimada since 1910. We didn’t have any but opted for sandwiches.

I hadn’t realised how hungry I was! Bea had made us an imaginary breakfast, cheese and banana croissants, soup and potatoes. A filling and interesting combination!

We headed to Estacion de Tren de Soller to catch the narrow gauge railway to Palma. Th Ferrocarril de Soller is a wooden train that has been running since 1912. Initially, to transport oranges to Palma,now a thriving tourist attraction.

A very arty train station you will ever find, with Picasso and Miro!

Seeing the train arrive was very exciting as it looked so quaint.

The journey to Palma took about an hour. We travelled through lemon groves, very long tunnels, parched landscapes, city scapes, and mountain ranges. Pete stood outside to get the best picture’s and also it helped to keep him cool!

Arriving in Palma we were greeted a throng of people boarding the train back to Soller.

We headed to a cafe, it was very gen z or whatever the term is. Many English speaking people talking about their very particular version of bollocks. Hearing our native language cut through the bustle of the cafe, and although I didn’t want to listen in, there was no chance I wouldn’t. Maybe because they thought no-one could understand, their voices just a bit louder than normal.

To counteract it, I had lovely iced chai,

We passed this impossibly cute car.

We had just two hours in Palma, before we had to return to Soller. Although we had a little time, we made sure to use it well.

We we to one of the main art galleries in Palma, close to the train station and free, Museu Fundación Juan March. Juan March must have been absolving his sins, known as Francos bankers, a Spanish business magnate, arms and tobacco smuggler, banker, and philanthropist. His descendants have an alleged 5 billion worth.

So, for his sins it was good to see the art for free.