Chess in the Time of Covid.

 

Mahon Festivals 2021. 

The stone cross at Barranc d'Algendar

When Dr Camps wrote this story in 1910, he commented that it had already happened many years ago.

 
The fact is that in an undetermined time in the middle of 1800 there was a man in the town of Ferreries who was said to be able to talk to the birds and who use to make remedies with herbs that he collected from the wild fields that wade through the ravine.

 
On one occasion in the middle of a winter, he left town. Some said that to catch a nest of real hawks, others that to collect a plant called "Jew's beard", the fact is that he did not return to town that night, and it became a stormy night

 
The next morning he was found dead at the foot of the rock from which he had clearly fallen off.

 
And even when many stories circulated through the town as a result of the people superstition at that time, their parents ordered the erection of a stone cross that even today, almost 200 years later, appears among the almost insurmountable exuberant vegetation at the bottom of the ravine.

 

 

September 18th. Happy Birthday!

Epic Trail Menorca 360. 2018

A 185KM legend

The Trail Menorca Camí de Cavalls (TMCdC) is an ultra distance event consisting of flip Menorca for coastal path originally drawn by the British over 300 years ago and whose main purpose was to defend the island.

This is a race of 185 kilometers that has a positive slope of 2863 meters in which each rider will discover their limits and enjoy the idyllic scenery in this wonderful lost corner of the Mediterranean sea, full of dreamy beaches, impossible cliffs, magical views and local cusine with which to celebrate that life is a race in which you score goals and experiences.

To overcome the challenge, each rider has 40 hours to finish an adventure with taste of an adventure. Also the organization provide 15 aid stations on the route with water, sports drinks, fruits, nuts, energy bars, among others products, or foods with the same caloric intake.

The start was last Friday, May, 18th 2018, and definitely a part in the life of any runner who took part of one of the longest non-stop test and no doubt pretty trailrunning european landscape.

3nd Internationsl Conference on Best Practices in World Heritage

3nd INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON BEST PRACTICES IN WORLD HERITAGE: INTEGRAL ACTIONS.

2nd-5 th May 2015. Menorca, Balearic Islands, (Spain)

TOPICS of the 3nd INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON BEST PRACTICES IN WORLD HERITAGE: INTEGRAL ACTIONS have been voted by our community to be debated during the conference!

The selected topics are:

1. BEYOND THE OFFICIAL VOICE: PEOPLE AND COMMUNITIES.
2. MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING: VALUE OF SCIENTIFIC KNOWLEDGE.
3. A PICTURE IS WORTH A THOUSAND WORDS: COMMUNICATING OR INFORMING?
4. YOU EXPLAIN ME, I TELL YOU, WE SHARE IT: CO-LEARNING.
5. THE FUTURE OF THE PAST: NEW OUTSTANDING UNIVERSAL VALUES?



Here the most important dates to keep in mind:

- Call for papers. As soon as possible
- 30th September 2017: Abstract deadline
- 30th October 2017: acceptance of papers
- 15th February 2018: Full Paper deadline

The procedure for submitting abstract proposal to the 3nd INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON BEST PRACTICES IN WORLD HERITAGE: INTEGRAL ACTIONS are:
The Abstract should include:
1. Title
2. Five keywords
3. Extension: Min. 500 words, máx. 1000 words. You can already send us your proposal to participate, the abstract template is here to be downloaded.
4. Maximum two images or figures (optional)
5. Maximum three references to information sources (from a research article to a news item, etc.) (Optional)

We look forward to welcoming you from the 2nd till the 5th of may 2018 in Menorca

Holly Week in Menorca. When the islanders express their devotion.

Although I am not a particularly religious person, I can not ignore the feeling of huge hurt and compassion shown in the processions of Holy Week in any town in Spain.

In Menorca, many people take part in the processions, either as Nazarenes, wearing their long tunics and hidden faces, or as part of the brotherhoods of centurions (representing the Roman soldiers who executed Jesus), or as components of the bands of drums and sacred music that accompanies them. 

 Our Lady of Solitude is one of the best-known and most widely-followed images in the town. 

The large group of brotherhoods, with their images, is really overwhelming.

All the pictures today, by Javier Coll.

Donizetti's Lucia di Lammermoor at the Teatre Principal in Mahon.

Take your seat as the action begins and get transported to 17th-century Scotland and let the talented Orchestra Simfónica de Les Illes Balears and the Royal Opera de Valonia (Liegge) take you on an exhilarating, high-drama flight of murder and madness. From secret rendezvous between lovers and tragic duels at dawn to the chilling bel canto notes of the unhinged bride in Lucia's aria "Il dolce suono," this tale of star-crossed lovers unfolds entrancingly over three captivating acts.

Friday June 2nd at 9 PM and Sunday June 4th at 8 PM

The Atlante in Cala Figuera

The ship that appears in this picture was called 'Atlante' and during the Spanish Civil War, was used as a prison boat.

Today exactly 80 years ago that 52 people who were imprisoned in this ship were shot and killed. Most of them were people of the clergy.

I belong to a facebook group that publishes and comments old photographs of Menorca. Today this image has been published and a great controversy has been generated among descendants of the relatives of the murdered and defenders of the Spanish Republic. It is not a novelty. 80 years later the wounds of this war remain unhealed.

By the way, the building that you can see at the top of the cliff

 is the Collingwood House, the Hotel del Almirante.

Mostra de Cuina Menorquina 2016

In late September, and every year, some of the best restaurants on the island hold this gastronomic event in which the ingredients to make the dishes are exclusively local.

Despite being a dreary day with some showers, our choice was the Restaurant Binissues, north of Ferreries.

Located in an old farm house that once belonged to a famous noble family of Menorca, the architecture of the building imposed by its chromatic impact on the countryside.

 Binissues

 

Pork Fillet with Dates, Bacon and reduction of Sherry Wine.

 Baked Gilt Head Bream. 

52 Super Series in Mahon Harbour

Twelve TP52s are competing for the 52 World Championship title on the Balearic Waters off Mahón, starting yesterday.

 Everybody Wants to Rule the World

Whilst there is no denying that Quantum Racing are the stand-out team this season – starting the fourth regatta of the 52 SUPER SERIES with a handsome overall lead on the season standings – it would be no surprise at all if it were to be any one of half a dozen different crews which leave Menorca clutching the title and the silverware next Sunday.

Some members of the Crew of the Ran Racing Team are allocated in the Hotel del Almirante, so no doubt the RAN is our favourite for the victory.

The shipwreck of the 'Francina'

It happened in 1974. Specifically, on February 3.

The Liberian flag merchant ship, had left the day before Marseille towards the Algerian coast, carrying oranges, iron, primers for explosives and chemicals on board. The explosives had been stowed in the ship's bow. Due the bad weather, with strong winds and high waves, there was a chain reaction explosion on board that caused the fire in the ship. Only four of the fourteen members of the crew saved their lifes in the fatal accident.

More than 40 years later, they are still recognizable remains of the old engine room of the 'Francina', 12 meters deep, near the cliffs of Cala Morell

'Gran Mitjornale 2016'

An event that never disappoints its visitors. Year after year, a large number of artists take to the streets, squares and houses in the village of 'Es Mitjorn Gran' and show their work.

Artist David Monrós, is actually present in both private and public collections all over the world and recognized by critics as a new creative icon.

  David Monros 

Rafael Vidal is a figurative artist who lives and works in Menorca. 

He was formed in the prestigious Arts Conservatory of Barcelona, and its base is engraving and lithography
that makes drawings in the internal structure of his work: still lifes, landscapes and portraits

 Rafel Vidal  

Carlos Mascaró

The particular fish fauna of Maties Sansaloni

 Maties Sansaloni 

And a great dinner at the restaurant S'Engolidor in the same village of Es Mitjorn Gran.

A wonderful garden and the food even better

 

S'Engolidor

La 'Gran Mitjornale' is back

Indeed 'The Gran Mitjornale' is one of the most important cultural events on the island, which this year cellebrates its 10th. anniversary.

The most significant artist either local, visitors and guests show their latest creations in beautiful town houses in the littile village in Es Mitjorn Gran.

The 52 Super Series in Mahon!

The port of Mahon will be the base of a stage of this prestigious regatta next month.

The 52 SUPER SERIES is a high-performance, monohull yacht racing circuit.

The "Box Rule" associated to the TP52 Class, means that boats must, literally, be able to fit within a box of certain dimensions. This means that there are no time allowances or handicaps and the boats race in real-time – first past the post wins. The Box Rule is strict enough to eliminate the need to set handicaps, yet flexible enough to encourage small, yearly innovations. The 52 SUPER SERIES is won by teams of skilful sailors, and the setup of the class means that the ages of the boat is of less importance

Official 52 SUPER SERIES Website

The Amerigo Vespucci in Mahon Harbour in a windy morning

The Amerigo Vespucci arrived early today to Mahon Harbour and it will remain in port for a few days.

The Amerigo Vespucci is a tall ship of the Marina Militare, named after the famous Italian explorer. Its home port is La Spezia, in Italy and it is in use as a School Ship.

In 1925, the Regia Marina ordered two school ships to a design by General Lieutenant Francesco Rotundi of the Italian Navy Engineering Corps, inspired by the style of large late 18th century 74-cannon ships of the line(like the neapolitan ship "Monarca"). The first, the Cristoforo Colombo, was put into service in 1928 and was used by the Italian Navy until 1943. After World War II, this ship was handed over to the USSR as part of the war reparations and was shortly afterwards decommissioned.

The second ship was the Amerigo Vespucci, built in 1930 at the (formerly Royal) Naval Shipyard of Castellammare di Stabia (Naples). She was launched on February 22, 1931,^[1] and put into service in July of that year.

The vessel is a full rigged three-masted steel hull 82.4 m (270.34 ft) long, with an overall length of 101 m (331 ft) including the bowsprit and a maximum width of 15.5 m (51 ft). She has a draught of about seven metres (23 ft) and a displacement at full load of 4146 tons. Under auxiliary diesel-electric propulsion the Amerigo Vespucci can reach 10 knots (19 km/h) and has a range of 5450 nm at 6.5 knots.

The three steel masts are 50, 54 and 43 metres high, and carry sails totalling 2824 m² (30400 ft²) The Amerigo Vespucci has 26 sails – square sails, staysails, and jibs: all are traditional canvas sails. When under sail in severe sea and wind conditions she can reach 12 knots (22 km/h). The rig, some 30 km of ropes, uses only traditional hemp ropes; only the mooring lines are synthetic, to comply with port regulations.
The hull is painted black with two white stripes, harking back to the two gun decks of the ships her design is based on, but she carries only two 6pdr saluting guns in pivot mountings on the deck, forward of the mainmast. The deck planks are of teak wood and must be replaced every three years. Bow and stern are decorated with intricate ornaments; she has a life-size figurehead of Amerigo Vespucci. The stern gallery is accessible only through the Captain's saloon.

Bellver

In one of the driest summers I can remember I have visited Bellver, an old grain farm in the region of Momplé, South of the island.

This site is home to a community that offers retreats for yoga. The place is certainly special and away from any worldly noise. This afternoon only crickets could be heard.

Click on link for information

AcroYoga Autumn Retreat In Menorca

Season 2015. Game Over.

It's been a long Season but it is now over.

Last Guests, Mr. & Mrs. Lee, Mr. & Mrs. Kersey and Mr. & Mrs. Houghton left on Saturday evening and the Hotel del Almirante has already closed its doors until late April 2016.

Nice meal with all the Staff in Es Casino de Sant Climent. Time to say goodbye and show out gratitude to Satur who has been for many, many years our right hand man. He retires this winter. We will certainly miss him althought he will always be in the Almirante's memories, and also I have the feeling we will keep seing him very often.

End of September with an Explosive Cyclogenesis

A very intense and rapidly deepening and intensifying storm passed yesterday over Menorca.

Several minor damages were hold in the island but aparently there was nobody injuried.

Here are some of the isobaric maps already that  reflected what it happened.

 This surface map clearly shows a well developed storm that can be categorized as a wather bomb due to its signature pressure drop. 

Fortunately it is sunny and bright -althought windy- today.

Festes de Gracia 2015

The fiestas, which honour the Virgen de Gràcia, take place on the 7th and 8th September. 

The ringing of church bells starts the fiestas off at 4 PM on the 7th, and then all the riders gather together and parade through the streets until they reach the chapel of Gracia where they stop to pray. 

 Picture by J. Carreras

Then they make their way to the square in front of the Town Hall, where they hold the jaleo which is truly spectacular and thoroughly enjoyed by locals and visitors alike.

There is another jaleo on the morning of the 8th, followed by horse-racing down the long and straight street Cos de Gracia in the afternoon. It is really exciting and vibrant.

Click for a video of the Jaleo 2015 

It has become fashionable over the last few years to ask a famous celebrity to open the fiestas officially alongside the mayoress of the city from the balcony of the Town Hall overlooking the square. This happens on the night of the 6th and then everyone sings a song together which is dedicated to the city.

Bowles Tournament Hotel del Almirante 2015. Provisional Results.

The competition has just started two days ago but...

...the Ladies are three games ahead!