Almond trees

Encouraged by the temperate Mediterranean climate, the first variety of the island's more than 7,000,000 almond trees timidly begin to bud in late January, a foretaste of the exquisite fields blanketed by white, delicate flowers that burst into bloom between late January and mid-February. Be it in a lone specimen or a riot of flowers, this surprising and omnipresent forerunner of spring is a special treat for visitors.

A closer look at this man-made display of nature reveals in detail the colours of these flowers, which range from the purest white to pink. A unique and guaranteed opportunity for photography lovers to take an unforgettable memory back home with them.

The almond tree is highly revered in some cultures. The tree originated in the Middle East, and is mentioned numerous times in the  Bible.

Althought it is known there were almond trees in Menorca during the muslim period, 900 years ago, the cultivation of almond trees was introduced en masse after phylloxera devastated the Islands' vineyards in the late eighteenth century. Their fruit can be sampled as is, toasted or as part of the island' typical dishes, especially pastries.

Binicodrell Nou

Nowadays there are a few farms under the name "Binicodrell" because all of them are formed by lands that belonged to the primal farm Binicodrell, one of the oldest and most extensive landowner properties of Menorca, during the feudal era.

 According to ancient texts, Binicodrell was a large Talayotic period settlement (1000-700 B.C.). Today, only two talayots remain, of which the northern one is in a better condition; it has a zigzag shaped access ramp leading inside, although researchers disagree on whether it was built at the same time as the talayot. The southern talayot, on the other hand, is quite dilapidated.
You can still find fragments of pottery on the ground, dating from various eras: Talayotic, late Punic, Roman and Islamic. Inside the protected area of the site there is a necropolis.

 Making New Friends

Strolling around the fields of La Trinitat.

 

 

The Autumm and Early Winter that we're having in Menorca this year is being abnormally warm.  

 

An invitation to walk through fields and beaches. Both the coast and inland paths are filled these days with people, mostly Menorcan, enjoying their time walking or cycling.

 

"La Trinitat" is an agricultural area east of Ciutadella dedicated to the cultivation of cereals and fodder for livestock. There are some vast farms with large and old houses.

 

 La Trinitat.

Sant Llorens

Binipati Nou

Some trees and plants in the island are blooming, victims of the mirage  of this false spring.

 

 Myrtus Flowers.

 

Myrtus Communis, the common myrtle or true myrtle, is native across the northern Mediterranean Region. In the ancient Mediterranean Cultures, myrtle was symbolic of either, Love and Immortality.

 

On the other hand the weather conditions in parts of the UK are, as I read in the press, really rough. I do hope that you have not been affected by the floods.

Happy New Year.

Cala Morell. December 2015.

There is something in the air...

...It must be Christmas time!