I had already
been warned about it. Many years ago, when I first came to Palma, long before
having lived in Frankfurt or Bern, someone advised me: whoever comes to the
island, stays in the island forever. It’s true. I can’t explain the reason why,
but even a tramp can settle here permanently.
In fact, it is
difficult to adapt at first. Mallorcans are different from other Spaniards. They
are calm, relaxed, less spontaneous. I have many friends in Mallorca, but
almost all of them are outsiders. Only a few Mallorcans would invite you to
their homes. Thus, we all grumble when whe come to the island.
But then you get
used to sunbathing; to that tomato, onion and pepper salad which is so typical
in the island; to going out dressed as a weird and that nobody really minds; to
enjoying the tranquility of going out alone at any time of day or night; to
going everywhere on bike safely without being bothered (but for some local
officer who warns you not to ride on the sidewalk). Suddenly, you have become
addicted to Mediterranean culture.
I would like to
thank Mallorca and the Mallorcans. They are experts in the art of living.
No comments:
Post a Comment