Deep Into the Caves We Go…
05 Nov 2011 Leave a Comment
in Mallorca, Spain, Mediterranean Cruise
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Thursday, June 2, 2011
This morning we arrived on the island of Mallorca, one of the Balearic Islands in the Mediterranean Sea belonging to Spain. It’s our final port of call before we return to Barcelona. We are grateful to see land again after a very nauseating evening of turbulent seas. We’re promised, however, that it’s smooth sailing the rest of the way.
Arriving in Mallorca
The bus took us on a two-hour journey to the other side of the island, from the capital city Palma to Porto Cristo. Along the way, we passed La Seu, the Cathedral of Palma finished in 1601.
La Seu, the Cathedral of Palma
Upon arriving in Porto Cristo, Mallorca, the city nearest the Caves, we were given some free time to explore the beach or pick up some souvenirs. We enjoyed the beautiful views and then found a quaint little coffee shop. Tracey ordered a latte and I enjoyed a cappuchino and mom got a Coke. We tried to order everything in Spanish.
Some free time in Porto Cristo on the beach
Coffee Break
Back on the bus, we drove to the nearby caves. This is obviously a huge international attraction drawing several thousands of people daily. I had never heard of these caves before, but by the lines forming outside, and the timed entry, it was clear these caves were a major tourist destination. We joined the mass of humanity and filed into the entrance. The winding path takes you about 25 meters (82 feet) into the depths.
The Cuevas del Drach
The caves are well-lit with high ceilings and easy-to-navigate, man-made pathways, so you never felt claustrophobic. In fact, the stalagmites and stalactites were so mesmerizing, you forgot just how many people were in the cave with you (please no earthquakes, please no earthquakes…). We enjoyed the beauty of this natural wonder which may have formed just a mere 23 million years ago.
The truly surprising part of this adventure was what awaited at the depths of the cave: one of the largest underground lakes in the world, Martel Lake. And across from the lake was amphitheatre-style bench seating for the mass of humanity. As the show begins, the lights in the cave dim until you are sitting in virtual darkness. And then, you hear it before you actually see it: an orchestra sailing across the lake.
Stalactites
Then, little glowing boats appear and sail slowly along while their passengers play a beautiful concert of classical music. I can imagine how extremely romantic this would be if a man rented this cave for his date and treated her to a private, solo performance. Oh, and then naturally he’d have to propose to her and serve her champagne.
The glowing boats on Martel Lake
But, unfortunately, the reality of this public performance was filled with people sneezing, coughing, babies crying, foreigners loudly whispering in their native languages, people shushing each other. It kind of detracted from the moment. But, I extracted the beauty nevertheless and it was certainly worth seeing.
A small lake underground
Then, of course, you have to take a photo of the rock shaped like a dragon.
Cuevas del Drach - the rock shaped like a dragon
We boarded the bus for the return trip to Palma. But first, our guide took us to the most famous place in Mallorca: the Orquidea pearl factory. Mallorca Pearls are world renowned. It might be the only place where artificial pearls are as coveted as authentic ones. And it’s all because this factory laboriously creates such quality pearls that they cannot be distinquished from real pearls. We walked through the factory and naturally, into the gift shop.
Mallorca Pearl Factory
We returned to the ship. Tracey and I had a final and enjoyable dinner in the dining room while mom went on a second date with Kenny. In fact, he took her to the exclusive Captain’s dinner which is by invitation only. It’s like getting to eat at the chef’s table in the kitchen with 20 people and enjoy a several course tasting menu along with champagne and wine. I believe there was also a private tour. Tracey and I were very envious.
