Palma 2003

Chairman's Trip Report

15th - 18th November

After a cold destination last year, we decided to go somewhere a bit warmer this year, and so thirteen of us jetted off to Palma. Unfortunately the British weather beat us to it, so we had the occasional rain mixed with sunny spells, but it was reasonably warm.

Too warm too, for the black & white striped rugby shirts Vice Chairman Ian had made us all wear.

The Hotel Costa Azul was right on the front overlooking the Marina, about 15 minutes walk into the centre of Palma, and a similar distance from the nightclubs such as Tito's.

Arriving Saturday morning, we checked-in and headed out to explore the Cathedral and old town with its fascinating buildings, and hidden places such as the Banys Arabs.

The biggest surprise of the day though was Andy's Bart Simpson haircut after he bravely subjected himself to the Butcher of Palma!

That evening we headed via Hogans to two restaurants - one for those who couldn't drag themselves past the first pizza joint they came across, and another for those who wanted to try some more authentic Mallorcan cuisine at the Fenix restaurant. Then off via the Karaoke bar - where we sang along with some lads from Rotherham - and on to Titos Nightclub.

Next morning and back down to Hogans Irish Pub to watch the Rugby semi-final vs. France on the big TV. Great result, and the French there took it very well! With some still nursing sore heads, we jumped aboard a sight-seeing bus, stopping at Bar Bosch for a Tapas lunch - though the less adventurous shamedly went to the McDonalds next door...<sigh>

In the afternoon we explored more of the city, before heading back to the hotel and out again for an evening meal. This turned out to be a brilliant night as we ended up at the Babushka Russian Restaurant (Avenida Joan Miró 5) where one of the business partners was having a birthday party (Happy Birthday, Derek), complete with Spanish guitarist and lovely dancing girls! Of course we joined in the fun, and had a great time with our hosts, ending the evening at Rick's Bar at around 4am.

Sunday and an early start <groan> to catch the panoramic trip on the Soller train.

An hour later we're just about capable of breakfast in a cafe on the main square. Then it's the tram down to Port de Soller, which although very scenic, we didn't choose the best day as it was raining. Mr. Ex decided to walk all the way to the lighthouse, although was unable to provide any evidence that he actually made it. After lunch it was back to Soller, a couple of drinks, and collapse on the station until the train back to Palma arrived.

That evening after a Chinese restaurant meal the feeble-ones (most of Table, I'm ashamed to say) collapsed in the hotel in front of coffees, well before midnight! Three of us made our way in disgust to Made in Brazil for a few more beers before heading back, to be up in time for the Taxis back to the airport the next morning.

It was all over too soon, as usual!

Where next year? Easyjet have new routes from Bristol to Bilbao, Copenhagen and Berlin. Berlin sounds interesting. Budapest? Or back to Palma....?
 
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