We had a busy morning on Friday, our departure day, but we managed to get everything done that needed to be done before going away. Phil got his early morning zapping done at NG then managed to get his hair cut in Wolverton and also managed to book an appointment at the dentist before going over to Caldecotte to check up on the glaziers. I also had stuff to do but somehow we managed to meet up at midday and went for lunch at the carvery at Shenley Church End. It was just a shame that a sleepless night and an almost back to back session of radiotherapy played havoc with Phil’s bottom so he wasn’t feeling too great. Plus for some reason his cold had come with back vengeance so it wasn’t the best start to our mini-break.
Sue picked us up from home and very kindly took us to the airport around half two’ish. Traffic was a bit stop start with the road works and it took her nearly an hour there and back. There was no rush for us because we’d left enough time but it’s always frustrating for the driver when Luton is so close. We were flying with Monarch which was the first time with this airline since our 36 hour delay back from India in November but I’m pleased to say outward bound yesterday that it was all good. Check in took 5 minutes, we’d cleared security and customs in about 20 which gave us plenty of time to buy a paper and Prett sandwiches and chill out in the bar. Poor Phil’s nose was streaming and he was a bit miserable to say the least and his mood didn’t improve when it was announced that our flight was delayed.
The delay turned out to be only 30 minutes and was no big deal. An extra drink in the bar and when we finally boarded we were over the moon to find that we had been allocated exit aisle seats with not only extra leg room, but no one next to us on the third seat. A very nice surprise especially given the mood that Phil was in. The flight passed quickly, some reading and some red wine and soon we were landing in Palma. In spite of the delay, the flight landed the same time as it was scheduled, so that was good. We didn’t have any luggage in the hold so straight through customs and off to Gold Rentals to pick up the car. This was easy but not so easy getting out of the airport and finding our bearings with a sat nav which thought it was still in Milton Keynes. It took about an hour and half to reach our hotel; it wasn’t easy in the dark especially because the cigarette lighter for the sat nav didn’t work and the sat nav died just as we got into Calles de Mallorca. A few arguments and a few cross words mostly due to tiredness but luckily I spotted the sign for our hotel and we parked easily.
By this time it was 11pm, just time to throw our bags at the concierge and go check out the all-inclusive bar that closed at midnight. We had a few wines then got our bags at closing and crashed out, we were absolutely knackered. Needless to say Phil was up with the lark with his toilet problems but he was thoughtful and went out to read on the balcony whilst I slept. When you arrive in the dark there is no chance to suss out the surroundings but I have to say, I was pleasantly surprised this morning. In case anyone is interested, or wants to check it out, we are staying at Hotel Canaries Park in Callas de Mallorca. We have no internet access or our room which is where I am drafting this blog from, so sorry can’t provide a URL.
Some of the web reviews about this hotel haven’t been great but whilst I wasn’t expecting anything great, for a 3 star all-inclusive establishment, all is fine. I guess I was expecting something like the programme ‘Benidorm’; Phil hates this programme but I loved this series with a passion but actually there is no comparison. Don’t get me wrong, it has its similarities, but our room is clean and spacious, as is the hotel, the tourists are a good mixture of English, German, Dutch and French which means that it is not, all ‘kiss me quick’ tattoos and union jacks. The all-day buffets of lunch, breakfast and dinner are NOT fine dining but if you are selective, you can eat well. Breakfast was good, lunch was a little predictable and I can’t believe I pigged out on crap like pizza, pasta and white bread. I never do this at home but I was tired today and in need of stodge, comfort and carbs. I can’t comment on dinner because we have tried this yet; at the time of writing, it’s mid-afternoon. If I carry on eating and drinking like I have done thus far this weekend, I am sure I will have put on half a stone by the time I return home.
This morning after breakfast, we drove towards the sea, parked up at a hotel then walked down to the coast. I was glad we drove half the way because the walk to the sandy cove beach took an hour there and back. The weather is beautiful, clear, bright and sunny with temperatures of 28 Celsius. It’s been a chill out day today so nothing exciting to report I’m afraid. In a minute I’m going to have to take my laptop to try and publish in a hot Wi-Fi zone by reception then I guess we’ll grab a free drink, have dinner and maybe stay up for the Karaoke; or maybe not. Never say never as they say; the mode for this mini-break, is just go with the flow. Sometimes that’s the best and only way to go.
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