Pollensa

We are back from a wonderfully relaxing ten-day trip to Spain. I have so many great photos and finds to share this week, but I thought I would start with my favorite, Pollensa.

Pollensa is without any doubt, one of the most beautiful parts of Mallorca. The landscape is so beautiful and diverse. Rugged, steep mountains collide with isolated shores that are surrounded by deep, pale blue waters and silvery green olive trees.

The town of Pollensa is a maze of narrow, winding streets and stone houses built in the 17th and 18th centuries. For the past seven days we were privileged to reside in one of these amazing homes in the heart of old town. Last Sunday morning, we like many others, found ourselves enjoying a leisurely morning in the Placa Major. Placa Major, the central square, is dominated by a large 13th century church Esglesia de Nostra Senyora dels Angels, built by the Templars. Every Sunday a wonderful outdoors market takes over Placa Major with stalls spilling down every available side street. A variety of local crafts, hand-sliced jamon Serrano, olives, and brightly colored vegetables begged to be taken home. And, of course, we were only too happy to indulge. The market is an absolute must, not just for purchases but also as a social activity. Most locals and tourists alike linger for hours in the surrounding cafes.

One of my favorite finds was Berenjenas de almagro (see photo). Berenjenas are tiny stuffed pickled aubergines (baby eggplants) that have been commonly served in Spain for hundreds of years. I have found one online store in the States, La Tienda, that sells Berenjenas. Funny enough La Tienda also sells the exact same traditional yellow mortar and pestle I bought at the local corner market.

I have yet to find an online site for the UK that sells Berenjenas, but I will keep searching!