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Menorca memories

Another breathtakingly hot day in Menorca left us undecided what to do. We stayed back to wave off a charming couple we had met, from Guernsey. Del Almirante is one of those hotels where friendships are easily made. With so many lovely people it would be hard not to.

By 10am, as they left the hotel it was already 28 degrees. A little Menorcan cloud had drifted in but seemed as if it would just as easily drift out. What to do when it was going to be so hot? We opted in the end for a stroll into Mahon in order to enjoy a trip on the Yellow Catamaran.

We broke our walk at the bar overlooking the steps down to the harbour. An early beer for hubby and coffee for me. Then down the impressive steps to the Catamaran ticket office.The catamaran cost 11 euros each for adults. Children's tickets cost 5 euros but small children travel free. The trip lasts one hour and the guides speak in Spanish, English and German, meaning every one on board was catered for. (prices correct at time of writing)

A small bar offers refreshments and there are also toilet facilities. We started the trip on the outer top deck which was hot and offered no shade from the searing sun. As you reach the entrance to the estuary  the Catamaran turns so that you can view below the waves from the glass sides below deck. It is called a glass bottom boat but in reality it is not.

It was fun to watch the sea bed with shoals of fish swimming by and tiny jellyfish blowing past. Then it was back to the harbour. The journey is accompanied by a commentary about the relevant sights you pass.The trip was well worth the cost.

Back in the harbour the steps were not so appealing walking back up. It was time for Tapas and Salad for lunch before the mooch back to base. An afternoon by the pool with a good book and a beer seemed to fit the bill. We decided that tomorrow an earlier start would be needed so that we were not walking during the hottest part of the day.

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Our two week stay in Menorca last year was taken the last two weeks of October. Perfect for hubby's 60th birthday celebration but not ideal for good weather. We had a great holiday and a mixed bag of weather.

The Island of Menorca closes its doors to tourists at the end of October and there are no direct flights to the UK for six months. Those who work in the tourist trade on Menorca have to make enough money in six months to last the year. These days many do not. The weak Euro and poor financial climate in the UK has deterred some visitors.

Last year one memorable day was spent at Fornells on the northern side of Menorca. It was memorable especially for its high winds, stormy seas and cold weather. Would we fare better this year?

Menroca's tourist timetable of bus services changes on September 15. This means that after September 15 until the next year's season the buses are less frequent. Although we were a month earlier the buses were still less frequent. Some places such as Es Grau have no bus links at all in Winter. Fornells is still accessible but with limited times available. this year our visit to Fornells was brief.

Why? Yes, it was just too hot!

There was still some wind but the sea was calm and flat. The bright blue sky had cloud streams etched across it. The blue and turquoise waters looked inviting. Near the mouth of the estuary, looking out to the Med, a row or starched lookng white boats bobbed gently along helped by the wind.

We walked up to the shrine and old tower. By this time we were out of puff, hot and sticky. It was worth the walk though. We took the short cut back down via the rough path.

Fornells pristine white houses looked bright in the dazzling sunshine.In spite of its tourists Fornells remained quiet and peaceful. It is perfect for a little shopping, walking, lunch by the water or a long cold drink.

The journey back to Mahon takes in pretty scenery and coastal views but one minute I was awake and the next minute I awoke in Mahon.Guess I will just have to visit again.

Information: Car hire is easy in Menorca.
The main bus station in Mahon has timetables available. Prices vary. Two to Fornells was 5.80 euros, for each way.
At the opposite end of the Island is Cuitadella the old capital. Some services operate out of here to other parts of the island.

 
 
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 So our first day Friday was a belter. Reaching 34 degrees in the afternoon it was so much hotter than what we had left behind in the UK It had begun to rain as we boarded our plane and by the time we took off the skies were grey and full of cloud.

Friday and Saturday was wall to wall sunshine in Menorca. As typical Brits we managed a little complain that it was too hot. We Brits always manage to complain its too hot, too cold, too dry, too wet, too windy or too anything. Still it was lovely being able to say that it was too hot for a change. That was to change, albeit it briefly.

Sunday began as a beautiful day but the locals from day one had said Sunday would bring rain. They said it would not arrive until the afternoon and once again their forecasting proved to be accurate. A glorious morning led us to a mooch around the nearby capital Mahon. The walk into the city along the harbour road from the cove was hot and scenic. Lunchtime clouds made us decide to head back to Hotel del Almirante.Yet the clouds dissipated and sun shone through once again.

Around 2.30 heavy clouds swept in and thunder began.

People in the pool caused concern to some who begged them to "get out" Apparently an outdoor swimming pool when lightening strikes is not the place to be. Then the heavens opened. Rain poured down in sheets. We sat under the terrace watching it do its worst. Still warm it made for dramatic viewing. It set in for the rest of the day and finally turned cool. It was the first rain for 6 weeks so the locals were understandably pleased.

High winds rocked the boat anchored in the bay outside of our window. Each time we looked it had moved and changed direction again. Hotel window shutters broke free during the night and rattled into the early hours of the morning.

Peace descended though and tte storm swept out as it has swept in Hot weather resumed and we went back to complaining that it was just too hot.
 
 
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This year we flew from Doncaster or Robin Hood Airport between Doncaster and Sheffield. It is around an hour's drive from our home. Not the closest airport but a good one for us. It has plenty of amenities and generally flights run to time.

This year it was back to having to arrive at the airport 2 hours before the flight. Our flight was scheduled for 8.55 and that is exactly what time we took off.

If you are taking someone to this airport you will need to get a ticket to allow you to enter and stay the brief time necessary.

A Costa Coffee shop is open in the foyer which is handy if you arrive early. Our check-in did not open for quite a while and then a long queue soon formed. If you have pre-booked your flight seats why queue and get stressed? Better to wait till the queue thins out and stroll through.

Although there are strict regulations now on luggage weight and size we had no problems. Only one piece of hand luggage each was the demand. I was still allowed to carry my cross body bag with passports, cash etc in it as well as my small rucksack..

Departures are from the top deck of the airport but there are lifts or elevators for those with mobility issues. Here, on the top floor, small screens will tell you when it is time to board and other flight details. Until you board it will be "shop, play and eat for you.

This year's in flight safety message was delivered via the TV screens and the cutest small children. Perhaps it is felt this will make passengers pay attention. Will if that is the case it sure worked. The Robin Hood Airport in the UK and Mahon Airport on the Island of Menorca were very clean and well cared for. All in all an enjoyable experience.