Now some people wouldn't like the long drives that have been a part of our tours but we are pooped from this amazing trip and welcome the beautiful scenery and the guides' euphonic voices, perfect for a little R&R. The drive through Majorca was just what we needed.
Majorca is gorgeous (I know I sound like a broken record). Its capital city houses most of its population and leaves the outskirts of hills and flatlands quiet. Once out of the city the beautiful landscape is vast with random windmills, plush Spanish houses and farms.
I have been looking forward to seeing the Drach caves and was excited when we pulled up. I have to admit that amongst my many paranoias and hypochondria annoyances, confined spaces and large groups are part of those. So going into a cave with many of my-not-so-close but too-close friends was beyond my comfort zone for sure!
We walked to the opening and down the narrow stairs we went. I started getting panicky "Ahhhh too many people and way too close!!" but my fears were subsided when the gloriousness of the caves features came into view.
"Wow"!!. The stalacites and stalagmites were everywhere and in all shapes and sizes. The cave twisted and turned and small puddles of greenish/blue water pooled in various parts. Suddenly the cave turned and opened up into a huge amphitheatre that over looked the "lake".
The lake was glowing green and blue and I could see the formations underneath the water. It was a weird experience, surreal. I almost felt like I was in a Pirates of the Caribbean Disney ride. The ushers began ushering us into the amphitheatre -- "great, now I get to sit amongst all these people in one area of the confined space". Then the lights went out!!!! "Oh SH#T!!
Pitch-black! Mason instantly grabbed me and I put my arms around him and Hannah. My flight or fight senses kicked in and my senses heightened full-on but then music began to play. Pachelbel's Canon in D was being played from a beautiful symphony and from the darkness the outline if a boat appeared from the right side of the cave. Then two more appeared. White lights were beautifully strung around the edges of the boats and lit up the water, it was breathtaking.
The symphony was on the first boat and they played three gorgeous songs all while maneuvering through the lake. As each song ended the applauds from the group bounced and echoed off the walls and ceiling. Once the songs ended the lights slowly came back on and we happily walked out of the Drach caves. Truly fantastic.
From the caves we drove to a pearl factory where German pearls are polished and adorned on necklaces, rings and earrings. It was busy with shoppers and onlookers. Hannah got her first pair of pearl earrings and from Spain, nonetheless.
The day was marvelous. Back to our ship we went. On the way back it was decided that another down day was needed and we decided not to get off the ship tomorrow in Marseille, France as we will be in Paris in a few days.
As always, to be continued...
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