My friend Viviane from NY Ford Foundation days arrived with Joe after a cancelled flight and nervy drive from Heathrow.  With only a day in London before visiting her parents and family in Mallorca, she drove us out to Alton to visit an old family friend from her days in Belgium.  Dear old Englishman - David.  His house is in the town’s history books, picture below.  What a wonderful visit, we made his week as he proclaimed. Quite spry at 80+ years.

Jeff, David, Viviane and Joe.

His famous “Old House”

We joined Viviane and Joe a few days later in Mallorca.  What dramatic landscapes, we had no idea the island varied so much from North to South etc. 

Harbour of Palma, largest city in Mallorca and originally a Roman camp.

      

Bellver Castle in Palma.

      

Countryside drive into town of Valledemossa, home and host to such luminaries as; George Sand, Chopin, Ruben Dario…

     

Hidden cove by the Torrent.

 When dry, people picnic and there are outdoor concerts.  When rainy season, look out!

 

Gorgeous aqua marine water…

  Sunset over Palma..

  Run away….!

 Wheeeee!

Viviane and Joe discuss the finer points of sand…