More in Mahon

Circus

Have you ever been to a circus? Well we might have years ago but couldn’t really recall so we all (Mark, Alex, Carol & I) decided to pop along to the local circus.  We had seen the posters and they did have various animals on them but not sure we were prepared.  When we arrived there were steel bars surrounding the circus ring, as we all sat excitedly waiting.

As you can see we are all already sporting a sailing tan!

We were not disappointed when on came 3 female lions, a male lion and a tiger, we were not in front row seats but our jaws dropped as  they still seemed very close! Unfortunately no photos as they were not allowed! They did all seem in good condition as the trainer had them sit and stand on various platforms around the ring.  He looked like he had a good relationship with them and at various points gave them a cuddle, but we also saw the male lion have a swipe at his head!  We were all astounded by the performance and although I do no agree with animals in the circus they did look well cared for.

As the bars were removed we were treated to various other circus acts, the kids loved the clowns, some amazing woman trapeze artists – so strong, jugglers, plate spinners, sword balancers.  Not long and it was back to the animals, first 3 Shetland ponies pranced around the ring, then 3 camels – how do you train a camel! But what came next was even more of a surprise, a fully grown hippopotamus! Yep, it ran on ate a whole watermelon and off it went.

We continued to be amazed when on came a brown bear, not even on a lead just walked on with his trainer although he did have a muzzle on  He was huge and looked so cuddly, his coat was glossy and his trainer obviously adored him but it did still upset me when he had him clapping to the music and then he sat in a plastic garden chair. He then sat in the middle of the ring and children were invited to have photos taken with him, he did not look worried although there is no way I would have let a child get that close to those huge paws, they were cuddling him!

The night was an experience and glad we went but not sure I would support it again but I can’t say that from anything we saw the animals were any less cared for than in a zoo.

Exploring

We are back anchored at Cala Taulera, frustrating that we are not getting to sail around the island as much as we would like but even if we are lucky to have a light wind day they swell still takes about 24 hours to die down. At least here we know that we are sheltered and the holding is good so we can leave Magnum and explore a few other places.  Boats come and go here, often the same cruising boats returning probably doing similar to us.

Magnum at anchor - middle boat

It is about a 20 minute dingy ride into the town which is about as far as you want to go on the dingy and if the wind gets up you end up soaked!

We have also cycled from the Cala into the town, we knew it was quite a trek so not really do-able with too much shopping at it is a bit hilly but great exercise. Especially needed since we have consumed quite a few of Carols delicious cakes - Lemon Tart, Chocolate puddings, Pineapple upside-down cake & Strawberry cake, over the last couple of weeks and all cooked on the boat, amazing!

We have done another lovely walk, we took the dingy across the harbour to Cala Pedura, we then joined the Cami de Cavals, we walked through tiny pretty Cala Sant Esteve which was very sleepy, very much a locals village.

Cala Sant Esteve

Pretty walk

We walked for a few hours along what is mainly a walled path through fields, passing various farms but not much else.  We finally reached S’Algar which is a small purpose built urbanisation on the coast with one large (slightly run down) hotel and various apartment blocks.  The beach is rocky but there is a concrete area which is obviously used for sun beds, etc in the summer, with a restaurant and pool directly on the sea front.  

S'Algar harbour

None of which is open at the moment and looks like perhaps a couple of apartments are occupied.  Whilst there we came across a dive school, so perhaps we will complete our Padi next week, watch this space!

The following day we headed off on our bikes (not quite as easy as at home as they have to be taken to shore on dingy!) we cycled to Cala Mesquida, yet another beautiful undeveloped beach with a few houses. Not quite summer weather but we did enjoy a sit on beach although not quite sunbathing weather.

Cala Mesquida

Cala Mesquida

Lovely clean sandy beach at Cala Mesquida