26/01/2014 00:00
TW
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Still Shining    
A report that the number of British and German residents in the Balearics had declined substantially in 2013 -- by nine thousand Germans and four thousand British -- led to comment throughout the week that ranged from the frustration experienced by people trying to run small businesses to wider concern about whether Majorca has “lost its shine”.
Although questions were asked about the reliability of the quoted figures and their lack of any breakdown of the status of those leaving, there was general acceptance that they reflected a definite trend of departure for a variety of reasons among which local administrative red tape, the high cost of the obligatory autonomo for a self-employed licence, the dead months of winter, poor airline links to the UK, and constantly rising living costs, were prominent.
A Bulletin Facebook survey asking “Do you think Majorca has lost its shine?” resulted in over one hundred replies in less than 24 hours. Some were very blunt -- “It’s so bloody expensive to live here” -- and some complained at the lack of effort by local authorities, officials, airlines and hoteliers to make the best of Majorca’s tourism appeal --”fighting with each other...and happy in their bubble”. A different viewpoint was that “Majorca cannot lose its shine, but learning how to adapt to living on the island has changed for sure. The issue now is for expats and even Spanish citizens to learn to adapt quick enough to keep their standards of living”. And there was a warning to those thinking of leaving to think again: “I left for a while thinking that the grass was greener elsewhere but came back because Majorca is a place to enjoy a wonderful lifestyle”.
After checking all the Facebook replies to the question “Has Majorca lost its shine” Andrew Ede concluded that “The no’s had it over the yes’s to the tune of almost four to one. For the majority of people, therefore, Majorca is still shining.”

Whisky Matters
The European Union protection afforded Spanish sangria against imitators, reported in the Bulletin, led to a letter to the Editor: “May one now hope that that the “drink” made near Madrid under the brand name of DYC Whisky and widely distributed in Spain will receive similar protection?
Having tasted it once (and once only) any possibility that the name might in any way cause it to be mistakenly connected with Scotland is of great concern to those of a discerning palate.”
A second letter, however, said that the writer of the first should have done more research since “Whisky is a worldwide drink, it is not exclusive to Scotland. American, Canadian and Irish whisky are well known. Sangria is different as its origins are exclusive to Spain/Portugal.” (Japan also produces a drink named called “whisky” which, although pleasant enough, does not taste at all like the real thing. R.F)

Cycling and Its Importance
There may have been mixed reactions in some quarters to a Bulletin headline “Majorca is one big natural cycle park” in Humphrey Carter’s report of the “first international cycling Congress addressing all aspects of cycling” which is to take place in Palma on 6/7 February on the eve of the start of the professional cycling season in Europe. However, there is no doubt this event is a serious affair which will endorse Majorca’s claim to be a natural centre for cycling at Olympic to recreational levels.
The two day Congress will have three main themes: Cycling and Tourism; Cycliing and Science: and Cycling and Training. Its organisers are already looking forward to next year’s Congress which will include a “Red Hoot Crit evening/night cycle race through Palma” which will be similar to those already taking place in other major cities.

A Distinctive Winter Tourism Identity
After seemingly endless reporting and comment on Majorca’s Winter Tourism problem there was further evidence of the part that cycling is likely to play in the development of a distinctive winter tourism identity for Majorca.
The British travel company Jet2 will be operating twice-weekly flights from Leeds Bradford and Manchester from March and has also launched a programme of “tailored biking holidays on Majorca” which for 195 pounds will provide a weekly package that includes transfer for cyclists and their bikes to 3-4 star hotels with facilities and assistance for cycling enthusiasts from March to November. The company said it had “worked hard to develop a package which is a one-stop shop to suit all biking styles and abilities”.
The Council of Majorca, with responsibility for local roads, is entering into the spirit of these developments and putting up new signs which carry the message “Jo respect el ciclista, i tu?” and show the 1.5 metre space that car drivers are expected to observe when overtaking cyclists.
 (While recognising the potential economic importance of cycling tourism, I hope it is not out of place to ask whether cyclists are reminded to “respect” cars and pedestrians on the roads that they share. Groups of twenty or thirty fast moving but loosely ordered cyclists on narrow and precipitous roads and busy streets can be a threat to safety. R.F.)

In brief
The “British society event of the year” is expected to take place on Majorca in the summer when James Blunt, “a former Captain in the Life Guards turned music sensation” marries Sofia Wellesley, grand-daughter of the Duke of Wellington. The Bulletin’s source was Vanity Fair magazine which said that the wedding will take place at the Wellesley country mansion between Campanet and Pollensa. The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are expected to be among the guests.

The possible return to Real Mallorca of the much-travelled goal-scoring Samuel Eto’o was discussed in Monro Bryce’s Fan’s View column. Eto’o began his European career with Real Mallorca but left for Barcelona in 2004 and after a spell in Russia is now with Chelsea where he scored a hat trick last week. He has a home in Son Vida and his son lives here. Now 32, his contract with Chelsea ends in May. His return would certainly lift Real Mallorca’s chances of an early return to Spain’s First Division.