- Publisher: Roqueta Magazine
- Editor: Duncan Frazer
- Edition: 319
- Published: 1st July 2017
Now that I am fully furnished with a new hip, I am looking forward to again continuing my quest of the further exploration of Menorca.
I am getting more and more suggestions for articles, and this entails going to meet people, digging about and generally living a very interesting life. There is so much happening on the island, and I am very grateful to all of you who come forward with great ideas for new articles. This month is no exception. We have an article on monoliths, a very interesting piece on the island’s energy issues and a much-extended Eating Out section. Funnily enough we never have any shortage of recommendations of new places to propose to the readers.
We have also tried to get into a bit of a pattern of having a series of regular articles each month, as feedback tells us that although a very varied readership, you all have your favourite sections. So, gardening, history, the Big Interview, beauty, wine, a local town review and others appear again in this issue. And of course, there are a multiple number of societies and charities to report on. There seems to be no shortage of inspiration for our contributors to come forward month by month.
It is easy to settle into a very good life if you live here or visit frequently, but we hope that although we offer an easy and readable style in the magazine, we can also provoke some thought and discussion on the matters of the day. As with anywhere, Menorca has controversy and frustrations over small and larger issues that affect us, and as they become apparent to us here, we will report them to you. We offer no soapbox or opinion as to a solution; that is up to you as the reader to come to your own conclusions.
As part of my and Angie’s on-going integration into a Menorcan lifestyle, one of the challenges we face is learning the Spanish language. This is tough as so many locals speak such good English and we are no longer able to indulge in 10 hours tuition a week as we might have at a young age in school. And, of course we have the complication for a student at our level of the confusion of the third Menorcan language. But we persevere, as we know it is important and disrespectful not to give it our best shot. So, thank you to our coach Queta for her patience and good humour. Poco a Poco.
I live in an apartment in the centre of Mahón, and I love it. Easy to get about, loads on my doorstep, and a year-round vibe. I am treated with curiosity by some of my local shopkeepers and bars, especially as I am seen all year around, but I never feel intimidated or uneasy. I have lived in various places around the world during my working life, but have never felt so comfortable as here. The atmosphere and wellbeing must be something that both expats and frequent visitors must feel too, perhaps a little different from other sunshine options.
It would be remiss of us not to pay our respects to those who have been caught-up in the three terrorist attacks in the UK over the past few months. For myself, all three could have involved some of my family and friends if they had been in the wrong place at the wrong time. And of course, the appalling tragedy at Grenfell Tower. So, our thoughts are never far away and we hope and pray that some sort of solution can be found, quickly.
But to finish on a more upbeat note, the sun is shining, it is warm with blue skies and everything is open for business. Let’s hope that it is a good season and business thrives whilst we all enjoy ourselves too.
Any comments as ever drop me an email here.