John Nelson keeps an eye on Alcudia!

• Always Read the Small Print
  As we all know, living here in Mallorca means your family are so keen to come and visit. My 70-year-old Geordie uncle has been here for 4 weeks now. Half way through his visit he had to change some Sterling to Euros so approached a money exchange advertising on a huge sign outside 1.45€ to the pound. After changing £100 he noticed he only received 125€. When he questioned this the assistant pointed to a sign indoors (in tiny writing) stating that rate is only payable on £1000 or more. Apparently this is not only legal but a widespread practice. Legal maybe, but surely immoral!
• Cutest Dog in Mallorca?
  Alcúdia old town’s paved streets are perfect for a summer evening stroll after the intense heat of August. Highly recommended for a refreshment stop is La Sala, the British-owned café opposite the town hall. Cosmopolitan is an overused word but it definitely describes the customer mix here. Stuart’s baguettes are to die for. On the terrace you may come across the owners’ rescued dog, Nanouk. Quite possibly the cutest dog in Mallorca!
• So True
  “There is no therapy in the world like a puppy licking your face” Ben Williams
• Clean Out, Clean Up
  With so may tourists here in the summer looking for beach reading material this is a great time for you to clean out your cupboards and drop off your second-hand books at Victoria’s Charity Shop or Little Britain. Both establishments sell the books to raise funds for Victoria`s Animal Refuge. So clean out so the charity can clean up.
• Beat the Mossie
  Mosquitoes are such a problem in May and October around Alcúdia and Playa de Muro. Was it just my imagination or are there more than usual this summer? When it comes to the best way to counter them I really do think I’ve heard it all. Here’s a selection from friends. Vitamin thiamin. Lavender cologne spray. Garlic capsules. Citronella incense sticks and candles. Lemon slices in water. Brewers Yeast tablets. Can you better these?
• Grease is NOT the Word
  I’ve been taken to task for referring to Avenida Pere Mas i Reus as the “Greasy Mile” last issue. Sorry Barbara, no offence intended. Completely agree it’s an unattractive nickname – especially for those who live locally – but it is common parlance for so many. Of course the full name doesn’t exactly trip off the tongue for non-Spanish speakers. Time for a name change? Siesta Street. Bellevue Street. The Strip. Any suggestions?
• Already History
  Frantically searching in the attic for another electric fan I came across some old school reports. Apart from the usual unjustified (and frankly libellous) teacher comments, I was struck by how certain words and phrases are already history. Anyone remember technical drawing, home economics, cycling proficiency test, music and movement
• Playa de Muro Market
  Note that this summer this has changed from Saturday mornings to Mondays because Saturday is a big changeover day for so many local hotels.
• Pamplona
  Apparently more than 25 people were injured during the annual running of bulls in Pamplona. Shame!
• Sign of the Times?
  Testimony to the amount of Eastern European workers heading to Mallorca is the forthcoming opening of a shop in the Port of Alcúdia selling imported Romanian products. Named after Lumy y Elena the shop is located between the Church and the Highlander Bar in the Port. No different from our own British shops. Good luck to them.

. . . and finally
and finally, foo chow mein, the world's oddest hippie, says: have no fear, no such rubbish here

If you have any comments or Alcudia news you wish to pass on to John Nelson, you can contact him on e-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it