Not all those who wander are lost
Date published 19 June, 2020
Islands near islands -Illot de la Galera
I like islands, for no particular reasons. Being an island seems to create something fascinating, culturally. I think Mallorca has something of that. Totally Spanish, but absolutely its own place.
But, islands off islands are fascinating, too. Especially if they are more than just a bit of rock that fell off many years ago.
And so, to the Illot de la Galera, tucked up just 150 metres swim from the coast at C'an Pastilla. You glimpse it from the road train as you ride by the beach, and hardly notice it. It is small - about 50 metres long. And it does strike you, initially, as a bit of rock that fell off.
But once, people lived there. In fact, more than once - there was a kind of temple there in 300BC, and again, rebuilt, a hundreds years ago more recently. Still BC, though, so not terribly recent.
I found the place sent my mind musing. You could live here, in apparent isolation. But the isolation isn't really all that, well, isolated, when a decent swim could get you to the main island! Why do people do that - move away from the main stream, but only just?
I don't know. But a lot of people do it. Some of us live in vans, and travel, and are free. And yet you will find us near other people a lot of the time! We crave being different, being apart, and yet do not want to cease to be a part of society completely.
I have neither a criticism, not an explanation. But I do find myself liking that place. An island aloof, but not far aloof. A rural village, but still a short bus ride from the city. A van, so I am off grid, but still very near the grid.
I think it is useful to understand where you want to be, and why you want to be there, so you don't end up in a place where you are not you. I could live on Mallorca - an island off the coast of Spain. In all honesty, this little island off the coast of Mallorca is not so appealing. I want to be different, but not too different. To be individual, but still in reach of other people.
Anyway, should you find yourself wandering around in Playa del Palma, take a moment to stand and wonder what living on this small island, so near to the coast, yet still apart. Indulge some dreaming!
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