¡Feliz cumpleaños, Reg!

Needless to say, it was a must that we rang in the last year of Reggie's twenties in a big way. His request was simple: the beach. Stat. It's gotten C-O-L-D in Hamburg this month so a beach vaca seemed obvious. Each trip we plan requires a lot of consideration because we recognize the fact that our time here will surely fly and have quickly learned that there are a bajillion gorgeous sights to see in Europe. So, after lots of travel deal searching we found Mallorca. Water + sun + sand = perfecto.

Mallorca, the largest of the Balearic Islands and off the western coast of mainland Spain, is scattered with beaches and tikis and is surrounded with aquamarine water. Though often bustling, the beach we visited in Playa de Palma, a resort town adjacent to the capital city, offered the opportunity to achieve supreme relaxation, necessary rejuvenation, and the ultimate birthday celebration festivities.

We divided our time evenly: 80% near or in The Sea, 15% eating, 5% sightseeing.

 How can you go wrong?

Because we have a sense of humor, we decided to have a go at the sketched portrait scene. It turned out to be entertaining, and though we're not quite sure who the woman is in the portrait with Reg, (my cousin, perhaps?) we decided the final product is a framer.

*No charge for adding the long hair.

An hour and a half well spent. I guess from the side it KIND OF looks like me...

On our last day in Mallorca we dragged ourselves away from the beach to do some touristy activities. Though no day at beach, the capital city, Palma de Mallorca, is a beautifully manicured haven colored with boutiques, art, and tapas.

Not every house can pull off banana yellow. This one does it with ease.

The nightlife in Mallorca comes highly recommended. According to Tripadvisor.com Bar Abaco has to be seen to be believed. After witnessing this intriguingly unique establishment, I cannot think of a better way to describe it. Expecting a booming bar, Reg and I were stumped when we found the unusually massive and admittedly confusing door to Bar Abaco.

Soon enough Reggie and I built up the courage to enter. We couldn't have been more shocked when we walked in and realized that Bar Abaco is not the standard bar we were expecting. Oh no, it is so much more. Yes, that is a large pile of fresh fruit decorating the floor and yes you counted correctly, there ARE a bajillion fresh flowers in this empire of attractive gaud. Around the corner is the outside section of Abaco, adorned from head to toe with bubbling fountains, birds in gorgeous cages, and loads of happy customers. No travel guide will ever do justice to Bar Abaco's appealing grandeur. Seeing was believing.

 With bevies at €16 a piece we opted for some tapas and Sangria at a place around the corner. And for the tapas and Sangria--tasting was believing.

Mushrooms and red peppers never looked or tasted so good.

¡Feliz cumpleaños, Reg!