Bernie in South Africa

Invasions of Mallorca

The island of Mallorca is largest of Balearic chain, which lies off eastern Mediterranean coast of Spain. Thanks to its rugged topography, balmy climate, and old world architectural charm, Mallorca has been a favorite of European tourists since 1960's. Many Americans have found their way to Mallorca as well, but Americans do not have advantage of cheap air and rail fares that Europeans enjoy. The history of Balearics is rich and culturally diverse. The islands' numerous protected ports have made them a logical stop along trade routes of sailors for centuries, consequently influences of African, Asian, and diverse European peoples is seen throughout indigenous culture.

The 1960's saw a massive influx of tourists from first France, and then England and finally Germany as dictator Francisco Franco relaxed his foreign policy in latter years of his life. On Mallorca, first wave of tourists to fall in love with and "invade" island was French. Since Mallorquin people never really accepted Spanish rule, and still consider themselves first Mallorquin, and second Catalan, accepting their French neighbors was not a long stretch. The Mallorquin people, by nature are very capitalistic; therefore, though they grumble about foreigners, they quickly learn their languages and find ways to take their money.

On a larger and more unattractive scale, "English invasion" which came in late 60's was accompanied by under- regulated construction of budget tourist accommodations, and nightclubs. Fortunately this budget class tourist tends to seek sun, sand, and sex, and they have proven to be satisfied with one or two infamous coastal towns designed for their pleasure. Many of young English tourists on package holidays spend their entire fortnight visit drinking and chasing opposite sex in town of Magaluf, and never venture any further. This arrangement worked relatively well for islanders for 25 years. The ugly tourists rarely encroached on their homes. The government of Mallorca, to their credit, learned a lesson from this period of unchecked development, and has since become quite strict about new construction. No longer does one see poorly constructed high-rise eyesores of 30 years ago. These unattractive buildings are gradually being renovated or replaced.