Chapter 6 Chapter Six
If there's one place you can really get to know without actually visiting it, it's the magical Balearic Islands.Undoubtedly, this archipelago is worth visiting from one island to another, even if the blue waves of the Mediterranean Sea turn into white stormy waves, they will not regret it.Behind Mallorca is Minorque, and behind that is a desolate island called Caberra, which belongs to the Chevalais archipelago.In addition to the Balearic Islands, which make up the main part, there are islands such as Ibiza, Vermentera, and Canigra, all covered with dense pine forests called pidius.
This oasis on the Mediterranean Sea has no need for anyone from any country on the two continents to bother with the preparations, long distances, or travel far from home to witness its magical natural beauty.The traveler needs only to read the detailed and accurate chapters in the library - if the library contains Austrian works on the Balearic Islands - and only to see the undisputed color engravings, photographs, sketches, patterns, etc. , pictures on it.
In fact, in order to describe the beauty of travel, and to explain the value of geography, aesthetics, statistics and art, this work has paid incomparable labor.Unfortunately, there is no trade aspect to this authoritative work.
Clovis Dardento did not understand this, and neither did Marcel Ronan and Jean Tagona.But since the "Ajielai" anchored here, they also disembarked and landed on the main island of the archipelago, at least they could visit the capital city of the archipelago in person, enter the beautiful city center surrounded by the archipelago, and record their eternal memories.When they see Duke Luis Salvador's yacht "Nice" moored at the end of the port, they may envy that the yacht can stay on this lovely island forever.
When the ocean liner had just tied the cable on the pier of the artificial port of Palma, some passengers came down.Some people who still feel shaky after such a peaceful voyage - especially the ladies - disembark to enjoy a few hours on the ground.Others who still hold out plan to take advantage of the 2:00 to 8:00 p.m. stop - time permitting - to visit the archipelago's capital and surroundings.In fact, the "Ajielai" sailed after dark.Out of consideration for shore excursion guests, dinner is postponed until departure.
Among the guests who visited, there were naturally three people, Clovis Darden, Marcel Ronan and Jean Tagona.Also ashore were Mr. Eustache Oleander, Mr. Deslander, and his son, with the telescope on his shoulders.They left Mrs. Deslander in the cabin to catch up on lost sleep.
"A good idea, my friend!" said Clovis Dardento to Mr. Deslander. "A few hours in Parma will do your faulty machine good! What a chance to walk around here and exercise your muscles! Will you come with us?"
"Thank you, Dardento," replied M. Deslander.His face regained some blood. "I can't keep up with you, I'd rather stay in the cafe and wait for you to come back."
While Mr. Deslander was speaking, Akatok loitered on the left, and Mr. Eustache Oleander on the right, neither of them seeming to be in the mood for travel.
Patrice left the ocean liner closely behind the owner.At this time, he asked the master's opinion in a solemn tone:
"Two are better than one," replied Clovis Dardento. "I might find something I like, a local specialty, but I don't want to take it with me."
In fact, he was not one of the tourists who only wandered the streets of Palma.In Parma there are only some pottery from Mallorca, among which there is a new kind of pottery which is comparable to Chinese porcelain.All Mallorcan pottery bears the island's name.
"With your permission," said Jean Tagonne, "we would like to travel with you, Monsieur Dardento."
"Why not, Mr. Tagona. I ask you, or I ask you to allow me to spend these few short hours with you."
Patrice thought it was a good answer and nodded slightly in agreement.He trusted his master to be on good terms with these two Parisians, who seemed to him to be of the upper class.
While Clovis Dardento and Jean Tagona were talking politely, Marcel Ronan could not help laughing when he guessed the purpose of his whimsical friend in their conversation.
"That's it, then!" Jean Tagonne had said to him, "but why doesn't the opportunity present itself?"
"Yes! . . . yes! . . . an opportunity is needed. The special occasions required by the law are battlefields, fires, floods . . . "
"Who knows?"
Carried away by floods, surrounded by flames, nothing frightens Mr. Dardento wandering the streets of the city, nor is he vulnerable to any attack when he walks in the country fields.Unfortunately for Jean Tagona, there were neither ferocious beasts nor outlaws in this rich Balearic island.
Now if you want to use the time of stopping the ship, you can't waste a second.
When the "Ajielai" enters the Parma breakwater, the passengers on board can see three very conspicuous and beautifully shaped tall buildings among the port houses: one is the cathedral, the other is the connected castle, And not far to the left of the pier is a beautiful tall building, the tower of which juts partly into the sea.Above the white curtain wall of the castle towers the bell tower of the church and the huge wings of the mill that are constantly turning by the sea wind.
If you don't know a country, you can check the "Travel Guide"; if you don't even have such a book, you'd better find a local as a guide.The guide that the Perpignan native and his companions encountered was a lively local, about 30 years old, tall and agile, with a sweet smile on his face and a brown pleated cloak draped over his shoulders , wearing half-length baggy trousers, and an ordinary red handkerchief wrapped around his head and forehead like a headband, looking very kind.
The price negotiated by the people of Perpignan and the people of Mallorca is a few, and the plan of the tour is to walk around the city.Visit the main buildings, with a car tour of the outskirts.
The first thing that caught Clovis Darantot's attention was that the guide spoke French with a distinct southern French accent, which was different from the accent of the locals in the Montpellier region of France.You know Montpellier is not too far from Perpignan.
Now we three travelers are on our way.They listened to the explanations of the guide and tour guide along the way.Although his explanation sounds exaggerated, it is also lively and interesting.
The Balearic Islands deserve to know their history, a real history told by ancient buildings and legends.
Nothing remains of the Balearic Islands of yesteryear.The prosperity of the archipelago continued until the 16th century, if not in terms of crafts, but in terms of trade.The archipelago has a superior location as a berthing place in the western Mediterranean and convenient sea traffic - from the three important countries in Europe, France, Italy and Spain to the African continent - so that the Balearic Islands became the whole country at that time. Mooring center for Mediterranean trade.During the reign of the Spanish ruler, King Don Jayem I - much revered by posterity - the Balearic Islands reached their heyday.During this period there was a large number of gallant captains who sailed, and among these were the best members of the noble families of Mallorca.
Today, the island's export trade is limited to products such as mineral soil, oilseeds, almonds, lemons, vegetables, etc. The breeding industry only raises pigs and exports them to Barcelona.The dwindling orange production is no longer commensurate with the former title of "Golden Apple Orchard".
But the archipelago is not completely deserted.Mallorca is the largest island in the archipelago, with an area of 3400 square kilometers and a population of more than 200,000. It still maintains a pleasant climate in all seasons, a pleasant environment, the most beautiful natural scenery, countless scenery, and bright sunshine. All this is worthy of another mythical name: the island of beauty.
When the tourists circled the port and headed towards the tall buildings, the guides performed their duties conscientiously.He is like a phonograph that goes on and on again, and like a parrot that has told the story a hundred times.He described the history that the ancient Romans occupied the city of Palma after a long battle with the native inhabitants who were good at catapults from the 1st century BC to the first year of AD.
Clovis Darantot thinks that "Balearic" means a sling, the kind of weapon David used.Local children have practiced since they were young, and they can only get a day's rations if they hit the target.The guide testified that, with this primitive projectile weapon, the projected stones could reach considerable velocities as they traveled through the air.The guide beamed with joy when he told the story, which left the two young men dumbfounded.
"Yes, is this Balearic trying to drive us away?" said Clovis Darantot in a low voice.
"Yes! Hurry back to the South!" said Marcel Ronan.
However, they still accepted such a real history: Gathage Hamica disembarked in Majorca Island during his journey from Africa to Cataloria, and later his son, later known as Zuo Anibal - was also born here.
As for the claim that the Bonaparte family originated in Majorca and had lived there since the fifteenth century, Clovis d'Antot categorically rejected it.Definitely in Corsica!Definitely not the Balearic Islands.
If the city of Parma is a big stage, many wars have been staged, the earliest war is the self-defense war against Don Jayem's army, then the local peasant uprising against the nobles to increase taxes, and finally the resistance from the barbarians. Horde of pirates.All this has become history.The city of Palma is peaceful today.This tranquility also dispels Jean Tagona's hope of going through a war: his future father may be violated, and he can save him.
The guide looked back at the history of the early 15th century.That was when a rare flash flood in the Riena River killed 1,633 people, he said.Jean Tagona asked:
"Where is the river now?"
"It goes through the city."
"Can we see it?"
"I'll definitely see it."
"Is there a lot of water?"
"Not even a mouse can drown."
"That's what Heaven has done to me!" whispered the poor young man in his cousin's ear.
The three tourists were talking as they watched the city for the first time from above the seawall, or rather, the high platform formed by the castle wall built along the coast.
There are several houses in the city of Parma that embody the architectural style imagined by the Moors, which also proves that the Arabs have lived here for 400 years.Through the half-closed doors, one can see a French, Spanish or Italian courtyard inside.Light colonnades line the courtyard.The traditional water well in the courtyard is surrounded by beautifully shaped iron railings, the stairs spiral upward gracefully, and the green vines climbing around the colonnade are full of flowers.The window sash made of stone looks extremely light.Outside the window is an Arabian balcony or a Spanish loggia.
At last Clovis Dardento and his companions came to a building with four octagonal columns.The building has a Gothic style from the early Renaissance era.
"What big fellow is this?" asked Mr. Dardento.
He should have chosen a better word so as not to piss Patrice off.
This is an old exchange, a remarkable building.The pheasant saucer-shaped windows are peculiar in shape, and the window eaves are artistically separated and inlaid with delicate tooth-shaped decorations.All this amazes today's craftsmen.
"Let's go in and have a look." Marcel Ronan couldn't help becoming interested in this peculiar building.
There is a thick column in the center of the vaulted corridor.Go through this corridor and enter the hall inside.The hall can accommodate 1,000 people, and the vault is supported by several slender spiral columns.Standing in the empty hall at this time, one can't help but think of the hustle and bustle of trading and the shouts of merchants resounding through the hall in the prosperous era of the exchange.
This is what we from Perpignan have experienced.He really wanted to move this building to his hometown, and he alone could restore the exchange to its former prosperity.
No mention of Patrice at this point.He admired all these beauties with the indifference of an Englishman away from home.To the guide he seemed a steady but reserved gentleman.
To tell the truth, Jean Tagona was not very interested in the wizard's hype.This is not to say that he was indifferent to the artistry of this great building, but he could not let go of a thought.He was dreaming and bemoaning himself "not getting anywhere on this exchange."
After a brief visit, the guide led them to the Rue de Riena.People come and go on the street.The men were striking: well-built, well-mannered, kindly spoken, in baggy shorts, belted waists, and soft sheepskin jackets with their fur turned out.The women are very beautiful: tropical complexion, wearing brightly colored skirts and short aprons, round open collar tops, bare arms.Some girls have nun-like hairstyles, but they can't hide their beautiful faces and energetic eyes.
Although the young Majorcans speak softly, freshly and pleasantly, they are not seen greeting and greeting each other.Tourists walk briskly along the walls of the Palacio Real.The wall adjoins the church, and from a certain angle—or from the bay—seems to be one with the church.
They came to a large residential area.The buildings in the residential area are in the form of square towers, with a huge gantry building formed by pilasters in front.Above the dragon gate is a statue of an angel from the Gothic era.The architecture of the residential area embodies the unique architectural features of the Balearic Islands, both Roman and Moorish.
After walking a few hundred meters, the group of tourists came to a rather large square with an extremely irregular layout.Several streets lead to the city from the square.
"What square is this?" asked Marcel Ronan.
"Isabella II Square." The guide replied.
"What kind of street leads to a nice neighborhood?"
"Busseau Delburney Street."
This is a picturesque street.The houses on both sides of the street have different shapes.Greenery creeps around the windows, and colorful awnings conceal projecting balconies.The loggia built above the city wall is inlaid with colorful glass.There are a few trees growing here and there in the street.This avenue leads to Constitution Square.Next to the square is the Manor Publishing House building.
"Should we still go up Busso del Burnie Street?" asked Clovis Darantot.
"Come down this street on our return," replied the guide. "Better go to church first, it's not far from here."
"Well, go to the church," said the Perpignan native, "I wouldn't mind going up one of the towers to see the panorama."
"In the future, I suggest that you visit the castle of Belleville," continued the guide. "The castle is in the outskirts, and from there you can see the surrounding plains."
"Do we have time?" Marcel Ronan reminded the crowd. "The 'Ajielai' sails at eight o'clock."
Jean Tagona has just returned to reality from his reverie, and who can say that there may be opportunities in rural tourism that cannot be found on the streets of the city?
"You have plenty of time, gentlemen," said the guide firmly. "The Castle of Belleville is not far from here. Besides, you will regret it if you don't visit there before you leave Palma."
"how to get to?"
"Get in the car at Jesus Gate."
"Well, go to church," said Marcel Ronan.
The guide turns to the right and takes a narrow side street called Theo, which leads to Theo Square.The church standing on the square is a western architectural style, with a pheasant wall below it, and Mirador Street below.
The guide first led them to the front of the church's Wanghai Gate.
Wanghaimen is a masterpiece of the era of spiers.At that time, all the windows and rosettes were made into flame-shaped shapes, which made people feel the grotesque imagination of the late Renaissance era.One side of the Wanghaimen wall is full of statues, and in the center of the lintel, some delicately painted Bible stories are reproduced between the stone flower decorations. The brushwork is simple and full of wit.
When people come to the door of a building, the first thing that comes to mind is to enter from the door.Clovis Dadant was about to open a door when the guide stopped him.
"The door is sealed."
"why?"
"Because the sea wind blowing in was so strong, the believers felt as if they were in a storm of final judgment."
He was proud of it, and Patrice was happy, as the guide had said it invariably to all the out-of-towners.
Standing around the church built in 1601, the first thing you see is the church's two tall, ornately decorated spires.Many rougher small spires were built on each arch of the spire.In short, this church is comparable to the most famous buildings in the Iberian Peninsula.
Everyone walked in through the main door on the front of the church.
The inside of the church is very dark, like all churches in Spain.There is not a single chair on both sides of the nave and aisle, only a few wooden benches and cold stone slabs are sparsely placed for believers to kneel down.This is also a feature of religious etiquette.
Clovis Dardento and the two young men returned to the nave with its double columns.The vaults of the nave are interlinked prismatic ridges.They went all the way to the end of the nave.They stopped at the royal chapel, admired the extraordinary altar, and entered the choir.It is strange that this dais is in the middle of the church.They did not have time to peruse the cathedral's rich treasures: the finest works of art, the most worshiped offerings of the inhabitants of Mallorca, and especially the Don Juan of Aragon, who has been preserved in the sarcophagus for three centuries. Remains of King Yem.
Perhaps during this short visit, the visitors did not have much interest in praying.In any case, if Jean Tagona prayed for Clovis Dardent, it was only in order to be the only savior in this world who could save him.
"Where are we going now?" asked Marcel Ronan.
"To the City Hall," replied the guide.
"Which street do you take?"
"Take Palacio Street."
The group walked up the street for 300 meters and was about 1,600 meters long by Mallorcan measurements.This street leads into a square that is not as spacious as the Isabella Square, but somewhat more regular.In the Balearic Islands, you don't see the straight streets that divide the city into countless grids like American cities.
Is it necessary to visit the city hall?Of course I will.Because no foreigner who visits Parma can't help but admire this extraordinary building: two gates are open, and there are windows on both sides of the gate.The door leads to a pulpit inside.The pulpit resembles a nice central spacious "loggia".The second floor of the city hall has seven windows facing a large balcony on the front of the building.Above the third floor is a protruding wooden roof.The rosette roof is supported by the portrait stone pillars below.This city government building can be regarded as a masterpiece of the Italian Renaissance era.
The city hall is surrounded by portraits of local dignitaries, including a famous "Saint Sebastian" oil painting.This hall is the seat of the government of the Balearic Islands.The waiter in charge of accepting the donation had a smooth and fair face, wearing a large long-sleeved top, with a solemn expression, and walked up and down the hall with square steps.When the municipal government makes a decision, it is announced by the trumpeter in the city hall.The trumpeter wears a red-trimmed costume, and the trumpeter-chief has gold trim.
Clovis Dadant wanted to donate some money so that he could see the mayor from a distance in this magnificent hall. The guide babbled in the local dialect of the Balearic Islands, and the final answer was that the mayor Adults will not be guests.
1 hour of the 6 hours of stopping time has been spent.If you want to visit Belleville Castle, you need to start quickly.
Passing through the intricate sound channels and crossroads—even those who have clues to get out of the maze will get lost—the guide and everyone walked from Galt Square to Mercado Square, and then walked a few hundred meters to Theater Square.
Clovis Dadanto made several purchases at this time, among them a pair of Mallorcan earthenware at an impossibly cheap price.Patrice had been ordered to deliver the purchases to the ship and place them in the owner's cabin properly without collision.So he headed back towards the pier.
Visitors from Theater Square walked on a 3000-meter-long spacious pedestrian avenue, and then came to Jesus Square.On both sides of the promenade are churches and monasteries, and opposite the Madeleine nunnery is a military barracks.
There is a curtain wall at the end of the square, and in the middle of the wall is the Jesus Gate.Telegraph wires protrude from the top of the curtain wall.The sides of the square houses are colorfully decorated with veranda parasols and light green shutters.There are several big trees growing on the left side of the square, which make this corner look beautiful in the afternoon sun.
Through the open gates, there is a lush plain, and a path leads through the fields to Belleville Castle.
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