Security is mostly a superstition. It does not exist in nature, nor do the children of men as a whole experience it. Avoiding danger is no safer in the long run than outright exposure. The fearful are caught as often as the bold. Faith alone defends. - Helen Keller
My name is Memphis Holland and I am the Founder of Affordable Mallorca.
The one thing that most people have never known about me is that I arrived on the island in 1984 and lived here quietly on/off from then until now in and around Port Andratx except for a few years in Palma. I've seen many changes during this time. Some are improvements and other changes that aren't so good. The calas around Andratx were remote with less construction. Cala Llamp was my favorite place but became far too crowded for my taste with houses stacked on top of each other. Sant Elm is still a sweet village.
I am thinking about moving to the east coast either around Alcudia or nearby one of the beautiful Cala's like Cala des Moro. These areas remind me of old Mallorca.
I love Mallorca because of the geography and nature, the food and the culture. No matter where I am on the island, I stand in awe of the diversity in flora and fauna. I grew up on the tastes and smells of this island. No matter where I am in the world, Mallorca is home to me.
Adèle Chrétien
My favorite drink on the island is almond tea from Catalina at Natural Café Qcute in Port Andratx that accompanies any of her great vegetarian dishes and desserts but I usually have a bottle of Font Vella con gas with me at all times.
My favorite food on the island is freshly-made lemon sorbet from almost any café. Since COVID lockdown, I've learned to make all kinds of desserts with lemons. It's the lemons I love the most. Then, anything flavored with Flor de Sal from Es Trenc.
My favorite thing to do on the island is wander. I love aimlessly discovering stories and treasures, whether I am in Palma, one of the villages, hiking in the mountains or on the coast. I know that if I had another 35 years here, I would never uncover all that Mallorca has to offer. But I will keep exploring.
I love what I do on behalf of the readers of Affordable Mallorca because I love connecting people to hidden treasures like the Talaiot Villages all around the island. Exploring how to create a rich life (on a budget) and sharing these great discoveries with others is what gives my life meaning.
I believe Affordable Mallorca helps the island and the world by preserving the stories, cultural diversity, heritage and food. We serve as a bridge between the authentic Mallorca and the globally connected world. Over the past 35 years, I have seen Mallorca go through a metamorphous from a sleepy island to Palma anchoring the island as a vibrant world-class city. What was once an affordable place for anyone wanting a second-home has become too expensive for many to enjoy the quiet life as a full-time resident.
The infrastructure is much improved on the island, which has brought many tourists. These changes have come at the expense of the environment and have changed the ambience and character. Taxes are much higher than in the early years which hurts residents. I've also seen how finding reasonably priced properties, restaurants and service providers on the island is like looking for a pearl in the Med. So, I created Affordable Mallorca to support my treasure hunt and, I hope, help others.
My ultimate dream is a simple life… always the same - - swimming in the sea and looking up to see a mountain goat staring down at me with this thought, 'what this ladyfish is doing in the water.'
By Memphis Holland
5 May, 2020
