SPECIAL EDITION!! The Cost of Living in Mallorca

We interupt this program where Dano was in Paris about to go on a river cruise on the 6th day (of 15) of his trip.  We will return to regular programming after this brief announcement:


I'm often asked what the cost of living is here in Spain.  Because I live on an island, it's presumed to be expensive (like Hawaii).  And, top it off with the fact a lot of rich (and famous) people live (or have 2nd homes) here .  Just one look at the yachts in any marina around the island will tell you there's a lot of $$$ here.  Thus, to live here must be 'spensive (as Ricky Ricardo would say), right?

Not really.  A lot of products are produced right here in Mallorca.  Oranges, almonds, lemons, and olives are our biggest crops.  Hawaii is about 2,500 miles away from California.  However, Palma is only160 miles from the mainland of Spain, therefore the costs of shipping goods between here and the rest of Europe is a lot less than between the mainland USA and Hawaii.  The vast majority of Mallorcas' population are middle-class and the minimum monthly wage is 1,050 Euros which equates to $1,175.  As such, the cost to live here has to be attainable for the average resident regardless of how many rich folk there are.  Sure, there's lots of ritzy, hotsy-totsy, high-priced places for the R&F (Rich and Famous) here, but there has to be (and is) a lot of average-priced restaurants, clothing stores, activities, and services for us common-folk as well.

When Mallorca came onto my radar as a possible place to move to, from Ecuador, I had to research what everything cost from a bus ride to a chicken breast to an apartment, to a tooth extraction!!  Obviously, it passed the test 'can I live here on my retirement income?'  

Recently, I purchased some 'big ticket' items (ie; cell phone, dishwasher, washer, heater) and the idea came to me to share with you MY experience as to what it costs for ME to live here.  Disclaimer:  The list is random, not comprehensive, and not set in stone.  Obviously, costs vary from place to place, availability, season/time of year, brands, my personal preferences/needs, and budget...to name just a few.  Also, as you can see, the amounts are in dollars (vs Euros) as most of my readers are from 'dollar countries' and there isn't a huge difference in the exchange rate anyway.

• Chicken breast (boneless, skinless) = $2.50 lb
• Chicken (whole) = $1.20 lb
• Shrimp (whole/fresh, Lg) $5 lb
• Sushi (Calif roll, 9 pcs) = $6
• Eggs (1 doz Lg) = $1.20
• Wine = $3.50 - $7 a bottle
• Vodka = $6 (ie; European) - $14 (ie; Absolut)
• Gin = $13 (ie; Tanqueray)
• Beer:
• 12 pack local (Mahon) cans = $6
• 12 pack Heineken cans = $7.18
• Peanuts (shelled/raw, 300g) = $1.45
• Mushrooms (sliced/pkgd) = $1.37
• Apples (varied) = $1.50 lb
• Bread (loaf 12 cereals) = $1.65
• Juice (box qt) = .75
• Oranges = $1 lb avg
• Spaghetti (2 lbs) = .85
• Tomatoes = .65 lb
• Coffee (beans) = $5 lb
• Coffee (pod type) = $3 box of 10.  Lower to .24 cts if you purchase a larger quantity.  Higher if Sbux.
• Milk (1 liter) = .85
• Lettuce (iceburg) = .95
• Electricity = $59 mo avg
• Gas (cooking/hot water) = $16 mo avg
• Water (laundry, dishwasher, bath, etc) = $26 mo avg
• Internet (Fiber Optic) + phone = $42 mo
• Medical (Pvt - full coverage) = $74 mo
• Rent (900 sqft, 2br/1ba + office, laundry room, storage, patio) = $900
• In highly desirable and convenient area (old town, pedestrian shopping, plazas, bus/train station, etc).
• Gasoline = $5.20 gallon
• I only have a moto, but I get 50 mpg!!
• Parking = free for motos
• Gym = $28 mo
• Jeans = $12
• Shoes (Payless type) = $25
• Tee Shirts/Sweatshirts = $4 - $12
• Sofa (IKEA leather) = $550
• Chair (IKEA wingback) = $229
• Towels (IKEA bath size) = $6
• Pillows, bed (IKEA, memory foam) = $20
• Bed, double/Full (IKEA, memory foam) = $486
• Washer, front loading (18 lb compact) = $275
• Dryer, Electric (compact 15 lb) = $229
• Dishwasher (compact) = $239
• Closet/Armoire (IKEA) = $199
• Dining Table + 4 chairs (IKEA) = $325
• Office Desk w/drawers (IKEA) = $225
• TV (Smart, Samsung, 44") = $579
• Airfare:
• Flight to Madrid (1 hr) or Barcelona (40 mins), RT = avg is less than $50
• Due to 75% gov't discount provided to residents of the islands, for travel within Spain only.
• Palma to Amsterdam = $225 avg
• Palma to Paris = $250 avg
• Palma to Rome = $175 avg
• Palma to Budapest = $275 avg
• Paint = $25 gallon
• Crockpot = $33
• Blender/Food Processor/Juicer combo = $75
• Microwave = $116
• Pressure Cooker = $35
• Toaster = $20
• Toaster Oven = $55
• Iron = $25
• Printer (Epson All-in-One) = $55
• Vacuum Cleaner (Dyson) = $314
• Vacuum Cleaner (Robot) = $199
• Cooktop (induction) = $189
• AC + Dehumidifier combo (portable) = $299
• Freezer (deep) = $139
• Laptop (Acer Aspire 3, Win 10) = $519
• Cell Phone (2019 Samsung A50) = $249
• Movie Theater Ticket = $6
• NetFlix = $7.99 mo
• Ticket (gospel concert) = $18
• Ticket (Christmas concert) = $24
• Haircut = $9
• Laundry Detergent (pod type - 50 ct) = $14.60
• Toilet Paper (Scott, 40 rolls) = $10.60
• Paper Towels (Scott, Jumbo roll) = $2.99
• Sales Tax = included in all prices...not added on
• Dog food (dry, 40 lb) = $20
• Dog sitter (at their place when I travel) = $14 a day
• Bus fare:
• Single ride (inside Palma)
• $1.50 each ride non-resident
• .80 cts resident
• .30 cts pensioner (over 65)
• .30 cts for dogs
• 10 rides for $10 prepaid card
• To/From Airport = $5
• From Palma to the other side of the island = $6.50
• Grocery delivery (purchased online) = Free for orders $100 and over
• Tipping = Rare.  If done, just leftover change or a few bucks
• Taxi = Expensive and many factors involved (zones, time of day, # of people, # of bags, etc).  Better to use Bus.  Pay only meter amount.
• Property Taxes = ZERO (remember, I RENT!!)

The following cost me nothing:

Dano

Paris - Day 5 of 14 - Opera House

The recap of my two-week home exchange in Paris continues with this, the 5th day:

As you know, I'm a big fan of unique architecture.  In addition to palaces, castles, and cathedrals there are the theaters.  Unfortunately, many amazing theaters have been destroyed (especially in the USA) and replaced with more-for-the-money highrises.  Palaces and cathedrals survive, but theaters often suffer their demise because they can no longer mount modern productions that require larger stages and/or technological requirements.  I've been very fortunate in my lifetime to stand and perform on some amazing theater stages both modern (such as the 2,500 seat Benaroya Hall in Seattle), historical (Carnegie Hall in NYC), and the stunning jaw-dropping (Palau de Musica in Barcelona).   So, when I get a chance to experience a tour of the 'grand dames' of theaters, I leap at the chance.....and, well...fantasize of performing on their stage.  The tour cost $14.

The Paris Opera House, is otherwise known as Palais Garnier for it's architect Charles Garnier.  The 2,081 seat opera house is considered one of the worlds most famous, and beautiful theaters.  Constructed between 1861 and 1875 (interuptions due to war and the Siege of Paris), it is said it follows the style principle of leaving no space without decoration.  And, boy, did they!!  It's functional and flambouyant at the same time.  Some of my photos don't come out very well as there's soooo much detail it's hard to discern what is what.

After entering, you arrive at the lavish 98 ft high nave which houses the double staircase (shaped like a 'Y') that leads to the various levels of the auditorium.  At the bottom of the staircase are "...two female allegories holding bouquets of light to welcome visitors".

How about some fun facts/stats?

• The Grand Foyer, where one might hang out during intermission, is 18 metres (59 ft) high, 154 metres (505 ft) long and 13 metres (43 ft) wide.   To give that a perspective....about 20 double-wide mobile homes.

• The stage is the largest (89 ft deep, 159 ft wide (stage opening 52 ft)) in Europe and can accommodate 450 artists.

• The original stage curtain has only been replaced (exact replicas) twice in 150+ years...in 1951 and 45 years later in 1996.

• The bronze and crystal chandelier dangling inside the 197 ft tall horseshoe-shaped auditorium has 340 lights and weighs 8 tons (16,000 pounds!).  I wonder how many molly bolts they used?

• The building itself is 567 ft long, 410 ft wide, and occupies a 3 acre site.  There are over seventeen stories, seven of which are below the stage level.

Here's an interesting tidbit I snipped from Senor Wiki's website:

On 20 May 1896, one of the chandelier's counterweights broke free and burst through the ceiling into the auditorium, killing a concierge. This incident inspired one of the more famous scenes in Gaston Leroux's classic 1910 gothic novel The Phantom of the Opera.

Golden angels on top of the Opera House look like a lady we all know in NYC!!

The ramps you see in the next photo were designed to allow secure and direct access to the interior of the theater by the Emperors' carriages.

Looking from the loggia (a terrace for the smokers)

Why is everyone always NAKED??

The first space you encounter upon entering is the Vestibule where you purchase tickets. 

After the Vestibule, you're led to the Grand Staircase.

You wondered why I didn't address the 'elephant in the room' two photos back?

Titled Les Saturnales, two golden tractor tires on the grand staircase, were unveiled December, 2018 to celebrate the Opéra de Paris' (the Opera, not the building) 350th anniversary.  Not surprisingly, it evoked a lot of ire from the public.  One Twitter user wondered whether the opera house had been sponsored by Michelin, the French tire maker.

Soooooo much detail!  And, opulence up the wazzoo!
As my Mom would say 'I wouldn't want to have to dust that!'

I dunno....I'm feelin a bit light-headed.
bwwwaahhhaahhahahaaa!!!

Inside the auditorium.
Multiple tiers of crushed velvet and privacy barriers.

The original artwork surrounding the central chandelier was replaced by this painting by Marc Chagall in 1964.

Here's a short video of the interior.

After touring the opera house, I went to see the Notre Dame...or what's left of it after the horrific fire.

Nearby was another church I wanted to see due to it's elaborate stained glass windows.

St Chapelle

It was built in the 1200's and was part of the royal palace which was then located in the center of Paris.  St Chapelle is noted for the its 15 stained glass windows which are each about 50 ft high.  

While I was there, it began to rain....more like torrential pouring.  I found a small protected space outside and waited for the rain to stop.  It didn't.  But, when it let up a bit, I headed out (sans umbrella).  I was GOING to do the river cruise, but today was NOT the day for it.  Instead, I headed back to the apartment.

Next up....Day 6...the Seine River Cruise!!

Dano

Click here to see other Blogs about Spain!!

Paris - Day 4 of 14 - The HoHo and Sacre Coeur

Welcome back!!

Prior to my trip to Paris, I purchased a sightseeing and a transit pass.  Most large cities with many tourist attractions offer these products.  They eliminate the need to buy individual tickets, waiting in lines, and usually save you $$.  In Paris, it includes a river cruise and the Hop On Hop Off (HoHo) bus.

On this day, I hopped on the HoHo bus.  The weather was nice at 78 and partly cloudy.  Here's some of the places seen along the route:

The worlds largest art museum...

The Louvre

The Conciergerie

It once was part of the Royal Palace but was later converted to a prison.  One of the prisons' more famous tenants was Marie-Antoinette.  Today it's primarily used for law courts.

Along the river Seine was this outdoor cafe and lounges for people to soak up some sun.

Plaza Concorde
Built in 1772, it's the largest square in Paris at nearly 19 acres.
It was here a guillotine was erected and many executions took place, including that of King Louis XVI and Marie-Antoinette.

Arc de Triomphe

Look familiar?
It's a replica of the flame on the torch held by the Statue of Liberty.

Museums and Trocadero Gardens across the river Seine from the Eiffel Tower

Do I really need to give this photo a title?
Built in 1889 (130 years ago) specifically for the Worlds Fair, it was intended to be torn down just 20 years later! 

Fun Facts:
Also known as 'The Iron Lady'
It's 1,063 tall
2,500,000 rivets were used
Eiffel is the name of the architect

Prior to building the Eiffel tower, do you know what else he built?
He built the internal structure of the Statue of Liberty!!

Dome des Invalides
Part of a larger complex containing a military museum as well as a hospital and a retirement home for war veterans.  The church dome is the tallest in Paris.
Built in the late 1600's, the body of Napoleon was entombed there in 1840.

The Pont (bridge) Alexandre with the 4 gold statues.
Behind it is the glass-roofed Grand Palais.

The Petit Palais
Located across the street from the Grand Palais and currently houses the Museum of Fine Arts.

Something I've never seen before in Paris....a typical downtown skyline!!

The Church Saint-Augustin (1868) is off to the right.

Palais Garnier
(Paris Opera House)
I'll be writing about my tour of this place in my next blog entry...Day 5!

The Church of Madeleine

Very near to the places seen in the past few photos is an upscale shopping district.  A large department store, Printemps, has a rooftop garden and restaurant.  Of course, I had to check it out.  I didn't dine there, but I did take the photos of the Church Madeleine and Palais Garnier from there.

When in Paris, eat snails.

I was on a VERY IMPORTANT mission while in Paris!!
I wanted to recreate a scene from I Love Lucy where she was visiting Paris and wanted to eat at a cafe like the locals do, but didn't understand the menu due to the language.  She ended up just pointing at something to order.  Lo-n-behold, delivered to her table was escargot!

So, I went to a sidewalk cafe and ordered escargot and recreated the 'nose' scene and had the waiter take a photograph of me.  No, I wasn't in drag as Lucy!!! The staff had no clue what I was doing but I did my best to explain who Lucy was and the episode.

CLICK HERE TO WATCH THAT PARTICULAR SCENE FROM I LOVE LUCY!!

The front side of the Palais Garnier (Opera House).  The 4th photo back is of the opposite side.

Love the old Metro signage!

After the HoHo tour, I decided to go see the Sacre Coeur which wasn't far from the apartment where I was staying.  Along the way was this pastry shop and I HAD to try some butter cookies.  YIPES!!  Expensive!   7 cookies came to $13.50.

The Sacre Coeur
Otherwise known as 'The Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Paris'
Construction began in 1875 and was completed in 1914
You can walk up or take the funicular.  I took the latter due to my knees.

The entry to the Basilica is free, but you have to pay a fee to climb up into the dome.  Normally, I would leap at the chance, but my knees were killing me.

Locks of Love

The Sacre Coeur stands atop the highest point (Montmartre) in Paris, affording great views.

Next up....Day 5...a Tour of the Opera House!!

Dano

Click here to see other Blogs about Spain!!