October 31, 2013

SALT PONDS FROM THE AIR

LAS SALINAS FROM THE AIR
The Ibiza salt ponds are the main part of the Natural Park of Ses Salines of Ibiza. Extended over an area of ​​approximately 2,800 acres. Seeing the salt ponds from the ground level, has nothing to do with those, who are lucky to see them from the air, because at this point we deployed a colorful visual landscape, reminiscent of a color palette of a painter. This place is chosen by a large majority of birds during their migrations. Some ponds may be visited regularly by many flamingos that spend time here before moving to Africa.
The ponds vary in color from one to other, through tone colors pink, yellow, green, blue and ocher. The ponds are surrounded by green vegetation mountains and the sea. The result of the evaporation of water from these ponds is obviously the salt that appears in some ponds, the salt will be collected and transported by boat to the Iberian Peninsula or to some other european destinations..
it can happen that some cloud greets us before landing at the nearby airport, today we were lucky and we have gone over this impressive and colorfully place and this is not usual to take this air route. In the image below we see a piece of beach, specifically the "es cavallet beach". Also see the top of the same photograph, where is easy to see the Ibiza airport very close to the salt ponds.
There were the Carthaginians who began to exploit these salt ponds which also still in use today, is therefore the oldest company on the island. Had much impact and importance during the Roman period of the island. Today it is one of the most spectacular scenery on the island, but at ground level the beauty is different from the one we enjoyed from the sky.

October 20, 2013

PUNIC NECROPOLIS OF "PUIG DES MOLINS"

NECRÓPOLIS PÚNICA DE PUIG DES MOLINS
The old Ebusus was founded by Carthage in 654 BC and the small hill next to Dalt Vila is perhaps the oldest history test on the island, which is also an interestingly proof that life and death are linked. This mountain was the great necropolis and the hill next to the other was where the life was, but with a fragile border that connects the death and the life, the Phoenicians and Carthaginians lived with both.
It was in the seventh century b.C. when it began to be a cemetery. A spectacular set of hypogea and a series of caves which were accessed through openings in the rock, leading to the place where they were buried Carthaginian contemporaries and was used until Roman times of the island.
These archaeological sites were looted in the past, which made very difficult the study of archaeologists. Although it appears that in Ibiza (unlike Cádiz) the offerings were not of great value, but rather as jewelry, offerings to the dead were simply mud vases and other items made ​​of clay.  
The number of graves in this place is estimated between 3,000 and 5,000 but many are yet to be discovered, of which 340 are visible already. The importance of this place is reflected in the title that gave the UNESCO as a "World Heritage" to Ibiza in 1999, but before, in 1977 it was classified as "cultural interest site".
The influence of the Carthaginians gods was powerful. The ancient island name of Ibosim or Ebusus would come to say that Ibiza was the island of Bes (Egyptian god who came here through the Carthaginians) is often depicted with musical objects, chubby, carefree and even with very big head ... sympathetic buffoon and even something as sexual icon. In contrast, the goddess Tanit was the Lady of Ibiza, and much more complex .... The cult of Tanit had two faces. The friendly one that have to do with the moon, fertility, life and happiness, love goddess and protector of Ibiza, but also with a dark side, as she was also goddess of darkness, hell, health and death and thus was protective of the deads. Perhaps thats was why was so inevitable that death in Ibiza was so present as it is in this place "Puig des molins". And as it´s said, the death is part of life.

October 02, 2013

THE ROMAN ROAD IN FORMENTERA

"SA PUJADA" DE FORMENTERA
Among the islanders is known as "Sa Pujada" the Roman road that in remote times was the only access to the top of the Mola in Formentera. A natural espace in the woods by a historic road on the island of Formentera and with views that will amaze us.
The road does not have too much difficulty, actually is a slope through thick forest during a while and after when it becomes no so thick, lets us see a breathtaking view of the island. It is ideal for an overcast day where we can not enjoy the beach (eg.).
During this way we will see the cliffs on different heights, due the road is always passing near the coast, and in some scraps the way is on a quite considerable height. We're going down to the tourist area of ​​Es Calo. This road in antiquity was much larger than the scrap that remains today of this ancient road.
In December 1993 this road was declared " Bien de interés cultural" (merit of cultural interest) on category of monument.
During our walk we can see amazing things as an old well which dates from 1889. The wells are a constant in this island, where the rain water is a treasure. As a curiosity it is noteworthy that as decor has a plate with the name of Formentera but the picture belongs to a woman with the tipical attire of "Mallorca".
Once at Es Calo if the weather is with us we can take a dip, although the particular day I did not accompany me in the route,. So once reach the sea I was prepared to go back to the top again, although is more complicated, so this time I have to climb up the hill. Anyway I really recommend this route, as contact with nature is assured and the stunning views can be enjoyed from this path.