I arrived in Mallorca in April 1990. I was on an Intasun training course for holiday reps at the Guadalupe Hotel in Magaluf. It was my first ever proper trip abroad. Well I’d been over to France on Sally the Viking Line a few times but nothing like this.
I remember there were around 50 of us on the course which lasted a week. Now some didn’t even last the week as Magaluf’s temptations were too much so they were sent home. At the end of the week we were all told where we would be going around the World. I could have ended up anywhere but I was lucky enough to be given Mallorca South with one other Rep. Most holiday reps will tell you that the first place you work is usually your favourite and somewhere that would be dear to your heart. Well that was certainly the case for me. Four years later I’d left repping and joined what was my favourite excursion Pirates. Just under 30 years later I’m still here and enjoying it as much as ever. Although I’m now realising that I can’t do what I was doing even 10 years ago. Something that us Men can’t get used to is seeing someone when we’re not feeling as good as we should do. “I don’t need to see a doctor”, “I’ll get over it”. Phrases which I’m sure a lot of people out there can relate to and I’m one of them. My lightbulb moment was a picture sent to me by one of my sons friends of me asleep whilst supposedly watching a live game of football. Whilst it may have looked funny, it didn’t look great and I didn’t even know I was asleep!
So I took myself off to the Doctors. Now I have to say Marisa at the Juaneda medical centre in Palma Nova is an absolute star, who will put you at ease straight away. She said, ‘well you’re a little overweight’, good start I thought, so I said I’d like a second opinion, she replied, ‘you’re ugly too!’ No seriously, she sent me off for loads of tests. I didn’t think there were that many tests you could do. Not only that but I’ve been to the dentist which I’m not ashamed to say I completely hate. I had a bad experience when I was younger and it has put me off since. But I must say Howard and his team at The Santa Ponsa Dental Practice have been great with me at the 2 appointments I’ve been to so far. Not sure how I’ll be after two of my two wisdom teeth have to come out though. I’ve even been to see Pedro at the Clínica del Pie or chiropodist to you and I in Santa Ponsa. My trip to Mr Lee the barber probably doesn’t count but as always great service.
What I’m trying to say here is that Mallorca has a whole load of good professional people that can help you if you’re feeling a little under the weather. I’m pleased to say that barring a few things which can be treated, nothing too serious right now is wrong with me. So don’t be afraid to reach out and ask for help if you think you need it. Fellas, remember don’t just think of yourself, think about your family and friends too.
Going back to my love of Mallorca and living and working here. Last Friday and Saturday was a perfect example of why I love it so much here. Friday night at Reloaded we welcomed the DJ Charlie Sloth.
Charlie Sloth is a British DJ, hype man, producer, and TV presenter. He worked as a presenter and presented the daily drivetime show on BBC Radio 1Xtra from September 2012 to November 2017. He hosts the Rap Show and curates playlists for Apple Music. In addition, it was announced that Sloth had signed a deal with Jay Z’s Roc Nation in August 2020.
He is also an investor and brand ambassador for AU Vodka. The brand reportedly produces 35,000 bottles per day in a half dozen flavours, which are sold in more than 40 countries and 32 American states. Now as celebrities go he is one of the most genuine I have had the pleasure to meet.
It’s the second time we’ve had him at the show and the second time he has sold out. Make sure you keep an eye out for all our celebrity DJ’s at Reloaded throughout the Summer.
Saturday morning I found myself just outside the village of Estellencs on the west coast of Mallorca. My Son was climbing the Puig de Galatzo as part of his school work. Nothing could have been more different from where I was in Reloaded. The West coast is in my mind is the most beautiful part of the island and it’s no surprise that Richard Branson, Michael Douglas and Bob Geldof have places in the area.
If you ever come to Mallorca I urge to get out and see the island and realise the reason why I’ve lived here for the last 33 years.
Enjoy your weekend!
Richie presents the Radio One Mallorca Breakfast show Monday to Friday 07.00-10am on 93.8fm in Mallorca and 102fm in Calvià, online at www.radioonemallorca.com on mobile through their free App for IPhone & Android, The Tunein Radio App, iTunes, the Spanish TDT TV service and all smart speakers. If you can’t hear him on the radio then you’ll find him working at Pirates Adventure the islands number one night out and every now and again he may make an understudy appearance!
Follow him on Twitter @DadTaxi1 & Instagram @dad.taxi or feel free to email him at rprior@globobalear.com
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