10 Offline Things I Did This Month
Mallorca edition
Hello! I’m writing to you from Mallorca, where Jack and I are swimming, tanning, exploring, reading, hiking, eating, and snorkeling. We’re spending two weeks bopping around the island with three different stops. We just left our first Airbnb and arrived at the second for the middle leg of our trip on the West side of the island. I’m having…the time of my life.
I’m going to keep this short ‘n sweet because we’re about to head to another beach. Locals say to get there before 8AM to secure a spot. It’s too good to be true here; I’m soaking up every minute.
10 Offline Things I Did This Month
Dove into coves along the coast. Cala Deiá, Llucalcari, Banyabulfar. We’ve swum in the most crystalline waters, floating above jagged rocks riddled with marbled black crabs skittering along the crevices (I’ve been snorkeling). The thing about swimming in coves is you never get sandy… no sand in the suit on the (very uphill) hike back home.
Skinny dipped! Llucalcari Cove draws naturalists; and we happily joined in on the tradition. Llucalcari is known for its mineral-rich mud, found beside a natural spring that barely trickles down the cliffside. The water creates a muddy basin where people lather themselves in clay, then wade into the sea to rinse it all off. Trés Goop.
Picnics. While we love our dinners out, we’ve been packing simple yet satisfying beach picnics for lunch. Jack’s been making the best sandwiches of fresh tomatoes (so juicy and good here), jamón, manchego, spinach, basil, salt, and pepper. After sitting in the car on the way to the beach, the tomato sinks into the bread and makes it even better.
Went to a classical concert at San Marriog overlooking the Balearic Sea. It was once the estate of Archduke Ludwig Salvator of Austria in the 19th century; now it’s a museum and a great place to watch the sunset. One of the most romantic places I’ve ever seen.
Speaking of the sunset, the sun sets late here, at a stunning 9:20 PM. We couldn’t believe it on our first night. I figured since it was past the summer solstice, it would start getting darker earlier, but the sun just kept hanging on. We’ve had some late nights (the Spain way), eating dinner at 10, but other nights we’re tucked into bed by 9 while daylight still streams in, laughing that it feels like Alaska.
Finished My Body by Emily Ratajowski, a fitting book for a topless beach. I liked it. Emily’s an enticing writer. It’s honest, which, if you’re gonna write a memoir, you have to be. She never fails to look unflinchingly at her own contradictions; we all have them. It felt especially fitting to read as I prepare for the release of my own memoir in a few weeks, one that brushes up against similar themes: getting a high from posting photos of yourself, posing for likes, sponsored posts that at first feel empowering—like you’re in control—until you realize you’re not. You’re just a mannequin for brands; they’re making the real money.
mi body Tapas tapas tapas. The olives in Spain just taste better. They are buttery, lemony, briny, and served as soon as you sit down, usually alongside alioli, not to be confused with its mayo-based aoli cousin. Spanish alioli is simple and heavy: salt, garlic, and oil, emulsified to make a creamy dip. We dip our hot bread into it as we decide what to order for dinner.
I can’t stop admiring the sea here. It’s a crystalline, azulish blue that seamlessly glides into the horizon; classically Mediterranean. Lots of Mallorca reminds me of Mexico, Nicaragua, and Los Angeles; its palm-lined, bougainvillea- and monstera-covered walkways burst with almost-ripe figs, lemon trees, and lavender. But the sea, the sea is unmistakably Majorcan. It’s postcard perfect; the blue so pure it stops me in my tracks. As we climb winding roads over the Tramuntana mountain range, the sea stays as a steady, large presence, taking up almost all of the skyline.
the sea and sky fight for attention here Found proper iced caffeine. One of the many wonderful things about traveling outside of the US is that you remember how subtly different life is abroad, and how easy life is in the United States. A few times we’ve ordered iced lattes or Americanos. I’ve made sure to ask “con hielo?” ahead of time, wanting to be respectful of local customs. The baristas always nod warmly, then return with a piping hot mug of espresso and a separate glass containing exactly two ice cubes. I smile in spite of myself. But the weather is hot and two ice cubes don’t always cool us off. So imagine our joy at discovering café de moniö, a chic little coffee/cake/tostada shop in Deià. I had my first iced matcha of the trip and Jack got an iced latte.
Pulpo y papa. I remember eating this dish the first time I came to Spain as a tween in the early 2000s. The salt, fat, and umami combo piqued my taste buds even then. It quickly became a family favorite dish with my father recreating it long after we returned to the US. Now I’m back, over two decades later. Older, wiser, and creating my own memories with the love of my life. The moment I taste pulpo y papa, I’m transported back to being 14 in Barcelona, exploring Zara for the first time, wearing platform sandals with Soffe shorts and GAP tanks during my first Euro summer. The dish is slicked with love; the texture contrasts are sure to send a tickle down your spine. In Mallorca, the potato is sautéed and slightly crispy, only adding to its appeal.
Enjoyed the view from the windows. In between all of the things, I’ve made sure to stop and look out the windows. HEAVEN.
That’s all for now. And New York—I’m doing a book event for my memoir, the evening of Monday, August 11 at The Strand in Union Square! I’ll also be stopping in Connecticut and LA, so look out for a newsletter dedicated to my book tour coming soon. Mark your calendars, and pre-order now so you can read it as soon as it’s released on 8/12/25!!!!!
Mallorca is one of my favourite places in the world. I spent many summers there as a child, and I'm so excited to be back next month to spend a few days celebrating my 30th birthday. I always love reading about how other people experience the island, sounds like you had a wonderful time!
Your imagery is so gorgeous & poetic , it mirrors the language of the sea and your love. Happy for you, Lee 🥰