When the smell of the pine trees hits your nostrils, when the song of the cicadas hits your ears, and when the deep sapphire blue hits your eyes, then you will understand the origins of Greek philosophy, then you will understand Marc Anthony’s and Cleopatra’s passion, then you will understand Homer’s travels, Cavafy’s poetry, and then, and only then will you understand the Mediterranean.

I am blessed to spend a few days in Mallorca every Summer with my mom, my nephew, and my nieces. We have been coming for about 40 years to the same cala -a small bay. I have talked about the special light on the island, and all the other characteristics of the Mediterranean basin, it is wonderful.

One of the highlights of my stay in Mallorca is when I run up to an old Arab signal tower. It is a wonderful -but usually hot- run by the cutest little cala (Cala Fornells), and up a pine forest to reach the tower before heading back down.

My brief stay on the island is a cleanse, a detox from the crazy world we live in. I am privileged to enjoy the sea and the pine forests; this year was no different.