Loli

Chapter 21

"La Joueuse de Luth" - Andrea Solari 16thC

One day Mr. G. introduced me to Loli, a German lady residing in Palma who played classical guitar. She lived in a rooftop apartment in the Ramblas, accessible by the use of a creaky iron cage elevator which shuddered as it slowly ascended to her floor.

(click to enlarge photos)

A sign on the wall informed all that the elevator could be used only for going upwards. Anyone wishing to return to the ground floor was obliged to use the stairs.

She had a spacious roof terrace which afforded a magnificent view over the tiled rooftops of Palma. Potted geraniums and bougainvillae bordered the walls and a shaded recliner chair gave evidence that this was her private world where she dozed, read and listened to the sounds of the city.

A child's plastic wading pool filled with water lay on the terrace in the sun and when I asked if she had grandchildren, she answered no...the pool was for her alone, when she felt she needed a splash to cool off from the Mediterranean sun.

Loli and I practised duets together on our guitars in her apartment.
"Concert de Femmes" - Anon Netherlands 16thC

At times we would play together with
Bartolomé Calatayud, a native Mallorquin classical guitarist, composer and teacher.

We met several times in his studio to play and practise some of his compositions. I will return later to elaborate more on this maestro, much loved by the people of Mallorca.

Stairs in central Palma

One day Loli informed me that a German movie company was going to do some filming in Palma and needed extras for the shoots. She had already registered and asked if I would like to join her in what could be not only a novel experience, but also a chance to earn a little extra money. I eagerly accepted the offer.

Continue on to Chapter 22......Making The Movie

Go back to Chapter 20......Mallorcan Countryside