#colobra

[yvanspijk]

Cobra

The most famous L-less Portuguese word is cobra. It was borrowed into numerous languages. Cobra comes from Latin colubra via Popular Latin *colòbra. In Spanish it became culebra (via coluebra), in French couleuvre, and in Catalan colobra.

Portuguese, what L's?

In Spanish you say cielo (sky) and salud (health), whereas in Portuguese it's céu and saúde - without an l. In the early history of Galician-Portuguese, something quite unusual happened: the l sound was lost between vowels. Click the video to hear how it went.

The loss of the l made some words very different from their Romance cognates. Here are some additional Portuguese-Spanish pairs:

sair vs. salir ('to leave') < salīre

névoa vs. niebla ('fog') < nebulam

dor vs. dolor ('pain') < dolōrem

cor vs. color ('colour') < colōrem

pau vs. palo ('stick') < pālum

só vs. solo ('alone') < sōlum

teia vs. tela ('web') < tēlam

The articles and pronouns o, a, os, and as ('the' but also 'him, her, them') come from lo, la, los,and las. They initially developed after words ending in a vowel, the environment where the sound [l] could disappear: *vejo la ('I see her') > vejo-a. When it followed certain grammatical words ending in [r], [l] was preserved, assimilating the [r]: e.g. vê-lo ('to see him', a combination of ver and o), pelo ('for the', a combination of por and o).

[undertoweyes]

sin querer dar a entender nada, pero Colombia y Brasil forman la pareja sudamericana duchados y limpios 🇨🇴❤️🇧🇷

Por cierto, algunos de nuestros hermanos necesitan explicar-se jajaja

[l-ours]

Couleuvre

[gwendolynlerman]

Romance languages comparison (Spanish - French - Catalan - Italian - Portuguese [English])

Reptiles - reptiles - r��ptils - rettili - répteis (reptiles)

la anaconda - l’anaconda (m) - l’anaconda (f) - l’anaconda (m) - o anaconda (anaconda)

la boa constrictor - le boa constrictor - la boa constrictor - il boa constrictor - a jibóia (boa constrictor)

el caimán - le caïman - el caiman - il caimano - o jacaré (alligator)

la cobra - le cobra - la cobra - il cobra - a cobra (cobra)

el cocodrilo - le crocodile - el cocodril - il coccodrillo - o crocodilo (crocodile)

la culebra - la couleuvre - la colobra - la biscia - a cobra (viper)

el dragón de Komodo - le dragon de Komodo - el drac de Komodo - il drago di Komodo - o dragão de Komodo (Komodo dragon)

el geco - le gecko - el geco - il geco - a osga (gecko)

la iguana - l’iguane (m) - la iguana - l’iguana (f) - a iguana (iguana)

la lagartija - le petit lézard - la sargantana - la lucertola - a lagartixa (wall lizard)

el lagarto - le lézard - el llangardaix - la lucertola - o lagarto (lizard)

la pitón - le python - la pitó - il pitone - o python (python)

la serpiente - le serpent - la serp - il serpente - a serpente (snake)

la serpiente de cascabel - le serpent à sonnettes - la serp de cascavell - il serpente a sonagli - a cascavel (rattlesnake)

la tuátara - le tuátara - la tuátara - il tuátara - o tuátara (tuatara)

la víbora - la vipère - l’escurçó (m) - la vipera - a víbora (viper)

I have only compared the languages I have studied/dabbled in, not all the Romance languages.

[apisonadora60]

Epic Climbs of Mallorca

Mallorca, the largest of the Balearic Islands is a cycling mecca. Used by the pro teams and amateurs alike year round to test their legs on climbs such as the beautiful Sa Colobra, Formentor, and Puig Major.

This print is the perfect inspiration for your first trip, or perfect memento of your last trip. After all, we're sure you'll be back on the island soon.

bandofclimbers.com

[placidb]

all de bruixa • o calabruixa petita, colobra, barralets o marcet (Muscari neglectum o també Muscari racemosum o Muscari atlanticum), tradicionalment es classifica dins de les liliàcies. • #natura #naturephotography #naturelover #elmeupetit_pais #empordà #visitemporda #lempordaelmesbonicquehiha #cat_rural #queboniceslemporda #quebonicescatalunya #catalunya_alnatural #mobilephotography #iPhoneMacro #iphonephotography #iphonephoto #TW (at Torroella De Montgrí, República Independent) https://www.instagram.com/p/CAMt5xYqDpK/?igshid=z6uimncf1rnl

[themamil]

Cap de Formentor - Ride Review

Mallorca is a mecca for cycling. It’s as simple as that. The roads are butter smooth. The scenery is incredible. There are challenging climbs. The weather is amazing all year round. The drivers treat cyclists with respect and caution. What more could you want?

I was on holiday in Mallorca this year and staying between Pollenca and Port de  Pollenca for the first week. I’d been primed that I had to tackle Sa Colobra (I didn’t in the end but that’s another story) but new I needed to find my legs and get acclimatised to riding in 33+ degree heat, and with the Cap de Formentor ride being on my doorstep, it seemed like an obvious choice. 

What I didn’t realise is that I was about to embark on probably my favourite ride ever. It starts in the port of Pollenca and then routes all the way along the peninsula to a lighthouse on the tip, along the way treating you to some challenging climbing, incredible scenery and a corner that takes your breath away when you are suddenly greeted by the snaking road and the lighthouse.

I started the ride by riding down to the port and then headed north along the promenade on the cycle path that leads out of the town and through the back roads until you reach the road to Formentor. 

It’s about a 5K warm up, and I was grateful for the warm-up because at that point you start to climb to the first viewing point of the day. It’s not arduously steep but it’s fairly long and a bit of a grind and took me 13 minutes to make the climb of 200m, which takes you to the first car park. 

Do the ride early (recommended because you have reduced traffic levels and the temperature is more bearable) and you can find you have the road mostly to yourself which you’ll be grateful for as it switchbacks and meanders it’s way up the mountain. On route to the first viewing point, you’ll also pass the scene for the Night Manager, although you can’t see it and it’s gated by the Army who share the entrance with the rich banker who owns it.

As climbs so it’s probably the hardest climb of the day, and even harder on the return when you’ve got 40k under your belt already, but the scenes you are greeted with at the top are worth it.

This photo was taken from the previous day when I did a quick reckie up to the viewing point but you’ll be challenged not to stop and take in the views.

Having reached the viewing point the road then snakes down on a number of switchbacks as it heads towards the next milestone which is Formentor beach a further 3.5 - 4k from the viewing point. It’s all downhill to the beach from the viewing point so remember to enjoy the reward for your climbing and take care of the sharp switchbacks. Once you are through the switchbacks there’s a nice short straight line down to the beach turn.

Once you get to the beach turn you’ll see that cars, after 10am, are no longer allowed to progress to the Cap, although in my experience there are not that many cars that make the trip to the Cap so it’s not like you are overcome by traffic or anything.

It’s at this point that the road starts an incredibly long (well it felt long anyway) and false flat climb through the forests. It’s actually only about 5k, but it looks flat but actually rises 100m in that time, which had me wondering if I had lost my legs because I was making such slow progress.

It’s probably the least interesting part of the ride because you are in a tunnel of tree-lined road without much to see, but the shade was a welcome relief from the sun.

The magic starts again after this leg with a short descent before the climb to the lighthouse starts and the road undulates and turns and twists along the coast, inland and then back to the coast. It’s incredibly hard to explain but the vista turns from sea views to barren landscapes and back to sea view in the blink of an eye. Your riding roads with very steep drops to the sea and then in the turn of a pedal you feel like you are inland on the moors or somewhere similar.

The goats that line the road, almost there as if to cheer you on, except they are more focussed on their foraging, with their pad like knees and their nimble footwork as they defy the cliffs dangers.

There’s a section of tunnel through a mountain pass. It’s short and you can see the light at the end of the tunnel, but it’s uphill and I had no lights and that can be very disorienting coming from the bright sunlight. I had to follow the line in the middle of the road, which was only possible because there wasn’t anything coming the other way. A light would be handy. If you do the ride, take it just for this section. You’ll need to do it twice (assuming you are riding back too).

As you are riding along the views and your surrounding engulf your thoughts. You forget entirely that you are actually riding a bike, let alone uphill, and you feast on the views.

And then, as if it isn’t enough already, you turn the left-hand bend and you are greeted by the view to the lighthouse. 

Perilously perched at the edge of the Cap, it’s the twisting and snaking road that descends and climbs to your destination, surrounded by cliffs above you to the left and seas to your right that simply takes your breath away.

Photos don't really do it justice. We met a Swedish lady riding the route a couple of days later when Martin and I rode to the Cap, and as she arrived at the lighthouse I asked how the ride was. “I was in tears” she responded. “It wasn't that hard was it?” I replied. “No”, she said. “It was the view as I turned the corner. It was so beautiful that I just burst into tears.” Fair!

Obviously once to get to the lighthouse there are views to savour.

Having arrived at the Cap, refuelled at the cafe and overdosed on views it’s time for the return to Pollenca. The ride back is equally as glorious and for the most part, until you reach the climb back to the viewing point, slightly easier on the legs after the initial climb out from the lighthouse.

The false flat on the way out is this time a downhill zinger which freshens you up for the final switchbacked climb to the viewing point. It definitely feels harder from this side, and probably because you have 40k under your legs by now, but again the views are great and the final descent back to Port de Pollenca is also a pretty enjoyable one, although remember to keep your eyes on the road as they’ll be tempted to suck in the views of the port and the bay that carries all the way round to Alcudia.

I returned home via the cycle path on the seafront. A fitting way to end the ride and to really digest what for me was probably the most incredible experience I had on a bike. It’s not the most challenging ride but the feast your eyes have to deal with leave you emotionally exhausted but wanting to ride it again, and again.

I videoed my ride up to the Cap de Formentor which I sped up so you didn't have to sit through just over an hours worth of riding but I hope the video goes some way to capture the ride. I suspect it doesn’t - so make sure you put this one on your bucket list and get out to Mallorca and ride it. You will not regret it.

If you are a little short of time you can fast forward to 8mins and 50 seconds in this video to “witness” the turn that reveals the lighthouse. I slow the video down at this point so you can enjoy the approach in real-time.

[massif-central-cycling]

Heading for an appointment with Sa Colobra. . . . #MaCe #maceontour #mallorca #sacolobra

[sandeepsaha]

The Hop-On, Hop-Off tour gives you the freedom to explore Palma de Mallorca your way, so you can hop-on and hop-off as many times as you like at any of the designated stops from the Canyon de la Colobra to the Parque del Mar or wherever you wish.

[retirementchronicles]

Our experience in Portugal was captured in my mind as good people and pleasant surprises. As we boarded our flight to Seville Spain I was somewhat apprehensive due to their current political climate. Catalonia was/is pursuing its independence from Spain. Being from the California Republic I really can’t understand the true conflict connected to this civil discord. Oh well! I’m committed to minding my own business, seeking understanding and respecting both, Spain and Catalonia perspectives. As we arrived in Seville I couldn’t help but notice an abundance of Spanish flags hanging from balconies and windows”Bravo!?” We stayed at the Q & Q Cathedral Suites, just a couple blocks from the Seville Cathedral. It was close to the center of town within walking distance to restaurants, bars and significant landmarks. We visited the Metropol Parisol, Plaza de España, Plaza de Toros, Cerverceria Internacional, Museo de Baile Flamenco, Bar Estrella and a few other places. Our time in Sevilla limited so we were selective in choosing where to visit. The Metropol Parisol was very interesting. It felt like the past artistic traditions of Spain clashing with future modern art era. The views from atop the structure were impressive. Our visit to the Plaza de Toros was emotional for me. I was torn between the brutal killing of bulls and the courage of the matador starring into the eyes of death. Wrong or right, I was impressed by the honor and courage of the Matadors. I learned, didn’t judge. The Plaza de España was beautiful, filled with mosaic tile and perpetuated the pride of Spain.

From Seville we took a train to Granada Spain. The scenery was amazing through the Andalusia countryside. We stayed at the Hotel Párraga Siete Suites Granada. The hotel hosts were very welcoming and friendly. They answered all our questions and assisted us in getting around efficiently. After a week of traveling we needed to do some laundry and went to CE Colada Express Laundromat. It was clean with big machines that were easy to use. No need to buy laundry detergent, the washing machines automatically dispenses the detergent. Granada was incredible. I visited a lot of places in Granada and I’ll share a few of my favorites. The Alcazaba Castle in Alhambra is a must visit. If you don’t get tickets before you most likely won’t be able to enter. Nonetheless, there are plenty of amazing places to visit outside the castle. The Museo de Alhambra, Palace of Charles V and La Iglesia de Santa Maria de Alhambra. That evening after our return to the hotel, based on the recommendation of the hotel attendant, we walked to Calle Nava for beers and tapas. There’s a vast selection tapa bars on both sides of the Calle/Street. Several looked interesting, but one in particular caught my eye, El Tabernaculo. The Tanernaculo is filled with religious pictures, crucifixes, and shields of saints and other like items. Our host Jorge was quite a character. A more experienced gentleman along with the wisdom to go with it. The beers were cold, tapas were excellent and the conversation was even better. Ask Anthony Bourdain, he’s been there. We couldn’t visit Granada without attending a flamenco show so we attended a show at the “Venta El Gallo” Cueva Flamenca. We had dinner prior to the show, tapas, olives and sangria that was ok.  The olives were great but the show was even better! It was well worth the effort to catch the show.

Our last stop on this trip to Spain was off the east coast of Barcelona, the Island of Mallorca.  I saved the best for last. From Granada we took a short direct flight to Palma Mallorca. When we arrived at our hotel, the Palacio Ca Sa Galesa, there was a mix-up with our reservation. The hotel did not have a room for me for the first night. The hotel staff was genuinely apologetic and said they would take care of everything due to their mistake. To their word they put us up at the GPRO Valparaiso Palace and Spa. Wow! What a nice place to end up. We had a really nice large room with a gorges view of the bay from the balcony.  We had access to all the spa amenities and swimming pools. We enjoyed dinner at the pool while a trio played smooth sounds in the lounge. After my experience at the Valparaiso I didn’t want to go back to the Palacio Galesa. The next day a taxi picked us up and took us to the Palacio Galesa. The staff there was very accommodating. To make up for the mix up we were given a complementary one-hour massage, one-day rental car and continental breakfast every morning.  Gustavo showed us around the hotel and facilities. It was pretty nice and included a spa, sauna, steam room, library, terrace with a beautiful view of the bay and cathedral.  Our room was large and rustic with a jacuzzi tub.  That evening after taking a nap and freshening up we attended mass at the Mallorca Cathedral.  The day before at the Valparaiso Palace I read a program from Mallorca Music Festival currently taking place.  The Festival sounded like fun but I thought it would be difficult to get tickets so I didn’t make the effort.  As fate would have it after mass the Mallorca Cathedral hosted a double tribute to the figure of Bach, Sponsored by the Mallorca Music Festival. Bach had a religious concept of music and understood it as the most powerful means to glorify God.  It was an awesome performance.  The next day we explored Mallorca in a Fiat 500C.  We stopped in the small town of Port de la Colobra and had a drink in a local pub.  As we sat back enjoyed our drink and the scenery a special song began to play, Van Morrison “Brown Eyed Girl.”  It was the Father/Daughter song I danced to with my Daughter Denise at her wedding.  Our next stop was Cala Banyalbufar.  I parked a good downhill hike from the beach.  Unfortunately that meant it was a tough walk uphill back but it was worth it.  The cliffs were amazing and the water was turquoise and blue, just beautiful.  The views were majestic.  I wanted to catch the sunset at the beach of Magaluf about 7 miles outside of Mallorca.  The beach was great and we got there at the perfect time to watch the sun slowly fall into the Balearic Sea.  By the time we got back to our hotel we were pretty hungry and wanted something different.  One restaurant caught my eye, “Daruma Restaurante Japones.”  Immediately we noticed how clean and neat it was.  We were greeted with smiles and seated quickly.  As we looked at the menu I literally noticed a “Boat Load of Sushi” being served to a couple seated near us.  Really, it was a boat about two feet long full of sushi!  We asked the waiter about it and decided to order one.  The chef selected the sushi.  It was my favorite meal of the entire trip.  The sushi was fresh and full of flavor.  We asked to meet the chef and Chef Hisao Sugita came out and introduced himself.  Not only did he take the time to explain all the sushi we ate, but he also told us a little about his journey line.  If you’re ever in Palma de Mallorca make sure visit “Daruma Restaurante Japones.”  Say hello to Chef Hisao Sugita and ask for a Boat Load of Sushi and a side of “Toro Sushi.”  On the morning we departed Mallorca for home we had breakfast on the terrace of the Palacio Galesa.  It was a gorges morning as the sun bounced off the Mallorca Cathedral and glistened off the Balearic Sea. -AMDG     

[handsling]

The Lion of Tooting tackles Sa Colobra, #Majorca, aboard his #Handsling Bikes RR1

[themamil]

My next cycling challenge

So this year I have ticked off London to Paris in 24 Hours and my first Audax - The Nearly Stonehenge 200. I have been thinking about my next challenge and one has been gifted to me in a way. 

We've just booked our summer holiday to Mallorca, so Sa Colobra has gone to the top of my list and I look forward to tackling it in a few weeks time! 

Any tips you want to share?

[apisonadora60]

Epic Climbs of Mallorca

Riding in Mallorca this year? Grab our Epic Climbs print and be inspired.

Mallorca, the largest of the Balearic Islands is a cycling mecca. Used by the pro teams and amateurs alike year round to test their legs on climbs such as the beautiful Sa Colobra, Formentor, and Puig Major.

This print is the perfect inspiration for your first trip, or perfect memento of your last trip. After all, we're sure you'll be back on the island soon.

https://www.bandofclimbers.com/collections/epic-climbs-collection/products/epic-climbs-of-mallorca

by Band of Climbers

[apisonadora60]

Band of Climbers  · One of the most amazing pieces of road building in the world. Formentor is one of those climbs that will literally take your breath away. Built on the side of the Island of Mallorca, it's one of the climbs that has made Mallorca a Mecca for cyclists year round. It's so epic that we've created a new print to celebrate the likes of Sa Colobra, Puig Major, and Formentor. 📷 @jbraynard Head to www.bandofclimbers.com/collections/epic-climbs-collection to see our new prints.

[massif-central-cycling]

Col des Reis - also known as Sa Colobra. It's a dead-end road down to a fishing village - so you have to go down before coming back up. A fiendish preview of the hardship to come... . . . #sacolobra #maceontour #mallorca

[massif-central-cycling]

Sa Colobra - so brutal it has an actual pain cave a third of the way up.. . . . #sacolobra #mallorca #maceontour #switchbacks #fromwhereiride #paincave