Meet the Radio Presenter: Jan Edwards

Jan Edwards is a journalist and radio presenter living on the Balearic island of Mallorca. Jan writes about her life via her two blogs, ‘Eat, drink, sleep, Mallorca’ and ‘Living in rural Mallorca”. Jan also presents the gastronomy & hospitality show ‘Table Talk’ on Mallorca Sunshine Radio featuring the latest foodie and hotel news.

Jan says: “I live in an old finca in rural Mallorca, where nature’s soundtrack of birds, insects, sheep bells, and braying donkeys plays as I continue my writing.”

Mallorca Reflections caught up with Jan in Portocolom to ask some questions and find out more, including:

– How do you maintain the Blog/Radio/Life balance?

– As a blogger of not one, but two blogs, what do you write about?

– You have interviewed many people over the years, who was the most interesting character and why?

Jan Edwards: The Interview

Where are you originally from? When did you first visit Mallorca?

Born and raised in Cambridge, I spent 11 years in Oxfordshire before moving here. Don’t ask which city I support in the Boat Race! I was 17 when I had my first holiday in Mallorca, in Puerto Pollensa.

How long have you lived on the island? Whereabouts do you live?

For the past 15 years we’ve lived in the Llevant countryside, I love this northeast corner for its many unspoilt areas – as well as the growing number of excellent gastronomic offerings.

What’s the best thing about living in Mallorca?

For me, the best thing about living here is the diversity of the landscape and people. I also appreciate the relaxed pace of life.

As a blogger of not one, but two blogs, what do you write about?

I concentrate on writing about personal experiences on both blogs. For ‘Living in rural Mallorca’, I write about the ups and downs of moving abroad and an unfamiliar lifestyle. I‘m often asked for advice about relocating here or country living.

A collage from Jan’s “Living in rural Mallorca” blog

How often do you publish content? What’s the ideal length for a blog post?

I aim to post weekly on ‘Eat, drink, sleep, Mallorca’, but life sometimes gets in the way. I’ve not published much on ‘Living in rural Mallorca’ lately, because I’ve been concentrating on an online novel-writing course. The abandoned novel of years ago is again a work in progress.

I’ve written articles to tight wordcounts over the years and now enjoy writing without constraints – although my posts are rarely over 800 words.

Can you name some of your favourite bloggers and explain why they are your favourites?

I like to dip into the Estilo Palma blog and admire the author for writing it in English, rather than her native language. I also like MallorcanTonic (ooh, check out those special hotel and restaurant offers), and William Newton’s eponymous blog; this American is an informed writer and commentator on art-related matters.

When did you get your first presenting job and where was it?

I began by presenting weekend overnight radio shows in Birmingham, syndicated across five Midlands’ stations. (During the week I worked in hotel PR). I was surprised that so many people listened to radio in the early hours. And that I never fell asleep on air.

Eventually I joined the breakfast show at FOX FM and flew daily in a helicopter over Oxfordshire during rush hour, broadcasting traffic reports. The best job ever! At that time, I was also a part-time continuity announcer for Central ITV.

What’s it like being live on air?

I thrive on the buzz of live broadcasting, knowing that I was responsible for keeping things going – whatever happened.

You have interviewed many people over the years, who was the most interesting character and why?

When I moved to BBC Oxford to present a weekday radio show, I interviewed numerous well-known people – including Ann Widdecombe. In 2000, she came to talk about her new novel The Clematis Tree, before a book-signing event in the city. I remember that her immaculate long red-varnished nails seemed out of keeping with her image. Ann was a delight to interview – also unexpected. Later that day, in Waterstone’s, an activist threw a custard pie at her; Ann wiped the custard off her face and carried on signing books.

A collage from Jan’s “Eat, Drink, Sleep, Mallorca” blog 

How would you describe the current culinary scene on the island and in particular in Palma?

I don’t have enough time or money to try all the restaurants and cafes on my pending list! It’s now worth visiting Palma for the gastronomic offerings alone.

Where are your favourite places to eat?

I’m often asked to name my favourite restaurants. My answer depends on mood, budget at the time, my eating companion, and time of year. In summer, we’re regulars at Ponderosa Beach, Quince in Portocristo, and Restaurante Playa in Colonia de Sant Pere (gorgeous sunset views across the bay to the Tramuntana). In Palma, I’ve eaten most recently in Botànic, El Camino, and Forn in La Lonja.

Describe the single best food experience on the island you’ve ever had.…and the worst?!

My single best food experience here was when Rodrigo de la Calle (from El Invernadero in Madrid) was guest chef at a memorable private dinner organised by abcMallorca in the Hotel Sa Torre, Llucmajor. His spectacular multi-course tasting menu was almost entirely based on fresh vegetables. Zaranda and Es Fum also made a huge first impression on me.

My worst experience was lunch in a small ethnic restaurant in Santa Catalina. We ordered a non-alcoholic juice that looked and tasted as though someone had washed their socks in it. A few weeks later this eatery had closed.

How do you maintain the Blog/Radio/Life balance?

Rather than balance these three aspects, I think I somehow blend them. But, like a coupage from a good Mallorcan winery – it’s a satisfying and enjoyable blend.

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Thank you Jan for your time today.

Check out Jan’s blogs at: Eat, Drink, Sleep, Mallorca and Living in rural Mallorca

Listen to Jan on Mallorca Sunshine Radio and follow Jan on Twitter: @MallorcaJan