Recession? what recession?

I am rather baffled. In Palma, shops are closing down and the Balearic government continues to maintain that the local economy is in bad shape. But if you go out and about you will discover that most restaurants are packed and the word recession appears to be a politician´s myth. I went out for dinner twice last week. Palma´s newly pedestrianised Calle Fabrica was packed with people on Thursday night enjoying the delights of all its excellent restaurants. Making this street traffic free has completely altered the face of Calle Fabrica and has made it hugely popular. Perhaps the council should consider similar action in other areas. On Saturday I went out in the Portixol area of Palma, and it was the same story. People of all nationalities were having dinner there, but I think you can safely say that Majorcans were in the majority. Amazing, because allegedly we are at the height of recession. I believe that Majorca is in some ways protected from the chill winds of recession which have hit the mainland. Tourism will always, to some extent, safeguard these islands from the economic hardtimes. I just hope that this spending spree continues. Judging by what I saw last week there appears to be no sign of an end of the great dinner spend. And also while many smaller businesses are closing down, new businesses are taking their place. Not a week goes by without some new restaurant opening for business. Recession, what recession.....Let us just hope it continues.