With a heavy heart, and an even heavier head, I write this final gossip girl for the summer of 2011. I’m slowly but surely piecing myself back together after Mambo’s closing party last night, which attracted a friendly and familiar bunch of left over workers, island residents and a sprinkling of holidaying folk. It was unusual to hear from the sunset strip, yet refreshing to have a boogie to, some all time great tunes like David Bowie’s Let Dance, Wham’s Club Tropicana and Michael Jackson’s Smooth Criminal. Mixed amongst this were the usual old skool Ibiza Dance favourites, which took everyone there on a wistful journey down memory lane.
I began my night earlier on in the evening meeting up with some old friends and going to the Tijuana Tex Mex in San Antonio. Now there’s one thing you should know about the best Mexican in Ibiza... it is impossible not to leave the place sozzled! They do the greatest frozen Margareta’s in town and are highly persuasive in insisting you finish your meal off with a traditional shot of tequila, or in my table’s case four. Each.
Tipsy or not, the atmosphere never fails to be anything less than heaps of fun and entertainment (and I’ve been going annually for ten years). You’re seated at tables with old antique telephones that are all connected so you can call everyone in the room; if you can guess their numbers right! You each have a chalk box so you can scribble and doodle away on your own table cloth. And the cheery waiters are all too happy to plonk giant sombreros on your heads which, along with the authentic music, help to get you in the Mexican mood. Notably half of said hats are battered and ripped, but in my opinion that only adds to the charm, and comedy Kodak moments.
Although it was a reasonably early end to the night (home by 4am, which is an early one in Ibiza standards), the tequila, hierbas (Ibiza’s own on island brewed shot) and cava, made for one blinder of a headache on awakening. But one thing’s for sure, when you wake up from the morning after the night before, there is no better way to cure a hangover than to hit the beach or the pool and dive straight into some crisp salty water, to which I’ve just done, and swam my way out of a day’s nausea and self pity.
And on the subject of water (I’m a Scorpio and as Ibiza is the island of this water sign I can’t help myself) last week, for the first time this year, I accompanied a group of pals who had hired Pacha’s sailing boat for the day, and cast off for our neighbouring island of Formenterra. With a calm sea, clear sky and perfect sunshine I gave inner thanks and gratitude for such a beautiful day and glorious landscape. We took speed boats to the nearby caves and went swimming and snorkelling, dined on the finest fresh fish, and sunbathed on deck, swaying slightly, listening to the sounds of the ocean. You couldn’t have asked for more of a blissful day.
Back to the present, the nights are getting chilly and it’s a welcome occasion to dig out the cardies. I figured we’d gotten away with it, but it seems the annual ‘September Storms’ which seem to have decided to postpone themselves, are almost ready to make an appearance. It has to be said, when it pours down here, there isn’t too much you can do except read, watch dvds, and take some time to reflect. I had a stroll down to Ibiza Town’s port earlier on today, took an ice cream and sat at the harbour watching the boats, reflecting on what has been another brilliant summer, and how quickly the summer has flown by.
I would say to anyone who has never been to Ibiza before, don’t come here with any preconceptions, it’s a magical place, and you will have the experience that you desire. Whether that’s retreating to the north and taking advantage of all the more secluded, picturesque beaches, raving every night at some of the world’s best parties, dining at some of the finest and fanciest restaurants, getting glammed up and going for drinks in Ibiza Town’s port then on to a VIP table in Pacha or Amnesia, or going for a low budget pub crawl down San Antonio’s West End and romancing a number of like minded souls... or maybe it’s a combo of all of the mentioned? Whatever you choose, Ibiza is here for the taking.
Just one request. Please treat this island with respect and appreciation. If you love and respect Ibiza, Ibiza will repay you with some of the best memories you could ever wish for.
Thanks for reading. Until next year.
Ibiza Gossip Girl x
