ibiza

Hello world, I just came back from paradise.

I am almost tempted to just leave the photos to speak for themselves, because a million words couldn't tell the stories, feelings, experiences that the last 12 days were. But since I am no photographer, I also feel this is unjust...

So here is a photo journal of summer vacation 2011: IBIZA. You should read it in case you ever visit the spectacular island, and also because I just spent the last hour and a half making it.

Day 1

This is the first photo I took: it must feel good to be home. We arrived mid-afternoon on Spanish time-zone (5ish), perfect time for a cup of tea and then off to a particularly stunning spot on the island--Punta Galera. Flat rocks jutting out into the ocean, perfect for sunbathing as a lizard might on the earthy-warm stones...

And hello, first Ibiza sunset at Punta Galera. Every single evening was just as fantastic--each night this ball of fire transformed into a neon cookie.

Day two

Taking advantage of the brief encounter with a full-house (all the kids are home, baby!), we set off with Lucas' family and friends to Formentera, about a two hour trip on the Morna. The best way to discover a new place is off the beaten track... how about off the track all together? There is so much beautiful, untouched coast on this tiny island...

Day Three

After a night's camping on the boat: nothing like waking up and jumping into crystal clear waters.

The crew! And a wobbly lunch on the boat. Talk about drowsiness the minute you set down your fork...

Day Four

Headed back to Ibiza. I feel almost unworthy of sights like these because I don't really appreciate boats in the way that some people do. I do, however, appreciate beauty...

I also appreciate culos. I feel as though the anonymity of this photo makes my posting of it completely acceptable.

Day Five

Anything to escape the mass amounts of people on the island...some sandwiches and beers and off to the cave-cove. This photo doesn't really give an idea of what it was like, but at least we look good. Just imagine pulling up to a wide cliff that shows no sign of leading down to the shore...but then oh! Hidden on the far edge, there's that steep, slippery staircase that breaks off and turns directions at least four times, stopping half-way at an enormous cave that looks out to the other side of the ocean, and finally arriving to a tiny little cove where three storm-beaten boathouses stand.

Day Six

Speaking of boathouses, Lucas' favorite spot on the island is his uncle's in Cala Corral. There is no running water or electricity, but there are boats, a few mattresses, and a roomy porch, to name the essentials. The place is the red with the blue garage doors (although the colors are difficult to discern here..)

We went to different calas to park and snorkel around or eat lunch the few days we were camping in the boathouse. Totally worth the aching shoulders--I found that my pain threshold is much higher while singing.

Day Seven

Good morning, Cala Corral! Some navigating plans for the next outing on kayak.

A nice view.

Underwater cameras are fun toys. Here we are unintentionally "raising the roof" in Ibiza. I am not embarrassed to say that I did not make it to one club while on the island...although there is still some curiosity lurking...

Day Eight

With the help of uncle, we take out the Llaüt (pronounced ya-oot), a typical Ibizan fishing boat. Lucas' great uncle bought it along with a neighboring boathouse for 1000 pesetas, that is, 6 euros, 100 years ago. Those are tree branches that hold up the paddles and extra poles for the overhead shade...

It really is a lovely thing...

This little octopus was SO AFRAID! Watching the race to catch it reminded me of a scene from Fantasia. After darting around trying to avoid Lucas' grasp and then spraying ink in his face, the little guy accepted his fate and then became quite cuddly. SO CUTE!!!!!

Day Nine

Mandatory tour of the old city of Ibiza, Dalt Vila (literally--upper town). This is the 16th century wall that surrounds it. Raised up on the southeast coast of the island, its views are far and wide for obvious reasons...

Pirates ahead!

Day Ten

We went sampling ham sandwiches in Santa Gertrudis, a small but lively town not far from the capital and known for its artesanal trade. The restaurant itself has an interesting history, it is filled with all sorts of eclectic artwork...story has it that the owner used to allow artists to eat for free in exchange of wall decor. This place only serves sandwiches: I approve.

Last Day

Then all of the sudden we jump to the last day... I am getting a little worn out and perhaps I am overdoing it but I guess this is what happens when you are in dead-of-August-Madrid with NOTHING to do. And the truth of the matter is the next two days were lost in oblivion as far as photos go, as we were kidnapped on a small motor boat and taken to a friend's sailboat in Formentera and unexpectedly held captive there for two days. It was rough, let me tell you. And then we catch up here, about to head to the airport. As usual, it all went by way too fast!! Thank you to my guide and hosts at Can Torre (can=house in Catalan). Couldn't have been lovelier :)