Englishman living and working in Ibiza since 1991. Entrepreneur with a passion for villas, boats, sunsets and San Antonio. Read my blogs, listen to my podcasts and get involved in the debate.
You know it’s nearly summer when the buzz starts about the International Music Summit, now in its 9th year on the island and this year being held at Hard Rock Hotel Ibiza from 25 to 27 May.
News that will especially appeal to the 80’s generation (such as myself) it’s just been announced that the Pet Shop Boys, namely Neil Tennant and Chris Lowe, will make a rare public appearance talking to Pete Tong about their 30 year career and the stories behind their legendary remixes by artists such as David Morales, KLF and Shep Pettibone.
Also making their IMS debut will be Dieter Meier and Boris Blank also known as “Yello” who have been around for over 35 years and most famously had the smash hit record ‘Yeah’ which has become an iconic track for all sorts of multimedia.
Ben Turner, IMS Co-Founder and Curator, states: “Pet Shop Boys and Yello are both visionary acts that have taken electronic music worldwide with a pioneering, but populist approach. We’re proud to have Chris Lowe, Neil Tennant, Deiter Meier and Boris Blank all in attendance at IMS Ibiza this year. 2016 showcases our biggest list of artist speakers to date for IMS Ibiza, and in addition, our flagship event will also bring some amazing industry icons to introduce the perspective not often heard in our daily working lives.”
Pet Shop Boys and Yello are joined by Carl Cox, Richie Hawtin, Pete Tong, Erick Morillo, Seth Troxler, Dave Haslam, Tale of Us (Carmine Conte & Matteo Milleri), Dubfire,Guy Gerber, Jason Bentley, Gary Richards aka Destructo, Mr C, Nicole Moudaber, B-Traits, Danny Howard, Danny Daze, Benjamin Damage, Francesca Lombardodo who make up an amazing list of “20 Artists for 2016” at this years extravaganza.
Ever wondered what you’ll look back on and regret? Author, blogger, musician and nurse Bronnie Ware counselled the dying in their final days. She spent several years working in palliative care, caring for patients in the last 12 weeks of their lives. Here’s what she discovered were the most common deathbed regrets.
1. Wishing you had the courage to live life true to yourself, not the life others expected
“This was the most common regret of all. When people realise that their life is almost over and look back clearly on it, it is easy to see how many dreams have gone unfulfilled. Most people had not honoured even a half of their dreams and had to die knowing that it was due to choices they had made, or not made. Health brings a freedom very few realise, until they no longer have it.”
2. Wishing you hadn’t worked so hard
“This came from every male patient that I nursed. They missed their children’s youth and their partner’s companionship. Women also spoke of this regret, but as most were from an older generation, many of the female patients had not been breadwinners. All of the men I nursed deeply regretted spending so much of their lives on the treadmill of a work existence.”
3. Wishing you had the courage to express your feelings
“Many people suppressed their feelings in order to keep peace with others. As a result, they settled for a mediocre existence and never became who they were truly capable of becoming. Many developed illnesses relating to the bitterness and resentment they carried as a result.”
4. Wishing you stayed in touch with friends
“Often they would not truly realise the full benefits of old friends until their dying weeks and it was not always possible to track them down. Many had become so caught up in their own lives that they had let golden friendships slip by over the years. There were many deep regrets about not giving friendships the time and effort that they deserved. Everyone misses their friends when they are dying.”
5. Wishing you’d have let yourself be happier
“This is a surprisingly common one. Many did not realise until the end that happiness is a choice. They had stayed stuck in old patterns and habits. The so-called ‘comfort’ of familiarity overflowed into their emotions, as well as their physical lives. Fear of change had them pretending to others, and to their selves, that they were content, when deep within, they longed to laugh properly and have silliness in their life again.”
SO AS THE SUMMER APPROACHES DON’T WORK SO HARD, KEEP IN TOUCH WITH YOUR MATES AND GET SILLY…AND MOST IMPORTANTLY BE YOURSELF!
ES VEDRA GOATS: The story that keeps on giving took a further twist today after it emerged that at least 5 goats are possibly still alive on Es Vedra, the rocky islet off the west coast of Ibiza
As reported in today’s local Ibiza press, photographic evidence from Sunday 21 Feb strongly suggests that a small group of livestock are still roaming the rock without a care in the world.
Pep Ferrer, an 80 year old member of one of the families that ‘own’ Es Vedra, known as the “Vedraners”, saw the small herd on the rock face whilst out fishing and couldn’t wait to share the news. As yet it is unverified however Sr Ferrer is convinced in what he saw.
It looks like the government agents tasked with eradicating the goats didn’t do their job properly which will delight many on the island and all of the 20 thousand people who signed an online petition against the cull.
It will be very interesting to see the next move by Caterina Amengual, the environmental minister and the Balearic government who are already under extreme political pressure from their original decision to slaughter the goats and leave their carcasses on the islet. In the face of a huge public outcry they insist that they took ‘the best available option’ to protect the islands flora.
British Prime Minister David Cameron has been in Brussels this week renegotiating the UK’s current deal with the European Union. After contracted talks he not only announced a new deal but also that there will be an “IN or OUT” referendum on 23 June 2016.
It’s a simple question but the result could have far reaching consequences for those of us who live and work in Spain. As citizens of the European Union we have an automatic right to live and work in any member state but this could be taken away from us if the UK votes to exit the union or “Brexit” as it’s now commonly called.
So expect lots of smoke and mirrors from various politicians over the next 4 months as they try and convince the voters to cast their ballots papers for whatever side they are on. If the opinion polls are to be believed (and that’s dubious after the general election) the U.K. is more or less split down the middle so the campaign is sure to get nasty with many twists and turns along the way similar to the Scottish Independence referendum.
With so much at stake the UK embassies on the European mainland have started a campaign to get expats registered to vote. The Madrid embassy has already started their campaign with a spokesman saying “Interest in the referendum among expats is high, but awareness that they may be able to vote is low. We want as many expats as possible to know that they may be eligible to have their say.”
If you have lived abroad for less than 15 YEARS you are eligible to vote in the EU referendum however it’s estimated that only 5% of overseas voters have registered so far. With 2 million potential expat votes out there the “Brits Abroad” could swing the decision.
Ibiza’s unstoppable surge towards high end tourism is continuing with the news that 2 establishments are investing almost 10 million euros to upgrade their facilities into 4 and 5 Star hotels.
Apartments El Divino, which occupies 1425 square meters opposite the ‘Dog roundabout’ near Pacha and Ikea at the entrance to Ibiza port, has unveiled plans to spend 3.15 million euros taking it from 2 keys to 5 stars. They will convert 35 small apartments into 38 luxury rooms for a total of 76 guests.
It was also announced that the Ibiza Tourism Planning Commission has approved the refurbishment of the Hotel Augusta s’Argamassa in Santa Eulalia at an estimated cost of 6.55 Million euros. This investment exceeds 50% of the assessed value of the property so will be a comprehensive reform taking it from 3 to 4 stars.
Currently the Hotel Augusta has 196 rooms for 372 guests however after the renovation the hotel will feature 230 rooms for 460 guests.
Juanjo Riera, President of the Ibiza and Formentera Hoteliers Association said “it’s clear that the trend is towards more quality and that there is a fever for five-star hotels”. He also recalled that in 2004 the island only had one 5 star hotel, the Hacienda at Na Xamena, whereas now and there are twelve to fourteen.
Source: Diario de Ibiza/Cesar Navarro
The furore over the killing of 50 goats living peacefully on the Es Vedra islet off the west coast of Ibiza refuses to go away with over 15000 people signing a petition demanding the resignations of politicians Caterina Amengual of Mes per Mallorca and Miquel Vericad from Ibiza’s Guanyem Party.
As is now customary on these occasions social media has been on fire since Friday with the majority of Ibiza residents and island lovers coming out against the decision and wanting to know why other avenues weren’t throughly explored before the green light was given for the slaughter.
Sra Amengual from Mallorca seems to be getting the brunt of the flack as it appears that it was her and her departments decision to allow the extermination of the goats citing that it was the best way to deal with the problem of protecting the flora on one of Ibiza’s most famous landmarks. There’s always been a simmering rivalry between the two islands and the fact that a politician from Palma made the final decision has left many incredulous. Ibiza’s Environment minister Sr Vericad has also been receiving threats via social media for supporting and ‘congratulating’ the decision and has reported these to local prosecutors.
Environmentalists are adamant that it was the best way forward but the Animal Rights group PACMA are not accepting it lightly with calls for somebody to be made accountable especially for the law breaking in relation to leaving the carcasses where they fell to decompose naturally.
The story took a further twist after a group of fishermen unwittingly witnessed the slaughter and gave a graphic first hand account of 4 men with guns and “blood everywhere”. The Partido Popular are also sensing political blood and are demanding resignations in the Balearic Parliament.
After almost 25 years the fabled goats of Es Vedra have now been eradicated from the small islet that lies off the west coast of Ibiza. 5 females and 1 male were introduced to Es Vedra in 1992 however the Balearic and Island governments have now decided to get rid of them to “recover the native flora of the rock”.
After consultation it was decided that the best way was to kill them rather than remove them so yesterday (4 Feb 2016) environmental agents sailed over to the islet and at 8am began shooting all the helpless creatures. By 2pm their grisly task was complete although they will return today to ensure that none were missed in the cull.
The slain animals will be left on Es Vedra to decompose naturally as it was also deemed too dangerous to remove the carcasses even though this is technically against the law (according to Ley 8/2003 de Sanidad Animal).
Caterina Amengual, Director of Natural Areas and Biodiversity for the Balearic Department of Environment (belonging to the environmentalist coalition ‘MES per Mallorca’) said “it’s a question of priorities and the conservation of ecosystems is a priority. We have an obligation to protect natural areas”.
The Ibiza Insular Minister of Environment, Miquel Vericad of GUANYEM EIVISSA, congratulated the Balearic Government for the decision to remove the goats commenting “We have a duty to protect our heritage, which makes it unique to Es Vedra and Ibiza.”
Some local residents are very upset about the decision especially as the same government recently proudly announced that the Balearics were ‘anti-bull fighting’. Ibiza residents are well known for their love of all animals so they are decrying this as double standards.
The goats of Es Vedra could be clearly seen from sailing vessels and were part of the myth and aura of the rock. I myself have spent many hours moored around Es Vedra trying to convince friends aboard that the goats actually existed. Sometimes we left without seeing them but many times we were able to spot some of the herd carefully traversing the steep rock face. It’s an extremely sorry end to a story that I often told and always put a smile on my face (especially when I was proved right over the doubters).
The Balearic & Ibiza government have been unequivocal in saying that this was the best course of action in protecting one of Ibiza’s most famous landmarks but a small light has gone out on the mythical rock and you can’t help thinking they have taken the easiest and cheapest option. Delivering death to Es Vedra is not good Karma but the environmental experts know what they are doing after all, don’t they?
This past Sunday saw the “Arroz de Matanza World Championship” in San Antonio where 40 teams competed to impress the judges with their version of one of Ibiza’s most famous traditional rice dishes. Cati Ribas of Sant Gertrudis Driving School won for the 3rd consecutive year in what was a fantastic festival of food and drink that was enjoyed by over 2000 people eating and drinking to their hearts content.
San Antonio – Jan 2016In celebration of Ibiza’s fine food tradition here’s 10 local delicacies that originated on the island using local produce and which still continue to this day.
STARTERS
1 Ensalada Payesa
Made from potatoes, roasted peppers and boiled eggs and combined with sliced onions, fresh tomatoes and olives this tasty starter can be accompanied by dried fish in oil. Perfect for the warm summer months
2 Sobrasada
The main pickings from the “matanza” (slaughter of the family pig- see arroz de matanza) sobrasada is made from the lean meat of the pig and some belly pork, all minced and mixed with paprika, salt and spices. It’s heavy and hearty and is quite delicious as a starter or snack on warm toasted bread.
MAINS
3 Arroz de Matanza
Arroz de Matanza is one of the most distinctive, rich and tasty dishes from Ibiza’s gastronomic history. Mixing rice with pork and herbs in a rich sauce it was usually eaten only once a year using the leftovers from the ‘matanza’ (when Ibicencan families traditionally slaughtered their pig in December to give them enough sustenance for the cold winter months, one large pig would give out enough food for a family to survive). Now this typical dish is served daily in many restaurants on the island.
4 Sofrit Pages
Veggies look away now! A delicious dish using lamb, chicken, pork, sobrasada and potatoes prepared in a large skillet with spices and garlic. Recipes change from family to family but it’s a great comfort food and hangover cure but don’t count the calories as it’s not exactly your 5 a day. One plate is usually more than enough. Guilty pleasure!
5 Bullit de Peix
The definitive Ibiza dish for fish lovers carefully prepared using different types of fresh catch in a stock. Part soup, part casserole, part stew depending on your viewpoint but always amazingly tasty. This is a delicacy nowadays and prices can be high but if you are a foodie then this dish really needs to be tried to be believed.
DESSERTS
6 Flaó
The definitive traditional Ibiza dessert with its distinctive flavour and soft texture made with eggs, fresh cheese (or cottage cheese), aniseed and mint leaves. Eaten as a dessert or an indulging mid-morning accompaniment with your tea or coffee.
7. Orelletes
These biscuit type sweets are named after their shape that resembles an ear. Made with flour, lemon zest and aniseed, fried in oil and dipped in lots sugar (who needs a diet anyway!). Traditionally made for Easter but now easy to find throughout the year. Eaten as a dessert or snack and usually accompanied by a glass of sweet wine or herbias.
8 Greixonera
Ibiza’s version of good old bread and butter pudding which is made from leftover ensaimadas (a local sweet bread). Normally served as the desert on a local ‘menu del dia”. Heavy and hearty and the perfect precursor to an afternoon siesta. You are in Spain after all.
WINE AND LIQUEUR
9 Vin Payes
The islands’s take on your dads homebrew originally made for the long winter months as an accompaniment for the matanza on the cold winter nights. Homemade dark red wine made with grapes crushed by the feet of the local younger generation. Add gaseosa (lemonade) for a fruity cocktail that ‘gets the job done’.
10 Hierbas Ibicencas
A true marmite of liqueurs, very sweet tasting, you’re gonna either love it or hate it! Made and produced in Ibiza by local distilleries using herbs from the island. If/when you get the taste it will become part of your Ibiza culinary experience with most restaurants offering you a shot of hierbas on the house at the end of your meal.
So not only is the white isle blessed with amazing beaches and scenery, over 300 days of sunshine every year and a world famous nightlife scene it also has some of the best family restaurants in the Med.
Trouble is brewing for beach clubs and restaurants who continually charge large amounts of money for sunbeds on public beaches.
Since the new year there’s been a growing noise on the white isle led by the left wing Guanyem political party and also local journalists who say that these ‘high end’ beach establishments are privatizing public spaces and have no right to charge such sums of money when it clearly states that there is a maximum amount that can charged per sunbed.
Currently beach establishments pay for the beach concession but have guidelines to what they can and can’t do. Some get round the maximum charge by offering a ‘minimum’ spend’ per sunbed serving food and drink such as sushi, champagne and other luxury items whilst the clients are relaxing in the sun. Now some of the local population have had enough and say that if these clients want to eat and drink then they should go into the private part of the restaurant and not do it in the public area of the beach. They feel they are being excluded even though the beach is a public area where they just want to lay down their towel and have a swim.
With Ibiza relentlessly heading towards a more upmarket crowd and with the big shift of political power in the last local elections from right to left it seems inevitable that something will have to give sooner or later.
Sant Josep Mayor Josep Mari Ribas has already bowed under pressure and promised to decrease the number of sunbeds and parasols in his municipality by 900 and remember Sant Josep covers major beaches such as Cala Bassa, Cala Tarida, Cala Jondal, Las Salinas, Es Cavallet and Playa d’en Bossa. Sr Mari Ribas has also categorically stated that large ‘Balinese’ style sunbeds are not allowed on public beaches. Even Vicent Torres, president of the island council, has weighed in saying that the situation “completely distorts the coastal landscape of Ibiza”.
So as we approach summer don’t be surprised if there’s a sacrificial lamb or two along the way as the town halls pay lip service to those who got them elected. Vive Le Revolution
HAPPY NEW YEAR! Now that the festivities are finally over it’s time to focus on the summer. New year/new goals as they say so here’s a few suggestion of what you can do this coming year on the White Isle.
1. CLIMB TO ES VEDRA VIEWPOINT JUST BEFORE SUNSET
Photo:Piers Dupoy
Time to get spiritual and be drawn to the ‘magnetism’ of this stunning mesozoic limestone rock rising over a quarter of a mile from the ocean. If you are of an emotional disposition then take some hankies and be careful not to propose to the person next to you.
Cost: Zero investment for priceless memories
2. COMPLETE A 3 DAY BENDER WITHOUT SLEEP
Photo:Daddy’s Got Sweets
Relaxing pursuits are all good and well but Ibiza without excess is like Jack Daniels without Coca Cola so throw caution to the wind and don’t stop until your voice has gone, your mouth is full of ulcers and your credit card can take no more, health permitting of course. Note:mobile phone likely to go missing
Cost: How long is a piece of string and who are you partying with? Try Clockwork Orange Ibiza 2016 – the original hellraisers
3. DRESS LIKE A HIPPY AND EXPERIENCE FLOWER POWER
Photo:Stephen Mills
Ibiza is hippy at heart so pull on your flares, put flower chains in your hair and experience one of the many flower power festivals throughout the year; San Antonio in Jan and Oct, San Jose in March and Pacha and Destino during the summer. Peace out Man!
Cost: A trip to a charity shop and the loss of your inhibitions for a night
4. WALKING TOUR AROUND THE EDGE OF THE ISLAND
Photo:Walking Ibiza
All those tracks, coves, beaches and hidden gems that you never even knew existed. There’s so much more to Ibiza than sun, sea & party, you just have to care enough to bother. This is the REAL Ibiza!
Cost: 15-99 euros will give you enough dining stories for a lifetime – see Walking Ibiza for more details
5. SOUND WALK AROUND D’ALT VILA (IBIZA OLD TOWN)
Photo:IbizaTravel
This world heritage site is the heart of the island and you might think that you know the old town but not until you hear first hand of its history can you truly appreciate how far the island has come over the last thousand years. Let international actress Paz Vega guide you through the streets
Cost: Rent an Audio Tour from the Ibiza tourism office
6. A RELAXING DAY AT A SPA
Ibiza is known for excess buts it’s also famous for holistic spirituality and relaxation. Your body needs recuperation and there’s nothing better than a relaxing day at one of the many spas now on the island.
Cost: Massage from 40 euros with Kerry or a full spa day at Atzaro for 120 euros including a delicious lunch
7. WATCH AN IBIZA SUNRISE
Photo:Claire B
Catching the sunset is easy but the sunrise is more of a challenge. Set your alarm or stay sober enough to experience a modern day wonder as night turns to day on the worlds most famous party island. Watch out for the walk of shamers on your way home.
Cost: A long siesta if you take the 2nd option
8. DANCE SEMI NAKED AT A BEACH CLUB
Photo:Oliver/Gayton
A few over priced beers and a bottle of French plonk should start the process nicely. Stop sneering and start enjoying, it’s Ibiza and nobody cares who you are back in the real world
Cost: about 100 euros…..for starters. Try Ocean Beach for a fun day out
9. GET A SELFIE WITH A FAMOUS DJ (WHILST TRYING TO LOOK COOL)
Ibiza is all about the big names in the big clubs so what better souvenir than you getting up close and personal with a world famous DJ so get your camera phone at the ready, wait for the right moment and give it your best sullen pout. Remember that grinning like a Cheshire cat is not cool. As they say: If it’s not on Social Media it never happened
Cost: The loss of a little self respect is a small price to pay for all those likes on Bragbook. Likes = popularity, right?
10. SWIM IN THE INCREDIBLE WATERS OF FORMENTERA
Photo:Ibiza Speedboats
It’s amazing how many have never ‘made it’ over to the true Jewel of the Med. Only 30 mins by boat lies somewhere that will truly blow your socks off, if you were wearing any that is (note: flip flops and socks are unacceptable at any time)
Cost: Private speedboat with Boat Charter Company from 80 euros per person or 29 euros return with Aquabus for the ferry and 10 euros for a ham baguette from the local bakery. Cheaper than flying to Barbados.
These are just a few ideas, have I missed any or can you think of anything that others should know about? Contact me on Twitter, Facebook or email. Roll on Ibiza 2016!
MAN IN SAN AN by Martin Makepeace 