When 4 equals happiness

Our Ibiza adventure has come to an end. Heavy heartedly I wave goodbye to Expat hubby and daughter who are off to Paris before I pack up the flat and head to Madrid the next day to enjoy one last week with Expat boy. Our timing does not quite coincide since he is partying with his friends - making the most of seeing each other before they all travel to different countries to continue their university studies - but we manage to have late lunches together and if I'm lucky we'll enjoy dinner before he hits town.

I consider myself lucky we have managed a three week family vacation. Funny, what seemed totally normal a few years ago has now turned into a luxury. It was normal to book four tickets from one place to another, now a great deal of coordination goes into each get-together with different schedules and various locations. Parents' planning needs to fit in with kids' wishes to spend some holidays with their friends and joining humanitarian programmes. Again, I feel lucky our kids even want to hang out with us... honestly, I would probably give them the Italian-Mamma-guilt-Spiel if they didn't but they don't need to know that ... yet!

So yes, happiness is realising what you have WHILE you have it and I couldn't be happier. It has been a month with family, friends, lots of sunshine, exploring new beaches and enjoying delicious fresh grilled fish accompanied by a steady flow of chilled Terras Gauda, the local Spanish white wine.

It is time to say "hasta luego" but we'll be back soon. Promise!

The true fun side of Ibiza

How to define Ibiza? It is fun, it can be casually elegant, it is definitely hippy and its is artsy. There is no doubt you are on vacation since the island vibes are omnipresent, it feels carefree, joyful and adventurous.

Hippie markets, open air festivals, beach parties, sunset happy hours, yoga sessions at sunrise and vibrant colours greeting you everywhere. Going with the vibe all you need is some gorgeous flowing beachwear and edgy accessories: sunglasses, bags, baskets, scarfs, purses, hats, bracelets, earrings, you name it, anything goes to help you style up Ibicenca way.

The style of the island's architecture is also fascinating. White colour is usually used but some funky pink constructions have caught my eye... obviously! Reduced size of windows and their lack of symmetry adds an artsy touch to the traditional Ibiza "finca". 

Another traditional technique that surprises with its ingenuity is the use of wood, ash, remains of oceanic posidonia and clay to insulate and waterproof the roofs of typical Ibizan houses.

The bioclimatic adaptation, the sustainability of the construction and the shift towards minimalism are three key elements for the traditional Ibiza house that continue to set the trend. 

And despite Ibiza's reputation as a party island, the best part is that there are still a few unknown spots where you can enjoy some peace and quiet... which is all you need for some artistic inspiration!

Paradiso - an entirely pink hotel

Looks cool even without windows

A touch of colour does miracles

Flower-power adaptation

Anything goes as long as it's an accessory

And this is the commercial stuff

A well-travelled beach bag

This is what lunch should look like every day of the year

Small windows, big plants

When your bike is too old to use it becomes art

My 5 cents!

Even a wall can turn into inspiration... as long as it's pink!

Make sure you peek "insAide"

Ibiza in black and white

Ibiza summer moments

Early morning swim

Es Vedra: a magical island 

Surfer waves

A beach to ourselves

Meditation while avoiding the jellyfish

Searching for Atlantis

Happiness!

Felicità means Happiness

Ten years ago it would have been a regular school pickup and drive to the various extra curricular activities. A car full of kids - two of mine and however many friends could fit - singing Italian classics at the top of our lungs.

It used to be the busiest part of the day - every day - chauffeuring around town while making sure everyone would be home for bath time and somehow manage to serve dinner before 8pm.

Fast forward to today and I have a car full of kids - all whom are taller than I - and I am savouring every minute of this ride. Little do they know how much I miss these moments when loud chaos equals fun and everyone is talking at the same time. Giggling, teasing, singing and shouting in the old familiar way as you do when you get together with your friends and family.

My children have turned into young adults and are mostly independent. They certainly don't need Mummy any longer to bring them to their activities but lucky me I still get to drive them around during the holidays.

It is during these cherished moments when you realise how precious a 30-minute car ride across the island of Ibiza can be, when all its passengers sing "Volare" and "Felicità" at the top of their voices. Little does it matter they don't speak Italian they have learnt the lyrics during our car rides after school over all those years... and I am the happiest person on earth!

Happy Ferragosto

Mangia, mangia...

Too busy suntanning and enjoying the summer holidays, there is not much blogging happening. 

Part of the Ibiza experience is, of course, the food. Nothing fancy, nothing sophisticated, just healthy, delicious National Spanish cuisine and some goodies you cannot live without...

Pan con Aioli... an Iberian aperitivo "must-have" con cava naturalmente

THE Spanish dish "par excellence": la paella

A quick and easy dinner à la dolce vita: pasta con pesto

Expat Girl's favourite ice cream parlour

A typical Spanish digestive: chupito de hierbas

Fresh baked French croissants and pains au chocolat... how did they arrive on our table?

Feeling peckish on the beach

Dolce vita in Ibiza

Landing in Ibiza

Overcrowded beach

Breathtaking view

Early morning colours

Abandoned fishermen's port

Secret bay

Popular anchoring spot

Off the beaten track

Evening jog inspiration

Simple lifestyle

Sunset extravaganza