People in Ibiza do the strangest things. While the rest of the world is in the pub on Christmas day lunchtime having the odd tipple as the roast potatoes crisp up, some hardy souls in San Antonio were working up an appetite in an entirely different way.
One of Ibiza's Christmas day traditions is the annual swim across San Antonio harbour which takes place hail, rain or shine at the crack of noon. The swim starts at the big ferry terminal and finishes a few hundred metres across the icy waters at the Nautical Club and the only time that it didn't take place was last year when Jellyfish infested waters caused its cancellation.
Today's only setback was that the gates to the terminal remained firmly closed so the three gallant swimmers – the smallest number for many a year – had to enter the water via one of the small jetties nearby.
Accompanied by a boat for safety reasons the brave swimmers seemed to cover the course in a matter of minutes – well you wouldn't hang about would you? - and were greeted at the finish line by crowds of well-wishers and spectators enjoying the warm sunshine. We didn't get to talk to any of them after the swim but are sure they would have said 'it's lovely once you're in,' about the water. Well done to all three and see you all next year.
