Despite the fact that Ibiza is still basking in temperatures of around 18 degrees, we've been getting our festive hats on. With the days being so much shorter, even an evening trip to the old shops feels Christmassy, with shops displaying some very tasteful, and some not so tasteful, yuletide lights. And what with our propensity for an excuse to get together for food, drinks and dancing, the Christmas lunches, dinners, drinks and parties are in full swing. I am bracing myself for the next couple of weeks when many of us are trying to say goodbye before disappearing off to our respective home countries for the Christmas break.
Monday - Christmas Market
Germany may be famous for its traveling Christkindl Markets, but we don't miss out entirely here in Ibiza. The tree goes up in Vara De Rey in Ibiza Town and a couple of curious looking stalls selling churros (Spanish doughnuts), crepes and burgers appear. Even better, they have shoot-out stalls with real pellet guns, which always go down well with the lads! Another firm fave is always the €1 wine stall. Fun for all the family, we work our way round whilst slowly getting tipsy, and end the evening with a glühwein in Plaza Del Parque.
Tuesday - Sunrise Run
€1 wine is clearly €1 for a reason and I awake early to beat the hangover from my sore head with a beautifully crisp run all the way to Talamanca and back.
Wednesday - Pou Des Lleo
A few of us head up to the east coast of the island to take a leisurely walk to Pou Des Lleo and beyond. It's an easy coastal walk, and the vistas are spectacular. We wander along the cliff edge, marveling at the unrestricted views of the adjacent island Tagomago, before stopping off for a cold beer and some olives at the very Spanish restaurant, also called Pou Des Lleo which is nestled among trees just up from the beach.
Thursday
Another morning hammering the Nutribullet with fruit and veg from the local market in a quest for healthy insides, followed by an office day. Winter allows me to catch up with all my clients and do lots of planning for the coming summer. I feel more than smug at the end of this day.
Friday - Pacha - Lost in Ibiza
The weekend is upon us and once again, there is dancing. Our mates from the Lost in Ibiza boat parties have organised a fine lineup at Pacha, including Justin Harris from Music For Freaks, Hector Gonzalez and two of our faves, island resident Ryan O Gorman and Paul Loraine back to back. Much hierbas is consumed and we dance well into the morning.
Saturday - Pikes
As if Pacha on the Friday were not enough, we are tonight celebrating the birthday of one of the island's biggest characters and karaoke host extraordinaire, Sunny. If you have been to Pikes at all, you will know this flamboyant man, who, of course, changes his costume at least 5 times from one sequinned ensemble to another. The island's groovers are out en force, and it is another long and funny night. Carriages at 5am. Oof.
Sunday - Lips and Picaso
This weekend marks the beginning of a 4 day fiesta with both Monday and Tuesday being bank holidays. With this in mind, Dan Ghenacia of Apollonia fame, decides to throw an all day bash on the beach at Lips in Playa d'en Bossa. The sun is reflecting off the sea in the afternoon and we dance on the decking until the sun goes down and we take things indoors. I get going at midnight to a friend's new night which is being held in a club which used to be favoured by ladies of the night. However, they have long gone and it's just us mates there. Drinks are cheap, music is good and the smoke machine is on full whack. Once again, I get home as the sun comes up. So much for winter peace!
Next week, I'll be partaking in more early Christmas festivities. Never a dull moment in Ibiza in the winter!
WORDS | Leena Sharma
