Friday Five: Sangria etc.

Let's be clear; the 'etc.' is Aperol Spritz. Cousin Rachael introduced us to it on Ibiza, and we are very grateful. The first night we arrived in Ibiza, we were very tired and jet-lagged, not to mention temperature-shocked (having arrived from winter in Canberra), so we had an evening of soft lights, sea smells, island sounds, and the taste of Aperol Spritz. Delightful.

One day on our island trip, we took a ferry to Formentera, where we hired e-bikes (the first time I have ever ridden one) and pedalled about the place to see a lighthouse (obviously) and have lunch. Lunch was accompanied by a jug of Sangria, which seemed appropriate. One can get white or red sangria, the white being ' a modern take on the classic sangria' and made with white wine - preferrably dry - and usually slightly less heavy in alcohol volume - the perfect midway beverage on a bike ride. 

Apparently that's Tenerife

After we'd returned the bikes (with some elementary Spanish sorting out the fact that we'd lost the ticket but still wanted our deposit back - thanks, Cousin Rachael), we tried out the Aperol Spritz at the ferry terminal while waiting to embark.

Another day; another form of transport. We negotiated buses to Ibiza Town, where Him Outdoors had to register for the race, and Cousin Rachael and I touristed about the place and drank jugs of sangria in the Old Town.

Back down in the poncy bit, we paid far too much for a jug of the white sangria, but the location and company were very pleasant, and we didn't really mind. 

Friday Five: Les Fameliars!

Back when we were in Ibiza (was that really almost a year ago? Oh, how I miss it), we came across statues and sculptures of a little sort of monster all over the place. The Fameliar is a little elf with a big ugly head, a big mouth and a terrible voice, which can only be found in the islands of Ibiza and Formentera.

A plaque at the foot of one of the statues explained, "according to tradition there is an ugly little being which, nonetheless, is capable of carrying out any job it has been given quickly and properly. The drawback is that it only knows how to do to things: work and eat. So, the only two words it knows are 'Feina o Menjar' (work or eat)! Anyone who wanted to have a 'fameliar' had to go under the old bridge of Santa Eularia on the Saint John's night with a black bottle, pick a certain flower that could only be seen on that night and place it into the vessel. Once it was well sealed, there was nothing special about the bottle but, as soon as it was opened, the 'fameliar' would appear, anxious and demanding work or food. The problem of the 'fameliars' is that they are so hard-working and they carry out the master's commands so fast that, once the job is over, they eat everything in the larder in the blink of an eye."

I know there are only four of them, but there are three pictures of one of them, so I reckon that works out. 

Friday Five: Ibiza Beaches

I was positively surprised by Ibiza. I thought it would be full of pissed up backpackers trashing the place, but it was utterly delightful. We were out of season and our hours were more 7am -10pm than 7pm - 10am, but we found some perfect beaches to while away the time, sip on a sangria, feel the sand beneath our toes and bob about in the Mediterranean Sea. Here are some of my favourites (yes, there are more than five: mi casa; mis reglas).

1. Babylon Beach

This was the closest spot to our accommodation and we walked down to see the sunrise a couple of times. Folks did yoga here to the gentle accompaniment of the lapping waves, and, although the bar was closed (don't worry - we found another one very close by!), it made for an idyllic setting. 

2. Marina Santa Eulalia

Just round the next inland is a beautiful cove full of yachts and hotels - the lights are very pretty on the water at night. 

3. Peurto de Ibiza

Not strictly a beach - more of a marina - at Old Ibiza Town. A perfect spot to sit and sip sangria while watching the boats coming in... and going out again. 

4. Playa Niu Blau

Great sandy beach with gradual drop-off into the sea for easy swimming. A cute little inlet at the far end of the beach was where boats were moored including one with a built-in slide. 

5. Playa Cala Pada

More good swimming and a restaurant right on the beach, where we shared an excellent seafood paella.

6. S'Argamassa Beach/ Cala Martina

There are eye-wateringly expensive resorts along this strip of beach where you can rent a day bed by the hour and sit by the pool ordering drinks and snacks all day long. We peered through the fence, then sat on the beach and swam in the sea for free before ordering a bottle of Albariño. There's an Ibiza to suit every budget.

7. Playa De Santa Eulalia

The main beach in town - the sand is raked every morning and the good folk of the town come to soak up the rays in the afternoon. The duathletes raced and rode up and down the promenade, and it offered spectacular opportunities for reflection in the evening.