ok, here's mine. nothing too epic. we packed a lot in though. Featuring also a few selected vignettes, overheard quotes and general observations:
Dates you were there: 14-22 September. I was supposed to return on the 20th, then eventually rebooked for the 21st and only got home on the 22nd. This was due to all sorts of personal stuff/rows/misunderstandings I won’t go into on here - in addition to the hapless ineptitude of Vueling. All I will say is that it was a massive stress. I have learnt a few valuable lessons about holiday planning and the value of relationships and clear communication from the fiasco.
Where you stayed: S’Alamera apartments Santa Eulàlia . Decent serviced apartment in the centre of town which I thought was good value. Parking wasn’t a major issue. We dealt with a very kind/attentive Italian woman called Sandra, who did not deserve any of the rudeness/sarcasm she got from one English dickhead on the floor above. I stayed with 3 pals who had travelled from different countries – a bit of an overdue reunion. I really liked SE this time. I always thought it was a bit boring in the past but I met a few people from the local community at various local bars which were such good fun. Brits, Spanish, Dutch, plus a magnificent Romanian who sat next to me for 3 hours and who I did not understand once, sinking hierbas at the Project Social and Café Royalty and other bars off Sant Jaume. Also a special shout to Juan from Jaén (mouthful!) I don't understand the Andaluz lisp that well either! I also have some friends who live there so I didn’t really feel like a tourist at times especially when you’re in a garden round someone’s house discussing real world stuff.
“You’re the nicest English people I’ve met”
Hippy-count in San Joan: 17
Number of pro-VOX banners in Ibz town: 1 (political reference for those that know)
Club nights visited: Sunny Side Up @ Malanga, Mercury Rising @ Pikes, Transmoderna @ Pacha. I’ve already written about them elsewhere on here but each was brilliant in different ways. Essentially with the right amount of research, local connections and musical knowledge you can still find proper parties. Was particularly impressed by Malanga. It won’t to appeal to those on here who seek the big brand / big room / big tech experience and it’s not on the prettiest street but as a tiny local venue with roots-driven music, it is fantastic on every level. There is a vague ‘no-house’ music policy but that soon went out the window as my pal went deep on the decks. Great international crowd too and a cool Brazilian (self-appointed?) drummer who showed everyone how to attack the bongos. It gets lively there after 3 when other bars shut. Open till 6. Top vibes.
“Please let me keep the bottle-top”
Number of battered Meharis on the road: sadly only 4
Best night: All 3 were top notch – the Monday at Pikes just edged it, perhaps because I didn’t stop dancing for about 5 hours to music that just induces a continuous warm glow.
Essential in-car listening: OpenLab – totally leftfield music unlike anything else around.
Worst night: None by night. The only disappointment was Sa Trinxa this time – perhaps I overhype it in my head? I dunno. It just felt like another beach this time with added music rather than the camp circus of merriment I had come to expect. Perhaps it’s more fun when Franco plays even if he takes it cheesier. Weird as that sounds. Still fantastic in the water though. Got mauled walking back to the car. Apply that repellent on the beach as you get up to leave… the parades were as funny as ever. Especially when the dour Music On lot caught up with and got entangled with the infectiously enthusiastic Flower Power kids. Nice to hear Ace 'How Long' and Steely Dan 'Do It Again'. We will be back.
“It’s all disco here Gary. Shall we go?”
Best bar: La Torre probably – a great little session from Jose Padilla. A little unlucky because the clouds were out in force but churlish to complain. The hierbas there is top notch. Also a very quick pitsop at The Giri Café in San Joan. An astonishingly beautiful part of the island. (Sshh. Don’t tell everyone imbécil )
Number of indiscreet drug dealers offering 'keys' at outside tables in family cafes: 1 (and whilst you’re at it, I’m not your ‘bruv’ )
Best place to eat: I did fish around for quality food tips on here and suggested a few which never materialised. In the end no great gourmet feasts, with a couple of exceptions – at Platja des Niu Blau + the lovely roadside restaurant Es Verge (Sant Josep) where I got the whole garden involved in my friend’s secret birthday surprise. We also got invited to a Thai meal in Santa E heading south down the beach which was average. I heard the ‘W’ chain are planning on decimating that stretch with one of their hideous resorts… locals are worried. The food at the restaurant at Benirras (the one on the right as you emerge from the sea) was disappointing, but it was convenient. It is annoying when you spend months on this forum using the reviews as research only to never apply it in practice!
Number of drummers heard at Benirras: 1 - the last man standing?
Papa Sunset: probably La Torre. Enhanced or ruined (depending on your point of view) by the Mambo-sponsored hang-glider circling high above
“You want some pure Moroccan hashish? Homegrown by me in... Amshterdam."
Money spent: sin comentarios…
Fave beach: Platja des Niu Blau – a first time for me. The water had calmed by this point following the unexpected roughness at erstwhile favourite Cala Nova earlier in the week. I spent a lot of time just floating in the water. The ultimate destress. Unspoilt. The little hippieish/organic bar at the top left is pretty cool too.
Retro moment: I had a nice chat with the guy at Traspas y Torijano (D’Alt Villa) - picked up a ‘76 print – would’ve preferred an original but money talks..
Gifts purchased in Santa Gertrudis boutiques: 2 (the gorgeous girl serving me at ‘Angels’ used to live just behind me in BCN. Lots of laughter and a very reluctant departure)
Multicoloured egg-shaped rock sightings: 1 (at Cala Nova)
Celebrity spots? no biggies but did have a very interesting conversation with a certain Back 2 Basics "legend"
Going back? Is the bear a Catholic? Does the Pope shit in the woods?
Biggest regret: the timing of the trip and all the behind the scenes stuff / not making it to some better restaurants / not seeing familiar faces from previous visits
Top tips: Park in the sandpit right at the top of the hill at D’Alt Villa if you want to avoid those blue lines. Smile at cops at checkpoints. Use Moto Luis. Not just economical but very friendly too. Don’t be an arse. And above all: Go local, think local, act local.