Oh my dear Lord... Really?!?
What do you say when you talk to your inner conscience or God? Do you start complaining and wanting this and that for your life to change and to be happy? Or do you simply voice how much you love him and feel grateful for all the blessings granted?
Well, from one grateful creature, here I am writing again...
Finally, it was time for my only summer vacation this year! Five days and nights, as they were primarily sleepless, in my Wonder Island of Ibiza. After all the hard work put in this summer in pursuit of my new apartment, which looks more like a demolition site at present, a restful holiday by a beach would have been what most would have opted for. And did I?!? You kiddin'? Haha.
The apartment I still reside in was sold through connections of a dear friend, Heidi and as a thank you, I asked if she would like to join me on a five-day adventure trip to Ibiza, to which she agreed, and there we were at the end of September to catch up with some typical Closing parties. But what they call closing parties goes on from the end of September to the beginning of October! There is a Closing party at each club on a nightly basis throughout that time. At some stage, Heidi and I turned around and voiced our opinions simultaneously:
"How many closing parties are there?"
We stayed at the new Destino Hotel Pacha, somehow chained to the forever ongoing club, which we missed this time. Last year's visit did not ly leave a great taste behind. Our flight was at 21:00 hour, and by the time we arrived at Ibiza's airport, it was past midnight. We got an upgrade at the car rental desk to a silver Golf to be collected at the empty car park by 2:00am. I tried turning the car on... No luck. The vehicle was not in gear, and I kept checking around, which took half an hour, but finally, Heidi, being young and an iPhone expert, got the GPS working (not that it ever works appropriately in Ibiza) and found a number to call and all I had to do was press on the clutch while turning the car on and boom... Our holiday began.
By the time we arrived at the reception of the hotel, dropped our luggage in the room, changed quickly and got to Amnesia, it must have been around 3:30am. Our zig-zag visits to the two rooms were totally unsuccessful as we just could not get into the rhythm of the music being played. A little too techno for our liking, so we decided to head back to the hotel and get some rest before breakfast, which conveniently finished at 11:30am, and we made it about ten minutes before closing every day!
Outdoors, facing the blue poolside, the palm trees and comfy sunbeds calling our names.
We spent our first day lounging by the pool and feasting on cocktails. My favourite was Caipirinhas with little sugar, while my friend sipped on the Miami version of Mojitos with no sugar. Sun, sea, pool, and blue skies—superb!
Back in London, Carmelita, whom I had met in Ibiza through the wonderful Dalia with whom I had spent some glorious days there before, put me in touch with one of her close friends, Chicky, on Facebook (good old FB). She called me that day, so I asked her and her sister Nona to join us by the pool later that afternoon. They were absolutely delightful, and the hours passed so fast as the night fell, and we were the last ones still laughing by the poolside.
That evening, we took it easy and went on to meet up with an Ibiza resident DJ friend of Dalia's, Andy, for a drink at the Grail. An enjoyable chat. It's just a shame we missed him playing at KM5 on another evening.
We began Thursday, our second day, with a glass of hot pilates at the spa. After a lot of sweating in the 40 degree enclosed salon, a nourishing breakfast and we headed to Chicky's recommended Nassau Beach. I recalled having bought a few of their CDs in the past and the day by the beach, swimming in the blue sea and absorbing the sun's heat in every molecule of my body through the Hawaiian Tropic oil of no protection. Aaaah! Bliss. I truly worship the sun and at this time, it is not half as strong as July or August.
We ate a delicious seafood meal at the restaurant, showered outdoors and with another bikini on and a Missoni sundress to top it, drove to Ushuaia's 'Closing' Party around 8 or 9pm. Labella had texted me before, knowing I was in Ibiza, organizing VIP entrances for us there and at Space afterwards. I have been almost speechless at times with friends and their very kind gestures of every sort. Whatever I do to deserve so much love... In tears.
Going to a club is certainly not the least of my meaning but the thoughtfulness that goes behind every step they take in their own way, is priceless.
After a great dancing session overlooking the packed, gigantic poolside, we headed back to our car, parked in the car park between Ushuaia and Space, changed into shorts and tops, still in flip flops and entered Space, where Richie Hawton was playing. On the way there, walking through the beach, a man approached us stuttering and asked if we would join him and his friends, a couple sitting by the sea, and we did. They were from Serbia, and having driven to Ibiza, we engaged in some long conversation while I listened to their stories and then, off to Space we were.
We walked around a little, danced a bit more and around 3:30am drove back to our hotel. On the way, I missed a turn and oops! We headed straight into the police blocking the road, who stopped us. Heidi panicked, but I was fully in control. So, when the officer brought the blow thing, as in the breathalyzer over for me to blow in, I really was not sure what he wanted me to do as he was speaking fast in Spanish. Anyway, a blow or two later, we were let off! Oooof!!!
Friday beach was Cala Basa after San Josep, where we chatted to two Dutch lovely ladies, who had left their young ones behind with the hubbies and taken some time off in the sun. Another light beach meal and back to the hotel to get ready for the cabaret at Lio's, joined by our new friends, the lovely sisters Chicky and Nona who waited half an hour for us to get there, being lost on the island highways. I drove everywhere and have no clue as to how to get anywhere still! The good old days when I had a great sense of direction. Oh well, still partying though. haha
At Lio's, It was pure pleasure looking into the vast area of diners and coming across Aisha's blondie locks, sitting next to more familiar faces. Once the cabaret was over, the DJ began playing, and more dancing was to be had till the early hours of the morning when we drove back to the hotel once more.
Saturday was rest for Heidi and I went by the pool despite a semi cloudy sky above. In the afternoon, I was itching to drive, so texted Aisha and she sent a direction to the villa she was staying at and as I got in the car, Heidi called to say she is up and would like to join. We drove towards the designated villa, took turns, and completed a car tour of the area. Finally, I got to a beige metal door at a cul-de-sac, as my friend had directed, where luxurious properties were somewhat in view behind fences. Aisha was not answering her phone, so I gathered that perhaps she needed a reception. Rang the bell of the beige gates, and someone opened the door; we got back into the car as there seemed to be a driveway. Went back to the entrance by car this time and rang again, the door opened once more and as two smiley joyriders we were faced with a fit but very angry looking man and a poodle watching us with questioning eyes? I, of course, could not remember the name of the person with whom Aisha was staying, so I simply asked: "Is Aisha here, please?"
The bad-tempered man signalled no with his head and pointed at the doors we had entered as I turned the wheel to get out as soon as we had come in. Thank goodness he did not have an Alsatian or a bulldog! Almost ran over his dog as he was in a hurry to leave. Gosh! Only me, as Aisha later acknowledged.
So, with Aisha not in communication, we decided to drive to Eivissa town for a spot or two of shopping. Oh! Oh! Coming back with hands full of bags, I still had no news of my friend, so we sat at the main square for a bite of tapas. We drove back home while receiving a text saying she had fallen asleep waiting and that we must join the party she was going to later that evening, but there was no energy left.
Sunday was packing day as the weather was not too brilliant., We drove to Es Cavalet, according to Pietro's recommendation, the previous evening, which was too busy and hectic for our liking, with seaweed and dangling whatsits of older men! Yuk. So, we drove back to Coco Beach and settled there for the rest of our stay. Actually, no. We continued on for a bite at one spot we had missed earlier, KM5, and had a lavish meal and shisha before heading to the airport for our 2am flight back home.
Being back home for a three-hour sleep and work began. Reality check.
A few issues to deal with on renovations ahead but I am learning so much more than I ever knew about the subject and loving the challenge. On the second night back, Lora arrived to stay with me for the night and we met up with a friend I had met many years ago for dinner at Riccardo's. Most satisfying.
Another evening last week, I was invited to dinner at a close friend of Elouisa's (whom I had met through Lora initially in the Middle East two years ago). Our hostess served us a home-cooked meal, which I cherish, especially with my excellent housekeeper on her long yearly holiday away. She also modelled her latest collection of beautifully cut jackets with leather cuffs and behind the collars.
Friday dinner was at Hakkasan Mayfair, where Paulina and her sister visiting had booked a table at the entrance. It was somewhat surprising to see the familiar face of a blonde girl I had known so long ago, in my early twenties. She kind of smiled back but made no attempt at recognition, so I left it at that.
Then came Saturday lunch with Aisha and her good old friend Syd at the Electric Private restaurant. They lay on sofas and enjoyed a cheeseburger in full swing. It was yummy.
Bought some flowers at the Portobello market before closing, bid my friends farewell and got back home to change and put flowers in vases, get the washing out of the machine and laid out all in half an hour.
The evening was to be spent in the joyous company of Shane and his girlfriend Orla, whom he had been meaning to introduce, but it was not easy as she left abroad, plus one of his old buddies also visiting. We began the evening at the Barbican, listening to the 23-year-old American-Chilean musician Nicolas Jaar, who has made quite a noise in the music scene. There were a lot of youngsters in the audience familiar with his music, but frankly, I had only bought the black market ticket to be in the company of my friends, and I mostly enjoyed the Joshua light show. Perhaps I was hoping for something more upbeat and enjoyed it somewhat. Only oops, there was... I was seated next to Elroy at the back of the stalls, which were great seats, while Shane and Orla were elsewhere.
As the concert proceeded, Elroy left and came back a while later, saying he was chatting to our friends at the bar and as an Irish expression, he added:
"I saw the guys at the bar. They sure were full of beans."
I, of course, totally mistook that, for they have taken lots of sweeties in the form of vitamin E! If you get my drift. So, as the music finally became more of a dance tune, I got up with the crowd and started wiggling my ass, then thought, better be on the same level as my friends and took a tiny bite of an E! As I swallowed it with some water, bang! The music ended. Shoot! What was I to do now? Smile!
Another couple of Shane's friends joined us outside for a smoke after the show, and I felt bubbly every second. Finally, we left the Barbican centre to hail for cabs towards the Oval Space, where DJ Dixon played. I only found all this event's information today, Monday, as the taxi ride was more like a thrilling fan fair excursion on Aladdin's carpet! Never felt that way in a London cab before. At the event, I bumped into all groups of my dancing buddies, mostly from Fabric. Always so great seeing their lovely, smiley faces saying: "Hey Haldita!"
When I saw Aisha's smiley face coming towards me at the club, I told her:
"Darling, I was having a great time this afternoon with your mum lunching, and here I am now dancing with her lovely Girl. How blessed am I?"
She answered me back with a smile and a precious hug.
Truly Grateful.
A new/old friend who has been really sweet to me and lovely to have as a close neighbour is Paloma, with whom we recently reconnected. Kind of sad to say someone I had let back in my life got to me through harsh and totally unnecessary words, and this time round, I had to let it go completely. This is not a complaint of any sort, nor am I making anyone wrong; life is what it is, and people do not change much from within; the authentic self eventually shows its true face. Some leave and others join in the wagon of love and friendship. C'est la vie!
Happiness is a Habit. Make it yours.
What do you say when you talk to your inner conscience or God? Do you start complaining and wanting this and that for your life to change and to be happy? Or do you simply voice how much you love him and feel grateful for all the blessings granted?
Well, from one grateful creature, here I am writing again...
Finally, it was time for my only summer vacation this year! Five days and nights, as they were primarily sleepless, in my Wonder Island of Ibiza. After all the hard work put in this summer in pursuit of my new apartment, which looks more like a demolition site at present, a restful holiday by a beach would have been what most would have opted for. And did I?!? You kiddin'? Haha.
The apartment I still reside in was sold through connections of a dear friend, Heidi and as a thank you, I asked if she would like to join me on a five-day adventure trip to Ibiza, to which she agreed, and there we were at the end of September to catch up with some typical Closing parties. But what they call closing parties goes on from the end of September to the beginning of October! There is a Closing party at each club on a nightly basis throughout that time. At some stage, Heidi and I turned around and voiced our opinions simultaneously:
"How many closing parties are there?"
We stayed at the new Destino Hotel Pacha, somehow chained to the forever ongoing club, which we missed this time. Last year's visit did not ly leave a great taste behind. Our flight was at 21:00 hour, and by the time we arrived at Ibiza's airport, it was past midnight. We got an upgrade at the car rental desk to a silver Golf to be collected at the empty car park by 2:00am. I tried turning the car on... No luck. The vehicle was not in gear, and I kept checking around, which took half an hour, but finally, Heidi, being young and an iPhone expert, got the GPS working (not that it ever works appropriately in Ibiza) and found a number to call and all I had to do was press on the clutch while turning the car on and boom... Our holiday began.
By the time we arrived at the reception of the hotel, dropped our luggage in the room, changed quickly and got to Amnesia, it must have been around 3:30am. Our zig-zag visits to the two rooms were totally unsuccessful as we just could not get into the rhythm of the music being played. A little too techno for our liking, so we decided to head back to the hotel and get some rest before breakfast, which conveniently finished at 11:30am, and we made it about ten minutes before closing every day!
 |
| Amnesia Ibiza |
We spent our first day lounging by the pool and feasting on cocktails. My favourite was Caipirinhas with little sugar, while my friend sipped on the Miami version of Mojitos with no sugar. Sun, sea, pool, and blue skies—superb!
Back in London, Carmelita, whom I had met in Ibiza through the wonderful Dalia with whom I had spent some glorious days there before, put me in touch with one of her close friends, Chicky, on Facebook (good old FB). She called me that day, so I asked her and her sister Nona to join us by the pool later that afternoon. They were absolutely delightful, and the hours passed so fast as the night fell, and we were the last ones still laughing by the poolside.
That evening, we took it easy and went on to meet up with an Ibiza resident DJ friend of Dalia's, Andy, for a drink at the Grail. An enjoyable chat. It's just a shame we missed him playing at KM5 on another evening.
 | |||
| Destino hotel |
 |
| Poolside entertainment |
We ate a delicious seafood meal at the restaurant, showered outdoors and with another bikini on and a Missoni sundress to top it, drove to Ushuaia's 'Closing' Party around 8 or 9pm. Labella had texted me before, knowing I was in Ibiza, organizing VIP entrances for us there and at Space afterwards. I have been almost speechless at times with friends and their very kind gestures of every sort. Whatever I do to deserve so much love... In tears.
Going to a club is certainly not the least of my meaning but the thoughtfulness that goes behind every step they take in their own way, is priceless.
After a great dancing session overlooking the packed, gigantic poolside, we headed back to our car, parked in the car park between Ushuaia and Space, changed into shorts and tops, still in flip flops and entered Space, where Richie Hawton was playing. On the way there, walking through the beach, a man approached us stuttering and asked if we would join him and his friends, a couple sitting by the sea, and we did. They were from Serbia, and having driven to Ibiza, we engaged in some long conversation while I listened to their stories and then, off to Space we were.
We walked around a little, danced a bit more and around 3:30am drove back to our hotel. On the way, I missed a turn and oops! We headed straight into the police blocking the road, who stopped us. Heidi panicked, but I was fully in control. So, when the officer brought the blow thing, as in the breathalyzer over for me to blow in, I really was not sure what he wanted me to do as he was speaking fast in Spanish. Anyway, a blow or two later, we were let off! Oooof!!!
 |
| And that's exactly where we went on Thursday! |
 |
| Latest Ibiza craze |
 |
| Nassau Beach |
Friday beach was Cala Basa after San Josep, where we chatted to two Dutch lovely ladies, who had left their young ones behind with the hubbies and taken some time off in the sun. Another light beach meal and back to the hotel to get ready for the cabaret at Lio's, joined by our new friends, the lovely sisters Chicky and Nona who waited half an hour for us to get there, being lost on the island highways. I drove everywhere and have no clue as to how to get anywhere still! The good old days when I had a great sense of direction. Oh well, still partying though. haha
 |
| Lio's Cabaret |
Saturday was rest for Heidi and I went by the pool despite a semi cloudy sky above. In the afternoon, I was itching to drive, so texted Aisha and she sent a direction to the villa she was staying at and as I got in the car, Heidi called to say she is up and would like to join. We drove towards the designated villa, took turns, and completed a car tour of the area. Finally, I got to a beige metal door at a cul-de-sac, as my friend had directed, where luxurious properties were somewhat in view behind fences. Aisha was not answering her phone, so I gathered that perhaps she needed a reception. Rang the bell of the beige gates, and someone opened the door; we got back into the car as there seemed to be a driveway. Went back to the entrance by car this time and rang again, the door opened once more and as two smiley joyriders we were faced with a fit but very angry looking man and a poodle watching us with questioning eyes? I, of course, could not remember the name of the person with whom Aisha was staying, so I simply asked: "Is Aisha here, please?"
The bad-tempered man signalled no with his head and pointed at the doors we had entered as I turned the wheel to get out as soon as we had come in. Thank goodness he did not have an Alsatian or a bulldog! Almost ran over his dog as he was in a hurry to leave. Gosh! Only me, as Aisha later acknowledged.
So, with Aisha not in communication, we decided to drive to Eivissa town for a spot or two of shopping. Oh! Oh! Coming back with hands full of bags, I still had no news of my friend, so we sat at the main square for a bite of tapas. We drove back home while receiving a text saying she had fallen asleep waiting and that we must join the party she was going to later that evening, but there was no energy left.
 |
| Ibiza Sunset |
Being back home for a three-hour sleep and work began. Reality check.
A few issues to deal with on renovations ahead but I am learning so much more than I ever knew about the subject and loving the challenge. On the second night back, Lora arrived to stay with me for the night and we met up with a friend I had met many years ago for dinner at Riccardo's. Most satisfying.
Another evening last week, I was invited to dinner at a close friend of Elouisa's (whom I had met through Lora initially in the Middle East two years ago). Our hostess served us a home-cooked meal, which I cherish, especially with my excellent housekeeper on her long yearly holiday away. She also modelled her latest collection of beautifully cut jackets with leather cuffs and behind the collars.
Friday dinner was at Hakkasan Mayfair, where Paulina and her sister visiting had booked a table at the entrance. It was somewhat surprising to see the familiar face of a blonde girl I had known so long ago, in my early twenties. She kind of smiled back but made no attempt at recognition, so I left it at that.
Then came Saturday lunch with Aisha and her good old friend Syd at the Electric Private restaurant. They lay on sofas and enjoyed a cheeseburger in full swing. It was yummy.
Bought some flowers at the Portobello market before closing, bid my friends farewell and got back home to change and put flowers in vases, get the washing out of the machine and laid out all in half an hour.
The evening was to be spent in the joyous company of Shane and his girlfriend Orla, whom he had been meaning to introduce, but it was not easy as she left abroad, plus one of his old buddies also visiting. We began the evening at the Barbican, listening to the 23-year-old American-Chilean musician Nicolas Jaar, who has made quite a noise in the music scene. There were a lot of youngsters in the audience familiar with his music, but frankly, I had only bought the black market ticket to be in the company of my friends, and I mostly enjoyed the Joshua light show. Perhaps I was hoping for something more upbeat and enjoyed it somewhat. Only oops, there was... I was seated next to Elroy at the back of the stalls, which were great seats, while Shane and Orla were elsewhere.
As the concert proceeded, Elroy left and came back a while later, saying he was chatting to our friends at the bar and as an Irish expression, he added:
"I saw the guys at the bar. They sure were full of beans."
I, of course, totally mistook that, for they have taken lots of sweeties in the form of vitamin E! If you get my drift. So, as the music finally became more of a dance tune, I got up with the crowd and started wiggling my ass, then thought, better be on the same level as my friends and took a tiny bite of an E! As I swallowed it with some water, bang! The music ended. Shoot! What was I to do now? Smile!
Another couple of Shane's friends joined us outside for a smoke after the show, and I felt bubbly every second. Finally, we left the Barbican centre to hail for cabs towards the Oval Space, where DJ Dixon played. I only found all this event's information today, Monday, as the taxi ride was more like a thrilling fan fair excursion on Aladdin's carpet! Never felt that way in a London cab before. At the event, I bumped into all groups of my dancing buddies, mostly from Fabric. Always so great seeing their lovely, smiley faces saying: "Hey Haldita!"
When I saw Aisha's smiley face coming towards me at the club, I told her:
"Darling, I was having a great time this afternoon with your mum lunching, and here I am now dancing with her lovely Girl. How blessed am I?"
She answered me back with a smile and a precious hug.
Truly Grateful.
A new/old friend who has been really sweet to me and lovely to have as a close neighbour is Paloma, with whom we recently reconnected. Kind of sad to say someone I had let back in my life got to me through harsh and totally unnecessary words, and this time round, I had to let it go completely. This is not a complaint of any sort, nor am I making anyone wrong; life is what it is, and people do not change much from within; the authentic self eventually shows its true face. Some leave and others join in the wagon of love and friendship. C'est la vie!
Happiness is a Habit. Make it yours.
Great information. Lucky me I recently found your
ReplyDeletewebsite by chance (stumbleupon). I've saved it for later!
Here is my web blog :: jacket - ,
This is very interesting, You are a very skilled blogger.
ReplyDeleteI have joined your feed and look forward to
seeking more of your excellent post. Also, I have shared your site in my social networks!
Here is my webpage ... torun ()
Simply want to say your article is as surprising.
ReplyDeleteThe clearness in your post is simply excellent and i can assume you're an expert on this subject.
Fine with your permission allow me to grab your feed to keep updated
with forthcoming post. Thanks a million and please continue
the rewarding work.
my blog post - torun -
-