Why Ibiza Stole My Heart

A month has passed since I returned home from Ibiza, where I spent 6 months working as the Digital & Social Media Manager for Ocean Beach Ibiza. One whole month. It still feels like yesterday when I was packing up my Summer life back into 3 giant suitcases, saying my goodbyes to my new friends before heading over to the airport. I still have to pinch myself, did I really live in Ibiza for the last six months? How did that even happen? Saying yes to life, happened. 

I haven’t spoken too much about my time in Ibiza here on my blog, and seeing as I have finally settled into a new routine back in the UK, I thought it would be a great time to reflect on my experiences in Ibiza and share a few with you. Let’s start at the beginning…

I thought I might regret my new job. My new life. I thought it could be a big mistake.

I also thought it would be the best thing that ever happened to my blog and Instagram. I had these epic plans of doubling my following and creating a tonne of video content. HA. This obviously did not happen.

So what did happen in Ibiza? 

As you all know, my job took over my life in the Summer, so this blog did not really get that much love. I focused on my full time work, the friendships I was making, and also, importantly, making time for me. I only had one day off a week, something I was not used to. I don’t regret the decision to no longer focus on my blog, but I am glad to be back blogging now…

The first two months were a real test for me. Scott was there to hold my hand through April, and made everything so much easier for me. If he hadn’t been there, I would not have been able to survive. Literally. He drove me to work, made sure I ate breakfast and was there for me no matter what. Even when I was being really difficult and emotional, he put up with me. May, he was still there with me, but he had his photoshoots to focus on too, and that was when work really began for me. Getting used to a new team, new surroundings and a new way of working was tough and testing at times. I missed home and my family. I almost gave up, I almost flew home. See, moving abroad is not always rainbows and sunshine. 

It was the Ocean Beach Ibiza Opening Party that changed things for me. Even though it was probably the most stressful day of the Summer, being the new girl running around, trying to get all this awesome, shiny content – it all finally clicked, it fell into place. I knew I could handle the job, and I knew I would settle eventually. I just needed time. 

So how did Ibiza steal my heart?

FRIENDSHIPS

Above everything else – work, beach life, cocktails – the friends I made this Summer, you know who you are, mean the world to me. I had a bit of a rough ride early on in life, and it knocked my confidence slightly. This Summer I felt like my old self again. The Ocean Beach team are not just guys I work with, they have become my family. Every single one of them. As I am writing this I feel so grateful to have had the opportunity to meet all these awesome people and to work with them on a daily basis. I have to thank Megan Cole, Gemma Charters, Tony Truman and Duane Lineker for trusting me with this new job – and for convincing me moving to Ibiza would be the best experience.

I could list every single friend I made this Summer, but I would be here all night, but one girl I do have to mention is Lauren. I lived with her all Summer and even though we were not that close before we decided to move in together, she has become one of my closest friends and I absolutely adore her. A real gem.

EXPERIENCES

I did lots of “firsts” whilst in Ibiza. I drank 3 tequila shots in a row this one time, and thought I had died. I climbed down the side of a cliff in flip flops – when I am scared to death of heights. I sunbathed topless (like this was a huge thing for me guys, don’t laugh). According to Peter I “slut dropped” on a table in front of all my work colleagues. Nice one. I rode on the back of a scooter. I also burnt my leg on a scooter engine, and have the scar to show for it. I discovered ceviche. I went super fast on a jet ski. I spent my days off on a yacht. I swam with fish (for more than five minutes). If you don’t know I have a serious phobia of anything with gills and fins. I held a sea urchin, and watched hermit crabs race on the back of a boat. I went cliff jumping. I drove on the opposite side of the road. I tried to speak Spanish – and failed. I drank Aperol Spritz, and tried my best to like it. I didn’t.  I went paddle boarding and totally rocked at it. I visited an abandoned hotel. I walked to the top of the highest view point on the island. And so much more.

BEACHES

I have this thing about being by the sea, it just instantly calms me down. I am determined to own a beach house by the time I am 30. No pressure. Anyway, Ibiza has so much to offer, especially it’s beaches. Being able to finish work, and stroll along the beach to watch the sunset, is one of the things about working abroad that really makes it worth while.

FOOD

So many amazing places to eat on this island. I actually have a whole post sat in my drafts dedicated to this, so I will save spilling the beans on my favourite restaurants for the moment. However, a diet of bread and alioli is the dream. I ate some of the best sushi I have ever tasted in my life, binged on paella and sangria, and tried lobster for the first time.

MUSIC

I fell back in love with music all over again. And dancing. So much dancing. Admittedly, some of my  most embarrassing moments involved dancing. There was one time I got very drunk and decided it would be a fun idea to learn to twerk. Thank goodness there is no photographic evidence of this. I had some of my best nights out in Ibiza, from Glitterbox at Space to Antz at Ushuaia and of course, Flower Power at Pacha. Let me know if you would like me to do a post on the best nights out? Where to go?

I cannot wait to go back to Ibiza next Summer. Don’t get me wrong, I have my moments where I could quite easily stay in the UK, and I go through ups and downs feeling this way, but ultimately, in Ibiza I am happy. It doesn’t always feel like real life, and sometimes feels like I am living in a bubble, but that is just because I get to do things on a daily basis out there, that make life really worth living.

Never be afraid to say yes to something, that makes you nervous or question your path.

Destiny will always have your back.

Be brave. Be you.