A little equation to begin.
What do you get when you have one huge boat, plus a sound system, divided by 2 DJs, and multiplied by 250 Ibiza workers?
Answer: One very crazy party!
So, i got up at 5 am - nearly didn't go to bed as i usually work till that time - to go to 'Shipwrecked', the boat party that hundreds of workers go on each and every Wednesday morning. One word...'AWESOME!'
The sun was beginning to rise and give way to a fresh day in San Antonio, and myself and four others jumped onto a large ship full of people. I've heard many crazy stories of these parties, and stepped on thinking i'd end up walking the plank, but straight away, we met loads of familiar faces that work in the West End, and it was great to see them and hang out with them and not be in 'work-mode'. We had several 'what are you guys doing here?' comments, but on the whole, we partied and let our hair down with the rest of them, minus the copius amounts of drugs. But to be honest, it isn't much different to what i see in the clubs on land. The music was great, and i had met the DJ the night before, and he and everyone else was so down to earth and themselves. You didn't get any real snobbishness that you're used to in the clubs. It was quite fun watching people dance when the boat was swaying and being tossed by the sea. I did get a few funny looks, as people worked out that i wasn't 'on' anything, yet danced with as much energy and enthusiasm, if not more.
The boat sailed around the West side of the Island, stopping near a gorgeous piece of rock called 'Es Vedre'. It was beautiful, and i took loads of snaps. I got to meet more workers and catch up with those i already knew. I absolutely loved the experience, and will definately be going back there to hang out, dance and smile at the people on the boat. 'Ahoy!'
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Shipwrecked and Ibiza Rocks!
We were invited to the Ibiza Rocks Hotel by the band 'OK Tokyo'. They've had their residency there for the past 6 weeks. They are such good guys, but i've not heard their music, and although they sorted us guestlist for this evening, we missed them, as the guestlist wasn't sorted. But we got to see Sam Sparrow do his thing, and Dizzee Rascal definately did his thing. Loved Sam Sparrow's 'Black and Gold' song. We then hung out with the lads for OK...they're great fun, and have joined us twice for our Sunday community days.
The Ibiza Rocks hotel is uber trendy. They have a huge stage in the middle of their courtyard, with a massive sound system. There was a great atmosphere tonight, really buzzing. But i was so gutted to miss the OK Tokyo boys. But definately check them out, you'll just have to take my word.
I'm up in the morning at 6am, which is far too early, as i'm used to going to bed at 5am. Some of us are going to a party called 'Shipwrecked'. Workers mainly go to this party, that hapens to be on a boat, and it'll embark around 6.30am and then sail part way round the Island. It's infamous for being the place that workers really party, so i think we'll see some crazy things. I'm well excited to be going, as i'll know many of the workers, and we're going not to work but to be a part of the party. I'll let you know how it goes. Maybe we'll end up helping in some way...you just don't know.
The Ibiza Rocks hotel is uber trendy. They have a huge stage in the middle of their courtyard, with a massive sound system. There was a great atmosphere tonight, really buzzing. But i was so gutted to miss the OK Tokyo boys. But definately check them out, you'll just have to take my word.
I'm up in the morning at 6am, which is far too early, as i'm used to going to bed at 5am. Some of us are going to a party called 'Shipwrecked'. Workers mainly go to this party, that hapens to be on a boat, and it'll embark around 6.30am and then sail part way round the Island. It's infamous for being the place that workers really party, so i think we'll see some crazy things. I'm well excited to be going, as i'll know many of the workers, and we're going not to work but to be a part of the party. I'll let you know how it goes. Maybe we'll end up helping in some way...you just don't know.
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
'Release those Shackles'
I had such a good night last night. We were invited personally by Kym Mazelle to attend her new 'Gospel House - Live' night in Playa d'en Bossa. For those of you who don't know her, she used to sing in 'Soul ll Soul', and is probably most famous for covering the hit 'Young Hearts Run Free', in the film Romeo and Juliet. At present, she feels that she needs to be in Ibiza presenting the Gospel of Jesus to as many people as possible. She came to our Sunday service a few weeks back and we got a chance to hear her story and to pray with her.
I've never been to the club 'Martina Discotheque', and although it was fairly small, it had an intimate feel to it and also a touch of upper-class to it too. Kym came on after the DJ and had a full band and gospel choir with her. She began her set with 'Oh Happy Day', and then went into 'This little light of mine'. To be honest, i was absolutley gobsmacked! There i was standing in a club in Ibiza hearing someone singing gospel songs and i loved it. And when she sang 'Over the mountains and the sea', i was buzzing. I've sung that song in church settings since i was like 14, so to hear it here in Ibiza was amazing. And she wasn't ashamed of singing about Jesus and encouraging the crowd to lift their hands and hearts to God.
To be honest, half of the club dispersed when she came on, yet those that stayed seemed interested in such a unique presentation of the Gospel. I have so much respect for Kym. She was both bold and courageous, and i believe she was speaking God's words to all of us. What made me think the most was her rendition of 'Shackles' by Mary Mary. The words go, 'take the shackles off my feet so i can dance, i just want to praise you, i just want to praise you.' I quite often hold back when dancing, afraid of letting go, for fear of being made fun of. But i went for it...i found a new boldness.
Kym is here for the summer, promoting the Gospel and singing about her faith in God. I hope we get to go along again, and i hope that those that hear her singing find a new freedom, like i did.
I've never been to the club 'Martina Discotheque', and although it was fairly small, it had an intimate feel to it and also a touch of upper-class to it too. Kym came on after the DJ and had a full band and gospel choir with her. She began her set with 'Oh Happy Day', and then went into 'This little light of mine'. To be honest, i was absolutley gobsmacked! There i was standing in a club in Ibiza hearing someone singing gospel songs and i loved it. And when she sang 'Over the mountains and the sea', i was buzzing. I've sung that song in church settings since i was like 14, so to hear it here in Ibiza was amazing. And she wasn't ashamed of singing about Jesus and encouraging the crowd to lift their hands and hearts to God.
To be honest, half of the club dispersed when she came on, yet those that stayed seemed interested in such a unique presentation of the Gospel. I have so much respect for Kym. She was both bold and courageous, and i believe she was speaking God's words to all of us. What made me think the most was her rendition of 'Shackles' by Mary Mary. The words go, 'take the shackles off my feet so i can dance, i just want to praise you, i just want to praise you.' I quite often hold back when dancing, afraid of letting go, for fear of being made fun of. But i went for it...i found a new boldness.
Kym is here for the summer, promoting the Gospel and singing about her faith in God. I hope we get to go along again, and i hope that those that hear her singing find a new freedom, like i did.
Monday, July 28, 2008
Life
Sorry for the silence. I'm trying to get my head round this whole blogging whilst at the same time trying to keep up with it. My friend Freddy tells me that i should blog little and often. I seem to be doing the opposite.
I've just had Kate Phillips and her friend Jo come and stay with me for the best part of a week. It was so good to have Kate here, as i consider her my little sister. Although i was super busy with work and didn't get much time to hang out with her and Jo, we did manage to go dancing in the West End and check out some nice places around Ibiza. I hope they'll be back...
This weekend has been so good. I was so knackered after such a busy week that i really needed time to catch up on sleep and stuff like that. I felt so refreshed after waking up on Saturday at 2pm, having a lazy afternoon, eating my breakfast of porridge and spending time reading my Bible and praying about some of the things on my heart. I sensed 'life' return to me, and felt like i was able to breathe again. Just stopping to think, pray and reflect has been so life-giving!
Today we all hung out as a community...beginning with hanging by the Pool and then eating together. We had an awesome Sausage casserole cooked by Michael French, who is out here for 3 months. We had several guests come and join us too: one worker from the West End who we know and also some guys from a band called 'OK Tokyo', who are playing Ibiza Rocks Hotel. All in all, such a good day of rest. Like it should be.
I've just had Kate Phillips and her friend Jo come and stay with me for the best part of a week. It was so good to have Kate here, as i consider her my little sister. Although i was super busy with work and didn't get much time to hang out with her and Jo, we did manage to go dancing in the West End and check out some nice places around Ibiza. I hope they'll be back...
This weekend has been so good. I was so knackered after such a busy week that i really needed time to catch up on sleep and stuff like that. I felt so refreshed after waking up on Saturday at 2pm, having a lazy afternoon, eating my breakfast of porridge and spending time reading my Bible and praying about some of the things on my heart. I sensed 'life' return to me, and felt like i was able to breathe again. Just stopping to think, pray and reflect has been so life-giving!
Today we all hung out as a community...beginning with hanging by the Pool and then eating together. We had an awesome Sausage casserole cooked by Michael French, who is out here for 3 months. We had several guests come and join us too: one worker from the West End who we know and also some guys from a band called 'OK Tokyo', who are playing Ibiza Rocks Hotel. All in all, such a good day of rest. Like it should be.
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Alioli
I have nearly perfected my Spanish Alioli. You might be wondering what it is, so i'll tell you. It's basically a garlic mayonnaise. Actually, there's nothing basic about it, it's fundamental. It's foundational stuff. It's both cultural and part of the Spanish fabric. And it's very smelly and repeats badly on you!
I used to make mine back in England by using egg yolks and mustard and then blending it with an olive-based oil. But oh, i have seen the light. Actually, it was Tracy who shed light on this culinary and cultural matter. Over here, they don't use egg yolks at all. Instead they use milk, and a much lighter oil - sunflower oil. And they don't bother with mustard. And the result is awesome.
You start by peeling a clove of garlic and adding a teaspoon of salt. I prefer Maldon Sea Salt. Then add a small glass of semi-skimmed milk, about 75 ml. Blend that with a hand blender, and then start to trickle in your sunflower oil, a little at a time. Keep blending and adding the oil. I think about 50ml of oil, or just until the sauce starts to thicken. Add a twist of pepper and Bobs your uncle!
Awesome. Try it...it is so nice with bread and crisps.
I used to make mine back in England by using egg yolks and mustard and then blending it with an olive-based oil. But oh, i have seen the light. Actually, it was Tracy who shed light on this culinary and cultural matter. Over here, they don't use egg yolks at all. Instead they use milk, and a much lighter oil - sunflower oil. And they don't bother with mustard. And the result is awesome.
You start by peeling a clove of garlic and adding a teaspoon of salt. I prefer Maldon Sea Salt. Then add a small glass of semi-skimmed milk, about 75 ml. Blend that with a hand blender, and then start to trickle in your sunflower oil, a little at a time. Keep blending and adding the oil. I think about 50ml of oil, or just until the sauce starts to thicken. Add a twist of pepper and Bobs your uncle!
Awesome. Try it...it is so nice with bread and crisps.
Monday, July 14, 2008
I Love Sundays
Sundays are great here in Ibiza...
It's a day off for us as a team, but more importantly, it's time for us as a community to hang out with one another. I absolutely love hanging out with the people that i live and work with. Just for your info, the people that i spend most of my time with are Brian and Tracy (who lead 24-7 Ibiza), their 2 boys Ellis and Dan (who are just great young lads), Helen (whom i live with), and at present, 4 others who live with The Heasleys. They are Bethany, Michael, Ursina and Laura. We begin with lunch together, to which we all must try to make or bring something too. After we have spent good time eating and drinking we hang out around the pool, and most of the time play Water Polo. As the weeks go on, the games are getting more and more competitive.
At about 6pm, we have a very informal time of prayer and worship together. This lasts no longer than an hour, and we tend to have someone talk about something from the Bible, or about something that is relevant to what we are experiencing or going through as a team. We always pray for some of the things that we care about too. Quite often we break bread and drink wine to remember what Jesus did for each of us.
I'm really used to small group gatherings, as my church in London had about 30 or so members, so i've now gone to something even smaller. But i prefer the smaller gatherings. They are more intimate and seem real and genuine.
We finished the day with hanging out again, going swimming, having fun. I love it. A real rest and time to enjoy both the people that i'm with and the place that i'm in.
It's a day off for us as a team, but more importantly, it's time for us as a community to hang out with one another. I absolutely love hanging out with the people that i live and work with. Just for your info, the people that i spend most of my time with are Brian and Tracy (who lead 24-7 Ibiza), their 2 boys Ellis and Dan (who are just great young lads), Helen (whom i live with), and at present, 4 others who live with The Heasleys. They are Bethany, Michael, Ursina and Laura. We begin with lunch together, to which we all must try to make or bring something too. After we have spent good time eating and drinking we hang out around the pool, and most of the time play Water Polo. As the weeks go on, the games are getting more and more competitive.
At about 6pm, we have a very informal time of prayer and worship together. This lasts no longer than an hour, and we tend to have someone talk about something from the Bible, or about something that is relevant to what we are experiencing or going through as a team. We always pray for some of the things that we care about too. Quite often we break bread and drink wine to remember what Jesus did for each of us.
I'm really used to small group gatherings, as my church in London had about 30 or so members, so i've now gone to something even smaller. But i prefer the smaller gatherings. They are more intimate and seem real and genuine.
We finished the day with hanging out again, going swimming, having fun. I love it. A real rest and time to enjoy both the people that i'm with and the place that i'm in.
Thursday, July 10, 2008
40 KG of Oranges
I have never bought 40 KG of Oranges before today...that's quite a few oranges! But they weren't for me, nor for the team with me. We bought them to give away, and that we did.
There is a short-term mission team with us from Ireland for 12 days, and one of the tasks that we gave them was to give away Oranges at 2 of the beaches that are popular with many tourists and workers from San Antonio.
So once we split the oranges between us, we headed in two teams to the beaches. Once there, i kid you not, it took about 10 minutes for all the oranges to go. That was that! People came from everywhere and wanted one, and one for their friend. It's such a great way to bless people and to simply be kind. I love doing it, as the simple act of giving something away creates connections with people so quickly. I had about 20 oranges that went in 1 minute. Many of the workers who sunbathe on the beach that i went to know about 24-7 Ibiza and that we give away Oranges from time to time and they love it. For many, it's the only fruit they'll have eaten in days.
It was great to bless people with something for free. It always suprises people and makes them think. The only reason that we give to people who ask why we do it, is that we want to be kind to people. Many people ask us why we want to be kind and give something away, and that always leads to deeper conversations about what we do and why we do it. And i love those conversations with random people.
There is a short-term mission team with us from Ireland for 12 days, and one of the tasks that we gave them was to give away Oranges at 2 of the beaches that are popular with many tourists and workers from San Antonio.
So once we split the oranges between us, we headed in two teams to the beaches. Once there, i kid you not, it took about 10 minutes for all the oranges to go. That was that! People came from everywhere and wanted one, and one for their friend. It's such a great way to bless people and to simply be kind. I love doing it, as the simple act of giving something away creates connections with people so quickly. I had about 20 oranges that went in 1 minute. Many of the workers who sunbathe on the beach that i went to know about 24-7 Ibiza and that we give away Oranges from time to time and they love it. For many, it's the only fruit they'll have eaten in days.
It was great to bless people with something for free. It always suprises people and makes them think. The only reason that we give to people who ask why we do it, is that we want to be kind to people. Many people ask us why we want to be kind and give something away, and that always leads to deeper conversations about what we do and why we do it. And i love those conversations with random people.
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
The 24-7 Centre
I think that's what we're called...
The 24-7 Centre. It's not the best name, but one that suits us for now. It's the easiest to remember and tell people. I was there today for the afternoon. We open at 4pm and keep the doors open till 8pm. On average, we have around 25 visitors, sometimes more, sometimes less. It can depend on what DJs were playing the night before. Like Tuesdays might not be as busy as the mega-star 'DJ Tiesto' plays at the worlds biggest club called Privilege on Monday nights. Today wasn't so busy, but we had quite a few regulars in, and it's great getting to know them more each day and hear what they're up to.
Our 'Centre' is equipped with some very trendy features, which i think you'll agree are pretty awesome for a place known just as 'the centre'. We have, in no particular order...a Pool table, 3 computers for people to get online, some comfy sofas, an XBox 360, a Nintendo Wii, a very, very funky prayer room with its own sofas and chairs and prayer wall, and a small toilet. The whole thing is much bigger than what 24-7 Ibiza have had for the last two years, so it's great to be able to fit all our visitors in at the same time. Everyone loves popping into the Prayer room and just reading some of the prayers...they're intrigued and amused i guess.
I'm getting good at Golf on the Wii. Of course, i have to play with some of the workers who visit - it would be wrong not to!!! I'll tell you more of what i get up to in the centre in due course.
The 24-7 Centre. It's not the best name, but one that suits us for now. It's the easiest to remember and tell people. I was there today for the afternoon. We open at 4pm and keep the doors open till 8pm. On average, we have around 25 visitors, sometimes more, sometimes less. It can depend on what DJs were playing the night before. Like Tuesdays might not be as busy as the mega-star 'DJ Tiesto' plays at the worlds biggest club called Privilege on Monday nights. Today wasn't so busy, but we had quite a few regulars in, and it's great getting to know them more each day and hear what they're up to.
Our 'Centre' is equipped with some very trendy features, which i think you'll agree are pretty awesome for a place known just as 'the centre'. We have, in no particular order...a Pool table, 3 computers for people to get online, some comfy sofas, an XBox 360, a Nintendo Wii, a very, very funky prayer room with its own sofas and chairs and prayer wall, and a small toilet. The whole thing is much bigger than what 24-7 Ibiza have had for the last two years, so it's great to be able to fit all our visitors in at the same time. Everyone loves popping into the Prayer room and just reading some of the prayers...they're intrigued and amused i guess.
I'm getting good at Golf on the Wii. Of course, i have to play with some of the workers who visit - it would be wrong not to!!! I'll tell you more of what i get up to in the centre in due course.
Monday, July 7, 2008
Cala Benirras
Last night several of us took an excursion to a beautiful beach that lies to the north of
Each and every Sunday evening a community of hippes can be found dancing to the beat of their drums and bongos and ushering in the evening sunset. It's a magical place, as the scenery is perfectly stunning, and you get to marvel at God's creation as you drive down the hills to the beach. It's also quite a sight to see all the hippies playing drums, and people dancing and moving to the sound of simple drum beats. The drums sound great too, lots of big bass drums being banged in unison. There's something quite tribal about it all, and very stripped back. It's a totally striking contrast to the other side of the Ibicenco dance scene of today, with the huge profit driven clubs, playing beats from DJs on their turntables. Here, at Benirras, it feels like you're stepping back into time. You get a feel for how it was before all these large super-clubs began to steal these gatherings and hide them away and make them commercial. There was no entrance fee to get to this party - you just need to turn up, dance, beat your drum (if you have one), and connect. It's exciting to think this is what humans have been doing for centuries, in many different cultures and people groups; people dancing to the same beat, connecting with one another, with the sound, with...life? I've still got to get my head around it all...it was great just to watch people, both children and adults all dancing. I eventually stopped watching and just joined in. Sometimes you have to just try not to figure it all out and get involved. I like that phrase...'Get Involved'.
It was also great to watch the sun set down at this marvelous beach. I can never get bored with sunsets. Sunsets are synonymous with the name
Saturday, July 5, 2008
Pacha
So last weekend i and some friends went to Pacha, one of the most glamourous clubs in Ibiza and possibly the whole world! Pacha the club began in a small village called Stiges outside of Barcelona in 1967, and after it proved a hit, they opened Pacha Ibiza in 1973. They have clubs all around the world now, and it has become a global franchise, yet Pacha Ibiza contains the spirit of Ibiza, and it really is the daddy of clubs! It is open all year round, but come May, the club is open every day of the week until it's official closing party in October, when it reverts to just being open once a week...For those of you who hate clubbing and know nothing about DJs, you might not want to read what i'm about to write, as it might bore you. However, for those of you who love clubbing and dance music, check out the nights that Pacha have here in Ibiza...it might make you cry!
Various DJs, promotors and labels all 'host' a certain night, and they are in charge of the music. Here is the line-up...Roger Sanchez hosts his 'Release Yourself' parties every Monday night. Tuesday is all about 'Defected', with DJs like Bob Sinclair, Juniour Jack and Kid Creme. Erick Morillo DJs every Wednesday with his 'Subliminal' nights...Thursdays is 'F*** ME I'M FAMOUS', hosted by David Guetta. Friday is 'Pure Pacha' and DJs like Faithless, Basement Jaxx and Axwell show up. On Saturdays the USA take over for their 'Def Mix' nights and fly over some of house music biggest legends like Frankie Knuckles and David Morales, and the week finishes with various stuff happening on Sundays.
And this goes on every week. You could easily come to Ibiza and just go to Pacha every night. But that'd be sad and boring, and very expensive, especially considering a ticket for one night can cost anywhere between 37 - 50 Euros. And don't get me started with their drinks prices...a coke is 7 Euros, a can of Red Bull is 15 Euros, and a small, 200ml bottle of water is also 7 Euros. So, i don't go there very often.
But i did go there the other night, with my housemates and a guy called Chris who'd been living and working here for a month. We went there as a kind of leaving for Chris, and it was on friday night. A giuy called Trentmoeller was DJing, and he was awesome! He played 'Let's Dance' by David Bowie, which i liked!!!
I'm sure there'll be many more posts about clubbing...i hope to include some interesting stories of people i meet and dance with. Until then...
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