Hola Ibiza!

The Queen's beach, for her royal ablutions : Cala Vadella

Lost in my traveling woes (and I only told you a few of them) I had almost forgotten why I started this trip.

This is why, this picture is why.

Ibiza came as a magnificent Band Aid to my wounds.

I will admit, I arrived here on my knees, literally. After many hours of delays and tension, a taxi cab threw me in the middle of the night in front of the complex where my AirBnb was waiting for me. Only a flight of uneven stairs separated the exhausted Queen and her heavy luggage from her spring residence.

And it happened, the Queen tripped and fell with all her majesty onto the ground. The last injury to the Queen's dignity. That is how I arrived to my little studio and to the starting point of my adventures.

Ever since, it has been pure bliss.

Not really, but it doesn't matter anymore. This blog is not about me being delayed, being lied to, missing a flight.

It is about the indescribable joy of being free, of opening up to new horizons, of meeting new people.

And Ibiza is the ideal first stage of my journey.

First things first, a Queen needs a car.

I opted for the cutest Fiat 500 , tiny, easy to park, easy to maneuver, and on this island with so many narrow, sinewy roads it is the perfect car.

One small detail : I had to remember how to drive a stick.

I made a fool of myself a couple of times, including forgetting to pull the hand brakes and seeing my car go down the hill without me inside.

Yes, I ran after it, opened the door and hopped in while it was moving. A real life skill I did not know I have. Then I was on my way!

The advantage of this kind of travelling is that you don't need to rush. No need for extensive planning, no need to hit all the spots.

I only take it one day at a time, and do whatever I feel like doing that day. I behave like i live here, I go to the supermarket, I cook my meals, and most importantly, I work a full work day.

I am going to have to insist on that last sentence, for the people at my company reading this: I do work.

But when I don't work, it is paradise all around.

My studio is a 5 minutes walk from a gorgeous little beach called Cala Vadella. Cala means "cove", and many beaches here are coves. That makes it even more magical to just discover them by surprise, hiding between the hills.

Right on the beach, there are a few small restaurants, serving appealing food.

I have not indulged yet.

Since cala Vadella faces west, at sunset, people tend to gather on the beach with a towel and a beer.

I was there too. It was simple and magical.

I will never regret making this trip.

The Queen salutes you all.