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Wild Lion*esses Pride by Jay's avatar

Francesca, what a joy to read this. I’ve never been to Ibiza, but between 2007 and 2018, I spent at least one—sometimes two or three—weeks each year in Mallorca. My late partner and I had friends back home who were always driving to Ibiza—her husband especially loved it.

I often heard stories about the island, and the vibe you describe here matches them perfectly. Still, I’d say those deep, soulful moments you talk about—this pura vida feeling—aren’t so different from what I experienced in Mallorca, especially away from the tourist hubs. For us, it was never Ballermann or Magaluf. It was always the backcountry: Llucmajor, Selva, Artà, Felanitx, Santanyí.

There’s a rhythm to Mallorca you can only hear if you slow down enough. And when you do, it wraps around you gently, like a shawl spun of earth and sea.

Your essay transported me—thank you for that. I traveled in my mind with you, recalling the scent of Mediterranean pine and the hum of a spring or fall afternoon.

I’ve also been to Switzerland (my mother’s best friend lived in Lausanne), and I’ve driven through France on my own, all the way to Southern France and Northern Spain. So yes—Spain is definitely one of the places I’m considering when I finally emigrate from Germany.

It’s not just about leaving. It’s about going somewhere I can heal more fully.

Your words reminded me of what it feels like when a place holds a mirror to your soul. And like you, I believe our bodies sometimes know before our minds do—where we belong, or at least where we can become more fully ourselves.

Mine belongs to the Southwest of the U.S. and I cannot go there as long as the situation unfolds itself. Not with the X in my passport. So I am looking for alternatives.

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Kim Smyth's avatar

Ever since we started going to the Texas coastal town of f Port Aransas on vacation, I've known I wanted to live near the ocean. It must be in my blood, being born in Biloxi, Mississippi. Since we now live in a motorhome and travel the US lower 48, I can have Florida in the winter and Colorado in the summer. I'm pretty lucky too! Sometimes though, my heart belongs in the desert, like when we visit Arizona. I just fell in love with it!

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