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.
Jay! You gave me goosebumps. Yes, it's all about the backcountry, and the romantic, ethereal energy that lives there, in the cicadas, the ancient olive trees, the flowers, the essence of the place. I've never felt it quite so strongly anywhere else. I loved Big Sur in California when I went there in the early 80s, there's a special energy there, too, but it's harsher, more invigorating, maybe if you've been there you'll know what I mean.
I do find a certain enchantment in mainland Spain too, there is a lot to do, it's easy to get around, there are some beautiful spots that I long to hike but I've been too ill (with fibromyalgia and my IBD since we bought our house there to do much. I hope that this year, in the autumn, my new medication will have worked and give me more freedom. Meanwhile, I travel in my poetry, and my writing. I think you might pick up on the Ibiza vibe in my book, Just Like A Movie, I was much younger when I wrote it, and when I read it now there's a enthusiastic innocence, a giddiness to it that I still find charming - but then I wrote it!!
I hope you get the chance to drive to Spain this year, or fly of course! I would love to meet you, and you are welcome to come and stay as I have a big house with plenty of space!
I completely understand your connection to that Mediterranean energy! It reminds me so much of Big Sur and Napa Valley - that same ethereal quality you described. And you're absolutely right about finding it away from tourist areas, where locals still farm, live in extended families, and maintain their traditions.
My late partner and I experienced that magic through our timeshare there, typically visiting between November and March. The climate is heavenly - either pleasantly balmy and sunny or freshly green with spring's arrival.
I've explored various parts of Spain - north of Barcelona near the French border, Valencia (a personal favorite!), Madrid, Sevilla, Granada, Ronda, Cadiz, Marbella, Toledo, and Extremadura (which reminds me somewhat of the American Southwest). If forced to choose though, Andalucía captures my heart - the quality of light there is truly incomparable. The high temperatures don't bother me either. Though the region around Barcelona is currently the Queer hotspot of Spain it seems, which has its advantages, and of course the nearness to the Balearic Islands from there is a plus as well. So yes, I agree that the Spanish mainland has a lot to offer. I always wanted to explore the north, Asturias and Galicia. Maybe...
We share similar health challenges - I've had Fibromyalgia and somatoform whole-body pain since the early 80s too. In my case, it's been linked to childhood trauma, flaring when those memories are triggered. Thankfully, heavy healing work over the last 5 years has significantly reduced both the intensity and frequency of my pain.
I am currently dissolving my household and sticking to ebooks only. And with just €350 monthly disposable income while on sick leave, I'm carefully managing finances. So even 10 Euro for a book are planned and not always affordable. Because I am still officially on sick leave (and receive my compensation through the German health insurance), travel isn't permitted (nor is it affordable), though it would certainly boost my healing. By summer, this income source ends, and I'll transition to some form of social security, which means another drop in income. I will likely have to reduce the privately paid visits to therapists and my Alexander Technique Coach after that, to be able to still buy my groceries. Which only adds another incentive for emigration and selling what is left. (I am no longer able to work in Germany, don't know about outside yet. Time will tell.)
If Spain becomes an option or possible for a visit, your generous offer of a place to stay for a week would be incredible. I truly appreciate your kindness and am grateful for this connection between us.
. Darienne, how sweet of you to say that. I'm still not sure whether I want to stay in Europe. Maybe I will—and if that’s the case, then Spain is likely where I’m headed. Perhaps just for a trial period—who knows?
I’m still deeply affected by ongoing trauma, and because of that, I don’t yet feel ready to make a firm, final decision. I need to find a way to step outside of it before I can truly choose what’s next.
If enough people invite me to visit and stay for a week or two, I might actually consider doing part of that “trauma detox” in Spain.
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!
Kim! I went to Colorado about ten years ago on holiday and absolutely loved it. We were at a ranch, and I think it was one of my favourite holidays. The air was so clean, the food was amazing, and we had a wonderful week, doing all sort of outdoor activities. Of course my daughter and I went riding a lot because that's out thing. But fly fishing, and, oh, I forget but it was lovely. I've never been to Florida, but I've visited California and NY, and some of the big sites such as the Grand Canyon. I'm thinking deserts would be great for my body, as I have fibromyalgia and don't like the cold!
Me either, that's why Florida or Arizona in the winter and Colorado in the summer. Texas is either too hot or too cold. That's where we are from.
My husband does the fly fishing, but I like the other kind, and so much else! Rock tumbling, crafting, swimming, playing games…we usually go to 55+ parks and resorts in our motorhome.
I have multiple health issues that fare better in warm weather, but I won't get into that. 😉
Of course you know I love Spain! Probably as close as I could get to Ibiza is Mallorca or I spent several weeks one summer. I could’ve stayed for a lifetime. There is intoxicating magic in the air. I’m sure while you were there you feel much better. Sending you love and light!✨💖✨
The Balearic Islands are beautiful. Formentera (I think you read about Formentera in Just Like A Movie?!) is amazing, at some beaches the sea is like the Caribbean!
I don't know about my body wanting to be another nationally, but I'd say my spirit is very much divided. My heart will always yearn for Scotland in some way. A longing for the hills and skies that particularly northern winter light, both gray and scolding and yet uplifting and piercing the imagination with its breath of Viking steel and brush of Celtic lore. Perhaps that's why I settled in Catalunya as there are similarities in character of the people and the silhouette of the Pyrenees often reminds me of the Highlands. Here we lack the particularly purple hues of Scotland, but it certainly has its share of green and the summers are a smidge less exhausting than in the south of Spain from whence I came.
I started my immigrant story 20 years ago when my (now ex) husband and I sold up to move to Andalusia, to a tiny village in the Sierra de los Filabres in Almeria province. We tried our hand at rural tourism and were not unsuccessful, I learned Spanish quickly by immersing myself, I had little choice in the first few years as we had a business, and we had to have good relations with our neighbours for that to work. However, things shifted in our dynamic, we separated, and I moved north seeking work and a fresh start.
I found both in Barcelona, and it was like living my 20s all over again with a renewed sense of vigour and adventure. I have been working in EFL as a teacher and administrator for almost 17 years now, and it still makes me laugh to think of my 14-year-old self struggling to get anywhere with French (I never did pass an exam) and I now communicate in 2 languages (Spanish and Catalan) with relative ease.
I firmly identify as European and would happily take Catalan nationality if that was ever an option. As things stand currently as a pre-Brexit immigrant I don't need to take Spanish nationality but would not balk if that was a pre-requisite to stay.
I think my spirit feels most 'at home' and at peace when we go to the north near the Pyrenees
and my husband and I have a small dream of being able to move there to retire.
There is a small part of me that feels drawn to Italy, as my father's mother was from there and my husband and I enjoyed a wonderful couple of weeks exploring her hometown and surrounding areas on our honeymoon a couple of years ago. I could see me/us there too, but I wonder whether another language might be one too many.
I persist with Duolingo Italian lessons just in case.
So, in essence, I am a Scottish/Catalan with Italian blood thrown in to the mix to spice things up!
Thank you very much, Fiona. I'm glad you enjoyed this piece. It was fun to write too. I wish I had more photos from Ibiza back then, but a lot of them got "eaten" by my previous computer!
I used to think that my family was a bit weird for driving 6 hours and then taking the ferry for another 6 to go a remote island in Croatia, but driving from Switzerland to Barcelona and then taking an overnight ferry is true commitment to an island. And I love that you found a place near Girona, such a beautiful part of the world.
Hi Liza, Yes it was quite a trek, but we always turned it into an adventure and stayed in Ibiza for the whole summer! What is your favourite place to live?
I have yet to find a place where I could live all year round. I loved living in Burkina Faso and Ethiopia, but not all year round, and now neither place feels safe anymore. I love my Croatian island getaway, but don’t have a house there, and if I did, I’d probably stay 4-5 months, and then winters would be to grim/wet/dull. Lisbon is lovely, but still winter months are a drag at times and this spring has been wet and cold. A friend called from sunny Switzerland today while I am sitting in woollen clothes and blasting heaters on here. So, I guess, I would need at least two, if not three houses in different parts of the world. I have money for none…
Three is a bit much I think! Sometimes I wish we’d kept a place in the Alps as if it’s sunny it’s nice up there in winter, and also lovely in the summer. Here in the Geneva countryside it’s often grey and gross in winter. Maybe we should have not kept a place down here, and bought a bigger place up in the Alps. I sometimes wonder…but when it’s nice here it’s gorgeous too! I’ve never been anywhere in Africa apart from SA, and in the most luxurious conditions because it was with my husband’s work!
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.
Jay! You gave me goosebumps. Yes, it's all about the backcountry, and the romantic, ethereal energy that lives there, in the cicadas, the ancient olive trees, the flowers, the essence of the place. I've never felt it quite so strongly anywhere else. I loved Big Sur in California when I went there in the early 80s, there's a special energy there, too, but it's harsher, more invigorating, maybe if you've been there you'll know what I mean.
I do find a certain enchantment in mainland Spain too, there is a lot to do, it's easy to get around, there are some beautiful spots that I long to hike but I've been too ill (with fibromyalgia and my IBD since we bought our house there to do much. I hope that this year, in the autumn, my new medication will have worked and give me more freedom. Meanwhile, I travel in my poetry, and my writing. I think you might pick up on the Ibiza vibe in my book, Just Like A Movie, I was much younger when I wrote it, and when I read it now there's a enthusiastic innocence, a giddiness to it that I still find charming - but then I wrote it!!
I hope you get the chance to drive to Spain this year, or fly of course! I would love to meet you, and you are welcome to come and stay as I have a big house with plenty of space!
Big hugs, and thank you for this lovely comment.
Francesca xx
Francesca,
I completely understand your connection to that Mediterranean energy! It reminds me so much of Big Sur and Napa Valley - that same ethereal quality you described. And you're absolutely right about finding it away from tourist areas, where locals still farm, live in extended families, and maintain their traditions.
My late partner and I experienced that magic through our timeshare there, typically visiting between November and March. The climate is heavenly - either pleasantly balmy and sunny or freshly green with spring's arrival.
I've explored various parts of Spain - north of Barcelona near the French border, Valencia (a personal favorite!), Madrid, Sevilla, Granada, Ronda, Cadiz, Marbella, Toledo, and Extremadura (which reminds me somewhat of the American Southwest). If forced to choose though, Andalucía captures my heart - the quality of light there is truly incomparable. The high temperatures don't bother me either. Though the region around Barcelona is currently the Queer hotspot of Spain it seems, which has its advantages, and of course the nearness to the Balearic Islands from there is a plus as well. So yes, I agree that the Spanish mainland has a lot to offer. I always wanted to explore the north, Asturias and Galicia. Maybe...
We share similar health challenges - I've had Fibromyalgia and somatoform whole-body pain since the early 80s too. In my case, it's been linked to childhood trauma, flaring when those memories are triggered. Thankfully, heavy healing work over the last 5 years has significantly reduced both the intensity and frequency of my pain.
I am currently dissolving my household and sticking to ebooks only. And with just €350 monthly disposable income while on sick leave, I'm carefully managing finances. So even 10 Euro for a book are planned and not always affordable. Because I am still officially on sick leave (and receive my compensation through the German health insurance), travel isn't permitted (nor is it affordable), though it would certainly boost my healing. By summer, this income source ends, and I'll transition to some form of social security, which means another drop in income. I will likely have to reduce the privately paid visits to therapists and my Alexander Technique Coach after that, to be able to still buy my groceries. Which only adds another incentive for emigration and selling what is left. (I am no longer able to work in Germany, don't know about outside yet. Time will tell.)
If Spain becomes an option or possible for a visit, your generous offer of a place to stay for a week would be incredible. I truly appreciate your kindness and am grateful for this connection between us.
xoxo Jay
I see a Jay space right here in Catalunya when you’re ready.
. Darienne, how sweet of you to say that. I'm still not sure whether I want to stay in Europe. Maybe I will—and if that’s the case, then Spain is likely where I’m headed. Perhaps just for a trial period—who knows?
I’m still deeply affected by ongoing trauma, and because of that, I don’t yet feel ready to make a firm, final decision. I need to find a way to step outside of it before I can truly choose what’s next.
If enough people invite me to visit and stay for a week or two, I might actually consider doing part of that “trauma detox” in Spain.
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!
Kim! I went to Colorado about ten years ago on holiday and absolutely loved it. We were at a ranch, and I think it was one of my favourite holidays. The air was so clean, the food was amazing, and we had a wonderful week, doing all sort of outdoor activities. Of course my daughter and I went riding a lot because that's out thing. But fly fishing, and, oh, I forget but it was lovely. I've never been to Florida, but I've visited California and NY, and some of the big sites such as the Grand Canyon. I'm thinking deserts would be great for my body, as I have fibromyalgia and don't like the cold!
Me either, that's why Florida or Arizona in the winter and Colorado in the summer. Texas is either too hot or too cold. That's where we are from.
My husband does the fly fishing, but I like the other kind, and so much else! Rock tumbling, crafting, swimming, playing games…we usually go to 55+ parks and resorts in our motorhome.
I have multiple health issues that fare better in warm weather, but I won't get into that. 😉
Beautifully evocative and full of longing
Of course you know I love Spain! Probably as close as I could get to Ibiza is Mallorca or I spent several weeks one summer. I could’ve stayed for a lifetime. There is intoxicating magic in the air. I’m sure while you were there you feel much better. Sending you love and light!✨💖✨
The Balearic Islands are beautiful. Formentera (I think you read about Formentera in Just Like A Movie?!) is amazing, at some beaches the sea is like the Caribbean!
I don't know about my body wanting to be another nationally, but I'd say my spirit is very much divided. My heart will always yearn for Scotland in some way. A longing for the hills and skies that particularly northern winter light, both gray and scolding and yet uplifting and piercing the imagination with its breath of Viking steel and brush of Celtic lore. Perhaps that's why I settled in Catalunya as there are similarities in character of the people and the silhouette of the Pyrenees often reminds me of the Highlands. Here we lack the particularly purple hues of Scotland, but it certainly has its share of green and the summers are a smidge less exhausting than in the south of Spain from whence I came.
I started my immigrant story 20 years ago when my (now ex) husband and I sold up to move to Andalusia, to a tiny village in the Sierra de los Filabres in Almeria province. We tried our hand at rural tourism and were not unsuccessful, I learned Spanish quickly by immersing myself, I had little choice in the first few years as we had a business, and we had to have good relations with our neighbours for that to work. However, things shifted in our dynamic, we separated, and I moved north seeking work and a fresh start.
I found both in Barcelona, and it was like living my 20s all over again with a renewed sense of vigour and adventure. I have been working in EFL as a teacher and administrator for almost 17 years now, and it still makes me laugh to think of my 14-year-old self struggling to get anywhere with French (I never did pass an exam) and I now communicate in 2 languages (Spanish and Catalan) with relative ease.
I firmly identify as European and would happily take Catalan nationality if that was ever an option. As things stand currently as a pre-Brexit immigrant I don't need to take Spanish nationality but would not balk if that was a pre-requisite to stay.
I think my spirit feels most 'at home' and at peace when we go to the north near the Pyrenees
and my husband and I have a small dream of being able to move there to retire.
There is a small part of me that feels drawn to Italy, as my father's mother was from there and my husband and I enjoyed a wonderful couple of weeks exploring her hometown and surrounding areas on our honeymoon a couple of years ago. I could see me/us there too, but I wonder whether another language might be one too many.
I persist with Duolingo Italian lessons just in case.
So, in essence, I am a Scottish/Catalan with Italian blood thrown in to the mix to spice things up!
A beautifully written piece that has helped me to learn more about you - thank you. What a wonderful experience to have had (and to keep having!).
Thank you very much, Fiona. I'm glad you enjoyed this piece. It was fun to write too. I wish I had more photos from Ibiza back then, but a lot of them got "eaten" by my previous computer!
Francesca, what a delicious essay. and What an adventurous 'girl' you are! Thanks for this post!
Hi Jacquelyn, thank you. Especially thank you for calling me a "girl". I shall return the favour! Hugs, xx
I used to think that my family was a bit weird for driving 6 hours and then taking the ferry for another 6 to go a remote island in Croatia, but driving from Switzerland to Barcelona and then taking an overnight ferry is true commitment to an island. And I love that you found a place near Girona, such a beautiful part of the world.
Hi Liza, Yes it was quite a trek, but we always turned it into an adventure and stayed in Ibiza for the whole summer! What is your favourite place to live?
I have yet to find a place where I could live all year round. I loved living in Burkina Faso and Ethiopia, but not all year round, and now neither place feels safe anymore. I love my Croatian island getaway, but don’t have a house there, and if I did, I’d probably stay 4-5 months, and then winters would be to grim/wet/dull. Lisbon is lovely, but still winter months are a drag at times and this spring has been wet and cold. A friend called from sunny Switzerland today while I am sitting in woollen clothes and blasting heaters on here. So, I guess, I would need at least two, if not three houses in different parts of the world. I have money for none…
Three is a bit much I think! Sometimes I wish we’d kept a place in the Alps as if it’s sunny it’s nice up there in winter, and also lovely in the summer. Here in the Geneva countryside it’s often grey and gross in winter. Maybe we should have not kept a place down here, and bought a bigger place up in the Alps. I sometimes wonder…but when it’s nice here it’s gorgeous too! I’ve never been anywhere in Africa apart from SA, and in the most luxurious conditions because it was with my husband’s work!
Nice.
Thank you, Charles! I hope you can visit Spain one day. Have you been to Italy? Or France? Anywhere else?