IBIZA - SPAIN

It had been a little while between drinks... almost 4 years since my first trip to the legendary island known as Ibiza.  I was brimming with excitement as my previous visit had left me so inspired, motivated and full of vigour about so many aspects of my life.

We were a travelling party of four and since the other 3 where Ibizan debutants, we decided to set up home base right in the thick of it at Platja D'en Bossa (which we would later regret).

Though we were disappointed to realise Richie Hawtin's ENTER party was not starting til July, we were overwhelmed by the quality house and techno that was on tap 24/7. The dilemma was not trying to find a good party, but more so trying to decide on which one to go to. Watching Pan Pot and Marcel Dettman destroy a jam packed Amnesia main room, along with enjoying Loco Dice and Dubfire at the remarkable Ushuaia were memorable moments. However the party for me by far was Circo Loco at DC10. It was a buffet of electronic treats courtesy of Damian Lazarus, Art Department, My Favourite Robot, Jamie Jones and a heap more within the confines of one of the coolest venues.  Everything about it all came together to present a great clubbing experience. DC10 provided that sort of dark yet intimate vibe that so many of the other clubs on the island do not deliver due to their jam packed stadium size rooms and astronomical ticket prices. 

However it wasn't all techno and late nights... there is so much more to this beautiful Island. Though the parties were fun, this time around the better moments and experiences came from activities outside the dark four walls. We loved hiring a car and exploring the island at our own pace, allowing us to take in beautiful Las Salinas beach, the unmatched San Antonio sunsets, historic Ibiza Town and more. We also discovered HOLALA!, a really great vintage store for guys + girls with plenty of variety. I was able to snap up an amazing Neil Diamond tour shirt.

I have to say staying in Platja D'en Bossa was not the best area for the complete Ibiza experience we were after. If you are purely there only to party 24/7 and be hustled continually for party tickets and the like, then sure it could be ideal; however only a 10 minute walk further along the coastline you will reach Figueretas beach. An amazing waterfront area with great views, eateries, and vibe. Only a stones throw away from Platja D'en Bossa yet far away enough to get a bit of quality downtime.

It was our last day in Ibiza though where we discovered Spain's true hidden gem, and the most memorable day of our stay... Formentera...

FORMENTERA - SPAIN

After the bright lights and big city nights of Ibiza we were in true need of a relaxing last day on the Spanish Islands. We decided to catch the ferry to Ibiza’s little brother island known as Formentera, hoping we would get the much needed revitalization we were after.

Our wish was truly granted… Formetera is truly an oasis! Encapsulated by crystal clear blue water and soft sand that skirts around the whole island, it felt like we were in a surreal paradise wonderland. We hired scooters and explored the Island, taking in many stops along the magical coastline. After much time zooming through the twists and turns of Formentera’s roads, we set ourselves up at a beautiful beach, Playa Illetes. Besides having the bluest water we have ever seen, the most striking feature of this beach was its thin peninsula.  It created quite a view with sea on either side of a white sandy beach. Lined with holiday-makers and rather lavish boats in the water, it was obvious that we were not the only ones in on this secret.

A return trip on the boat from Platja Den Bossa set us back around 20 euros and scooter hire (which is essential to make the most of the Island) for the day is about 15 euro. Very reasonable costs for an experience we are sure to remember.

I don’t feel words nor even the photos above can do Formentera justice. Our recommendation to anyone going to Ibiza is to drop your bags off and jump on the first boat here.

MADRID - SPAIN

From the stunning historical architecture to the rich culture and cuisine to the manicured parks and greenery, Madrid truly takes your breath away.  This was our first stop in Europe and what an introduction it was...

After a 25-hour flight, we arrived in Madrid at 9pm and to our surprise, it was still daylight.  We fought the jet lag and headed into Lavapies for a night cap and a bite to eat.  We were lucky enough to stumble across La Boca de Lobo, a kitschy establishment popular with the locals and known for its cheap cervezas (beer) and great, hearty food. 

With a few hours of sleep up our sleeve, we spent the next day overdosing on a cultural feast for the senses.  Museo de la Reina Sofia schooled us on the works of Salvadore Dali and literally had our minds boggling and ticking.  Museo del Prado showcased the finest classical artworks leaving us in awe.

Though Madrid metropolitan area is home to 6.5 million people, you'd never know it.  The city is aesthetically laid out to perfection... every street you turn down is a delight to the senses.  Besides the beautiful Plaza Mayor and astonishing Plaza de Oriente (Madrid's two popular tourist spots), taking strolls down the many random lane ways are a perfect way to discover the city. For example, Malasaña located north of Plaza Mayor is a trendy and buzzy area we discovered.  The main street is lined with busy shops, cafes, frozen yoghurt stands and a young crowd.  Within one of its back alley streets, Calle de Velarde, we stumbled across a few vintage shops allowing us to indulge in our favourite shopping addiction. 

Just like its streets and plazas, the parks and green spaces, such as Parque del Retiro and the Botanical Gardens, are meticulously cared for and just as breathtaking.   Armed with some local produce and a bottle of vino, this was the perfect setting for a romantic  afternoon in Madrid.

For a casual fine dining experience, Metro Bistro (located opposite Temple of Debod) had great artisan food and fantastic service.  The Hommage to Chocolate (pictured) is literally to die for!  

TOKYO - JAPAN - ROUND 2

 

 

                

                 

More familiar with the city from our previous week's travels, we adventured through Tokyo with extra vigour... all the more aware of what a big place it was.  There was still so much we wanted to see and do and we had less than a week to do it! Pounding the pavement with extra zeal, we managed to fit in a good bout of shopping, too much eating, too much sake and a whole lot of sightseeing.  

A highlight for us as lovers of vintage attire was accidentally stumbling across 'vintage alley' in Harajuku.  Facing the Harajuku Street sign, it is to the left down an alley near the Meiji Street crossing.  Here we found a plethora of vintage from old Dr. Martens to well-preserved rock t-shirt memorabilia and everything else in between.  On the same day, we also discovered 'Cat Street' aka Nekko Dori.  This little alley offered a mix of stores from high fashion boutiques, vintage and chain stores (e.g. American Apparel). 

Other highlights of this Tokyo stint was our visit to Mori Art Museum in Roppongi Hills where the 10th Anniversary Love exhibition was on show.  Located on the 52nd floor of the Mori Tower, this little gem is a double whammy offering amazing views of Tokyo as well as modern art that will really get you thinking and feeling.  

Food-wise, a real treat for us was dining on the 50th floor of what otherwise looked like a drab office building.  There are heaps of these around Shinjuku when you venture to the business area (Nishishinjuku).  Here we enjoyed the freshest sashimi, traditional Japanese decor and the most amazing illuminated night view of Tokyo city...
it was the perfect way to end the Japan leg of our world trip!

OSAKA - JAPAN

After the electric and buzzy city of Tokyo, followed by the serenity of Kyoto, our last destination of Japan brought a happy medium between these two preceding cities.  Osaka brings the city vibe of Tokyo whilst pairing it up with the relaxed atmosphere of Kyoto. Rather than a city consumed by skyscrapers or filled with historic shrines, Osaka is a more standard city of sorts. A great place to see the city in its entirety is via the Floating Garden Observatory in the Umeda Sky Building. 

Osaka provided a great environment to do some shopping, eat some amazing food, enjoy the company of the friendly locals and, as all of Japan  has provided so far, an amazing place to explore. We had the very indulgent experience of dining at Sushi Kappo 'Seitaro,' where a master chef expertly put together a selection of sashimi and sushi for our dinner.  This little gem is located in Hozenji-Yokocho, an alley in Dotonbori which has a more traditional stone-paved feel compared to the rest of the area.  Whilst we weren't expecting such a large bill, Seitaro did serve up some of the best sushi we've ever tasted.

The city is also home to Nao and his beautiful family. We can't explain enough just how amazing, generous and warm these people are. They showed us around the city and took us to plenty of great places such as the renowned Dotonbori precinct while also letting us in on some little local spots... $1 sushi, yes please!