The late-summer weather makes it perfect for spending time outdoors, going for walks, and, above all, staying active outside the house. After a bike ride with my dad, we as a family + 1 went out for a lovely dinner at the restaurant where my younger brother works. He recently changed the menu and introduced a number of new dishes, and everything was absolutely delicious. It was also great fun to try everything together, especially now that my sister is still in the country. A proper family night out.
The wine gets worked off the next day with a few kilometres of running. The sun is shining brightly, so I go for lunch with my sister and grandma. A lovely way to catch up and spend some quality time together. Afterwards, I cycle to Amsterdam for drinks with former colleagues and end up staying there for a few days. On Friday evening, I meet up with my friend Nir. This is a special occasion because it has been exactly one year since we were in Goa together. We pick up right where we left off back then, and that was with a pizza. Great food, catching up, and simply enjoying the moment.
Saturday is a quiet day. I spend some time experimenting with beats on my laptop and enjoy being on my own. During these moments of solitude, I also find myself reflecting on the thoughts I shared in my previous blog. I take some time to process them and think about what lies ahead. On Sunday, I go for a peaceful walk with Boris. We catch up, and once again, it feels like a balanced and meaningful conversation. It is very warm that afternoon, so sunny relaxing in the garden is the plan for the rest of the day.
A new week begins, and I have made a commitment to keep running four to five times a week. That’s it. Starting small and simple, focusing above all on listening to my body and moving without pain. Running is definitely a great way to channel my energy.
My mom also has a nice little project lined up that week: removing the weeds from the front and back gardens. I notice that I enjoy gardening more than she does, so throughout the week I spend two to three hours every morning weeding as a way to start the day. Combined with reading a book and going for a run, it feels like a productive way to spend my time.
My gardening (=tuinieren) adventures even evolve into something called duinieren. What on earth is that? Well, it is gardening, but in the dunes. My dad is involved in maintaining a mountain bike trail, and that needs some work too. There is something satisfying about being productive and seeing the results of your hard work as you hoe and shovel away. A delicious treat awaits on Saturday afternoon: homemade shrimp croquettes. Well-earned rewards! All in all, a productive week as a volunteer gardener and dune worker.
Then it is time for something completely different: a week in Ibiza. Where did that come from all of a sudden? I am going to surprise my friend Dino, who is celebrating his 30th birthday. As you know, my plans tend to change quite a bit, and I do like to keep a few surprises up my sleeve. Initially, I had already said no because I wasn’t sure what my schedule would look like. Which makes it even more fun to surprise your friend after all!
And it is a double surprise for Dino, because his best friend Calvin has flown in earlier too. Once Dino has processed Calvin’s surprise and arrives at the apartment, there I am, surprise number two, with seven beers for the whole group. Now we’re all together. Wow, this has all the ingredients for an amazing week!
We kick things off with a few cocktails at Cala Escondida. Since we are having what you might call a liquid dinner, I am in bed pretty early. A little too enthusiastic out of the gates! Luckily, we still have the photos, because without having eaten a proper meal, I can’t remember every single detail of what happened that evening.
I gather the courage to go for a run to pick up the car we left parked, which turns into a nice eight-kilometre run for me. After that, we head out for a hike. A sporty start to our Ibiza trip! We enjoy the views, take a dip in the sea, and make the most of those gorgeous late-summer temperatures.
The island is buzzing with people because it is closing week, with all the final parties taking place across Ibiza. So, naturally, it is time for our first proper party. And what a way to start: David Guetta at UshuaĂŻa!
One massive celebration, and I am practically bursting with energy. The atmosphere is incredible, there are a few beers flowing, and you can feel the love within the group. And let’s not forget the music, which creates the ultimate party vibe. The highlight definitely comes when one of Billy’s favourite tracks starts playing: Titanium. What a night! Absolutely incredible!
The following day, it is time to recover at the beach. The morning gets off to a slightly slower start, and my energy levels are noticeably lower than they were 24 hours earlier. But that is all part of it. Recharging during the day and pushing through a little tiredness when needed. We spend some time at the beach before heading to Cova Santa and then moving on to UNVRS to see Charlotte de Witte. For those who know, that means some seriously hard-hitting techno.
That evening also features the DJ Top 100 awards, and since David Guetta is ranked number one, he performs another set. By around 6 a.m., we finally crawl into bed. The next morning, my battery is pretty much empty, so I decide to take a quiet evening for myself. The others head into town for a night out, while I relax on the sofa, recover, and listen to some music. They keep going for a while longer, and I take the opportunity to rest.
It does me good, and the next morning I decide to go for a run to generate some healthy energy for the final night. A week like this definitely takes its toll, but it is also one of the best things you can do with friends: laughing, partying, eating great food, and genuinely enjoying life.
We have an amazing afternoon on a boat, followed by another party that evening, one I am particularly looking forward to because of the DJ. And man, Marco Carola does not disappoint! He sets the dance floor on fire. Unbelievable. What a party! Pacha is literally the cherry on the cake, and there is even a little fireworks moment when Stan manages to find himself a Swedish flirt…
I haven’t seen a dance floor go off like this in a very long time. What a finale, and what a week! Memories for life that I wouldn’t have missed for the world.
The following day is all about recovering from the madness, as we nurse our hangovers on the beach at Tropicana. Then it is time for a late flight home, some recovery time, and a weekend focused on running and getting back into healthy mode. Early nights, a slower pace, and a little peace and quiet in life again.
A life without a party, is like a soul without a body!
Summer is over!
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