IBIZA

I went to Ibiza with my two best friends on the 9th July 2017, for one week. It was an experience I won't forget and I know they won't either.

Arrival
Flying in was no hassle, it was the coach journey to our hotel that turned out to be the bummer. 7am and three young lads are blasting techno rave music, then grime, then more techno at the top of their speakers. It was ridiculous and of course due to the lack on seating on the coach, I ended up squashed up next to them. We eventually arrived at a decent looking hotel and we couldn't complain due to the amazong deal Billie had found; 400GBP per person for an all inclusive week! I usually am not the biggest fan of all inclusive as I feel it tends to mean you feel obliged to stay locked up at the resort but in Ibiza, believe me, we needed to save every last penny we could.

Those Lads
So those lads were a nuisance and for the days coming they continued to be, so much so that they even got their own section on this piece. They would walk around ignorantly blasting music through those silly speakers completely disregarding the fact that majority of the lyrics were swear words and the majority of the people around were families with their 5 year old children. When asked to turn the volume down they would simply yell back, 'but we're in Ibiza!' I'm moaning about these lads but in all honesty, over the course of the week we actually became rather well acquainted with them. Considering they were the ONLY other people our age at the hotel we kind of had little choice in the friendship that developed over the coming week. It had resulted in the guys lending or leaving us their devil speaker (I can't quite remember which one) so we had connected to it and been having our jam session alone whilst relaxing/getting ready etc. When they asked for it back, it wasn't long till they were causing problems down by the poolside again and lucky for us, our balcony overlooked the whole pool area. I decided to reconnect to their speaker whilst they blasted their songs and pissed everyone off, but instead, surprise the unsuspecting dummies with some embarrassing tunes to fuel the party. In the mix was Barbie Girl, Crazy Frog, Twinkle Twinkle and so on... As childish as it may seem it was absolutely hilarious and whilst Billie, Olivia and I hid behind our balcony laughing our heads off switching from song to song they looked at each other all wide-eyed and confused trying to gage an understanding of WTF was going on. Of course, they eventually figured it out it was us and did not find it as hilarious as we did, but we were still invited for pre-drinks later on.

The Smoke Up
I distinctly remember the night we decided to go smoke up with these lads from the hotel. That's because I felt like I was dying... They bought some green off a random 'Looki Looki Man' on the side of the road and I had a feeling it could be bad news. Not too long after rolling, smoking and panicking I was sat in a chair on the lads balcony with my eyes rolled back and my mind wilding out. I caught my breath a moment later to find everyone circled around me, staring with fear in their eyes.  The guys were all high as anything and lucky Billie and Olivia didn't know how to smoke properly- their innocence meant they didn't get high and could look after me. I remember laying down in Olivia's arms whilst she stroked my skin gently calming me down. I was demanding I listened to soft Jazz music and had the lights on so I could see everything going on around me. Billie was also pandering to my demands of cold water and cuddles. I eventually calmed down and we walked back to our apartment, just above theirs. That night I slept and woke up the next day feeling fine again, just a little off key- I couldn't thank my lovely best friends enough and I knew that night had been a testament to our friendship.

The Clubs
The clubs in Ibiza, wow. Where do I begin? There are completely out of this world. Well in comparison to anything I've ever been to. The club strip itself is a little crappy and it's only until you venture to Playa d'en Bossa and the surrounding areas. That is where you will lose your mind, quite literally. Ibizan clubs are called super clubs for a reason. They are huge- say 4x the size of a fairly large club in the UK and the sound systems are immense. Most of the big clubs in Ibiza have insane decor, matched seamlessly with the trippy strobe lighting and the incredible dancers- as I type this I can't help but get taken back to our time spent at HI, the newest superclub on the scene (previously Space) that stole my heart and not just because of the DJ responsible for spinning tracks while I took a piss. Yes, that's right, they have DJs actually in the toilets. All I can say is the superclubs in Ibiza are an experience that can only be lived- there is truly no point describing it in great detail because they are a wonderland of ecstasy, each fantastic in their own way. And no, you don't need to be off your nut on d r u g s to have the time of your life (no pills entered my mouth) but it is recommended ;). We didn't visit every club on the island because well, that shit is expensive AF but I would love to go back (with my entire student loan lol) and go everywhere we didn't. Oh and be prepared for a shock 3 single shots of anything WILL cost you 30EUR on average (prewarning as a favour because I could of done with one before I offered to get a round).
BTW- Out of the well-known places we visited, Ocean Beach actually turned out to be the cheaper of the lot (don't get me wrong, it still was not 'cheap' per say), possibly because it was a beach club? Who knows. All I'm saying is give it a chance, it is not as pretentious as it seems.

The Beach
So we did manage to fit in some much needed beach time whilst in Ibiza, however, the beach we visited (which was a short walk from our hotel) was not one of the prettiest on the island. It was busy with tourists and the water was not as clear as other beaches on the island. Nevertheless, we made a point to visit a few times as what's a holiday to the Balearic Islands without a dip in the sea? We decided to take part in some water sports which I'm sure everyone will agree is always a load of fun, especially when the guys working there are hot Spaniards with sunkissed skin and a cheeky sense of humour. The three of us hopped onto the float thing that drags you around while attached to a speedboat and went for the ride of our lives. Till this day I've never been dragged (yes dragged) around the Mediterranean, or any sea for that matter at such a speed. We were practically flying, with our fists tightly clenched to the tiny handles that were supposed to keep us onboard. After all three of us had a turn at being thrown completely off the float we headed back at full speed. I couldn't help but notice the cute guy with the dark sun-drenched skin and friendly smile. He was working alongside the others and I figured I had a fair chance. I started asking questions about what it's like to work in Ibiza as I had loved my time on the island. They, of course, suggested as I was English I should use my language skills to be a club or bar promoter but instead I was curious to the requirements necessary to actually help out at the watersports stand. More specifically THEIR watersports stand. Haha. I got my phone out and up came google translate in an attempt to translate to the cute guy that I wanted his number. Instead, I chickened out last minute and typed in some shitty question about work. He responded as best he could and we said our thank yous and left. For the remainder of the day I spent my time laying on a somewhat sharp rock, in plain sight of the stand. Whilst trying to look like a mermaid I struck my best sexy-sunbather-who-is-not-bothered-if-you're-watching pose and allowed my skin to soak up the D. Vitamin D. The good news: He completely took notice of me (I think). He was glancing my way every 5-10 minutes, diving in the water, showing off all whilst I lay there being a beached whale. Eventually, after around 2 hours (I knowww) Billie and Olivia were ready to head back to the hotel. Certain that he was going to swim over after his shift and ask for my number, I stayed put. FIVE minutes PLEASE I mouthed over. Of course I meant at least fifteen. Sadly, he did not swim over, nor did he even attempt to hand signal me his digits but I did manage to get a goodbye wave as I clambered down the rocks and back to the sand section. We headed back but my dreams were not shattered. The next day came round quickly and whilst Olivia and Billie headed to do some shopping, I decided to spend my final chance visiting my boo. Except this time was all very different. He was there again, working hard as usual and I found a small spot- on the sand this time- in plain sight. He definitely noticed me in my bright pink bikini and we had a... a moment. Not long before the second had passed a prettyish Spanish woman came over, in her early thirties and dressed in a massage uniform. She worked at the beach bar that also happened to have a massage table (random) so I assumed she was going to offer me a massage. Boy do I wish that was what came out her mouth but nope, her business with me was just beginning. She opened up the conversation with 'chit chat' about her son. He was a beautiful little boy, around 4 or 5 years old, running and splashing in the shallow waters of the sea. She quickly moved on to showing me pictures of her cutie pie son and though he was sweet, I couldn't help but think, 'surely you have work to be getting on with because I know I do.' She must have read my mind as less than a minute later she mentioned her boyfriend. Yes, boyyyyyfriend. Now I'm sure you can guess where this story is heading so I will make it short and sweet. Turns out that particular beach was the place in which her whole 'family' spent the day, every day. While her son played, she worked and so did her boyfriend... the watersports guy. She flicked through family photo after family photo of the three of them at the mall, or the three of them eating ice cream or a whole bunch of kids climbing all over him. Him. My potential bae. May I mention I had no idea (obviously) that he had a girlfriend let alone a kid (joke, the kid was not his but still) and may I also mention he was definitely at least 6/7 years younger than her. Hey, I am not one to judge however he was a potential bae! I knew if I really did want to do some homewrecking and be selfish I could have tried to work my magic but I figured it's really not me. Plus, God punishes those who sin and so does anxiety so there you go. I patiently (and politely) sat through her boycotting of my (not so) sinister plan to steal her sexy boyfriend and the conversation ended with an exchange in Facebooks. Brilliant. I knew it was time to throw in the towel. Ibiza had done me good. Good and proper. And our flight was awaiting us the next day.

Peace & Love,
Willow

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The Vienna Diaries~ Cassie Visits

A day with Cassie.

I saw this beauty standing in the distance, in blackish jeans and a cute coat, cordry was it? She was waiting by Praterstern station tram stop and looking out into the distance. Vienna. Only thing missing was a pretty setting rather than Praters concreate view. I crept up behind her as I do all those I approach from behind (without sounding creepy haha) and gave her a huge hug. Cassie jumped a little and we both began laughing, I knew our wonderful day had begun.

I went to school with Cassie for 5 and a bit years... ages 11 till 16, untill I dropped out of Sixth Form. We caught the train to and from school everyday together (along with some other wonderful people) for around 4 of those years in which we build a more solid friendship than we had probably anticipated at the time. 

Who knew we would end up sat at Aida in Stephansplatz, Vienna smoking a cigarette and sipping on a Wiener Melange. 

We began the day doing all the cool touristy things. That included walking in and around the 1st district, Stephansplatz and so on, taking a trip to Schönbrunn Palace, strolling through Meidling Shopping Centre (not much to see at all, but sometimes that's nice) and rounding up the day with Hunterwasser's Apartment design. 

The day was fruitfull as we rekindled a spark in our friendship that was longing to be ignited. I heard about her new found love and she sympathised with my usual dramas. I had a great day and it was filled purely with laughter and shitty tour guide skills.

Thank you for visiting me, beautiful lady. May all your dreams come true.

See you in Japan <3

Peace & Love,

Willow

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10 Tips for Making Friends

Now this post probably seems a little pre-school, I mean making friends? Well this is exactly it, there's nothing stopping you from expanding your horizons. For me, making friends this year that have few ties to my school life, relationships or just London as a city has been a big part of my growth. Quite frankly it happened organically (the way it should) though it will always help to keep some pointers in mind when being dropped into a situation with no familar faces...

1.The first point has to be smile. Smile! Smile. Smiileeee..  you'll be surprised how your friendly face can speak for you, opening up the possibilities for conversation.

2.Is your body language saying hello? Or don't talk to me? It makes a difference in how approachable you come across to others. Relax and be 'open'.

3.Make an effort. Take the time to actually talk to new people and ask them questions about their lives! Don't be a conversation hogger... friendship is a two-way street. 

4.Take the time to understand. You may not get along as well as you had liked when first meeting but as my Auntie always says to me, 'to know someone is to understand them.' This comes with time.

5.Patience is a virtue that is easier said than done. When finding yourself alone in a new environment it can feel quite lonely.  You have to be patient, not just with your surroundings but with yourself. It takes time to adjust.

6.Join a club. Not a nightclub- though it can be fairly easy to pick up friends between shots haha. Think of what you are currently in to and join a club, whether it be arts or yoga or the gym. Maybe even local football team or a bird watching society. There is plenty out there and as you are already interested in the theme of the club, you will find it easier to make connections with others.

7.Make an effort to learn some local lingo. This tip only applies if you are in a country where you don't speak the native language, but it could also be colloquial language too. I wouldn't know where to start with slang in Liverpool although I was born in the UK...

8.Leave the house. This seems fairly obvious but sometimes leaving your bedroom seems like the last thing you are willing to do. You just have to get out there, even if it seems like a lot to ask. 

9.Be confident in yourself. This is not always easily attained... confidence, but it is a journey that will come as part of your growth.

10.Finally belief. Believe? Yes, believe! Believe in yourself as a person! Similar to confidence but rather believe that you are worthy of friendship. You have all these great attributes that deserve to be shared with the world!

Peace&Love,
Willow

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SINES

The much anticipated arrival in Sines, Portugal did actually come too soon...

Wandering the quaint streets of Sines

Although by now I had huge bags under my eyes from lack of sleep and also kept falling asleep on the night watches, I did in fact want to keep sailing as now we were in Sines, it meant the wonderful journey was coming to an end. I was of course looking forward to going back to London and sharing my stories with my family and friends though the lifestyle of living in London is something, I learnt, that should not be taken lightly. The pollution, the bustle and the rudeness of Londoners was certainly something I was not looking forward to returning to. 

We arrived in Sines on the evening of the 26th April though unfortunately, the workers at the harbour had either gone home or were busy haha. We then ended up spending one more night anchored in the harbour before being escorted the following morning (27th) by the tugboats to the dock. After anchoring up and then having a crew meeting on deck of how things will now be running that we had arrived safely (no more watches thank goodness!!!) - we were free to go and explore Portugal! 

Before the meeting came to an end, the Captain announced he was to give out our certificates. One by one we shook hands and showed our appreciation to the Captain and crew for getting us there safely and allowing us aboard their home. It was a proud moment to say the least.

Giulliana, Lettie and I put on our flip flops and made a break for it!!! 

Just kidding haha. Touching concrete for the first time in a week and a half was slightly odd. I had gotten used to the smooth wood that surfaced the ship. It was however very satisfying. 'I've never been so happy to see land,' Lettie exclaimed as the three of us wandered off towards the town. The dock area was slightly industrial and not as pretty as what I had originally imagined my grand arrival on land to look like, but I wasn't complaining. After having a wander, we headed back for the BBQ lunch that had been arranged on board with everyone. Those that wished to attend were more than welcome, while some others (Old Americans- if you know, you know) were the first to pack their bags and book a hotel ashore. It was a lovely afternoon, leading up to the shenanigans of the evening to come... 'Sailors love to drink' is not just a rumor, I assure you!

You can tell this picture was taken by a sailor! Crooked!

So real celebration was overdue and now ashore, we were all allowed to drink! The ship had previously been 'dry' due to the nature of the tasks we were to complete and you had to be pretty alert whilst on watches etc. The evening of the first night was one to remember, arguably the best night of the trip. Not only was it just filled with love, and joy and alcohol but the anticipation leading up to it was what made it so great and we already had been told how crazy the Norwegians could get when there was booze involved. 

We sang and drank and danced and drank and chatted and laughed and everything in between. The poor locals of sleepy Sines hadn't known what hit them! One word... SUPERBOCK.

Our celebrations carried on into the night until the Norwegian trainees had to head back in time for their curfew. We as 'customers' technically didn't have a curfew and were left to roam the streets with the other trainees and crew members. After contemplating a trip to Lisbona for a night of clubbing, we decided to go for a drunken dip in the sea instead.
Task: Attempt getting into a hammock tipsy, whilst on a boat gently rocking with the waves- not for the faint hearted.

The following day was not received with hang overs, but rather excitement to actually see the small town. A group of us set off by foot and spent the day in and out of cobbled streets, shopping for souvenirs, eating lunch and of course a complimentary shot of sangria was involved.

Credits: Chris Williamson

We met another group later on at the beach and spent the afternoon sunbathing, swimming and once again drinking Superbock. It seemed like a nice life, sailing from pillar to post, seeing the world, meeting new people and understanding the basic needs in life (that being happiness, friendship and beer). It was a lifestyle I felt gave you real purpose as you woke up each day with a task at hand, get to your destination wherever it may be. You ate no more than you needed to as there was always food, yet you weren't ever really that hungry. You slept without problems as you worked so hard that you had no time to think about sleep, rather you just slept and of course you celebrated like it was the only cause worth celebrating because it was a true accomplishment to overcome the ocean. Many people fear the ocean because it is the unknown and so did I till it was all I could see around me, no land. When I looked around I felt a love deeper than any love I had known and a slight intrigue as I was slowly learning all about the unknown.

Once again we headed home, had some food and got ready for the night ahead. There was more of us going out on the second night and we were ready to rock it. At some point during the night we bumped into a man called John. He was a man of phew words that had sailed with us for the duration of the voyage, who in fact had a mega camera with an even mega lens. In our drunken sailor state the (approx.) 15 of us, in chorus yelled ' Johnnnn!' and next thing we knew, he was buying each and every one of us a round of drinks. Oh John, we can't forget you!

The final day was oh so bitter sweet. It was the day of the festival organised by the Tall Ships Regatta, where all the ships involved in the race would parade through the town and finally into the church yard ruins for the prize giving ceremony. 

Later that day we would return to the church yard for a huge party with free drinks and food! Woo Hoo! It was a day and night to remember.

The Sunday came around too fast and it was sadly time to go. Much like a movie it was pouring down with rain and we knew nothing about how we were getting to the airport. Greenwich council had forgotten to give us any details and so after Chis done some ringing around, we found out that they had forgotten to pick us up! Sad we were leaving our Norwegian companions we bid our farewells and walked with our heavy bags to the meeting point and eventually found the coach. We were finally on our way to the airport and absolutely drenched. 

Thank you for the pic Pierre! Haha!

It goes without saying that I made friends for life on this trip, who although I haven't seen in a while, do keep in contact with every now and then. I learnt so much from the Norwegian trainees on board about confidence, bravery and determination as they all work so hard to achieve. I also learnt a lot about myself, whether it be partially overcoming my fear of the dark or being a daredevil up on the rig. Sines was about coming together as a family. We were all once strangers and then slept, ate, relaxed and worked together to achieve a collective goal. We celebrated together once achieving this goal and formed bonds that will last a lifetime. Thank you Royal Borough of Greenwich for being my sponsor aboard the Tall Ships Regatta and thank you to beautiful Christian Radich of Oslo for this magnificent experience. 

Peace & Love,
Willow

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