Someone like me on the island???

Someone suggested I'd written the article below copied from http://www.theibizasun.com/

It's not me but I like her style....I sense it's a woman. If she's reading this, 'Eee the's fire in tha belly!' You know, I was so eager to get to the demo in Ibiza I went two weeks early! Yep...turned up with my placard and packed sandwich to find no-one there. It eventually dawned on me I'd read the date wrong.

Article...

Are these people mad?

What on earth are these loony politicians doing changing the opening hours of the island's "world famous" bars and discotheques? I simply can't believe that "they believe" this will have a positive effect on the island's tourism industry. If anything, it has already had a negative reaction from the loyal masses that make their annual pilgrimage to one of the most unique bits of rock on our planet! Do these politicians not have the internet, television or even radio?? If they did they would have soon realised that the "death of Ibiza" has been plastered all over it for the past 5 months and I'm not just talking about within the prosperous dance, discotheque and bar scene. There is absolutely no way that the family holiday- makers are going to replace and generate the sort of trade that is soon to be lost by sanctioning the one industry that has almost single handedly brought wealth and fame to Ibiza. Why do I say that, you ask?

Firstly - Greed. These politicians honestly believe that if they get rid of the discotheques "more worthwhile" tourists will arrive. Why should they? This island has completely overpriced itself years and years ago. Ibiza is now known, solely, for being dear. If you travel to Mainland Spain and the rest of Europe the pricing difference is incredible and everybody knows that nowadays. It's laughable. Ibiza is expensive for everything and anything. But why? "...because it's an island..." I hear. Absolute rubbish!! It's because they have been getting away with it for donkey's years! That's why! Well not any more we all hope. I really can't believe a family will pay 5/6 euros for a single breakfast and 3.50 euros for a single pint of coke filled to the brim with ice usually. Let alone the price for booze! My God! You have to get a second mortgage out to get a round in at some bars and they certainly are not going to drop the prices are they?

Secondly, millionaires.. We all know that Ibiza has become a millionaires' playground which is a good thing for the economy and the government should harness this. Start taking there toys away from them and, obviously, they will not come back to play and the majority certainly do not live here all summer and sustain the economy. That is why many of these people arrived here in the first place because of the notoriety of Ibiza. I tell you what, let's build a golf course or two, throw up some five star hotels and be like every other resort in the world but not forgetting, far more expensive. Sounds like a great idea to me. HMMMMMMMM, I think not.

Thirdly, Facilities. Where are they? What is there for families to do that rivals other established family holiday destinations? Ooops. Stop me! We have a fantastic water park and some high-tech trampolines and sophisticated bouncy castles dotted around. That's not the best bit though. You and I both know that many businesses have been up and running over the years and have tried to enhance family trade but guess what? They have been plagued by ridiculous denuncias by he who must not be named. Talk about jealousy from rival, bitter business owners. The sheer hypocrisy of the powers at be rapidly causing Ibiza to sink into the Med.

Fourthly, the beaches. Ibiza is very beautiful with some of the most fabulous beaches in the world. The last time I went to Cala d´hort I had a little paddle, jumped in, was having a lovely swim and then........" Ouch, bugger me, B######S "!! Jelly fish! Bloody everywhere. And it's the same everywhere for months on end at many beaches. But they have a fantastic defensive method for fighting these swarms. ONE lifeguard hopelessly tiptoeing around with a fishing net from one of the beach shops (purchased at around 250 euros, not inclusive of IVA or a tip, mind you) trying to scoop these tiny but painful creatures out. Unbelievable!! And if they do have larger nets protecting the shorelines they certainly do not work. Can you imagine your baby or toddler coming into contact with these! All I can say is just have a look at the way Miami Beach, Florida deals with a very similar problem. But, I hasten to add, that might cost the authorities money. A bit like the motorways did, that didn't cause any disruption did it. I don't know why they bothered building them at all because if they keep on going the way they are the only thing going down these roads will be tumbleweeds and some red faced politicians with an angry mob of p####d off, tooled up Ibizencans running after them. But, what are we to know?

Ibiza has been in trouble since the euro arrived in 2002. Tourism has dropped so the prices have gone sky high. Logical, I think not! Please, I urge these people to take a big, long look at what they are doing. "Why,why,why chop off the hand that has fed the island for decades?"

I can totally understand that the politicians wish to curb Ibiza's social problems but by pushing droves of people away can only be a bad thing. Wouldn't it be better for these problems to be policed more efficiently and effectively and not eradicated. For example. have more resources dealing with the clubs. The opening and closing fiestas are far more heavily policed. Music and people having fun will never stop and sooner or later another area of the world will embrace the dance culture and rape Ibiza of it's wealth. If anything the dance scene is growing, just look at the UK´s Top Ten nowadays - embrace that fact, surely.

The UK has relaxed it's licensing laws dramatically over the last few years and it is working fine for them. In the UK cities the clubs can flourish 24 hours a day BUT they are policed suitably to protect the society that surrounds them. Wake up Ibiza smell the coffee! Yes, the UK has a binge drinking problem but that is the UK. This is Ibiza, Ibiza is a holiday resort. People come here to let there hair down, to have fun. It's not complicated.

The ´White Isle´ has been known as the "Party capital of the world" since the 1980´s. What an honour you would think. No,no,no the king is dead. Long live the new king! One that stands for greed, hypocrisy and not knowing a good thing when you're being slapped around the face with it. Now that´s something to be proud of don´t you think? What a shame that Ibiza wants to be just like every other holiday resort and, yes, Ibiza is breathtakingly beautiful with a fascinating culture but without that special sparkle she really is just another holiday destination in your Thomas Cook brochure. Sorry, but that is the truth. There is a dreadful smell in the air and it smells like the demise of her economy. Long live the king.. Never! And is it me or is it extremely expensive to fly here. It must be me, I've probably caught "Ibiza-itus" which effects rationality, sensibility and logic basically sending me absolutely bonkers. It must be catching!!

For my final thought, I really think that tampering with the island´s tourist attractions is a brilliant idea especially when the euro is so unstable. NOT! (see "ibiza-itus" again) Anyone fancy a trip to America this year, it´s 2 dollars to the pound? I do. I imagine many more will follow suit.

P.S. Just a quick word of warning. Be careful of inviting anyone to your home in the morning because the ´fun - police´ are lurking behind the bushes just waiting to fine you. Also, I've heard their next step is to ban smiling in public, so watch out. Pathetic!!

Many thanks. A friend of hers.

ANON