Starting today Montreal is a non-smoking city (the ban applies throughout Quebec). No smoking, not even in bars — a big change for the culture. Predictably, people went out with one last immense puff of glory last night… I’m still in Barcelona so thankfully didn’t have to put up with that toxic cloud — but I can’t wait to check out the newly smokeless Montreal scene! Soon enough.
Spent an extended weekend in Ibiza, including a day in Formentera. A mix of delight and disgust — the sights are beautiful (no, I’m not just talking about the “human sights” ;-), the water is transparent, the rock formations magical and the locals have a nice relaxed way of life. The disgust comes from the manic tourism and development (especially in places like Eivissa city and Sant Antoni). I had little interest in going to the largest club in the world or drinking myself silly until 8am. Ouf, I can’t imagine this place in summer… Our hostal was small and inexpensive (caught the tail end of low season), out of town on the coast, with a perfect view of the sunset.
Now if only they’d implement that smoking ban in Spain it would be perfect…