A Dozen Tips that may save your Holiday in Ibiza

Dont Mess with the Guardia
  1. The locals on the Island are Tolerant but not Permissive. They are open-minded and liberal to new and different styles of behavior and personality, as long as there is a certain amount of discretion adhered to. Many people not from the Island, sometimes mistake Tolerance for Permissiveness, which can easily lead to an overnight stay at the local police station.
  2. Ibiza is a hotbed of political and cultural activity. As the Island is small, everybody knows everybody. Its a dog eat dog environment when its comes to buisness on the Island and there is often more territorial squabbles and infighting, than a series of the Sopranos. Catalan, is the predominate, but not exclusive culture.
  3. In Ibiza, Tourists may be refereed to as "Turistas" or "Langostas". Its local slang for the hoards of mainly British, package tourists than descend on the Island each summer. Langosta is Spanish for lobster, which refers to the pale skinned tourists that turn red in the midday sun, while drinking copious pints of Beer...... Alien behavior to the local culture.
  4. As in most cases around the world, Big Business has a strong influence on local politics. The indigenous Fiesta Hotels Group, is controlled by the powerful and respected Matutes Family, bankers and high level politicians on the Island, for well over a century.
  5. There are three levels of policing in Ibiza. The Policia Local who deal with traffic and minor disturbances, The Policia Nacional, the administrative wing who also deal with major crimes and the Guardia Civil, an armed military style force, not from the local area and stationed in Barracks. They are identified by their green uniforms and berets, and its not always a pleasant experience to meet one on duty. A very important piece of advise, is not to mess with them, as they do not suffer fools gladly especially "Turistas"
  6. Do not use an illegal Taxi in Ibiza, as they are not licensed. They are operated by shady characters, driving unsafe vehicles with no insurance. They come with a health warning and are a magnet to local police who hunt them down with vengeance, supported by the local Taxi Association. If it doesn't have a green light on the roof or a "SP" plate on the back...dont get in them! 
Coming soon.......Stay tuned for the second installment of  A dozen tips that may save your Holiday in Ibiza  !!

Here is a link to the next 6 tips http://dannykayibiza.blogspot.com/2011/05/dozen-tips-that-may-save-your-holiday.html