Stepping off the plane, a wave of warm, fragrant air enveloped them, a stark contrast to the chilly mornings they had left behind. The airport bustled with happy chatter and the rhythmic clatter of luggage trolleys. Finding their pre-booked car was a breeze, and soon Dad was navigating the unfamiliar roads, a wide grin fixed on his face. Lily pressed her nose to the window, pointing at palm trees and the distant shimmer of the sea, while Tom excitedly scanned for signs written in Spanish, practicing the few words he knew.
The drive to their villa was a journey through picturesque landscapes. Rolling green hills gave way to charming white-washed villages, and every so often, the glittering turquoise expanse of the Mediterranean peeked through the trees. The car filled with a chorus of 'oohs' and 'aahs' as they absorbed the vibrant new world around them. Even Mom, who usually preferred quiet contemplation, found herself excitedly planning their first island adventure.
Finally, they pulled up to a beautiful villa, nestled amidst bougainvillea and olive trees. A sparkling blue swimming pool beckoned invitingly in the afternoon sun. Before Dad had even fully parked, Lily and Tom were out of the car, sprinting towards the gate. 'Look, a pool!' Lily shrieked, already imagining cannonballs, while Tom was captivated by the lush garden, a potential hunting ground for fascinating insects.
The inside of the villa was just as welcoming, light and airy with comfortable furniture. Suitcases were practically thrown open, a whirlwind of swimsuits and flip-flops emerging. There was an unspoken agreement: unpacking could wait. The lure of the water, after all that travel, was simply too strong. Within minutes, the sound of splashing and joyful shouts echoed from the backyard, as Lily and Tom had their first, refreshing dip.
As the golden hour approached, casting long shadows and painting the sky in hues of orange and pink, the Miller family found themselves on a nearby beach. The sand was soft and warm beneath their feet, the gentle waves lapped at the shore, and the sea was every bit as clear and inviting as they had imagined. This was it, the beginning of their Ibizan dream, already more wonderful than they had dared to hope.