In A Day With... Agustina Basaldua
Firstly, are you able to tell us a little about you and your family; where is your hometown, where are you living at the moment and what do you do ?
We're from Argentina. Coral was born in Barcelona, and when he was 4 months old, we moved to Ibiza. Initially, it was just for the Summers, but we've been here year-round for almost 3 years now. I work as a psychologist, providing online and in-person services, and we have boats in Ibiza that we rent for charters.
You and your partner have spent some time sailing around, how did this adventure come about ?
When I met Delfin, he was already living in Barcelona and had recently bought a small sailboat with the plan of learning to sail and crossing the Atlantic, so I really liked the plan and joined in. We first spent eight months in Barcelona learning and preparing the boat, and then we spent almost two years travelling. We started in Spain and ended in Panama. In the end, the plan to cross the Atlantic was just another part of the trip. The best part was seeing incredible, very different places and people from all over the world.
Do you have a most memorable experience whilst sailing ?
What I liked most about the sailing experience was getting to know so many places, from Caribbean islands with stunning natural beauty, African countries like Morocco,
Indigenous places like the Kuna Yala in Panama, and being able to reach Los Roques in Venezuela- places that are harder to reach by land today.
I also got to meet people from all over the world, of different ages.
There's something so beautiful about the water community, because we're so few, and most are very helpful to each other. When we arrived somewhere new, we'd grab the dinghy and go greet the neighboring boats or join several people on the beach.
I am sure living this way taught you many things; what lessons did living aboard teach you ? And in the same way, what were some challenges you had ?
What I learned most from sailing was patience, surrendering a little to the journey.
On a sailboat, time is slow and you can't rush it; you have to surrender to it because you depend on the weather. This helps you let go of control a little because there's something bigger than you that moves you.
I also learned that we don't need much in this life. Our sailboat was very small, and we couldn't carry many things with us, so I liked the sensation of living devoid of material things.
What was hardest for me was feeling like I was distancing myself from the world, from being productive, from working in what I loved, which was related to psychology. I felt like I wouldn't be able to reintegrate into this socioeconomic world. Later, when we returned, I realised that these were limitations only in my head, but many times they didn't let me fully enjoy the present… and I regret that.
How do you usually start your day ?
I get up when my son gets up and the first thing I always do is put the kettle on to heat water for the maté; A very typical infusion from Argentina and Uruguay.
What does your dream day look like ?
I guess it depends on the day, but I always like to start the morning slowly, to spend some time somewhere surrounded by nature. I like my job and enjoying my family and friends.
What is your beauty routine ? Do you have any favourite natural products or skincare rituals ?
I don't have a routine. I'm pretty bad at it, and I don't use many products either. Right now, I wash my face and I'm using a Midnight serum that I really like and a L'Occitane cream. That's it. I think sometimes less is more.
Do you have a favourite scent ? If so, where does it take you ?
I love the smell of pine trees mixed with the sea, it takes me back to my childhood, to Summer.
Are there any food or health philosophies that guide how you and your family eat ?
The rule I try to follow is pretty basic: all natural products, no preservatives or processed products. I like products that come from nature itself. I try to apply the same rule to beauty products.
What is your favourite way to move your body ? Does movement play a part in your everyday routine?
I'm changing. When we were traveling, I actually moved a lot naturally, sailing, swimming, exploring new places. In recent years, I've lost some of that natural movement and started doing reformer pilates, which I really like.
I also think the best thing is to have a life where movement is a part of it, not just as exercise.
When do you feel your most confident, beautiful and happy ?
When I'm doing what I love, in nature and with a community, whether it's family or friends.
Are there any old-school natural remedies that you always have on hand for you and your family ?
Ginger, lemon, and honey tea is my favourite. We never gave Coral allopathic remedies, sometimes homeopathic remedies.
If there was one piece of advice that you could teach/instil in your children, what would it be ?
That it's okay to be who you are and to never stop experiencing life with the same innocence
If you were to choose 5 ingredients to have in your kitchen, what would they be ? (Practical or impractical !)
garlic
lemon
eggs
rice
onions
To part, are you able to leave us with a favourite recipe of yours ?
I love pasta with broccoli.
I chop the broccoli and add a lot of garlic and cook it in a pan with olive oil, adding salt and plenty of pepper. I cook the pasta separately and then add it to the pan with the broccoli, mix everything together, add a little cheese, and that's it.
