Birthday in Mykonos

Once again, the suitcase was packed, ready to head for Mykonos.

It was not my first visit to this dynamic island and I have a feeling it shan't be the last. 
I arrived with EasyJet, just after noon, picked up my white, 'box' vehicle at the Europcar hire and managed to get lost (well, a little) on the way to Elena Hotel in the centre of town, with a car that did not seem to go further than a second gear at most hilly, some unpaved roads.  
Easy... Small island, close airport; perfect.

I fled London on my birthday to escape happy birthday songs and the obligatory cake! I know another year has passed and am happy with the thought. However, as I checked into my room, Aisha messaged me to join Pedro and other friends at Ftelia. It was a newly operated sandy beach, with a few gazebos, and scattered large cushions to lie on, bronzing (certainly my case), the delicate skin of the holidayer close to the blue, clear sea to swim at length in. I, immediately ordered a lentil and tuna salad which was wholesome and a sweet, fresh melon juice.
We spent a relaxing afternoon before heading back to our hotels to change and head to Ornos at the lovely sisters; Alesia and Danae's villa, to hook up with Aisha and other friends, get to meet new faces and watch the sunset. It was the first time I had made acquaintance of the girls and their warm welcome was followed by a cake with a candle and everyone singing Happy Birthday to me! Well, no getting away with that one.  Such a pleasant surprise it was.

After sunset, dinner was at Nautilus; a favourite, where the lady owner; Irene remembered me from the previous year.  En passant to the ladies' I told her it was my birthday and when I came back to the table, the birthday Greek song was being played and Irene appeared with a cake and candle while the large group at our table, accompanied by others, sang happy birthday to me! What again? So much for getting away from it all. A bit like the Monaco runaway bride.  Guess some things you cannot run away from in life.

We left the restaurant at a late hour to visit Guzel; the disco in town, by the sea. There again, can you believe, the very cute manager who also recalled my last visit from the year before, heard it was my birthday and brought a candle for me to blow in the club.  
Well, what can I say it actually felt like another special birthday spent in great company in Greece, three times over! They say third time lucky. Guess, time shall tell.

As though dancing in Guzel was not enough, the rest of the group; myself, the lively Soraya, accompanied by gorgeous Mazin and her close buddies; the slender Faris and his articulate partner, Rafi joined to visit Jacki 'O', the gay disco on the other side of the paved seaside. We danced the rest of the night away on tables and large, outdoor sofas until the dawn began to draw and walked our way back to our hotels.

what a way to start a holiday. The list of my friends seems endless and each and everyone of them, gives me a reason to be alive. Thank God for Every One of YOU.

Magic Live Concert at Hatfield House... Don't even think about it!

Well, there is no end to the fact... Life ain't easy! Not even at the best of times.

Last week passed with a new experience: running my friend Shiba's shop in her absence for a few days. She left me free to move things around and feel at home in the Shop she had created out of hard work and much love. As of her closing down sale sign, almost everyone who walked in expressed their sorrow at seeing Shiba leave. Some called it 'Alladin's Cave'; for others, it was one of the last few shops left, where you walked in to find anything and everything.  The kind that has been replaced by 'orderly modernism' or 'gentrifying'.  

The evenings were also busy, from meeting up with Troy for supper to playing cards at Lady Diba's with two old friends of hers, followed by an evening of a steak dinner for seven, prepared by Heidi and her hubby Berto with the presence of Anna, as a sort of a house warming (as I had missed the last two) and a celebration on the count of Heidi's new job. 

I meet people who are happy with their lives, others who are troubled by it, and most trying to make sense of it. Either way, life is a roller coaster, and any minute could bring a shiver up the spine; it could bring heights of joy or lows of sorrow. The news of my mother's health issue recently has got me concerned.  
We all react in different ways according to how we feel. It does not make it suitable to be selfish, but it helps to be more caring and understanding towards one another.
I visited the cinema in my neighbourhood alone on Saturday night to see the French movie 'The Trophy Wife' with Catherine Deneuve. It was amusing to watch 'the trophy wife' turn into 'the loved businesswoman'. Mmm...
  
Sylvia invited me to the Magic Live Festival at Hatfield House on Sunday, just outside London.  Reading the performances for the day online, it mentioned not bringing any food, drink, or picnic as this was provided on the grounds at various stalls.

I have never attended such a disorderly event!

The pick-up was due outside a station near me
Sylvia waiting, covered by a raincoat, to cheer me.
Time was only two; the festival was to go on till long after dusk
Standing still in the horrific traffic, we kept on our laughing mask
Two and a half hours later, parked on the green grass
I rushed out of the car, heading to the bushes, Oops! There went the class.
We walked through the grounds and finally made it to the festival
To be faced with mile-long queues, making us into a hungry pest-evil
The stone pizza seemed the choice; the queue for fish and chips was double the size
Wish I was more stoned, or the blue would appear in the skies
This could take forever; it could bring tears to my eyes.
As I got chatting with the boy behind, waiting to feed his pregnant fiancee
The concert by Lighthouse Family began; thank goodness it was not Beyonce.´
The boy kept our place as we headed to hear the performers
The sound could barely be heard; you would think they were worried about informers.
But all we could see were two screens. I may have stayed home under the duvet.
Rather than bearing the cold, the rain and the next queue for the Chinese buffet
We danced to the tunes, pretending it was 'singin' in the rain.' 
While hunger stroke, me stomach was doin' in me brain.
Got some sweeties, pick and mix like the movies
To hand them out to the boys, their humour had turned them into Groovies
There was I, back at the pizza stand
While Sylvia stayed behind for the Chinese brand.
It was eight thirty now, and Elton John had began
We scuffed through the pizza on the way out, so gran.'
Now... Where would we find our car?

All we knew it was going to be far  
We were directed...Oh! To the wrong car park
Impossible to find, I felt like a dog ready to bark.
The issue of the rain became no matter of concern
All we prayed for: 'Oh Lord! Our bed, we so yearn.'
Another hour and a half passed, walking the grounds in search
And what a sight you were, dear blue car, like a bell in a church.
Another visit to the nature loo was in the process
We made it home before midnight; that was crazy, I confess.

We went all the way to the Magic Summer Live concert, in heavy traffic, to queue for a pizza in the worst of a 'summer's day' (if it can be called that!), ate it standing like hungry dogs, then to arrive home, ten hours later.
However, we did take the experience with a pinch of salt and met some lovely people; the guy standing behind me, with a great sense of humour, kept us amused all along, and the new buddies, two boys, also funny, standing in front of me, helped us laugh through the traumatic experience.
As we got very close to the girl serving behind the pizza stand, one of the boys remarked:
"I'm getting an erection at the thought of talking to the girl, ordering my food."
"Me too," I added. "Think, I'm getting an erection too."
They looked at me in surprise and asked:
"Are you saying you've got a cock!"
"Not only a cock, honey," I answered, "I'm getting two balls with it."
Sylvia's great company, bearing my constant naughty remarks, was an absolute delight.

It was just another day... In another way.

Happiness Is Priceless

Isn't it a shame that people are judging you all the time when they should be concentrating on their well being? Starting with their mind and possibly unhappy lives?

On the wider picture... Life is beautiful and I choose to look at beauty and love that surround me.  It was another exhilarating weekend spent at a very dear friend's daughter's engagement party.  From the grown-up's celebrations, to the coolest party ever thrown at a nightspot, it was a pure pleasure to take part in it all. The Shoreditch private club with a funky decoration and the ensemble of an eclectic crowd with familiar faces, the great tunes of mostly House music played by the fabulous DJ and of course, superb company, made the night into one to be reminisced for years to come.

The company of the young energises me. It's refreshing.
I love babies because they react to you with their senses. Children are great; most times, as they tell you the truth, upfront and honestly. In general, with people, I feel very comfortable; only when they feel so in my company. Age is of no importance but I have seen certain people's reaction change when they actually hear that 'number', which is fine and feeling that kind of vibe, I simply move on. If you feel comfortable and enjoy someone's company, does anything else really matter?

Before the engagement party, Saturday afternoon was spent in the company of my very Dear friend Ernest. A very late lunch, followed by a conversation over a bottle of bubbly. I confessed to my friend:
"You know Ernest, I go to parties alone at times, feeling strange at first, being on my own. But immediately I realised, it was me and my five personalities entering, 'So don't you worry girl'!"
Ernest loved my comment, he burst into laughter and said:
"Love your line, can I use it?"
"But of course Cheri," I replied.
Soon after, a text arrived from Sabella; visiting London, with whom we had spent bonding times on holiday in India previously and asked if we could get to the party together with her loving husband Sohi.

Talking to Ernest had taken us to 10 p.m. and he left as I got ready to pick up my companions en route to Shoreditch. And my five personalities came along!  haha
The best therapy is to be able to laugh at oneself.  It makes life so much more fun.
Upon entrance, Aisha's warm hug and the bride-to-be's loving welcome continued with more kisses from other friends, which was a great start to the night.  Another glass of bubbly in hand, we mingled, Sabella took more photos... There was love in the air.
The theme of the party was 'Who do I wanna be when I grow up', I had a messy bouffant chignon especially designed by my wonderful friend and hairdresser Dez that afternoon with what I call my Tina Turner outfit with a tight fitted dress almost covered by tassels from top to knee, in a light brown/tanned colour and high heels; in the hope that the height of my shoes would keep me away from going to Fabric at the end of the night!
"And who have you come as?" Enquired my buddy Alexi.
"Oh!  As me." I answered laughingly.

We danced, talked and bonded further with different groups of friends; old and new.
As the night progressed into the early hours of the morning and the closing down of the party kicked in, I recall the girl next to me, commenting:
"The guy with the dog hanging from his collar creeps me up every time I look at it."
"What dog?" I asked in a puzzle.
Suddenly, there stood a tall guy, indeed with a puppet dog hanging down his t-shirt collar with a heart attached to its mouth. It must have been a great night as I don't remember too much except the fit guy with a dog and his friend, standing next to him, looking rather dashing and hot.  
"Is that the doggy that's scaring you?" I enquired as my hand went straight towards the puppy on the fit guy's collar, squeezing its face and the heart attached to the dog's mouth.  It was so soft that I carried on my action another time.
"Aah!" Was my next remark.

I honestly cannot recollect what happened exactly next, although I was totally 'with it', or so I thought, but I do remember the two friends flirting with me and I, asking them if they were friends of the bride or groom, to which they answered none.  
Shortly after, the club was closing and they asked if I would like to join them for a 'chill out' with music at their place, to which I must have answered 'yes' as we left in a taxi back to their apartment, close by!  Mmm...
Now... You know what they say... What happens behind closed doors... Stays behind closed doors... Or did I make that up?!

On a last note, for the next two days starting tomorrow, I shall be running my great pal, Shiba's shop in Barnes for her, as she will be away attending her adorable boy's graduation.Today, I went to take the key to The Shop from her in the afternoon and upon meeting her friend Olivia who happens to be a TV personality without a single chip on her shoulder, got chatting. After a little while, the subject diverted to Bloody Marys and we decided to go down to the pub, almost next door and purchase three... And so we did.
We continued the evening, after closing The Shop, at the same pub, where Rachel; the gorgeous florist friend of Shiba's joined, amongst Stan; her devoted longtime partner and Billy; Olivia's amicable contractor who happened to be passing by. So, we conversed, laughed, dined and spent a brilliant evening in groovy company.

Live freely.  
As Olivia mentioned: "After all, those who matter don't mind... And those who mind... Don't matter." 

The Monaco Runaway Bride!

Audrey and I had arranged to meet at Nice airport for our 'Tour de France', certainly not on bicycles. 

We gave way to the idea of hiring a car and took the bus to Juan Les Pins, our hotel Helios, close to the sea.  Our first night was the beginning of catching up on the news of the past years.  
the first day was spent, lying in the sun, by the Mediterranean Sea with the help of a bottle of Provence rose, enjoying the warmth of summer and the smell of the gentle breeze from the sea.

While checking my emails on the following day, my brother Soltan came to chat and asked whether the reason for my visit was to attend the Monaco Royal Wedding!  
"No idea that was happening," I exclaimed. "When is it?"
"It begins tomorrow," Soltan informed me.

This was followed by a 'coup de telephone' from my friend Rashid, the artist residing in Cote d'Azur, giving me the latest news regarding the Royal wedding. Upon briefing him of our intention to visit Monaco, he said:
"Haven't you heard the latest gossip?"
"No," I answered.
"The bride was caught at Nice airport a couple of days ago, trying to get away." Rashid went on excitedly, "Allegedly, the Prince already has a 19-year-old daughter with an American mother in California and a son of about 6 from a 'Togolaise' air hostess, now living in Monaco."
"But the rumours are endless," I interrupted, "Don't some say he's gay!"
Rashid took no notice of my remark and continued:
"There's more... The manager of Monaco Football has been sacked due to the team losing the last games.  Now, his wife has come out with anger towards the Prince for not giving them his support and said that her son is from Albert too!"
"Oh, Dear!" Must say, I was somewhat amused.
"The security guards found Charlene at Nice airport, trying to run away,"  Rashid went on. "confiscated her passport in the hope that the Prince's entourage could persuade her to stay after the outbreak of him, fathering a third love child!"
He added: "Is there going to be a wedding?"
"Too late to cancel now!" I expressed, "Who knows?!"

That evening, dinner was in an open-air restaurant, newly opened in Old Town Nice, accompanied by Audrey, meeting my childhood friend; Ruby, now residing on the French Riviera. It is such a joy meeting up with friends of the past. We all change in time, some more than others and if we manage to have a chance to re-bond later in life, there is so much less to explain.  
After a mediocre dinner, walking through the almost empty pedestrianised streets of the old town, reminded me of the crowd of tourists swamping the area in mid-summer. I did notice posters of a Jean Michel Jarre concert in Monaco, in honour of Prince Albert and Charlene, as a highlight of the first day of the Royal wedding.

On the big day, Ruby joined me for lunch at the Helios beach in Juan Les Pins. Our friendly waiter made a remark about the runaway bride so I enquired further and he said:
"She went to Nice airport with a one-way ticket to South Africa and got caught by the security."
"Really?" We exclaimed.
"Mais oui," he continued. "I heard it from my father. You see, in Belgium, it's a free press unlike here, so we hear the real news."

On the night of the concert, Audrey and I caught a buzzing train to Monaco and talked throughout the half-hour journey. Arriving at Monaco, we followed the crowd towards the marina, where the concert was being held.

At dusk, the innovative concert of lasers, and synchronised fireworks by the electropop veteran began in Port Hercules. Prince Albert and Charlene came on stage to show their gratitude to Jean Michel Jarre.  

Leaving Antibes on a five-hour train journey to Paris, Audrey and I discussed the lack of warmth, having watched the wedding the following day on TV.  

"It was sad to see Charlene burst into tears as she handed her bouquet away," I said.

"And did you see Albert's unsupportive look towards her?" My friend pointed out.

"After the most amazing diamond and pearl necklace Charlene was wearing on stage on the night of the concert," I proceeded, "He must have said, 'Now honey, this wasn't part of the deal, get a hold of yourself'!"

The show must go on...

In my thoughts... Really, who knows what goes on behind closed doors between any couple? How many people get married for convenience and status rather than pure love? Could it be the curse of the Grimaldis as some would describe? Or simply being in the limelight of fame that brings so much speculation to the targeted individuals. Whatever the answer may be, best to leave people to deal with their issues. I, for one, wish them all the best.

Going back to the words of the delightful Dalai Lama:

'If you can, help others. If you cannot do that, don't harm them.'

Chateau de Versailles - Revisited

Aaaah! Where do I begin...  
I got home last night on the last Eurostar train from Paris; simply taken aback and astounded by the colourful events of the past few weeks. So instead, I slept through the two-hour twenty-minute journey.

Today, on my first day back, a boxing session with Paolo turned into a stretching one instead. I needed to ease the pain of all the walking, sightseeing, climbing through mud, shopping etc., from this exhausted body. Soon, it was time to meet Troy and Dylan for a very late lunch.  
Later on in the afternoon, from my bedroom window, I watched the elderly man staring at the plants and flowers he and his wife so lovingly plant in the gardens below. Every time I look out, he is standing there, at the same spot, observing the evolution of his nurtured fruition.  It makes me think how content they seem to be in each other's company. They have visits from their children and grandchildren, they watch their plants grow in the heart of a buzzing city and they seem happy. If only life was as simple as this perfect picture I see here.  

On the other side of the ground floor, lives Mrs Black. She is entertaining to watch, as the petite elderly lady barely sits still. Mrs Black was leaving through her patio gate, leading to the gardens dressed elegantly in red, with a hat of course. Another night out in town no doubt. I got her to smile, in a girlish way, from my Romeo and Juliet balcony, I looked down and complimented her on the red outfit she wore.
"The lady in red," I said, "And very becoming, if I may say."
And here's me, the tourist neighbour.

Last week was spent in France in the company of Audrey. A friend I met in London when we were 20 years of age and with whom I had lost touch for decades. At the time she was visiting London from California; where she had resided the past few years and after countless attempts to find my telephone number had failed, she accidentally met Hala on a street corner. We kept in touch since and decided to spend a holiday in France together. On our first night in Juan Les Pins, we talked our way through dinner, over a bottle of Provence rose, at the Helios restaurant on the beach and did not get to bed until 3.30 a.m., whereas my friend looked at her watch and said shockingly:
"Haldita! It's 3.30, I've Never slept so late in my life!"
And we burst into laughter at how I keep my friends up! But surely, it's not just up to me.

At the end of our week in France, we visited Chateau de Versailles on the 5th of July, the day after Independence Day, could not quite believe the number of times I heard Americans speak in cafes and restaurants in Paris.

I could well recall my first visit to Versailles in April two years ago with Dylan and Beata and here I was again, seeing the gardens in full bloom, plus the interiors of the grand palace with Audrey, her friend Hamilton, his sister Clara and their friend, Sima, all visitors from California.  
We caught the train RER once again to Versailles Rive Gauche and walked along the wide tree-lined street under the bluest of skies, protected by the shade of the leaves, yet feeling the heat of the sun. Terrible to admit, but we kind of barged our way through the long-standing crowd into the glass interiors, to face the magnificence of the grandeur of the palaces once occupied by Kings and Queens of France; The Louis era, revisited!

A good start. Don't you just love a man who can carry the weight of an angelic woman! 

How come the saying does not reverse into 'behind every successful woman is a man?'

It does imply at times I guess. After all, Lady Thatcher had one.

The featured modern exhibits (like the one behind the gates in the picture below) were new to the grounds of Versailles.

The glitter of gold under the sun was most dominant throughout the exterior of the palace. We entered the second building on the right to begin our tour.

Walking into the majestic gardens, so immaculately cultivated in full bloom of the most delicate flowers, Clara commented 'en passant':
"I'd hate to be the gardener here!"
So immaculately cultivated.

After lunch in one of the many restaurants in the vicinity, We wandered around the gardens towards the fountain for a promised 'musical fountain show' which did not take place and made way back to view more of the majestic interiors. 

Walking through the main hallway with many otherworldly visitors, with only a few windows open, it was the magnitude of splendour in the design that kept us going through room after room. Well, that and the fact that there was no other way out!

There was a sign, directing us to the King's bedroom; 'La chambre de roi'.
I asked the young girl attendant in French:
"And could I touch the King's bed?"  
She looked at me rather bewildered, so I laughed. She cheekily replied:
"No. You can't lie on his bed either!"
"Quel domage!" (What a shame), I continued:
"Perhaps in another lifetime."
On that note, we made our way to the lavish quarters in red and gold. Followed by the 'Chambre de la Reine'; a most delicate, softly colourful display of exquisite French style; fit for a Queen.

On our way out, I noticed the priest demonstrating an amusing subject on what looked like his latest gadget; his mobile! Seems no one can get away from modern technology in this day and age.




Audrey and I left our friends behind at Versailles, to head to the railway station, as my booked taxi was awaiting at our apartment, to deliver me to Gare du Nord, for the last train home to London.

It may be a cliche but great times in fabulous company are to be cherished... Always.