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.'
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