Enchanting... Inspiring

After a delicious meal (in all senses) with two of my most recent travel companions, Kelly and Ernest, at Sushi-Say near Willesden, I was only naturally inspired to write.

I managed to arrive early! To meet my friends. My text to Kelly upon picking Ernest up read: 'Mon Dieu! I'm early!!! & Ernest is not here. Never been in that situation before! What to do.  What to do. Haha. It's fine. I'll cope. See ya, Baby xxx'.
Once the three of us sat at the table in the Japanese restaurant, Kelly looked at me in a slightly suspicious way and said:
"You look well, Haldita. So, how have you been?"
I looked at my friend with a cheeky smile, head tilted, eyes rolling, and gave her a slight nod.
"Of course," Kelly murmured in her exquisite, womanly manner, "Oh! Go on then, what have you been up to?"

"I met someone considerably older than myself," I began, "At Shiba's birthday bash, and she made me do my special dance in front of her guests three times over! While I tried to play some cool house music, I seemed to have made an impact with my moves."
"You see," Ernest added. "You always get to meet guys! Go on."
"The party started as a girls' night for Shiba's birthday when these two guys who knew someone there appeared. They disappeared, but towards the end of the night, they returned to join our group, which was mixed by then. One guy looked particularly 'interesting', so we got chatting, and after the dance, he asked me not to drive home for safety reasons and stay at a friend's in the vicinity, namely his place." 
At this point, Ernest, digging deep into the soya chicken with his chopstick, got excited and managed to slide the stick into the sauce and there it was... Soya everywhere! But no harm done.  
Laughingly, Kelly said, "I think that was meant for you, Haldita! I wanted to slap you with that grin when I asked how you were!" She brushed her hand in the air to show her physical reaction.

The plates of mouth-watering courses kept changing as our conversation steamed up.
"Let me tell you, we didn't go back to his place, but he's so fit for a man of that age!" I was being judgemental. "Besides, I've hardly been out with an older man! We've met a few times since, and he rocks my boat for now."
"So ...?" Ernest wondered after listening deeply into the conversation.
"You know me," I uttered, "Actually, I don't know me! Who knows?!"

Ernest went on to tell us of his exciting past weeks of golfing and general business talk.  
Kelly mentioned an incident of betrayal amongst friends, and how she went to see a movie made by a director she was acquainted with and told the story to, only to come across that same storyline in the film. Hopefully, the couple missed that movie!
Then again, movies are made from life, and life is made of film.

As most of the week had passed with working towards my new project with Charlotte and with the last of the summer sun blasting through the streets of London, I decided to take Thursday off for Pilates, followed by an afternoon of pleasure, lying in the sun, by the pool at the private Hurlingham Club in their newly refurbished surround at Bardo's invite. A great girl whose friendship has been nothing but pleasure and total loyalty from both parties. There was much catching up as we lay by the clear blue swimming pool, on sunbeds, under the cloudless sky and the warm heat of the last summer sun... In bliss.

Today, I even took Troy for lunch under the sun, followed by a tour around his new pub, all newly decorated by his hard work, looking smashing. It is incredible how the decoration of a place can totally change its image. Besides, the energy you put into a place makes it much more special. The New Inn is fab. Well done, my friend.

Thursday evening, I had to rummage through the packed summer clothes and de-closet my navy, shelled, fitted dress for an enchanting and inspiring evening at Leighton House near Holland Park.  
Tree of Life - Visions from Gardens of Eden was the exhibition by Suad Al Attar, an Iraqi born who was described in the Independent as 'Through her brushstrokes and scraping, she turns pain to beauty'. 'She offers the opportunity of listening to poetry with the eyes'. Suad believes:  "Your identity is what you do, not who you are married to".  
Or who your father is.  

We are on our own to make it... Or break it.
Paintings by Suad Al Attar.

 

Sprinkle Joy!

How can we hold grudges against anyone we have disputed with and love? When the reality is... We could be gone any second now?!

The subject keeps popping up, and there is no question each time: if there has been no deep pain caused, then don't waste time talking about it... 'You said this' and 'I did that'. If I feel genuinely happy to see my friend again, there is nothing further to add but get straight back into the love I felt for them before silly disputes. It does not always work, as the feeling has to be mutual, but we have a saying... 'The hearts are connected', meaning that however we feel about the other is mutual.  

Friday was spent chiefly re-organising my clothes for the coming of winter... Ouch!  Thinking of the chilly, dark winters gives me the creeps; it's best not to think about it until it arrives. 'There's no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing', the Swedish proverb says.  Or is it?
A dear family friend invited me to dinner at a (what used to be) prestigious gambling club in Mayfair.  It was a long time since I had visited a casino. It's not one of my favourite scenes, mainly because I don't gamble.  Sitting in the outside comfortable smoking area, the comprehensive news screen was on, but there was no sound. I am happy to report that the weather in London showed 27 degrees for next week! Shoot. I just packed every single piece of summer clothing. Oh well!

Based on the note above, Friday evening was a drive over the river Thames to see Shiba at her belated birthday party at Coco's private room in Barnes.  She had asked me to fetch some CDs to play on her due, where I saw Niel and Rory. Gosh! We last met at their wedding four years ago or soon after. It was an absolute treasure to be reunited. The presence of Olivia and Rachel, with whom I may well be working in future, added further flavour to the night. Plus, newcomers to be acquainted with. No one in the restaurant complained about the music upstairs, and I had brought enough CDs to play all night, so the evening went on till late.  
It was a mutual agreement between us, how good friends with whom we have experienced love and shared good times are precious and on the fact that everything else was silly. Again, let bygones... Be bygones and cherish the moments with a better understanding of what really matters. Mutual Love.

It was fun last week to spend one evening catching up with another old buddy and another, being invited for a bite and drinks by one of the Hvar connections, Kam. We did not get a chance to talk much at my party, as he mentioned later:
"Haldita, we got talking when you finally had the time to sit, and as we got into an interesting story, you disappeared again, never to return!"
"Haha ..." I laughed. "I know, sorry, but I never seem to sit still at my gatherings! I wanna make sure everyone is happy, the doorbell rings, etc."
We finally managed to meet and talk.  He is definitely going on my list of many favourite friends.  

Talking to Kam also brought scenes of Mykonos back to mind. Kam had left when I arrived, so we only met in Hvar. Most of all, I keep recalling the smiley faces of the boys everywhere we went in Mykonos. From the beach parties at Nammos to the clubs at night.  They brought joy wherever they went. It's a shame I cannot join them for their next global end-of-summer party. But a girl's gotta work, you know?!

Life is amazing... And it's only gonna get better! And better.  
How else would one deal with the madness of the ongoing, daily life crisis?

More of Mykonos in July

It is not how we fall but how we pick ourselves up that lessens the pains of aching.

I have no idea what made me think of those words! Or do I?
The life we lead is a choice we make. Of course, luck has something to do with it, but if we were 'truly' aware of 'the power our mind possesses', don't you believe our lives would change?  
On my last appointment with Maygol, for a boost of universal responsiveness by a five-element acupuncture, she profoundly said:
"You can't expect an eagle to behave like a mouse!"
In other words, we are born as we are. Each of us has different strengths, views and ways of dealing with matters. There is no right or wrong to the way we react to situations. We each have our own reasoning.

My memories take me back to July in Mykonos this year...
After the long afternoon and evening of birthday celebrations, the next day started on Paraga beach with Soraya, Mazin, Faris and Rafi. Not long before, Faris stood up at the seafront and began dancing. Between us, we managed to entertain at the beach and later at the restaurant where the DJ was playing.  
Nevertheless, time was scarce, and the sunset cocktails at Serge and Sergio's marvellous villa awaited us. An international set of jet setters turned up to sip on aperitifs and watch a flaming sky behind a sun setting down into the sea, soon to turn into darkness.
"Come on, everyone," Aisha announced to the remainder of the guests at the end of the party, "We've a booking at Kalina restaurant.  Hurry."
I was talking to an interesting French artist in Mykonos who invited me to his gallery. He also did mention:
"Since you're interested in the arts, here's my number.  You're welcome to drop by with your friends 'pour un verre' (for a glass of wine), and I recommend you try and come. But everyone keeps saying they'll never make it on holiday here."
He was right; although I was keen to go, I never made it. Hopefully, next time. 
The evening ended after dinner at Kalina's.

The following day, lunch was at Nammos Beach, where the best of chill-out music was being played during lunch. At our large table, I sat next to an authentic Greek called Dimitri, who entertained me with stories of his affection for the younger opposite gender and his fascination with girls from the Eastern block. When Dimitri left to meet with one of his subjects, he waved at him on the beach. Suddenly, a feeling of void took over me, and the news of my mother's operation hit me. Out of the blue, Sergio asked if I would join him and his model, a couple friends, for a visit to Theo at Ftelia. My favourite, peaceful seaside, where lying on the massive, colourful cushions, I got lost in the mystery of the sea, oblivious to the environment. I prayed in silence.

Sergio drove us back to their villa to meet with my new French buddies, whose smiles always cheered me up. From there, I was given a lift back to my hotel. Almost exhausted physically and mentally, the plan was a quiet dinner, yearning for sleep.
However... A text to Sabella, and she answered: 'Haldita, our kids want to invite you to dinner.  We'll pick you up on the way.'
Who wanted to eat alone anyway? The thought of an innocent family dinner, in loving company, was precisely what the doctor would have ordered.

After supper, Sohi (Sabella's adorable hubby) took the kids back to their hotel, and my girlfriend suggested we hit town! Although I was not sure how long I could last, her high energy drove me to the back streets of Mykonos. We sang at tables, laughed, talked to random people and ended up in Rock Star disco, at her good friend Fadl's table, on the balcony next to the passers-by.  He was surrounded by glamour chicks and Boy! Did we rock it? He also generously had the waiter buy us all colourful Raybans from the store nearby, which we wore according to our outfits.  Sabella and I were still in sun dresses and bikinis from the day! Soraya and Co joined the party.
As though dancing on banquets was not enough, we walked over to the club, Guzel, where the later(-to-be) Hvar connection was blowing off steam on the dance floor!
All day... All night... All day... All night... What the f***. Viva la fiesta.

 


    Views from my bedroom

       Sunset from my balcony

        FTELIA Beach
         
            Theo


   

Why do they say... Keep your friends close but your enemies closer! F***k that... On the other hand, why pretend? Fuck that.

What is life but a series of unexpected follies? + London Fashion Week

Today, I read... 'I celebrate the amazing life before me and appreciate the beauty of it all'. How appropriate, I thought.  Had to comment... 'I do. I do. I do ALL over and thank my Dear Lord for everything he's granted me.  Good and Bad. It's from 'the bad' that I've learned to be tolerant and have a positive outlook... The good times always follow.

Another fabulous weekend of... Partying, of course.
Come to think of it, it has been an inspiring week altogether. Beginning on a new business idea with a very dear friend.  

I can't believe an early, mid-week drink with Sophie and Aisha at George's private bar went on to calling on Cher at home, joining Mykono friends visiting at Cipriani's and ending the night at Maddox club!

Another couple of friends visiting London for Fashion Week were Belma and Ahu. While collecting the girls to dine at Fino's Tapas, I felt super jolly and dwelled on the white leather dress to compliment my two fashionable friends. At the traffic lights, while paying homage of gratitude to God, in the brisk air of the clear night, with a moon shining right at me, I noticed a man in a Range Rover smiling at me, big time. Looking down, I saw my bare, tanned legs, which must have taken his notice as he sat in a higher car. As the lights changed, I shrugged my shoulders, smiled back and drove off. There now seemed to be a 'car flirting' going on as we drove. In the folly of it all, I lost my mind, put on the indicator and turned into a street opposite where I was meant to go!
Then I thought again about the decision to take the next right turn in a comprehensive high street; the silver Range Rover pulled up next to me at another light and gestured to open my passenger window.  
"You're stunning." He declared abruptly.
"Well, thank you," I responded flirtatiously (as one does).
"Can I tempt you to a drink?" Was his following approach.
The light changed, so before causing further disruption to the traffic due to the encounter, I asked him to drive in front of me. I stopped behind his car at the first possible parking position, and the tall, bold, sexy-looking stranger walked to my passenger window. He further declared his fascination and proposed a request for a drink.
"No, no, no." Was my answer, "I'm late. Going to a dinner now."
The moment's thrill excited me, yet I had decided there would not be another meeting. However... It was in the challenge of knowing whether I had intimidated the poor man with my upfront, 'too-friendly' approach that I passed on my telephone number and rapidly drove off.  
Basically, I like confident men!

At dinner in Fino's, the story of the pull by a Range Rover amused my friends. Belma and Ahu invited me to a fashion show on the following day. It is Friday, and my party of Mykonos/Hvar revisited 'chez moi', which is due only hours away. However, the 15:00, An-Pierre Braganza fashion show at the Neoclassical surround of Somerset House was calling. My friends were waiting in the cobbled courtyard. Once inside the black box purposely built catwalk, we were shown a first-row seat.  I felt like a child in a toy store, waiting impatiently for the models to carry out the goods. They did look like very serious 'sticks on high heels'!  Is this really what women are supposed to look like? Young, skinny boys with no definition in their bodies? And not a smile on their faces?  
What happened to the voluptuous, sexy women? It is a matter of opinion, I guess.  
Had my own photo shoot.

It was a quick getaway after the show for a hairdo with Dez, and I made it home early enough to be ready before my guests arrived.

What a fun party it turned out to be. Our 'Croatia group' (except Daren, who happened to be on his romantic trip in Paris), a handful of The Mykonos connection, some of whom re-appeared on The Boat, next to us in Hvar. Troy managed to escape from work. Charlotte is my new partner to be (business-wise) with Nicolas, Clarissa, and more. Everyone seemed comfortably at home, conversing. Apart from the neighbour (poor man) ringing my doorbell at 2.30am to ask for the music to be turned off (not even down), all went smoothly.

Saturday was clearing the aftermath and getting ready for a night out with the wild Isabella and her friends Ciela and Paolo, who were over from South America. Dinner was at East End, The Modern Pantry. Modern in design, the restaurant served its philosophy; the food looked desirable and excited the palate in a refreshingly original manner.
A cocktail was to follow at The Zetter Townhouse, conveniently next door on the cobbles of the EC1 square. The draw was due to its buzzing atmosphere of a certain decadence, dimly lit.

Finally, after midnight, we made our way to Fabric, which was only round the corner.
It was a mind-blowing affair of sound amalgamated with familiar faces. The new manager was a bubbly, friendly character I got better acquainted with. Lovely Hilda was there to welcome us; she asked of my partner in crime, Hala, as Hilda calls us 'The Criminal Sisters'. And, of course, the charming organiser of these magical nights, plus consistently surprise appearances by various Fabric buddies, made it into a magical all-nighter.

Ciela, with a slender, exotic look and her partner Paolo, a very cool dude, were a joy to get to know. I must have been South American in a past life. We shared our love of music, dancing through the night (and most of the morning) and bonded. They insisted I join them on their trip to Ibiza in two days, but it is best to decline another five days away and concentrate on work.  

Life is but a splendour!

Dubrovnik - 'Our Croatia'

I must be hanging out with too many male friends. All I could see in this view was Sophia Loren!  As in her boobs, with a cleavage. Haha

On the way to Dubrovnik, lunch was a pit stop at Gastro Mare, along the west shore in Kobas.  We indulged in a seven-course gourmet meal over a bottle (or two...) of Croatian wine. The husband and wife chefs left us gobsmacked through and through.

                       The deconstructed Apple Struddle


The conversation at lunch was over a book Daren was reading, 'Cyber Gypsies', about people who break into the cyber world.
"They hardly sleep, these hackers," Daren continued. "As behind a computer, they could be working round the clock, there's a working hour in some part of the world at any time.  Sitting mostly in darkness, in front of a screen."
He then said: "People build strange caves to live in."

The gourmet dining left us obliged to undergo significant exercise.  
The charming crew of boys got out the toys.  Ernest was keen to wakeboard, Torsten was manoeuvring in the skies, Daren was seen almost flying on the power boat, and I asked the crew's youngest member to show me the jet ski.  Before getting on, I said:
"Cheri, why did you give me an L/XL jacket in bright pink?  Guess it must be the boobs!"
Kelly and Ernest laughed while the boy gave me a cheeky smile.  After a few fast runs on the machine, I approached The Boat and asked if Kelly would like to join me?
Between the cute Frenchi or moi choice, Kelly opted to go with me.  I was flattered.  As she got on behind, I gripped the accelerator, and we began screaming at the top of our voices in that tranquil surround.  Flying high in spirit ...  In total freedom.  A sudden splash of water from the speed boat driven by another crew hit us in the face as he deliberately did a fast turn right next to us.  Cheeky!  But it was fun.
We next turned our way towards Ernest, with the wakeboard on, waiting in the indigo sea to be pulled and began singing the Hawaii Five-O music aloud.  Nah nah nah nah na na ...  The thrill of speed and fun keeps us young.

The night was spent at sea, under the stars.

Our last day was a long promenade in the afternoon through Dubrovnik, an absolutely charming fortress.  The back streets, filled with restaurants, shops, and sights, are no wonder George Bernard Shaw baptised it as 'The Pearl of the Adriatic'. The Dubrovnik Walls are most impressive.  We strolled down the streets and began climbing the stairs, which encircled much of the city.  Those gleaming marble streets lined with baroque buildings.  We finished our three-hour tour at sunset and returned to our hideaway in the comfort of our habitat.

          

                  

               

There was a guillotine sitting amongst flowering plants.

 
                  

 

              

What I remember most about this magical holiday is all the smiles I encountered.  Ernest was superb in the way he made sure we all enjoyed every second of our time together.  It is not easy embedding an ensemble of people together, who could be so well fitted for a journey, as synchronised ...  In harmony.  Gracias mi amor.  In other words, thanks, my love.

Now, back at home in London, things are moving fast.  
Al was in town after Hvar, and we met up with a couple of his witty friends over a cocktail at the Connaught Bar.  It was the first time we talked about getting to know one another.  What an absolutely 'special' man.  Another person I would happily put on my list of 'Super Cool People'.
We headed to the outdoor smoking area for a cigarette at midnight before heading our way.  As we stood chatting, two girls walked past when one of the girls, blonde and slender, pulled her trendy, black framed, school teacher glasses down, looked at me and said:
"I know you.  We've met in Fabric."
Amused, I looked at her with a lifted eyebrow, trying to recognise that exciting look, and said: "Well, that would be quite possible."  
She smiled, then continued: "You know how I remember you?  I'm reading your blog!"

The surprise, not only on my face but on the faces of my new friends, was a treasure.  I guess there is no higher ecstasy for a writer than to be read.  
Oh!  And ...  Clarissa darling, I can't wait to meet you adequately at my next party ...  Soon.

And why 'Our Croatia'?  
We enjoy the delights of each city 'with' the people we share it with; hence, each city becomes ours for our time there.

Hvar to Korcula at sunset

There are not enough words and pages to express my joy in meeting... My new friends as well as my old buddies.


Back to Hvar... We are now together, a colourful bunch of five with extraordinarily different backgrounds. One thing we share dearly is to embrace the good moments of life with gratitude by bringing joy into our lives and everyone who surrounds us.  
As we left The Boat to book the Garifuna restaurant for dinner, we encountered the boys and their friends sitting on the deck below. Harun was the first to come and greet us, standing next to their Ferretti. Followed by Al... And Zaine. Faced by the stunning babes smiling at different angles on board their elegant surround. A picture-perfect moment of happy faces.  Bliss.  We agreed to meet later for a drink or two.
"We party back in our Boat," Harun announced.


As we finished the open-air dinner at Gariful, from a green hedge behind our table to the sound of cheering from a birthday party going on at Carpe Diem (the club), we turned our heads to the appearance of a face from above the bushes, inviting us to join her party. While the boys agreed to accept the invitation, Kelly and I headed back to The Boat. There again, Harun walked ashore next door to invite us to their party on board. As I accepted, without hesitation, Kelly made a runner on me and returned to get some rest. Oh well... I chatted to such an eclectic group of guys and girls. Amazing.  
Seeing Al again since Mykonos was so good, wildly when he sweetly laughed at my lack of absorbing names. Rightly so, too.
Before I knew it, dawn had launched upon us, everyone had disappeared from sight, and I was enchanted by a deep talk with the bright Paulina. Why bright? She was in her early thirties and seemed to have discussed what makes her happy and how to reach that goal. Good on you, girl. An absolute pleasure.  
Finally, the time had come to head to bed.


The next day, we woke up to the empty space where our friends had anchored the night before and made sail (well, so to speak) towards Korcula.  
As the slight outline of the castle, houses and green bundles of miscellaneous trees grew larger in approach to the island, Kelly pointed out, in her particular accent:
"Oh, look!  I think the captain decided to anchor straight into the coffee shop on the island!  All we've to do now... Is step over!" 
We were on the upper deck; the castle was built on a slightly higher level to the sea, and the coffee shop did seem very close.
Kelly and I were dressed in bright red tops and white hott-ish pants to visit Korcula.  


Ernest was in his groovy jean jacket, covered with light chocolate Apache embroidery, matching his Panama hat. Daren, in a baggy washed-green t-shirt, is identical to his cap and enhances the pigment of his eyes.
Last, Torsten, Our Man in Panama, is tall and slender in his figure-hugging 'sailer look' navy and white trousers and white shirt.  
Each carries different styles of funky shades.  
We stepped off The Boat to 'hang out' in town and watched the sunset atop a castle tower with a caipirinha in hand to soothe our thirst. It was such a romantic moment in time. Romantic in the new sense of love flourishing between friends, without judgement, without ownership and definitely non-sexual.

 Oh!  And I saw The Mermaid again. 

It's a deja vu from Copenhagen!

Back on The Boat, Dinner was being served under the ebony sky filled with stars. I noticed another shooting star, a single rayon of bright light, appearing in a flash into the darkness of a mysterious galaxy.


Another day to follow, another way to the walled, magical castle of Dubrovnik... Awaiting Us.

Hvar... by Sea

Busy... Bizzy... Bizzy bee-ing!


After the heavy-duty weekend of Carnival partying, the unexpected invite to visit Croatia by sea sounded like an enchanting plan. And so... I buzzed off.
Gatwick was the designated airport where the gang of five of us met up early Friday morning to catch a flight to Dubrovnik and, upon arrival, were driven directly to The Boat anchored in Cavtat, only minutes away. Ernest, Kelly, Torsten, Darren and I were excited to spend five days of bliss under the sun, at sea.


Through the fruition of my positive thinking at all times, even during moments of doubt, there are experiences of a surreal nature which follow me everywhere. Or am I following them? I have not even begun, nor have I had a chance to write about them... Yet. But it feels like I live in a fairy tale world, where people are meant to come back into my life in the most magical ways, and I embrace their return with open arms. I feel the need to share some of these moments...


Andrea sent me a BBM on the eve of our flight to Croatia and responded to my wall: 'What an amazing weekend. WOW'.
Andrea: "You're always so terrific and happy! I love it!!"
Me: "Thank u, baby. How have u been?"
Andrea: "Great. Miss you!!"
Me: "Me too, Chicita."
Andrea: "U sure??"
Me: "Yeah. Positive. U won't believe this: I bumped into Charlotte and Nicolas in Fabric after almost a year of not being in touch! It's great having them back in my life. We are the way we are. All of us. And that's fine when u can laugh together. The rest is what's silly. It's 'fine' now, as the Scotsman said. Remember?"
Andrea: "Yesss. That's great, Haldita! I spent Sunday with a guy friend who has brain cancer - malignant. He can barely walk! You're right; the rest is silly. He was so hot when he was 18."
Me: "Life's too bleemin' short to hold unnecessary grudges. Don't wanna do that! Packing for Croatia now."
Andrea: "Yapa! Have fuuuunn!!"


Back in Cavtat, The Captain of The Boat suggested our route for the next five days. We lunched at a bay and swam in the Adriatic Sea before heading to Hvar the next day.  
We anchored at the port in Hvar, close to Carpe Diem, the club I had visited on my last visit with family, Charlotte and Nicolas.  
Kelly and I got casually dressed, ready to shop. We wandered around the maze of narrow streets in Hvar while I shopped for hat after hat and wore a flamboyant black and white one to return to our domain. It was fun hanging out with Kelly, having a girlie moment of 'shop in the sun' and those photo moments!

Once back on our sacred 'place d'habitation', we joined the boys on the top deck, lying on the sunbeds, watching the world go by. We all stood up when a Ferretti780 pulled up right next to us, and if only you could see the smile of delight on our boys' faces when they encountered all the hot chicitas on board! Who could blame them? They were cute. Kelly and I returned to our seats while the boys could not take their eyes off the new arrival. Once anchored, I had to stand up and say:
"Com'on, let me see les blondes you're referring to."
As I looked on the deck below of the smoothly leathered Ferretti, there he stood, a great party friend from Mykonos, only a month before! The question was... Did I remember his name?  Nope. My 'Oy' shout did not work through the blasting music deriving from their Boat. So, I got the attention of another chap onboard and asked for the name of 'the guy with curly black hair'.
"Harun," he answered.
"Please call him and tell him it's Haldita. We met in Mykonos." I shouted across.
And so he did, and not only did Harun come out, but his three other buddies from Mykonos showed up behind him and called my name with their hands in the air.  
Now... What was the chance of that happening? And for me to get up and see the adorable chums with whom I partied on the beach and night in Mykonos only a month ago!!!


We partied once more while mingling and bonding our group of friends with theirs. Life is full of beautiful surprises. Once more ... I cherish every moment.


Rest of Croatia to come... Na Night.

SW4 Clapham Comm'on and on ... To Notting Hill Carnival

My bank holiday week-end began with a bang ...  And as it happens, it ended with a bang too!


Sharp at 11am, as promised, Salar showed up at my door, while I crawled out of bed and left him with a coffee and music to get ready for SW4.  Ernest arrived soon after and we headed towards Clapham Common to meet the rest of the gang.


As we queued to enter the protected area, a sudden downpour hit us by surprise but rapidly changed into a sun shining day.  There were huge tents laid out throughout the ground, with top DJs playing their tunes at different times.

Salar's uncle managed to find us at The Cocoon Arena, where Loco Dice was playing and Torsten arrived with his old buddies visiting the city; Jayden (Jay), Aiden and Cole.  It was an awesome day spent listening to fab music; tent to tent.

SW4 ended at 21:00 but Ernest and I decided to leave Sven Vath playing an hour earlier, in the hope of finding a taxi and made our way to mine.  As we chilled to a selection of soft House music, the boys and their newly made friends joined us 'chez moi'.

Isabella had bbm'ed and she was ready to party, so I asked her to pass by with her friend.

The party from SW4 got diverted to continue on till early hours of the morning at SW10!

Sunday was a day of recovery for me!  Oooff.  And that was just the beginning of it all.

Early evening, I wore a figure hugging (& boy, did it hug!) Jean Paul Gaultier number to attend the last night's showing of the African musical, 'Fela' ...  Again, only this time at Saddler's Wells.  Cabs were hard to come by as the Notting Hill Carnival was going on at the other end of the city, so I managed to get there just on time. 

Lola, accompanied by a row of her guests, handed me the ticket to this triumphant musical which thrilled me once more to the end.  I do thank my hostess for organising such a vibrant affair.

The whole cast was invited to a private venue, where we next headed.  Ernest, accompanied by Torsten & Co arrived later, to what must have been one of the coolest parties of the year.  The familiar faces of friends were too many to name.  Everyone happily mingling on two floors and dancing.  I do not remember sitting down till early hours of the morning ...  Once more!  I got to chat to the main character of Fela Kuti, who gave a magnificent performance throughout.

The 'left-over' of our group gathered as the party ended and headed to Torsten's, in order to get a view of the Notting Hill Carnival; not to be missed.  Once at the apartment, the noise from outside, was buzzing in ever corner of the room, a sound pulling me to head back out.  Jay seemed the only one keen to accompany me, so we left the rest of the boys resting.

We walked out the door, into the festivities of colourful costumes, the sound of Afrobeat (a deja vu from previous evening) bursting through the loud speakers and rows of floats passing by.  Jay and I walked through the crowd, took pictures and seemed to both take the route to where Sancho Panza was to play the coolest sound of House music.  The police were everywhere and I stopped to tell one of them how I, for one, appreciate their hard work.  

We finally entered the narrow street where the DJ was due to spin later on, although his music was being played already.  Magically, the back street was empty of any crowd and I spotted a red door with one step where we sat in peace.  By some miracle, the sun gracefully pushed the clouds away and shone upon our absorbent skin, bringing out a flame within.  Soaking the heat of the sun in and giving out the fire of passion.

Inhaling on the puffs of a 'carnival joint', I closed my eyes in the worship of the sun, facing the sky above.  Jay's strong body sitting close to me, with his arm laying on my legs, threw a shiver down my spine and my heart began to pound.  The gentle brush of his hand, felt like a feather down my bare legs.  I did not want to open my eyes as though the magic of the moment was simply a fraction of my imagination.  I was flying along the clouds above, oblivious to all that surrounded me.  The music being played at the far end of the road was heavenly.  As I surfaced momentarily back into the now, there were police and security standing at the other end, far from where my mind was ...  Or my soul had flown to.  

I was lost in time ...  In the moment of lust.