Free Your Mind and You Can Fly!

Wouldn't it be great if we left our inhibitions behind and felt free to talk to anyone we felt  ke talking to? Just because... 

Aldo and I were walking down the road to Blake's Hotel for a drink with Sophie, and in deep conversation when I noticed a girl smiling pass us by. I interrupted Aldo and turned to the girl, and said:
"You just keep that beautiful smile going. It's gorgeous. It's contagious!"
Her smile grew wider, and my friend looked at me and said:
"That was amazing Haldita!"

Last week began with a lavish dinner at Aisha's. Serge from Mykonos was in town and my friend who could well be one of the top chefs absolutely anywhere, had organised a sit down gathering around her dark wooden dining table, covered with divine dishes of various parts of the world. I could not possibly write a recipe as my passion for cooking died many years ago, when invited to a lavish dinner with the Ex. The ladies, mostly jeweled-up, could not stop talking about their love of cookery and exchanging long recipes and how some made jam and their home-made pickles well. The conversation would carry on through to the end of the night! Thank goodness, the hubbies had to go to work the next day and they never lasted too long. But long enough for me to think, 'I don't particularly enjoy cooking'. Although I did it well enough for many dinner parties and every night for my family when my kids were growing up, when I started working on our business in later years, cooking became a thing f the past. I had a great housekeeper, to whom I taught all my recipes and totally re red from it. But I love the taste of home-made food prepared with love and passion.

Mid week, Hala and I were invited for a drink by Serge, at the bar of the hotel he  s staying at.  The conversation diverted to loving the people we meet, without judgement and sharing the good t es with them. It is not about who they are and what they an give back. Some stay in our lives and come back in the most extraordinary ways and others fly by and life goes on.  
Aisha joined us after dinner at the Arts Club with Soraya and Mazin, whom I last aw in Mykonos. They were isiting London. How wonderful! The drinks continued on with more friends of Aisha's joining and at 1am, we each parted  r separate ways.  Some went clubb g, we went home. How sensible!

Family dinners took up the rest of the week until Saturday arrived... Oh Oh!
Well, Fabric was definitely an option I opted for. At the entrance, who do we see but Troy who had insisted earlier, he was not going to show up that night in Fabric again and... here he was! Cool. Salar and his uncle had shown up in total Hallow n costume and make-up. Salar's cape was awesome!
I wore my black horns on a headband, with the devil's fork to match the headgear, one red and black feather earring and a black Norma Kamali Greek style mini dress.  

Had managed to persuade Janet to join Hala and I, as she had been working hard on a project and could well do with a  ght out of fun with us. While I drove the three of us through the scenic route of the embankment by the river Thames, at the traffic lights by the Big Ben, I noticed the lights of the large clock were off and the hands demonstrated midnight.
"Ah!" I said aloud, "Big Ben says midnight exactly! It's Cinderella time and we're off to the ball.  But why is the light behind the clock off?!"
Hala and Janet got excited, but I then noticed the time in my car and it read '12:33'!
"Gosh!" I gasped, "Big Ben isn't working?!"
"Oh no!" Janet exclaimed at the same time as Hala. "Really?"
"Ah!" I realised, It's change of clock tonight. Didn't know Big Ben stops for an hour till the hour changes. Never thought about it!"
We all agreed.
I continued: "And imagine witnessing this! It only happens once a year."
And in case you were thinking it happens twice (the time change) as Conor pointed out at drinks tonight: "No. Since the next time it goes forward an hour."
Oh well, another fun memory added to experience.

The night con nued at Fabric with great music. As I did not reserve a table, we  ttled at the DJ boot in room one. Michael Mayer was great and cute. Can't believe what I told him:
"I'm Haldita, the horny little devil!"
He smiled at my comment and I danced away, in great company of my buddies but honestly when I think back, all I meant to say was 'a little devil with horns!'  

With all the lovely hugs I get from the security boys on the way to the smoking outdoor area, surrounded by tall trees and buildings, amongst mostly groups of y ngsters standing, I noticed a face. Really... What makes a face stand out more than all the rest of the any men and women standing in a crowd? Is it the energies that draw one towards another. Is it an aspect of the souls connecting? Something to do with past lives? I often wonder. But don't question it too much.  Interesting though.
I walked straight towards him and his friend and somehow, conversation flew between us.  Thinking back Many years, it would be terrifying for me to even look at someone out of shyness, let alone talk to them! Anyway, the past is the past but it is great to reflect upon it and see how much we can all change our thoughts, our ways and our life.

The ace was called Blaze. Absolutely charming. His friends engaged in conversation with me and asked to take a photo of Blaze with us girls. As we posed for a devilish picture, I kissed Blaze's cheek which he seemed to hang on to with his hand. We had a good laugh and went back for more music and dancing. The clocks had been changed and the early morning hours were approaching fast. Our entourage had left the club but Hala and I, before getting home, sat our tired legs on the paved, uneven ground in the Green room which looked more like an open air ashtray, breathed in the freshness of the last October morning, so pleasant and thanked our Lord for absolutely Everything.

I must add, another smiley, beautiful face I got to meet was of Marisa's. She bent down to ask me for a lighter when our eyes met, in that same smoking area. I helplessly told her how  beautiful she is and she responded the same back. She told me her friends often told her, she always smiled and she said:
"I'm grateful and happy to be alive and well... So I smile for it."
So much beauty shone through the wisdom of her very young years.  
If only I could bottle my joy, I told a friend who suggested I bottle my energy and sell it, I would do it by the millions and simply give it away with absolute pleasure. 

Keep thinking... Life is about love... About sharing... About caring.


 

Fabric Anniversary... Not to be missed!

It was the twelfth Fabric anniversary weekend; it was open from Saturday 11pm to Monday 6am!  Not that I intended to stay that long! 

We have a whole house here, with Mum, Uncle Ken and his loving wife, Laura, visiting from the US. I suppose it was odd for Hala and I to leave the apartment at 12:40am, long after their sleeping hour, to go raving. But let's face it, I am blessed with a great, understanding family.  Guess I learned the suitable lessons of non-judgement from them.

Hala and I arrived at the Fabric entrance to find Troy waiting outside for us.  He had texted earlier to say he would not make it due to work. Yeah right!  I knew he would turn up. Fabric is a club, a dark dungeon with hard beats to some, but to me, it is where I learned many lessons, heard some wicked music and got to meet some very cool-minded younger friends. Someone recently told me their aunt is 85 years old and full of energy. When I asked, her secret was keeping more youthful to any age entourage, doing aerobics regularly and keeping a young mind. 'Hear Hear' to that.
I am on the right track there.

What makes my boat rock is being happy and seeing everyone around me feel the same way.  I have met many (well, not that many), but some people whose reaction towards the word drug of any sort is filled with disgust. Yet, they drink alcohol like fish and water. Others take prescription drugs to their heart's content (or not as content as it appears). It seems most people have their vices, but when it comes down to something they have not tried before, they take it into their stride to label another for theirs. So much hypocrisy going on in this world. But we won't get into that! I personally don't live my life for others.  The secret here is moderation.

On that note, we got to Fabric at 1am and danced the night away, from a table of six to a table of God knows how many showed up during the long hours of the night. It was another fantastic time, with a great vibe, dancing to the best of House music, and all the loving embraces. Just about everyone had turned up to celebrate. The list of names is way too long to add! It was special having the young and beautiful Serina join us, especially since we have a good circle of mutual friends. It must be said beauty, to me, forms a combination of an inside and outside aura.
Finally, Aisha and Pedro surprised me with a short visit to Fabric, too!  
Oh, what a night... And morning!
The only shame was that my legs were giving in by the time Ricardo Villalobos began playing at 10am. I wanted to continue dancing, but I could not, and sitting on the leather sofas was not an option. Besides, I had a date in the evening. So... Hala and I left our friends behind.

It reminded me of a story...
Some time ago, I met up with Fabrizio on a New Year's Eve afternoon for a drink.  
When I asked him whether he had plans for the end of the year's celebrations that night, he did not and seemed happy to join me. So, off we went for a New Year's dinner at Isabella's. She had a handful of friends, some visiting London, and after midnight and the big bang, we taxied our way to Fabric. It was a fun night, as always and at midday, I invited three mini-cabs of people over to mine for an after-party. It was around early evening when everyone left except the hunky Fabrizio! It was the beginning of a love affair; the only thing is, mine don't seem to last longer than a very short period!  
Two weeks later, a hint of boredom was daunting to me. The feeling is usually mutual, I presume. 

The last time we met, Fabrizio joined me at Fabric again with another group of friends.  As I was chasing the sound of various DJs playing from one room to another, I noticed Fabrizio chatting to a girl at the bar; I smiled and left.  My motto is 'Never stay with someone who does not fully appreciate the person you are'. That goes for friends and lovers alike. A total waste of time.

Most of my friends at our table had left by the early morning hours, and I proceeded to the only room left with a DJ playing.  As I was dancing alone, one of the cutest guys with curly, longish hair moved closer, and we took on a duo boogie like no other. I was having a ball with my new dancing Latino partner, Carlos. He kept smiling and calling me:
"Youuuu, sexy mother fucker!" In the best of intentions, I am sure. He made me laugh. Carlos also mentioned celebrating his last weekend in London before returning to Argentina. At the club's closing hour, we both realised our friends had left, and I asked him to join me at the after-party upstairs, to which he agreed.

As we passed by the closing bar, he excused himself for a visit to the gents, and I saw Fabrizio approaching from the bar, thinking of going back with me. Don't think so!
I looked at his face, full of attitude, as he said:
"Let's go."
"Go where?" I asked in surprise.
"Your place," Fabrizio answered, sure of himself.
"No." I simply answered. "We're definitely not going anywhere from here. In fact, ciao baby."
As I left his side, my new buddy Carlos walked towards me and offered his arm to accompany me to the after-party. I am no bitch and usually don't get a kick from letting anyone down, but in this case, I did not look back and felt a certain tingle of joy. He certainly deserved what he got.
And hence, that was the end of my two-week lust affair!  

"Darling!" Said once an older lady family member who dressed and behaved eccentrically to what others expected her to. She continued:
"Let people talk! It only means you are interesting and alive. Besides, if they don't talk about you, you might as well be dead."

Gossip is for the weak. Don't get entangled in what others think of you. Be yourself.

Mamma's Words of Wisdom

The warmth and love of family is incomparable.

The weekend was spent at a course with Charlotte to enlighten us further towards our new business venture. I got home on Sunday afternoon to the arrival of Angel, my darling mamma and Hala, who were picked up at the airport by my kiddos. It is such a wonderfully warm feeling to have a whole house filled with their love.

It reminds me of those teenage days, living together in harmony and laughter.  
To appreciate the beauty in nature despite all the difficulties surrounding us.  

My mother's treasured lessons on Life...

Life is precious, my dear, not to be taken for granted, 
birds are flying in cheer, and flowers have been planted.
They are for you to watch, be chilled, be enchanted.
Run wild with your thoughts; leave the heart free to be panted.
Do not waste these times, don't take no for an answer,
and make your moves into rhyme, like a poetic dancer.
Life is not all we ask for,
Not quite the melody of a shore.

Life is a flash, it's lightening, hold your chin up,
follow your heart to the end and make a pin-up.
Half full, half empty, is not essential after all; 

Take the journey with a stride; play it like a ball.
No moment to be wasted,
Every flavour is to be tasted.

Love life like no one has dared before;
don't take it for granted and turn it into a chore.
Dance till tomorrow like no one is looking,
I know you, my dearest, you don't like cooking.
Leave footsteps, like your grandfather did,
It's not all about who makes the highest bid.
Aim high, play deaf to the gossip of the small-minded,
They have too many issues, their beauty is blinded,
By the pettiness of what the poor souls face.

Life is a rhythm; it is to be lived in grace,

And nothing you hear, nothing is a chase.

Continue your life on a positive note, sweet and creamy,
Flow on the sea in a boat can be so dreamy.
Sail across the ocean like there is no tomorrow,
Make life a fantasy; don't turn it into sorrow.

I love you, Mamma. Mum's the word.

Phillips de Pury to the latest Arts Club

An enchanting life created by pure and positive thoughts. 

Art is everywhere!    
There is only so much a girl can do in a day, week, month and with all the choices London offers, it takes time to make decisions.  So, how do I go about it in my last-minute dot-com manner?  Just play it by ear as they say and see where it all leads to.

Last week was filled with visits to art galleries.  
The Frieze art fair is going on this weekend, but with my heavy social calendar, I never made it.  I heard mixed reviews on the works of contemporary art on display at the art fair.  Although I enjoyed my visit to Phillips de Pury & Co, where I had been invited to the Bottletop charity event a year before, this 'nouveau' art is not my thing (or I keep trying to convince myself!)  The proposal by Kristine was taken up, and we headed to Phillips', only to realise we were too early!  Unheard of.  So we drove to the Sprovieri gallery instead, where the works of Avish Khebrehzadeh were on display.  I conversed with the elegant Elisabetta, who demonstrated her private showing of contemporary handmade jewellery by various artists. 

The goldfish was in caption around the bowl while the bubbles circled outside.

Kind of reminded me of my goldfish pets: 'Fish & Fish'!

I named them simply so they can be simple.  Haha.  Can't afford a therapist for them in this lousy economy!

       
Avish Khebrehzadeh

"Everyone would love to wear a work of art," Elisabetta pointed out.  "So now, you can wear art!"

She wore The Bullet gold earrings, cast from a real exploded bullet.  
I asked her to model the green bracelet and ring Ilya & Emilia Kabakov made, which matched her latest green nail colour.

After the enlightening experience, we descended the showroom for a quick hello to Shada at Momo's before returning to the Phillips de Pury & Co gallery.
The massive space was filled with halls of works of art.  Although I don't quite get most of what modern art offers, quite a few pieces took my fancy.

 


The Intertwined Naked Bodies by Kim Joon
(On the left)

And I thought cherubs had wings!  Nowadays, they carry electric swords. 

My mum wouldn't be amused.

As for the flashing lights of the broken heart 

It somewhat resembles a delicious red tart
Pumping love, despite all those heartaches
The bitterness turned into sweet, yummy choc cakes
What is this life worth
If not for the friends we make
What is this love
But for all the breath we take
Jump with joy into the sea of desire
Let yourself free with a passion-filled with fire
Walk and leave those heartaches behind
As there is no sight for the blind. 

(See what a heart can do to me!

In some ways, a hopeless romantic)

At dinner chez Aisha's I got invited to the latest Arts Club. Al was back in town, and Nisa had gone through 'hardship' to book the table for ten. The name of the latest trendy member's restaurant kept popping up in conversation, so with the ensemble of the Mykonos connection to join, the occasion was not to be missed.
When Aisha first mentioned the gathering, I kept mistaking it with Chelsea Arts Club, whereas my friend kept reminding me ...  

"It's the Arts Club Haldita!" Kept saying, Aisha.

"Oh! Yes, so we meet at the Chelsea Arts Club." I repeated.

"No," said my buddy, with the utmost patience while she laughed at my repeated mistake. "The new Arts Club Darling!"

The due date arrived, and I met up earlier in the afternoon with Gracy at Dover Street Market, a fancy boutique store in Mayfair. Another one, Elliot in NY, mentioned years ago when it first opened, and I kept telling him there is no market in Dover Street. Only when I went there did I realise it was not only a market but a fancy store stocked with the latest labels in fashion, as in Alaia, my favourite brand. Gracy, the statuesque beauty with the newest hairstyle, introduced me to her famous designer on the second floor (if only I could remember the name!) till we ended at the top floor self-service cafe, where nibbles and drinks were served for free due to Frieze.
The following two hours passed like a flash, with the diversity of Gracy's friends joining us at different times.

The time had come for us to unite with Nisa, awaiting the arrival of Aisha, Al in a new company, Kam and his lady with the enchanting Naila whom I met at my last party, in the upstairs resto at The Arts Club, situated only across the road from where we were. How convenient!

This time, it was my turn to introduce Gracy to my friends. I must admit, the service at the eatery was so outrageously improper. We did get glimpses of celebrities, but so what?! They can be seen in magazines. The decor was elaborate, but the upholsterer should be sacked for lack of attention to the newly furnished sofas! The drinks took forever to be served. I could go on complaining. But who can be bothered with that? The staff were apologetic and charming. Our main reason for the gathering was great company and plenty of that. It was great fun.
We ended the night in the basement nightclub, dancing with Aisha at the live band before my friend dropped me home. We had such a giggle in the car! Over an envelope, like no other envelope!

This weekend, I am taking a course. However, the night before, meant to be another 'early one', started with a drink at Brumus, next to the Haymarket Theater with Youssef. As we began conversing and sharing stories, his mate appeared surprised with 'his friend' and others. Soon, our table expanded with an adventure of... The table being hit, glass flowing amid the air, a broken piece landing in between the fingers of one of the girls, to be rescued by the first aid manager in the ladies toilets!  She left, hand bandaged, with her partner and the rest of us continued the night at the Kingly Club before heading for dinner at midnight! And that was not the end. Early night, hey?!?

And by the way, I didn't really mean it when I said I had 'no time for sex'! Haha 

Weekend in the Autumnal Countryside

Mon Dieu! Mon Dieu! (Oh my Lord!)

I wish there were more hours to the day, and it is not as though I am wasting one single hour of it!

Due to the busy schedule of my new 'working' project and forever practising on improving my social skills, I sadly had to decline a couple of birthday venues of two dear friends on Saturday in London and gladly accept the offer of a visit for a night in the countryside by the English rose, Janet, whom I met over a year ago through a wonderful friend in Ibiza.

A relatively short drive out of the city and into the bliss and magic of autumnal fields. When Janet asked me to accompany her and the international group of her friends for a two-day break at their family country home, it was an offer that could not be refused. Especially after a working week!

Upon arrival at the designated small village in a convoy of cars, we headed straight to the nearest pub for lunch for the last orders. After the meal was another short ride to the comfortable yet beautifully decorated home. Alison's brother Lenny, our charming host, took out a map of the area, instructed us to wear our wellies (thank goodness I had remembered my ones from Glastonbury) and led us through fields into forests, hills and green trees. At the same time, the ground was covered in places with red/brown leaves. The air was fresh yet pleasant. The walk reminded me of my first years in boarding school and how much I dreaded walking in the cold air of the countryside. How we change! And now, there I was, loving every second of it. Mind you, the weather was fantastic for this time of year. It felt as though the insecurities and questioning of life as a teenager, those decades ago, had turned into strength and peace of mind, simply enjoying the beauty of nature mixed with gratitude, enchanted by the characters of new friends I was to make.

The charm and warmth of the lovely Donna, my chatting companion along the way, made the hour walk turn into minutes.  
My adorable Nolita had prepared a delicious meal for me to bring over as a token of gratitude to our hostess, who was not quite feeling herself after the fish & chip lunch and had pardoned herself to retire in bed. All I had to do was plug the cooker in while Donna prepared a beautifully decorated salad. The ten of us sat at the dinner table while Lenny gracefully served the food.  The homemade chocolate mousse by Sindra and Tommy's joint effort was to die for. The conversation between the colourful individuals around the table resembled a scene from a fun movie. Guess that's why I don't watch TV. Why waste my time in front of a screen when I can enjoy the great company of exceptional people?

While dinner was cleared, my smoking partner, the bubbly Gia, accompanied me in the garden to puff away under the stars. As we conversed and laughed, I noticed the circle of a dark rainbow surrounding the moon through the clouds, and as though that was not the most astonishing site I had ever seen, on the opposite side of the more transparent sky, Gia and I got a glimpse of a shooting star!  We turned to each other in shock!
"Did you see that shooting star?!" Exclaimed my new buddy.
"Mon Dieu!" I almost shouted. "Yes. This was my third this summer! It reminds me of the first shooting star I saw back home during our summer visits to the Caspian Sea, where we had a villa. We always had guests of musicians and fabulous friends staying over and sleeping on rows of mattresses on two large balconies, one for the men and the other where the ladies lay asleep under the ebony sky filled with stars. Wow!"

We then joined the rest, gathered in the drawing room, to be entertained by the formidable voice of Gloria and the sing/dance act of the amusing Lucille, who was accompanied on the trip by her admiring hobby, Desi. Not only was she talented in acting the part of the lyrics she sang, but she flirtatiously threw her hair back with a touch and flickered her lashes to drive us all crazy.  Such a vibrant character.
The demands of encores turned the clock past 3am, and we diverted into separate rooms to sleep in the quiet of the night.

Time was scarce, so the alarm in my head woke me sharp at 8.30am, yearning to get out again.  I descended the stairs into the kitchen, admiring the lush views outside. One by one, everyone turned up, and we all headed for another tour around the green fields of the countryside by our host, Lenny. We got slightly lost, and the two-hour walk up and down the hilly side, through a herd of cows, a flock of sheep and the various trees in the forest under a cloudy sky, made me sweat buckets while I further bonded with Donna. 

Once back at the house, Janet's school friend had arrived for lunch with her partner.  I did not manage to get too familiarised with the new arrivals and left with the accompaniment of Gloria to miss the traffic and be back on time to meet my girl.
After our enlightening meeting, Aisha was back in town, and she texted me to meet them at a bar on Walton Street, followed by a gastro pub dinner. Such a pleasant weekend that was!

Tonight's dinner with Lola was also attended by Janet, Donna and more of her friends, whom I have encountered on many occasions. I had to decline an old lover's invitation to attend.  Quite frankly, these days, I don't have time for sex!  Haha ...  

Making friends is my game

What a weekend, and as the week's beginning goes, it couldn't get more exciting! Oh yes, it would.

So much happening in London!  
Last week was a yearly visit to Decorex with Shiba. If you are wondering what Decorex is, it is not as Shane, my hunk of a friend, suggested: 
"Has this anything to do with condoms?"
No! Although it may sound like Durex, it is a design exhibition... As in decoration.

Saturday began with a business meeting with Charlotte and Nicolas and a family lunch in Kingston. The rows of busy restaurants by the River Thames were flocking with people, enjoying the last summer heat. Thirty degrees in October is unheard of but ever so welcomed by everyone.  

The quiet evening turned into a busy night out!
Kristine texted me Saturday evening; it had been a while since we last met. I picked her up for a cocktail in Zuma. As we settled in a couple of bar stools, ordered my favourite passion fruit martini, and began catching up, the Scandinavian Milo stood between us and started talking and introducing us to his colleagues.
Not long after, the waitress serving their drink somehow managed to shake the bottle, the lead fell off, and before I knew it, the white wine poured all over my bare right arm!
I laughed as this was getting into a jinx with me. Milo apologetically said:
"Sorry for this. Could I offer you some wine?"
"That's fine," I prompted, "Seems I already had some! If only the waitress was one of the cute barmen, I would ask him to lick it off my arm."
It was a mere suggestion, but Milo took the matter seriously and took my arm with a licking gesture but ended up kissing my arm to the top.
I looked at Kristine's face in shock, clueless about what was happening but smiling.
The boys left soon after, and we decided it was too early to end a good night. We drove to Maggie's club. Sitting outside the place watching the young crowd enter, we looked at each other in question and drove off to Maddox Club instead.

My very dear friend Marshall runs the place. The bouncers made us wait a little before Marshall showed up, directed us to the private room where we could dance without being pushed around, and handed us a glass of Dom Perignon, a champagne I always associate with James Bond 007! After an hour of moving around the crowded basement area, in and out of the walled smoking outdoor cubicle and back into the private room, we decided 'it was enough' and headed to Fabric for an hour. Now that was a first!  Only one hour, we said, and that's the plan we kept.

Sunday morning was Pilates with Hollie. Followed by a soda, lemon and lime at The White Horse pub, entertaining Clara with stories of the summer. Only to rush home to change and drive off to Ernest's. Lunch in the outside restaurant by the canal at Summer House with Kelly, Torsten and Daren (The Croatia connection), introducing us to his adorable girlfriend, Emelie, was a delight. We dug into our seafood, enjoying the sun's warmth with a slight breeze of a heat wave.
After lunch, Sabrina joined us with a newcomer, Sai, for more fun and frolic.

Monday was an appointment with a new dentist. Thank goodness I really liked her.
As I walked home, the colossal wooden art exhibit erected outside the V&A museum drew me in to see 'The Power of Making' exposition.

Although invitingly sensual, the Widow Dressmaker pin dress by Susie MacMurray must have been hell to make with what looked like thousands of large pins! Definitely not a dress made for pulling!
'The Beast six-necked guitar' by Gary Hutchins consisted of six guitars in one piece! What attracted my attention with a smile was that I had met a guitar maker called Gary in Soho House some years before.  He did brag about his skills in making many instruments for famous rock stars, and we returned to my place with Lori and a friend of the guitar maker whom I knew from before. It was a funny night, to say the least!
Oh well... Memories, memories.

What made my eyes glitter was Ben Wilson's hand-built low-rider bike encrusted with over 110,000 Swarovski crystals. If only one could wear that around one's neck! Haha... Just kidding.

There was an invite to Sotheby's Auction House in New Bond Street to attend on Monday evening. 'Contemporary Art / Arab and Iranian'.
Kristine accompanied me for a viewing. Sotheby's grand rooms were packed with the shi-shiest of Londoners and visitors alike. A row of faces I knew before passed by to say hello in a rush.  Amid admiration for some of the paintings, my eyes met up with the stunning girl coming towards me; she said:
"Hi, we met outside Zuma's in the summer."
How wonderful. We exchanged numbers once again, with the view of a meeting.  

At the entrance, the work of Reza Derakshani, with shades of pink, caught our admiration.

As we walked through the first-floor passage, in the next room, I could distinguish the work of Hassan, whom I had met on several occasions before. It reminded me of the short opening of the Double Club in the Angel area.

And last but not least, was my favourite piece de resistance ...
By Laila Shawa... 'Fashionista Terrorist'! Mmmm... Me like.

The evening ended with a gathering of friends from the expo, heading to Hakkasan's in Mayfair.  Kristine and I got invited to Lahore by the charming, ever-so-young-looking mother and her daughter sitting beside us. The lady insisted we pay them a visit to Pakistan, a place I would love to visit one day.  

Dinner at Star of India with Bardo tonight followed today's productive meeting with Charlotte, which passed by like a blow in the wind.  
It is great to have a goal in life.