Sin in the City

Hermes winter sale 2010 in Paris

2010-01-14T00:15:00.003+01:00

For all you shopaholics and fashion victims.Pack your bags and hurry off to Paris next week for the famous Hermes winter sale at the Palais de Congres,Porte Maillot.From wednesday 20th till saturday 23rd January.Unfortunattely i am travelling to Japan next week so i have to pass on this one.One advice..get there early!

Night stretches and breakfast

2010-01-13T23:12:00.006+01:00

Yes, i am alive and well.Although the past few months heve been very hectic and i lacked the energy to write on this blog.My work is sometimes so straining i seem to sleep more then be awake on my off days.Its the price i have to pay for doing this job for so many years.Dont misunderstand me, i still love my job but the price i have to pay in regard to my body,social and love life is very high.I guess outsiders only see the nice part of my job, the travelling, the partying but dont realise how straining it is go through different time zones every week, going from extreme cold to tropical heat and working in a pressurized cabin environment which dries your body out.And not forgetting the many many nights i had to stay awake during flights.Those nights are the worst.You seem to be going in your auto pilot mode as i always call it.Only thinking and longing for your nice warm bed at home and imagining that far below you everybody is fast asleep.Your collegues get grumpy and silent because they feel the same.The worst part starts the last few hours before landing as you have to prepare breakfast and you feel sick of the smell of eggs which are warming up in the oven.You look in the mirror and its like watching a ghost and you think oh my god is that really me....and that at the time when your passengers are waking up and you have to go into the cabin.At this stage i solely have to rely on my routine because i am not thinking anymore,only praying to end this missery as quick as possible.But do the passengers notice or realise how tired i am.I guess not.My fake cabin smile is so professional they cant see the difference .Reminds me of a flight i had from Buenos Aires to Amsterdam , around 14 hours of which 11 hours working time, when we arrived a lady asked me if i was going to be on her flight to Capetown a few hours later.My god what was she thinking hehe.t Probably hat i am a kind of superman who doesnt need sleep and can go on on lol.
Anyway i am now enjoying my last few days off at home in cold and snowy Amsterdam.Next week Osaka, Japan is calling and despite everything i told you overhere...i am really looking forward to that trip!;-)

Autumn reflections

2009-11-13T12:24:00.007+01:00

I look outside my window and all i see are the dark skies and the rain that goes on and on each day.Autumn has finally arrived.It s that time of year that warm and sunny summer days are only a memory of a distant past.It s a time of reflection on my life too, which tends to make me feel a little down.Another year almost past, not the best year of my life ,with lots of ups and downs.It wasnt easy, but i managed to get back on my feeth again and to be in full control of my life again.I certainly hate to be dependent on the care of other people .Being a patient is not the best role i played.Like my best friends always tell me i m much too dominating and stubborn to be cared for by anyone (sorry again, dear nurses and doctors for my bad behaviour).But the one lesson i learned this year is that my time has become precious .There are so many things i still want to experience and i feel down as i realise i might not have enough time, because life can change within a day which happened to me in the past year. I made the decision to take unpaid leave next year which makes it possible for me too be a few months off duty and go for an extensive holiday to realise a part of my dreams.I am planning to travel through Asia and Australia.I always used to go backpacking untill a few years ago and because i feel thats the best way to travel around i will go for it again.I m getting a little old to be a backpacker, but what the hack,i never cared how other people think about me hehe.

I will leave you with this clip from the movie 'Mame' .Watch this movie with the great Lucy Ball as the eccentric, fun loving Mame and Bea Arthur(Dorothy from 'the Golden Girls!)as her best friend ,Vera. Whenever you feel a little down it will certainly brighten up your day.At least it did mine!

"Life is a banquet ..but most people choose to be starving to death""

Flying high!

2009-11-11T00:54:00.002+01:00

It s been some time since my last posting overhere.All due to the fact that i m back in business again and crossing the Planet Earth from west till east and north to south again, meaning i have made my comeback as a flight attendant after a long period of illness.Strangely it feels like as i have never been away and even my wonderfull fake smile didnt need much practise again.

But honestly, it did feel good to be able to walk in Central Park again, swim in the Carribean sea and throwing myself in the glittering gay nightlife of Sao Paolo.I m a gypsy by nature and so feel happy when i can travel around .After all my flying years i still love my job.It gives me a sense of freedom and lightness.

I m looking forward to my next trip which will be Bangkok.A 5 days layover! It is a great way to enjoy the shopping malls, weekend market, the delicious thai food and the sleazy night life again hehe.So Bangkok....here i come!

Vaya con Dios, Mercedes

2009-10-07T12:33:00.005+02:00

The Great Mercedes Sosa has passed away this week.The Argentinian born singer who was called "the Voice of the Voiceless" , a name she aquired for her enduring effort to the fight against dictatorship and poverty in Latin-America since the 1970-ies.She showed tremendous courage by not stopping perform during the years of dictatorship in Argentina and keep on bringing the message of freedom to her audience.I had the privilige of attending a concert of her in Utrecht here in Holland some years ago.'La Negra', as she was nicknamed too,to me was a powerfull presence on the stage.For those not familiar with her songs i have added a clip of her most famous song,'Gracias a la Vida'(Thanks to Life).I know this great lady will surely be missed by many and may she be remembered always in her magnificent songs

Back from Paradise

2009-08-30T10:43:00.002+02:00

After spending 3 weeks in S.E. Asia i m finally home again.Had a lovely holiday in Bali and Malaysia.I do miss Bali a lot already.It s such a charming island with its natural beauty and nice beaches that i keep comming back there every year.And not to mention the local restaurants with their delicious food.I especially like the Antique restaurant located next to the Mixwell gay bar on Dhyana Pura.The waiters are so friendly and the fusion food is to die for.
My villa was located near to the beach so almost every day i went for a stroll along the beach and watch the marvelous sunset.And after a quick dive in ocean it was time to return to the house for sunset cocktails at the pool before hitting town
I feel refreshed and guess i really needed this holiday to forget the health problems i encountered in the past year.T ime for a new start!

Gimme gimme (Millenium special)

2009-07-28T13:30:00.002+02:00

Hilarious series from the BBC about a gay guy and his foul mouthed female flat mate.Unfortunattely not running anymore.Watch the first part of this special millenium special

Summer holiday

2009-07-26T10:10:00.002+02:00

Two more weeks and my holidays will start.I sooo need a break after all my physical problems in past year.Glad i m on my feet and being my old self again.
First stop on my trip will be Singapore, then on to KL,Malaysia for few days and from there on to Bali for 2 weeks.I rented a nice villa in Bali,Seminyak,so all i want is to relax and relax and ofcourse enjoy the delicious food in the nice restaurants overthere.
For some time i was in doubt if i should take the risk of goin on holiday this far with the swine flu around.But as it seems the majority of the cases have a mild character so i just will take the tamiflu with me and dont worry too much
But still got to work 2 more weeks and as this is the busiest time in the airline industry every year its taking a lot of energy from me , especially as i got to get used again to the time differences and long working hours again.i know i shouldnt be complaining.I lead such a nice and priviliged life already.But my motto has always been to live and enjoy life to the max with spending as little time as possible on work and giving priority to the nice things life has to offer .I encourage everyone to do the same.
Enjoy your holidays! (as i will for sure;-)

And some new shoes

2009-07-11T18:26:00.003+02:00

After Prada it was time for a visit to the Bally sale.At 50 % discount i managed to get these white with red/blue laque leather sneakers.They look georgeous, just what i was looking for.In order to prevent a total bankruptcy i hurried home after having a cappucino at my favourite coffeeshop.And now going to have a relaxing evening at home,watching a with a dvd,"Under the Volcano" with Albert Finney and Jacqueline Bisset.A great movie

Another Prada......

2009-07-11T18:05:00.004+02:00

I couldnt resist having a look at the Prada bags on sale and i came across this beauty,the black calfskin folding satchel.With a 70% discount i knew i had to have it.So its now in my possession hehe.

John Galiano cardigan

2009-07-05T11:22:00.003+02:00

After Prada i ran into another offer i couldnt refuse.This John Galiano black cashmere cardigan at an unbelievable 80% discount!I adore that luxurious soft feeling of cashmere.I m sooo happy with this item

PRADA sales

2009-07-05T10:47:00.004+02:00

Yesterday decided to have another look at the sales in our local fashion street.I prommised myself only to do some window shopping but alas,everything went according to plan untill i bumped into Prada.I couldnt believe my eyes when i saw the last collection was put on a 70% discount for the bags!I found this real beauty, a Prada brown deerskin messenger reduced from 1400 euro to 400 euro.The leather is a georgeous soft quality and its just perfect size, not too big not too small.This is my first deer skin bag and i just love the luxury feeling of it.A great new item for my collection .Dont you agree?

Mes achats soldesques de Paris

2009-07-03T17:29:00.008+02:00

Time to reveal my " achats" from the Paris sale.I didnt buy a lot , just about 3 "objects of my desire" hehe.Lets start with nr. 1

nr.1 HERMES mini losange silk scarf.I took the orange because after all thats the hermes colour

nr.2 GUCCI grey leather messenger.Just the perfect size when i dont want to bring a big bag in to town

nr.3 My favourite cologne"Eau Noire", only available at the Dior boutiques(alas we dont have any Dior boutique in Amsterdam so that gives me another excuse to travel to Paris)

I am proud of myself to have resisted the tempation to buy more hehe and believe me , there was a of temptation!

Paris de mes amours

2009-07-01T23:29:00.005+02:00

My weekend in Paris was great.I really luv that city, it makes you feel so much alive.It gives me the feeling there are suprises to be found around each corner.
The first day was a bit annoying.My morning flight was cancelled and the next air france flight which i took from Amsterdam was delayed for one and a half hours so i arrivedat Charles de Gaulle airport at 2pm.But that wasnt the end of my misery,Air France had left the luggage behind in Amsterdam because they forgot to load 2 containers and had to send it with the next flight in, another 2 hours lost.So i finally reached my hotel around 5.30 pm
The weekend i spent visiting the great Paris sales.Found a really good bargain at Gucci at 50% discount and at the Dior boutique i bought my favourite mens cologne thats only sold there.Burberry s had a lot left of the Prorsum collection but at 40% discount i gave it a miss.Next stop was the Avenue Montaigne were there was a special Dior sale.Some nice sneakers but no size left.At Prada i discovered some nice loafers but my feet are too wide for these narrow italian shoes.
Last stop, the Palais de Congres where the Hermes sale was in full swing.Funny to sea piles of silk Hermes shawls in carton boxes and everybody grabbing and searching (esp. lots of older japanese and chinese tourists ).As this was the last day of the sale not many nice items were left.So i bought a small silk mens scarf in Hermes orange which i found a steal at 54 euro.At wallets and other leather accesories counter only few pieces were left and the only wallet in orange i liked was 600 euro, still a steap price for a simple wallet
After a short rest in hotel we went for dinner at the Brasserie Wepler were we took the big fruits de mer plate with lots of oysters, shrimps, crab and other seafood.Simply yummy!
Last day was spent in the Lafayette and Printemps department stores.I really didnt find anything i liked overthere as most items were already gone in the first days of the sales.Next time i will be there at the first day of the sales as i can imagine that one can find some really good bargains and nice goodies
I certainly will be back in January for the winter sales!

Hermes Paris Sale

2009-06-24T21:24:00.005+02:00

Friday i will be travelling to Paris for the weekend to experience the great Paris Soldes( sales).First of all i will visit Hermes, which has its annual summer sale at the Palais de Congres.The sale already started today and will last untill saturday.I do hope there will be some some worthwile goodies left.From what i learned from the kind ladies at purseblog who went today there are some great discounts to be found.So cross my fingers:-)Second on list is the Dior sale at Avenue Montaigne with a 50% discount.Looking very much forward to that sale too.

I booked a hotel near Madeleine church so i m in heart of the shopping district.About 10 min walking to the big department stores at the Boulevards and the other way also 10 min to my favourite shopping street ,rue Faubourg St. Honore.I cant wait to get to Paris and start my shopping marathon!

Gucci shirt

2009-06-22T16:35:00.004+02:00

Time to reveal the Gucci shirt which i bought last week at a nice discount.Blue in colour with white and red chain pattern(combined with my DiorHomme jeans)

Summer sale : Gucci loafers

2009-06-19T20:23:00.000+02:00

Amsterdam.Last weekend i felt like going into city and see if sales had already started.And lucky me!When i passed the Gucci shop there were a lot of people queing outside and that could mean only one thing: SALES.Had to wait for some time but it was worth it because there were a lot of sales articles at the mens wear left.So i couldnt resist and bought these wonderfull soft suede loafers in dark/chocolate brown colour.Also got me a nice shirt and everything at a 50% discount!

The return of the All-American preppy style from Japan

2009-06-19T19:27:00.000+02:00

Preppy style has made its comeback in fashion.Blazers, bow ties, madras textures are suddenly "hip"again.I have always liked this style and i am very pleased to see its return.
However, i came across the following article in the New York times(thanks to fellow blogger Christian Ralf) about the origin of preppy style.Very interesting and informative

The All-American Back From Japan

By DAVID COLMAN

Published: June 17, 2009

AS you have surely noticed, all- American preppy style has come back for another goround. There is madras everything, button-downs everywhere. Nantucket reds — washed-out pink pants — are the new khakis; Sperry Top-Siders are more common on roof decks than top decks; and the Polo pony and the Lacoste crocodile are now but two of the critters in a zoo of polo shirt insignia.

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Dean Isidro for The New York Times; Photographed at Sarah Lawrence College

EASTERN STUDIES A once-neglected Americana is now in full bloom.

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Lately the trend has taken on a new dimension, via the Internet, with a resurgence of interest in once obscure American brands. Alongside the familiar L. L. Bean duck boots, Brooks Brothers shirts and Ray-Ban Wayfarers, there are Filson duffel bags, Gokey boots, Alden dress shoes, Gitman oxford shirts, Quoddy Trail moccasins, Wm. J. Mills canvas totes — to name but a few. Moribund brands like Southwick and Woolrich are being revived with new designs. And the old-school look has been furthered by popular American fashion labels — small houses like Thom Browne, Band of Outsiders and Benjamin Bixby along with megabrands like J. Crew and Ralph Lauren.

As fashion moments go, this is as all-American as it gets, right?

Actually, no. What makes today’s prepidemic so fascinating is how it is, surprisingly enough, so Japanese. The look has its roots in the United States, to be sure. But the spirit, rigor and execution of today’s prep moment is as Japanese as Sony. One need only flip through the intriguing Japanese book “Take Ivy,” a collection of photographs taken in 1965 by Teruyoshi Hayashida on Eastern college campuses, to get the drift.

“Take Ivy” has always been extremely rare in the United States, a treasure of fashion insiders that can fetch more than $1,000 on eBay and in vintage-book stores. But scanned images from the book have been turning up online in recent months. Ricocheting around the network of sartorially obsessed Web sites and blogs (like acontinuouslean.com and thetrad .blogspot.com), it has aroused renewed interest for its apparent prescience of preppy style. (In the United States, the word preppy came into popular use only in 1970, thanks to the best-selling book and top-grossing movie “Love Story”; and the full flowering of preppy style would not arrive until 1980 with the best-selling “Official Preppy Handbook.”)

But “Take Ivy” was not prescient; it was totally timely, having been commissioned by Kensuke Ishizu, who was the founder of Van Jacket, an Ivy Leagueobsessed clothing line that was a sensation among Japanese teenagers and young men in the early 1960s. Mr. Ishizu was a kind of Ralph Lauren avant la lettre.

“You could have called it a Van look,” recalled Daiki Suzuki, the designer and founder of Engineered Garments (channeling vintage workwear) and the designer of the revamped Woolrich Woolen Mills line (channeling 1950s New England). He remembers “Take Ivy” from his childhood in Japan and how the Ivy look, as it is generally called there, became basic in the ’70s and ’80s, as the craze for American things like Levi’s and Red Wing boots accelerated. In 1989, Mr. Suzuki moved to the United States to work for a large Japanese store scouting for new American designers and obscure brands to import, like White’s Boots from Washington, Russell Moccasin from Wisconsin and Duluth Pack backpacks from Minnesota.

“It’s funny — this authentic Americana, people in the States didn’t care about it at all,” Mr. Suzuki said. “But I would take it back, and everybody would say, ‘Wow, this is really great, what is this?’ Now it’s different. People here like it now.”

HE would know. In 1999, once the Internet began eroding the specialness of his small “Made in the USA” finds, he founded Engineered Garments with the idea of updating vintage American pieces for modern tastes, and for five years he sold the line only in Japan. In the last couple of years Americans have come around, and now the line is a hot seller at Barneys New York.

As curious as this American-export style of business sounds, it is not unusual. Post Overalls, a Japanese- owned line based (and made) in America since 1993, started selling here only this spring. J. Press, the venerable Ivy League clothier founded in New Haven in 1902 and bought by the Japanese fashion giant Kashiyama in 1986, has four modest stores in this country — in Cambridge, Mass.; New Haven; New York; and Washington — but sells roughly six times as much as American made J. Press merchandise in Japan at department stores like Isetan.

The Japanese penchant for Americana is not merely a story of economics; it is a matter of style. It has not been unusual for Japanese men to wear the Ivy look in head-to-toe extremes once unthinkable here — say, a blazer, tie, plaid shorts and knee socks. But given the zeal for American designers like Thom Browne and Scott Sternberg of Band of Outsiders, who tinker with old-fashioned Americana (and whose lines are made in the United States and are very popular in Japan), extremism is finally becoming fashionable here. A column in this month’s GQ by a to-the-boatshoe- born Southerner even inveighs against the trend, labeling it a case of arrivistes going overboard. But whose Ivy look has the more valid claim?

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Mr. Suzuki remembers the first time he met Mr. Browne, when they were both starting their lines. “He was wearing a gray suit, button-down shirt, tie, cashmere cardigan and wingtips,” he recalled. “I remember thinking, ‘I’ve never seen an American dress in such Japanese style.’” Mr. Browne is flattered. “It’s amazing,” he said. “The Japanese get the whole perfect American thing better than Americans. They understand that it’s an identifiable style around the world, this American look. We think we appreciate it, but we really don’t, not like they do.”

But that’s changing. Not long ago, men scoffed at dress shorts, let alone wore them to work. Now, they are a summer norm, along with seersucker suits, ribbon belts and horn-rimmed glasses. While some men still prefer it low-key — plain boat shoes, a faded Lacoste shirt with jeans or a khaki suit with a madras tie — even full-on Japanese prep — blue blazer, button-down, bermudas, loafers — can look good if you have the attitude to carry it off.

As fascinating and confusing as this cross-pollination is, the story of ostensible outsiders borrowing from and bettering the holy tartan has an august history. Brooks Brothers, the country’s oldest operating men’s clothier, and the venerable Ray-Ban brand are owned by the Italian Del Vecchio family. Erich Segal, the author of “Love Story,” and Lisa Birnbach, who put together “The Official Preppy Handbook,” are Jewish, as is Scott Sternberg of Band of Outsiders (who this week won the Council of Fashion Designers of America award for men’s wear, in a tie) and, of course, the look’s most famous exponent, Ralph Lauren. And, by the way, those two most prep fabrics, gingham and seersucker, came to the United States, via Britain, from India.

André Benjamin, a k a André 3000, the designer of the bright Ivy-inspired Benjamin Bixby line (perhaps the only celebrity line with a truly fresh viewpoint), grew up in Atlanta amid the preppy boom of the ’80s and early ’90s. He remembers how schoolmates spent their money on clothes and cars, wearing two or three polo shirts at a time and fetishizing prepmobiles like the Volkswagen Cabriolet.

“I can’t speak for how it’s been taken up in Asian community,” he said, “but in the black community, you’re always striving to rise above. Most black kids don’t even go to college, and you just hope you can will yourself to get there.

“Like a lot of things, the myth is greater than the actual thing. The WASPy lifestyle, with the parents and traditions, it looks great, but appreciating it from the outside brings a whole different perspective. Ralph didn’t come from it, either. It’s all about having your own twist.”

To Mr. Benjamin, the most appealing part of the old prep look was not its WASPiness but its suggestion of an easy, well-dressed freedom from anxiety, the same entitled naïveté of Oliver Barrett IV, the WASPy Romeo of “Love Story.”

“This golden age of Ivy League style we’re talking about — the blue blazers, the chinos, the sweatshirts, the tweed jackets — what I like is that it’s a look without looking like you thought about it. It looks like you care, but you don’t care.”

Of course, as one of the world’s best and most colorfully dressed men, Mr. Benjamin cares deeply, and it shows in his clothes, as it does in all the new prep gear. And so what if it does? It may not be true of love, but as any boarding-school student can tell you, preppy means never having to say you’re sorry.

Origin: NY times,published June 17th,2009

View on the Herengracht(1672)

2009-06-17T01:28:00.000+02:00

Those foreigners who visit Amsterdam are impressed by the beauty of the canals and the 17th and 18th century canal houses, once built for the rich and important merchant families in what was called the 'Golden Age' of the Republic of the seven united provinces as the Netherlands were called at that time
The National Museum(Rijksmuseum) in Amsterdam has been able to add a stunning painting named 'View on the Herengracht'(Gentlemen s canal) , painted by Gerrit Berckheyde .This painting shows the canal in its early stage of construction, as you can still see open spaces between already constructed houses
The museum was able to buy this painting thanks to a substantial gift by the dutch lottery.It was bought from an american-dutch art collector
I especially went to the museum to watch this great work of Art .It s painted in 1672 but in my view it looks so modern because of its colour scheme combined with almost same realistic way of painting from the 1920 s and 30 s(like the paintings of carel Willink)
For those visiting Amsterdam go and watch this painting,you will not be disappointed

Brideshead revisited: Anthony Blanche

2009-06-08T22:17:00.000+02:00

As i got so much spare time for myself while im still recovering i got the chance to view all the episodes of the monumental and iconic Granada tv series "Brideshead revisited"again on dvd.

For those not familiar with the story.It s a dramatized version of the book by Evelyn Waugh and tells the story of the downfall of the Marchmain family,english aristocrats, against the setting of the 1920 and 30-ies. Georgeous locations and fashion make this a must see series

A wonderfull creature in the series is Anthony Blanche who playes a decadent witty and clearly very gayish friend of the main characters,Sebastian and Charles.Watch the following scenes and enjoy the fabulous witty conversation (first scene at Oxford,introduction of Anthony Blanche and second scene dinner scene with Charles and Anthony)

guess i was born in a wrong age.....

Design house Christian Lacroix files for bankruptcy

2009-05-28T21:45:00.000+02:00

Design house Christian Lacroix reportedly filed for bankruptcy last friday.There by becomming the first victim, in haute couture, of the credit crisis.In a statement to Vogue magazine the design house stated that" it seeks to protect itself from a onslaught of creditors"
US group Falics, owner of the brand since it bought the brand from the LVMH conglomerate in 2005 was rumoured to be in negotiacions of selling the house to a swiss buyer last year

Lacroix is famous for his extravagant yet very wearable designs for women. Yet his name became known among the greater public through the hilarious tv-comedy "Absolutely Fabulous ".Eddy and Patsy . the main characters and "fashion victims",repeatedly revered to the designer in the quote"it s not a dress darling, it s a LaCroix"

Insiders in the fashion industry fear other design houses also are affected badly by the crisis and could follow the same path the Lacroix house has gone

Hermes moccasins

2009-05-27T23:34:00.000+02:00

Last weekend i went shopping in Amsterdam.With no special goal in my mind i just spend the afternoon window shopping at the city's main fashion street, the P.C.Hooftstraat, often just referred too as the PC.

I paid a visit to Gucci's sacred temple, then went on to Todd's and after a quick peak in the Mulberry's shop i headed for Hermes.And there in the shoes collection i spotted the most wonderfull, soft calf leather brown moccasins.Engraved on top with the H-logo from Hermes.

I know that summer sales are just aroound the corner but the sales assistant assured me this model would not go on sale as it was a very popular item of last collection.So that made me loose my last resistance and i brought this beauties home with me

I am really happy i got them and they add so much flavour to my preppy collection

Arthur

2009-05-26T18:19:00.000+02:00

For sweet and funny Arthur.16 years since you passed away.Still missing you after all these years...

Death in Venice

2009-05-17T00:24:00.000+02:00

I was 18 when i first saw this movie in an arthouse cinema in Amsterdam.I still remember how overwhelmed by its sheer beauty.And when i reviewed it recently brought out the same feeling

The movie by the great Visconti is a adaption from the Thomas Mann novella 'Tod in Venedig'.It s main theme is the foolish adoration of beauty , chasing our unreachable dreams and fantasies of love.Beauty here personified by the young boy Tadzio(Bjorn Andersen,who the gay Visconti considered the most beautifull boy in the world)and the obsessed professore (Dirk Bogarde in his best perfomance ever).

Plato in his 'Form of Beauty'already mentioned the corruption that lies in captivating beauty and as a contrast described Death being the opposite of beauty.In the final scene we see the professor ,already delirious by the high fever and dying from the Cholera ,in his last moments while you got in background the magnificent Adagietto from Mahlers 5th symphony.Beauty and Death finally come together in what is in my opinion one of the greatest movie endings ever

And this is the most beautifull boy 33 years later at age 50......

H&M Matthew Wilkinson Amsterdam

2009-05-14T19:19:00.001+02:00

Today was the launch of the long awaited mens wear collection from Matthew Wilkinson.I was not able to go there before 11.00 this morning but quite to my surprise all items where still available and only few people at mens wear.So lets reveal what i managed to get

First of all the green peacock t-shirt,nothing extra ordinary but like the design and the fabric feels soft

Second item is the same peacock design on a white t-shirt, also simple and nice combined with the flower shawl for men(this is a really nice item, must have!)

And here you see the flower shirt(same design as shawl).It has big mother of pearl buttons and the fabric is nice

This is the white leather belt.The quality is acutually very good and soft

I also bought this white jacket with dark contrast.Its not from the MW collection but i liked it so much so i bought it.

The leather jacket is of good heavy quality too.But i gave it a pass since its too much rock and roll in my opinion.I settled for the not too extravagant designs and i m happy with these items

World's happiest places

2009-05-10T15:24:00.000+02:00

Interesting report from Forbes.com: Netherlands ranking position 3 of the list World's happiest places

3. Netherlands

Satisfaction With Present Life: 85.1*

Predicted Satisfaction With Future Life: 88.2*

2009 Gross Domestic Product Per Capita: $55,453**

Unemployment Rate: 4.5%***

*Source: Organization for Economic Co-Operation and Development

**Source: International Monetary Fund

***Source: Central Intelligence Agency World Factbook

World's Happiest Places
Lauren Sherman, 05.05.09
A new report reveals where people feel most positive about their lives.

Where in the world do people feel most content with their lives?

According to a new report released by the Organization for Economic Co-Operation and Development (OECD), a Paris-based group of 30 countries with democratic governments that provides economic and social statistics and data, happiness levels are highest in northern European countries.

Denmark, Finland and the Netherlands at the top of the list, ranking first, second and third, respectively. Outside Europe, New Zealand and Canada landed at Nos. 8 and 6, respectively. The U.S. did not crack the top 10. Switzerland placed seventh and Belgium placed tenth.

In Depth: World's Happiest Places

The report looked at subjective well-being, defined as life satisfaction. Did people feel like their lives were dominated by positive experiences and feelings, or negative ones?

To answer that question, the OECD used data from a Gallup World Poll conducted in 140 countries around the world last year. The poll asked respondents whether they had experienced six different forms of positive or negative feelings within the last day.

Some sample questions: Did you enjoy something you did yesterday? Were you proud of something you did yesterday? Did you learn something yesterday? Were you treated with respect yesterday? In each country, a representative sample of no more than 1,000 people, age 15 or older, were surveyed. The poll was scored numerically on a scale of 1-100. The average score was 62.4.

Why did the northern European countries come out looking so good? Overall economic health played a powerful role, says Simon Chapple, senior economist from the Social Policy Division of the OECD, which put together the report.

While the global economic crisis has taken a toll on every nation, the countries that scored at the top still boast some of the highest gross domestic product per capita in the world. Denmark, which got the highest score, is not only a wealthy country, it's also highly productive, with a 2009 GDP per capita of $68,000, according to the International Monetary Fund. The United States' GDP per capita, by contrast, is $47,335. Though the U.S. got an above-average score of 74, it did not break the top 10.

Wealth alone does not bring the greatest degree of happiness. Norway has the highest GDP per capita on the list--$98,822--yet it ranked ninth, not first. On the other hand, New Zealand's happiness level is 76.7 out of 100 on the OECD list, but its 2009 GDP per capita is just $30,556.

According to a 2005 editorial, published in the British Medical Journal and authored by Dr. Tony Delamothe, research done in Mexico, Ghana, Sweden, the U.S. and the U.K. shows that individuals typically get richer during their lifetimes, but not happier. It is family, social and community networks that bring joy to one's life, according to Delamothe.

The OECD data shows that another important factor is work-life balance. While Scandinavian countries boast a high GDP per capita, the average workweek in that part of the world is no more than 37 hours. In China, which got a low score of just 14.8, the workweek is 47 hours and the GDP per capita is just $3,600.

Low unemployment also contributes to happiness. "One thing we know for sure," says the OECD's Chapple, "not having a job makes one substantially less satisfied." Denmark's unemployment rate is just 2%, according the C.I.A.'s World Factbook. Norway's is just 2.6%. The Netherlands: just 4.5%. Many economists concur that a 4% unemployment rate reflects a stable economy. The U.S. unemployment rate is currently 9%.

source: Forbes.com

Le Roi danse (France, 2000)

2009-05-09T16:38:00.000+02:00

One of the movies i viewed recently and already tops my list of favourits.The story tells about the relationship between Louis XIV(Benoit Magimel) and his italian born court composer Jean Baptist Lully(Boris Terral).
As a teenager Louis XIV became very much interested in ballet dancing.A form of art that was not that refined and galant in those days.Through Lully and his music and choreography, the young King,who was a much talented dancer,brought ballet on a higher level.He was described to dance in a "down to earth", manly style.Lully composed 'Le Ballet de la Nuit'(the ballet of the night) in which the 14th year old King pedicts the rising sun and which gave Louis the nickname "the Sun King".
He kept on dancing untill his 32nd birthday when he experiences an accident on stage and refuses to dance anymore after.Composer Lully changes to writing comical opera s in colabaration with writer Moliere.
For 35 years Lully will hold his position at the court, but slowly looses the admiration and attention of Louis,whom he has secretely been in love with all these years.The love that will tragically end in his death

A movie directed by director Gerard Corbiau who also directed "Farinelli".Not only worthwile viewing because of its ravishing costumes ,wonderfull colours, music by Lully and great acting.But also because of the very attractive and in my eyes yummy main character actors.I personally am very much impressed by this movie, its fascinating and a candy to the eye and the ear

Sunset Boulevard (Film Noir)

2009-05-09T14:37:00.000+02:00

The story of Joe(William Holden), jobless scriptwriter,and Norma Desmond(Gloria Swanson) ,once famous movie star from the silent screen who dreams of a comeback on the silver screen after decades of seclusion in her mansion on Sunset.Her dreams and illusions slowly turn into a nightmare as it becomes clear that nobody is waiting for her return.She desperately clings to her obsessed love afair with her young toy boy Joe.As her world gradually falls apart,her life is shattered to pieces and as events start to unfold they take a turn for the worse...

Here the final scene where the camera s in a strange way are finally turning again for Norma Desmond.Probably one of the best scenes in movie history and Swanson at her best performance.This film noir has certain gay aspects.Mainly because we can identify ourselves to certain extent with the character of Norma, a woman of a certain age who desperately clings to her lost youth engaging in a affair with a young toy boy and is in denial of the fact she is not the same as 30 yrs before (doesnt that ring some bells about a certain present day gay icon....;-).Sadly we see many gays turn into Norma's as they grow older....

Watch the clip and try to rent or buy the movie.It s a marvelous classic and must see!

Black Queen's Birthday Celebration

2009-04-30T21:07:00.000+02:00

Today was supposed to be a day to celebrate the birthday of the Queen.This day is famous for it s big gay parties in streets of Amsterdam,dance parties on various locations.Traditionally the whole city is covered in colour orange as the name of the royal family is Orange-Nassau.

The royal family planned to celebrate at the summer palace ,Het Loo palace in Apeldoorn , a small city about an hour from Amsterdam.Around 100000 people turned up to watch the Queen and her family.Around 11.30am they started a tour by car to watch the festivities.All went well untill suddenly a car with full speed broke through the safety barricades and on its way hit 17 people.It came till a standstill when it crashed into the monument for Queen Wilhelmina, just at the time the royal motorcade passed by just a few meters away.Immediately the secret service speeded up the motorcade to return to the palace.

First aid and reanimation was performed by the red cross.But sadly 5 people had died and 6 persons severely injured.The driver of the car was still conscious when police arrived at the wreckage.He told them his action was deliberate and he wanted to hit the royal motorcade.He was removed from wreckage and is in critical condition

All celebrations were cancelled and the national flag was lowered to half mast as sign of mourning.

This awfull attempt to hurt the royal family has left the country in a shock.People ask how and why this could happen in a friendly small country like Holland.I dont know what are the motives for this attack.Only it feels like the world around us is becomming more and more a strange and dangerous place to live in.

The Sound of Music

2009-04-19T00:37:00.000+02:00

Watch this hilarious vdeo clip featuring Dame Judi Dench, one of britain's best actresses('M'in the James Bond movies,Queen Victoria in 'Mrs.Brown')in a parody of the duet'Sixteen going on Seventeen' from the Sound of Music movie/musical

That's life

2009-04-17T20:55:00.000+02:00

Been a while since my last posting.No i was not away on a long work trip .This time i experienced a setback in my physical condition and due to health problems spent some time in hospital.

I wont elaborate on my stay overthere.Happy to be on my feet again(well...almost) and focusing on the future again.Summer is around the corner and i m planning my summer holiday trips to Bali and Malaysia and if time and my wallet permits also visiting friends in Brazil.There is a positive side of the economic downturn,there are enough seats available for me to travel on staff fare and i can get a highly discounted rate at most 5 star hotels as they got enough rooms available(i hope!)

Half the fun is making the arrangements and bookings for a holiday.I love to check out the fares and search for the right hotel, read about the places i m goin to visit.Even though i have been to all corners of Earth i still feel that magical thrill of encountering the unknown.Seeing new places, meeting new friends.It still awakes the same excitement in me as in earlier days

My only worry is that i hope i will have totally recovered and fit for these trips.So fingers crossed and lets hope for the best!

Remembering Gregory Lemarchal

2009-03-20T15:48:00.000+01:00

Almost 2 years ago french singer Gregory Lemarchal passed away at the age of 23 yrs.He became famous after winning the french "Star Academy".Despite the fact he was suffering since birth from an ilness called Mucoviscidose he managed to achieve his dream and became an idol.All of France admired and loved this young singer who soon gained the nickname"le petit prince"(the little prince).

In his short career he made a tour through be Belgium,France and Switzerland.He played the famous l'Olympia theatre several times with great success.

While working on his second CD the news came he had suddenly died on 30th April 2007 at a Paris hospital.He was buried in his home village in the french Alps.

Fans who had already bought tickets for his planned concert at Aix-les-Bains in june 2007 didnt want their money refunded but instead donated the revenue to research for this ilness.

7.5 million euro was raised in few months after his death by the institution his parents set up to combate and research Mucoviscidose

2009-03-17T23:18:00.000+01:00

Insane house in Kuala Lumpur

2009-03-15T15:11:00.000+01:00

This house was completed late 2008, designed by french designers Joui Manku.It houses 3 generations of a malaysian power fammily,YTL owners(Pangkor Laut resort etc.)It s located in a suburb of the city and has 9 bedrooms, 21 bathrooms,2 grand spiral staircases and a grand ballroom with a chandelier of 13000 individually crafted porcelain pentals.The house has a retro 60 s kind of design(reminding me of the Thunderbirds residence).Insane and over the top in its design but also magnificent and leaving me breathless

Preppy summer style

2009-03-12T13:59:00.000+01:00

I came across this great looking madras blazer from the RL-collection It looks stunning with a khaki pants and small bow tie.Refined yet informal it brings me in the mood for this comming summer.Preppy style at its best is tastefully combining dress and casual items together.This particular look is called the Sotheby s,it s an understated look thats both relaxed and sophisticated.But dont forget to wear bow tie, it accentuates the total look

Lazy sunday afternoon

2009-03-08T16:59:00.000+01:00

Sunday is the day i like to spend at home.I am passing my time doing nothing at all, except surfing the net.
I have been single for many years now and living alone i am used to doing my own things.Thats the advantage of being single.I can plan anything at any time i desire.
I am not single by choice.It just happened this way.Didnt get to know anyone in past years which i could spend my life with.All of my friends are in long term relationship and keep on asking why i never found the right guy.At my age you learn to do some self reflection and i have come to conclusion that there are a few factors that contribute to me being single.
First of all i know i got a difficult personnality.I have my own strong opinions about matters.Also i need a lot of space and free time for myself.
And my job as a flight attendant also makes it difficult to meet the right person and to develop a relationship.I am away so often ,travelling to all corners of this world.For some people my job might seem so glamorous but in reality its not.There were many trips in which i felt awfully lonely.
As i m growing older now i realise you cant have everything in your life.You take a certain road in life and thereby leaving the crossroads unexplored.
And who knows where the road will lead me.I m sure life has still got some surprises for me (whether they ll be nice or bad i dont know).

Saint Matthew passion

2009-03-06T14:12:00.000+01:00

I m looking forward to go and experience the St.Matthew passion again just before Easter.This masterpiece by J.S. Bach is traditionally performed around Easter time as it engages the story of the Crucifiction , death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

I m not religious but even for a non believer this is a wonderfull majestic piece of music.It was said that Bach told that he saw God,Heaven and the Angels while he was composing this music.

I m especially moved by these 2 parts.First is called "Erbarme dich" and second,"Wir setzen uns mit tranen nieder"

Summer, the first time

2009-03-05T16:24:00.000+01:00

Was browsing youtube today and found this song that takes me back to my teenage years.Bobby Goldsboro s 'summer the first time', a song of a boy comming of age with an older woman.In my case it was an older man ,well i was 17 and he was around 27.but if you are 17 you certainly regard someone of 27 as old.

The song is really nice and brings back memories of a hot summer s afternoon many years ago...

Indulgence

2009-03-05T00:50:00.000+01:00

Yesterday my good friend F. and me went for dinner in La Rive at the Amstel hotel(a magnificent old hotel on banks of the Amstel river.This week is so called "restaurant week" in which u can experience fine dining at high end restaurants at discounted price.La Rive is listed in the Michelin restaurant guide and has been awarded with one star.Needless to say it was a heavenly experience.The food was delicious and innovative;

first 2 different "amuses"(of which one was a caramelized cherry tomate with herbs,fried and then slightly frozen again

appetizer was a roasted coquille, leaf lard,salsify,clam, savoy cabbage and smoked sausage

main course, sauteed cod, eel fritter, cauliflower,zucchini with verjus reduction

pre dessert
spoom of lime sherbet with vanilla foam

and dessert selection of traditional homemade ice cream and sherbets

The restaurant is decorated in a Ralph Lauren club style with waiters in Tails and white bow tie.You get an impacable service and once you have been to this class of restaurants you will never want to go anywhere else anymore(according to my experiences..).Its worth every penny, but i rather save up to go here and skip the cheaper restaurants for few months

Friday we will have lunch in a 2 star michelin restaurant,Ron Blaauw ,in a small village outside Amsterdam, so i really spoil myself this week(one has to indulge oneself now and then:-)

Racism and prejudice

2009-03-01T14:23:00.000+01:00

In the sixties Katherine Hepburn together with Spencer Tracy starred in the movie 'Guess who is comming to dinner".This is a commedy in which liberal thinking parents are confronted with the new boyfriend of their daughter.The fact that he is black brings out is very self confronting to them and their way of thinking.....

In this scene from the movie we see how Hepburn deals with a nosy employee from her art gallery who is racial prejudiced.Its hilarious and shows the great talent of this unforgettable and remarkable actress

Indiana Jones opening scene

2009-03-01T02:03:00.000+01:00

One of movies greatest opening scenes featuring the lovely Kate Capshaw singing "Anything goes"in mandarin( would luv to see this performed in a chinese drag show!)Enjoy!

Puccini and Brel

2009-03-01T00:01:00.000+01:00

This video was made at the Silver Jubilee concert for H.M. the Queen in front of the Royal Palace in Amsterdam in April 2005.

I love this aria by Puccini 'O mio bambino caro (oh my dear child) sung by the talented Romanian soprano Angela Gheorghiu.A really wonderfull and intense aria

Second part is the song "La chanson de vieux amants "sung here by Angela Gheorghiu in duet with Jeroen Willems , partly in french and partly in dutch.A song that is so intense it really touches me over and over again

At the end of this clip you see HM the Queen and the royal princes and princesses leaving.Mind you, the Queen is a widow so the fellow sitting next to her and walking behind her is the Lord Mayor of Amsterdam

Last hommage to Yves Saint Laurent

2009-02-24T13:35:00.001+01:00

Christie s in Paris is auctioning the entire Saint Laurent/Berge collection this week.Many wonderfull pieces of Art will change owner.For me the piece the resistance is the Mondriaan painting.But also the bronze statues from the chinese emperor s winter palace are magnificent.It s sad to see such a great collection of Art being sold but the good thing is all the revenue will go to AIDS research projects.Have a look yourself at Christie s website and see for yourself that things of beauty are a joy forever.

San Fransisco

2009-02-22T15:15:00.000+01:00

Still jet lagged and feeling lazy i have returned home from a work trip to SFrisco.Just a few days lay over but enough time to experience the wonders of that magical city on the Bay.Gosh how i luv this city.It s totally un-american in its city plan and most of all the people,they are sooo relaxed.

I got on a cable car and went to Fishermen s warf.A bit touristic but i like to watch the Golden Gate bridge and the best view is around there.

In evening i went to Castro district with a fellow gay collegue.And we certainly had a good time overthere.I was waiting at the traffic lights and handsome light chocolate coloured guy crossed the street from opposite site.We exchanged glances but i couldnt help to ve a peak over my shoulder and he was doing the same lol!He gave me a big smile and kept on looking.But then my collegue urged me to hurry ..he didnt want us to be late for our dinner reservation ...mmmm...geeh...bad luck....Why this kind of thing always happens when its NOT convenient.
Anyway after a nice dinner we had a few drinks in the local gay scene.But we were sooo tired that we left for hotel at 9.30pm already

But for sure i slept like a baby but with a smile on my face thinking about mr.Chocolate....you made my day!

Todd s hair calf loafers

2009-02-09T13:33:00.000+01:00

Todd s summer collection brings us these lovely hair-calf loafers in zebra/leopard/camouflage.Personally i like the camouflage ones.I can wear them with a dull bermuda/polo outfit and still look smashing

$495

Santa Maria Novella

2009-02-08T14:56:00.000+01:00

The smell of a lazy warm afternoon in Firenze...A range of perfumes ,soaps and shampoos made with herbs that grow in the hills of Florence.Each product has its own story.For example the Acqua della Regina perfume was made originally around 1725 for the notorious Catherine de Medici,Queen of France.Mind you these perfumes sell like crazy so hurry and pick up one of these authentic and hot products(available in Antwerps,Belgium and Italy.Officina Profuma Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella)

Momataro jeans

2009-02-08T14:39:00.000+01:00

If you get wet dreams of designer jeans this will probably satisfy all your needs.Momataro handmade to order jeans from Japan.It will set you back 2000 euro but for sure you will have a unique piece.Mind you ,it will take 6 months to get ready as its completely handmade.Only few shops in major cities around the world sell this brand(in Amsterdam, Tenue de Nimes shop at Elandsgracht)

Dame Edna

2009-02-05T15:59:00.001+01:00

Hilarious!Two Dame s together in a wonderfull witty show.Dame E you are simply the best comedian and Dame S YOU are still a shiny star

Marlene

2009-02-05T14:44:00.001+01:00

Marlene, good old Marlene how we still miss you.I remember my aunt took me to see one of your last concerts.You were in your seventies already at that time but somehow u could keep up the illusion of eternal youth.The eternal Blue Angel...Like the quote from Billy Wilder s movie"Fedora"; no one of us managed to keep young forever...except Marlene...

wishlist 2009

2009-02-03T14:24:00.000+01:00

At the start of every year i always prepare a wishlist of goodies i need to get this year...mind you...i m talking about must haves... the bear necessities of life i m talking about!So here we go:

Cartier Santos Dumont watch.i desperately need this watch in rose gold

2.Hermes brown canvas large tote.to keep all my goodies safe and stored in a yummy bag

3.Vuitton Naxos messenger spring/summer collection 2009

but way to expensive for a commoner like me...or should i eat dry bread all year...tempting

4.Osmanthe Yunnan perfume by Hermes

Finally something i dont have to starve for.the most sensual smell i ever encountered....

Not much too ask for dont you agree.But i fear a meltdown of my credit card this year hehe

LV

2009-02-02T16:01:00.000+01:00

Finally a new blog update.I have been busy lately and outside the country.It s a relief though to be home again in Amsterdam. As i grow older i seem to dislike winters more and more..and today its bitterly cold overhere.So i spent my time reading blogs on net, especially fashion blogs .I m interested in fashion and enjoy watching new trends.Today is launch of Stephen Sprouse line for Louis Vuitton.Not really my cup of tea as i find the design too outdated and somehow it doesnt match with the classic features of the vuitton bags and image.But i heard there s a big interest in Asia for this design and as nowadays asian custommers are the biggest spenders at LV i m sure they will sell well(although its not a scence of good taste if you ask me hehe).I totally am hooked on Hermes designs,quality and nice design.Last week was the Hermes sale in Paris, too bad i couldnt be there.But bright side was it saved me lot of money hehe.I will wait till summer sale and spend few days in Paris as well.Something to look forward!

music of the night

2009-01-09T12:40:00.001+01:00

I spent great deal of my youth in Durban,S.Africa.Although i was still a child then i cherish good memories.Because of my work i can still visit the country regularly and its always like comming home...a really magical country everybody should try and visit

This video i added shows the beauty of the Afrikaans language.Its very simular to my native Dutch language but softer.The song is orinally from Jacques Brel:Ne me quite pas but this is the Afrikaans version: Moe nie weggaan nie sung by famous dutch singer,Herman van Veen.

In my opinion a great and melancholic version of the song...

My housemate

2009-01-07T12:26:00.000+01:00

My housemate is sleeping behind the couch right now.Bet you wonder why he is sleeping behind instead of on the couch. Thats because he is a dog! More specific...he is a spaniel named Omar.Now you see, Omar is the kind of dog who needs lot of attention. When i am home he will follow me wherever i go and see what i m up too. But beware when i sit down at my laptop. Within minutes Omar will come and harass me, dropping his stuffed toys and ball on my lap.Its like he is telling me: hey i m much more fun then that strange black toy you are touching with your fingers so often(my laptop hehe).So i will tell him to go away but he doesnt give up that easily.This game will go on for some time untill i m really fed up and tell him to either stop or be locked up in the hall(there he is alone so he doesnt like that at all).Finally he will stop and find a place to have another nap, because sleeping and eating is what he likes doing most.What a relaxed life he has ....
If i ever get reincarnated i wouldnt mind at all to return as a pet dog !

Sin in the City part 1

2009-01-06T12:36:00.000+01:00

What better then starting a new year with a blog!Oh yeah , i can imagine all you bitches out there sighing and thinking 'here s another member of the Pink family whose whoring his private life on the waves of the www". Sheer boredness and the fact that as a flight attendant i got so many off days, may have contributed to the creation of this new adventure which has started here today

Amsterdam is my home base and from this sinfull City i often fly out to all corners of this world.A vibrant place where i am always happy to return to recuperate from adventures during my trips abroad.And yes ,ladies and gents, i am in residence again in my penthouse situated in central Amsterdam. Still recovering from too much Champagne, foie gras and fish eggs in Singapore, i look at my stained dinner jacket and somehow it looks like it has been 3 WEEKS on a jungle tour instead of to a GALA party at New Years eve.I certainly must have enjoyed myself although i cant seem to recall any memories of certain parts of that grand celebration hehe. (and that at my age awww...)

Detoxification thats what i need in comming weeks.Healthy food and vitamins.No more bubbles, ciggies and high cholesterol foodies for a while(not too long:-, i m not a health freak and trully believe in moderate exaggeration)

Ok, readers , i am off to bed soon for a short afternoon nap, my favourite part of the day,snoozing away while the city outside my bedroom window melts in the winter sun ...