The 2010 Maltese chronicles. Part 2...

Before I commence the 2^nd part of the long awaited chronicle, I sincerely hope you don’t mind if I make a rather special request...Please allow me to make an APOLOGY... just in case I inadvertently offend anyone with either my use of fact, fiction or fantasy or the colourful way I use rich dictation. During this particular week, I became accustomed to hearing as well as seeing some multi-coloured use of language, ideas and mannerisms etc. Please remember, this has been written with ‘FUN’ in mind and is not how we would normally behave... ‘Any resemblance to anyone living, dead or stuffed is purely coincidental’... Signed: The Angels and yes, we really did meet our Charlie but hey that’s another story!!!

For those of you just joining me, this is a brief narrative of one week away In ‘Sliema Malta’ and how it magically turned into a wonderfully, captivating journey for four women let loose to discover their own delightful inner charm which they more than willingly shared. This is based on a true story of fact, fiction and fantasy. Real names hidden, but vibrantly based on four females from the well known, much loved ‘Sex in the city’ saga. Carrie Bradshaw... Samantha Jones... Miranda Hobbs... Charlotte York. But wait there’s a 5^th to be added ‘Selina’ who I’ll introduce to you a little later!

Now where was I? Oh yes... my mind spins back to Sunday 28^th November 2010...

Sunday got off to a great start with an early breakfast and the meeting of some wonderful hotel staff... Breakfast, a buffet style affair in a pristine dining room, overlooked a beautiful terraced garden. One of the first members of staff who attracted our attention must have been 7ft tall, a string-like individual who initially had a most serious face so much so... I was sure that with just one glance, he’d freeze us instantly. Let me tell you this, his sour face didn’t last two minutes... before the clock started ticking he was eating out of our hands... he smiled and bowed to us as we pointed and smiled back.

Samantha, never being one to hold back, directly asked him... Did he have a girlfriend? And had his mother left him in a grow bag? Well, you can imagine the laughter; it simply rippled around the dining room... unfortunately the other residents had absolutely no choice but to be infected by us.

After breakfast we decided to explore the ‘Grand Spa Hotel’ with all its resources. The striking hotel nestled right on the edge of the sea with its coastline feeling quite dramatic for four ladies from Manchester. With its granite, marble and glass, the hotel felt magnificently luxurious.

Exploring our residence caused excitement to escalate... For some bizarre, unknown reason this started to affect whoever was near or around us. I sensed oneness from other like minded beings that were in close proximity but, I also noticed others who first observed the shenanigans from a distance they then smiled nervously, and spoke... It was almost as if the four of us were able to feed their confidence with liquid warmth which they appeared to need desperately, in order to interact and respond.

It was out of the blue during our first morning in Seliema that Samantha and Charlotte made a hilarious discovery...

“Their all Jerry’s” Samantha screamed.

“Jerry’s...?” Miranda cried in confusion.

“Yeah, Oh my good god” Samantha squealed even louder, “Bloody hell their all geriatrics!?!?”

“Yes I did notice they were older than us” whispered Charlotte in case she was overheard.

Well I understood her outburst immediately and giggled hysterically because, I realised Samantha was on this holiday for a damn good reason... and the scanned, targeted geriatrics gave her a serious problem. She was on a mission, her mission was one of love or should I rephrase that... ‘Lust’ We all know and love Samantha, we all understand that her needs were few, her repertoire quite distinct. The three of us, doubled over in laughter at her realisation, that on this particular holiday, her mission might on this occasion sadly go unanswered.

“Never mind Samantha” Miranda cried with great big fat happy tears coursing down her cheeks. “There’s a disco on this evening, I’m sure someone gorgeously delicious, will strike your fancy”.

“Well if he’s got a Zimmer, I’m outta here” she said indignantly.

After an afternoon of more laughter and us all basking in the beautiful warm Maltese sunshine, we returned to our rooms to get ready for a pre-booked meal and a date with a disco.

Dinner and a few drinks later we stumbled down a beautiful black and white shiny marble staircase that spiralled around and around... we followed faraway music to the famous ‘cocktail bar’ where dancing would take place. The bar stunningly beautiful, the furniture and surroundings completely divine but, the four of us stood stock, staring still within the opening of double doors which led into the space we thought we wanted to be... It was then we were met by the strictly come dancing brigade.

Almost defeated, the four of us slowly walked towards the bar... drinks started to flow and strangely enough gaiety returned... Our motto was this, ‘if you can’t beat em join em ‘ We started putting in musical requests... toe tapping notes zapped out, geeing up the older generation. We introduced ourselves. We encouraged everyone to dance... basically; we silently decided come what may, we were going to have a great time and that meant including everyone and not taking, no for an answer.

I’m happy to report, the new people took to us like ducks to water...

This was also the evening we met our 5^th Angel, Selina. What a lovely lady... Selina turned out to be a breath of fresh air, warm, kind, and gracious... instantly becoming one of the girls. She also introduced us to other inmates. Throughout the week Selina regularly joined us on the sun terraces, in our spa treatments, she blended in well, just like a sister. Selina turned out to be an interesting person who had a top job, where her brains were the public’s priority. She kept the four of us entertained for hours on grisly as well as funny stories all of which she’d experienced within her job. I also felt something deeper with our 5^th Angel, I connected on another level. I recall even advising her that she and I had unfinished business... I sensed a need within Selina, a fire was burning and I instinctively felt she was looking for something more out of life... I wasn’t totally sure and I don’t know why I felt this so strongly, but, I had the distinct impression I might somehow be the key... Our friendship deepened with our 5^th Angel and along with everyone else I quickly realised Selina was a real, fun person who also happened to share my passion for dancing.

I know your reading this lovely lady... Our paths crossed but for a short time and I along with the others knew that, parting would be sad. How right we were, we miss you lots and lots...

Towards the end of Sunday evening in the bright lights of the cocktail bar, we danced our asses off; we all laughed enjoying the moment... Unbeknown to my friends, I stepped back to look around and I blissfully realised, the fun was extremely contagious and for some inexplicable reason, I felt being there within that moment with friends and strangers in the then, here and now it was truly meant to be... As we prepared to leave the bar, I saw, felt and heard happy people, smile genuine smiles and I clearly sensed with my own being, genuine shouts of goodnight with cheery waves, see you in the morning.

Contentedly, we went to our rooms knowing, tomorrow would be another day...

The 2010 Maltese chronicles...

As most of you may already know, generally a ‘chronicle’ is an account of facts and events arranged in chronological order as for instance in let’s say a timeline, the purpose being to record events that occurred as seen from the perspective of the chronicler.

I decided to do it this way to record a recent holiday in Malta but, I also want to advise that this will be a chronicle with a difference... It’s going to be based on fact, fiction and fantasy... names will be changed, situations disguised. I would also like to introduce my girlfriends and myself in the same light as ‘sex in the city’ characters. It’s going to be about a much needed holiday for four females and will be based around their experiences and the people they meet and believe me there were many wonderful, colourful, characters who will remain truly embedded in our memories forever... Plus, there were a few characters that were not so colourful; nevertheless, they played an equally important part in the developing story.

For these chronicles my name will be Carrie Bradshaw (the writer) and as some of you may already know the famous (Jessica Parker) who plays the all American version. I decided it would be really cool to present the Northern version of Carrie Bradshaw. I’m hoping I’ll be able to bring these fantastic characters to life with a little twist of northern, lemony distinction. It will also be done in a timeline sequence, with the day & date preceding the event, be it... fact, fiction or a fantasy tale within the event and its narration...

I sincerely hope you find it interesting, maybe even funny. It dawned on me after some reflection the four of us appeared to emit a real honest to goodness, feel good chemical that attracted lots of wonderful individuals. I also personally became conscious that during our week in Malta, we experienced lots of laughter and warmth. I discovered this persistent power brought complete strangers into our lives that, sincerely looked forward to, even seeking out our company. Let’s start at the beginning shall we?

First allow me to introduce our fictional selves...

Carrie Bradshaw: Just like Carrie’s character I always believed I would find love. I too possess the deepest desire to write and in doing so my hopeful aspiration is that I will help people with words and experiences, showing them clearly that anything is possible if you really want it, ‘Yes’ even Love! Like Carrie, I also have my own Mr. Big but I think that’s where the similarity ends... I believe Carrie is a beautiful character with an amazing eye for fashion however; we do share a love of shoes.

Miranda Hobbes: is beautiful, smart, self assured and totally independent lady. She doesn’t realise her true worth and just like my own real life friend... who is very much like Miranda’s character in that, she’s desperately struggled with her love life and the insane laid back approach to life her partner constantly displays, causing in her an inner discomfort that’s proved hard for her to come to terms with. But as I always say to her... it’s a work in progress.

Samantha Jones: Is gorgeous, gorgeous and sexily gorgeous. Boy does she know it... Samantha’s experienced success in everything she does. She knows where she’s going and she has a fantastic grip on what she wants out of life and love. She radiates confidence, always getting what she wants, especially any man she sets her sights on. I’ve often told her, she exudes a sensuality that if bottled, would indeed make her a multi-millionaire.

Charlotte York: Last but most definitely not least is our striking Charlotte, the sweetest, gentlest female I’ve ever had the pleasure to know. Always ready to lend a hand and always willingly one step ahead with her thoughts. A true lady born with breeding, who holds a wonderful sense of optimism that thankfully enables her to single handily holds her friends together in times of trouble. Her outlook on love, life and romance is refreshingly bright and hopeful.

Saturday 27^th November 2010... Hip, Hip We’re On Our Way!

Oh my goodness, the excitement to be going away on a much needed holiday... I knew I wasn’t the only one feeling waves of pleasure surging throughout the whole of their being. I was going away with three close girlfriends who’d talked about nothing else for the past 6months.

I was designated driver... After collecting my precious cargo along with squeals and hoots of the shrillest laughter; we travelled to Manchester airport’s car park where I deposited my vehicle to collect on our unthought-of of return.

In the airport we were first in the queue... I in particularly was dreading the ‘weigh in’ due to my over generous packing skills... We laughed and laughed about the heaviness of my suitcase and yes, my suitcase was over the recommended weight allowance but, because Miranda’s was underweight we sailed through. Once ‘booked-in’ we headed to ‘Frankie and Benny’s’ where we ate greedily, drank thirstily and became rather merry. We each talked about personal expectations for the coming week... it wasn’t long before we attracted the attention of a very handsome man who was sat just outside of my view... He spoke to Samantha, who in turn teased him with a familiar twinkle in her eye. I smiled realising affectionately Samantha was practising her wiles on him... We all discovered this is something she would do for the remainder of the journey.... all in good fun of course!

Just before we boarded our plane we all somehow managed to set off the metal detector... so whilst we were being body scanned, we tried very hard to behave appropriately... which of course, was a complete and utter waste of time!

The flight was good. It was spent listening to a snoring Samantha... a dozing Miranda, and a snoozing Charlotte. Me? I just happened to be sat next to an elderly gentleman who interestingly enough, talked my socks off!!!

One thing's for sure, even though I’m absolutely bloody freezing, it’s great to be home...Why? because; I love and have missed my family and friends... Further chronicles to appear as and when... It's my opinion that this fact, fiction and fantastical journey will certainly be worth following... So stay tuned because, I’m hoping you’ll all feel the same.

Kisses from Angel & friends :)