 |
I eventually left Dubai, and believe me, I didn't want to. After what could only be described as a whirlwind 48 hours in Dubai, I opened the door to the villa terrace on Saturday morning and looked out at the view for the first time. Even though Dubai is a city that's in a constant state of "nearly done," set in the middle of a desert with more new construction, scaffolding and cranes than anywhere else I've seen, Dubai boasts some exquisite (albeit artificial) beaches, complete with everything you would come to expect from a picture-perfect resort. I was sold. Almost immediately, my mindset changed from leaving Dubai to deciding what cocktail I was going to have by the beach. I knew I could spare a day so I jumped on the phone, woke up a couple of people and pushed my flight back to the evening. The rest of the day, if I'm honest, was spent half-asleep by the beach, music playing and cocktail in hand.
It was Thanksgiving last week — my first Thanksgiving ever. From what I understand, Thanksgiving is a time for family and friends, so I decided to spend a quick couple of days in London and Paris — strictly business, of course — before returning home to NY. Even though NY has started to feel like a home away from home, you've got to love London. I'm always excited to return to London. Anyone who lives abroad and gets to return home every now and then for a small holiday will understand. It's a beautiful thing.
We landed perfectly and before the doors were even fully open, I was out the plane and grabbing my luggage. I couldn't wait to get in a car and drive on the right (meaning left) side of the road.
After I unpacked, and called my best, we went straight to a party on Oxford Street in the West End. It was for the one and only Stevie Wonder. Say no more! Normally I would never go out to a formal event on such a short trip, but since Stevie was going to perform a stripped-down set in front of just 40 people, I was more than happy to take them up on the offer. I had never seen Wonder perform live before, and like most people, I'm a big fan of the Wonder.
We arrived late but just in time to catch the main attraction. Stevie Wonder was incredible, effortlessly working his way through some of his classic hits, and his voice was just as good as it's always been. With my job, I've seen a few fair gigs, but I have to say, there was something about his performance that was truly on-point. Much like the time I saw Pink Floyd perform for the first time in years at Live 8 or even an artist like Prince, there was an air of effortless cool and undeniable ease about the way he performed onstage. It's a trait that only the true veteran greats I've seen play possess ... and Stevie had it in abundance. Dressed in a bright shirt, with his trademark braids and sunglasses, I tried my hardest to take a good pic of the Wonder to put right here, but unfortunately not one of them came out well. All good though ... take my word for it. Stevie Wonder is the @#!*!
Comments