Wednesday evening
Flew out to London since there are no early Iberia flights that would get me to my other flight on time. Trained it in to meet Arlie so that I could get the keys to her flat. Met up with Colin since she was ditching me for Finland. It has been a while since I hung out with our little gay friend and it was a delightful evening filled with the comforts of English speakers and hot gay men. Actually, Colin lied to me and told me that we were going to a “mixed” bar for after dinner drinks. If by “mixed” he meant gay men, their boyfriends and a handful of fag-hags (such as yours truly), then I suppose he didn’t lie. Passed out early in Arlie’s comfortable bed that sports flannel sheets.

Thursday
Woke up at the butt crack of dawn, repacked the case and jetted to Heathrow. I attempted the famous “upgrade me” face at the counter, but the red-faced, clearly aggitated, on desk duty man was not having any of the Stephanie charm. Did some shopping in the depatures lounge. Honestly, London airports are the only airports where it is worth showing up early. So many tax free shops to look at! Chanel, Gucci and, my fav, Dixons! Had a nice pastrami bagel and purchased a crossword (for dummies) book.

After boarding the plane, I realised that there was a large women sitting in my seat. I quickly alerted the trolley dolley and was placed at the bar while the mess was sorted out. I attempted my famous “upgrade me” face to the cute steward and sipped champagne patiently. And you know what? Next thing you know, sweeties, I am sitting in my fabulous Virgin Upper Class, purple leather sleeper seat, complete with feather duvet, large video on demand screen, and complimentary pre-flight Bucks Fizz. I promptly threw off my shoes and ordered some Japanese cracker nibbly bits whilst scoping out the other passengers that were fortunate enough to be seated by me.

What a fab-o time I had on this flight. Shortly after take-off, a hot steward - Antonio from Portugal - and I noticed each other. It was instant chemistry between us. OK. Antonio was gay and we all know my status. We were bestest of friends the entire journey. Running around the plane, checking out the passengers in Economy, laughing over the Pedro Almodovar movie, etc… He was the greatest! We even exchanged numbers on arrival so that we can meet up in Lisbon or Barcelona.

Finally, arrived in Miami to the prospect of a double hurricane sweeping the state at any given moment. The drama of it all! Got to the hotel with about 20 minutes to spare before my first dinner meeting. Exhausted!

Had the dinner meeting, then attended a meet n greet party in the great hall. Somehow also managed to lose my digital camera. The shock horror of it all! LOST DIGITAL CAMERA COUNT =
2 X MIAMI / 1 X ROME

Friday-Sunday
Work, sweat in the Miami heat, sleep, drink, dinner at Morten’s Steakhouse with VS crew.

Sunday
Woke up early and off to the airport. This time en route to NYC, baby. Took Song airline, a lowcost Delta - and ended up in seat 1A. The flight was cool. I obviously haven’t flown in the States recently so I was highly impressed. You can watch live satellite television on the plane now! Move over ghetto Iberia and your Tu Menu bullshit. This was a great way to travel on shorthaul flights!

Arrived at JFK to be greeted by Xis and then yellow cabbed it into the city. Sadly, my hurricane friend, Charly had followed me from Florida so it was raining all over NYC. That didn’t dampen my spirits for sushi though. Had a nice din din of raw delights and passed out early.

ny post has shitty distribution

Monday
Spent all day in the rain cruising around town. Did some book shopping at Barnes and Nobles, had a nice breakfast/lunch - oh is that brunch - and a drink with Ariel who was also visiting the Big Apple. Finished off the day having a great Korean dinner and sake martini’s with Xispo’s friend Eli.

Tuesday
Yipee! A sunny day in NYC. Absolutely beautiful day. Perfect weather. Checked out of the hotel and went to meet up with Matthew Stolley for lunch in the East Village. Caught up with him and watched people on the streets for a bit. Went to meet Xispo and Eli and ended up wandering around town for the rest of the afternoon just enjoying the sunshine.

Back to JFK. No upgrade. No Antonio. Took a Tylenol PM and passed out after talking to an 8 year old named Stephanie about her copy of Tiger Beat magazine. Woke up groggy as hell when we arrived in Heathrow. Passed out on a bench in the middle of the departures lounge and finally made it home around 6 that evening after my flight was delayed.

To Roley yelling at me. And Benson’s cage eerily empty. All that in a week….Doh!