Lisbon, Portugal

Woke up at the crack this am and went to the terrace for our last breakfast on board. Sweet French David took care of us and gave both of us hugs as we left. He told mother one night how much he appreciated our mother/son relationship. His parents don’t accept him being gay and he doesn't see them much anymore. So sad.

We bid the crew adieu and head to the hotel. Our driver and escort in Lisbon, Nuno, picks us up and takes us to the Lapa Palace.
I have wanted to stay here for quite some time. My friends over at Brandman PR have Orient Express hotels as a client and have raved about this hotel for ages. I was happy to finally have a chance to stay. I met the Hotel Director, Sandro, at an Orient Express lunch last year and we have been in touch. Lapa Palace is a former mansion converted into a hotel in the early 1990's. It is a beautiful abode with a great staff and Raleigh-esque pool.

Sandro was there to greet mother and I as we arrived. Dave and Russ came with us to tour for the day. We all had coffee in the drawing room and then headed out with Nuno. He was an amazing guide and took us everywhere we wanted to see in his sleek and very air conditioned black Mercedes.

First stop was the incredible Jeronimos Monastery with its famous cloisters built in the Manueline style. We strolled under these cool and calm arches for about an hour before heading to the newly built Museum of Modern Art. It wasn't ideal to be inside a white box while in sunny Portugal but I wanted to see the latest art news going on in Lisbon so that was interesting.

We then spent the rest of the day touring all the main sights, eating lunch on a beautiful little street (albeit with too many beggars and sunglass sellers) and admiring the gorgeous tile work around the city.

At 5:30 we pulled back into the Lapa and said goodbye to Russ and Dave and headed to our room. The view was amazing over the pool and harbor. I had a quick jaunt to the pool while mother organized her suitcase and chilled in the room.

We had dinner with Sandro at the Cipriani restaurant in the hotel we dined outside on seafood canolini, an amazing egg soufflé and a chicken and lobster entree that was pretty spectacular. Sandro was a great host and we enjoyed chatting about Lisbon, NYC and of course food.

At 10pm we realize we are going to be late for our evening events- a BULLFIGHT. Sandro was kind enough to secure us tickets to a fight and I couldn't wait to check out the ring, the bulls and the toreadors!

The bullring, Campo Pequeno, was built in 1892 and is quite spectacular with its Moorish onion domes and elegant brickwork.

I was in 7th heaven the entire time we were there. We sat in second row behind a famous Toreador and I couldn't stop taking pictures of all the men in their elegant regal costumes strutting around and inside the pit smoking cigarettes, patting each other’s back and waving to their patrons and fans.

The band was high in the rafters and they would whip themselves into a frenzy when the Cavaleiros would enter the ring on their regal horses and wave to the crowds. I wasn't too worried about watching this fight since in Portugal it is illegal to kill the bull. Although it does have spears lunged into its neck, it isn't stabbed to death in the ring.

I tried to watch it more as a cultural event and to appreciate the horsemanship and courage of the fighters. It was such a spectacular experience. Mom and I had no idea we would be so enamored with the entire experience.

We left after three bull fights. We knew that, like a baseball game, it would be impossible to get a cab if we stayed until the end so we headed out and home for a nightcap.

Our bartender was the sweetest boy name Goncalo Rafael. Tall and lithe, he was quite the chatterbox and mother and I enjoyed talking to him about Lisbon, bullfighting and the hotel. We told him we were going to Sintra and he mentioned these amazing pastries from that region that we must try. He made us two great cocktails and we sat outside listening to the fountains and the pianist inside. At 12:30 we called it a night. We had a long day ahead in Sintra.

So far Lisbon has been a real highlight. I love the architecture, the faded glory of the capital and the warmth of the people.

Last Day at Sea

Woke up at 10am missing breakfast AND the champagne tasting.
We order coffee and croissants to the room and then mother dashes out to a political lecture. I zone out on a movie called The Last Mimzy.
11:30 I have a beard trim and then headed to the pool for the last sun soaked do nothing day. Anna sat by me again and we chatted for hours about everything. The waves were rough so the pool was drained and everytime we hit a major wave, water would come crashing onto the pool deck sending a freezing mist onto our hot bods resulting in screaches and shrills from guests.

At 4:30 we had high tea with some other friends and at 5:30 I decided it was time to pack. That wasn't so much fun but I managed to fit everything in. Later mom and I went for our last cocktail at the bar, had a nice dinner with Russ and Dave and then when Russ retired, the rest of us went to the Panorama Lounge to solve all the world's problems.

We hit the hay fairly early since we have a big day in Lisbon tomorrow. I pass by the bar where the rest of our gang is swinging and swilling. I stop to say goodbye but hold off on one more nightcap. Can't dance every dance!

Mad for Madeira

As luck wouldn’t have it, our favorite port was the one we were in for the shortest time.
With the rocky seas it took a bit longer to get to the island of Madeira. We arrived at 1:30 after a morning at the pool and a nice lunch on the terrace while watching the boat being pulled into port by lil tugs.

Madeira is the first place we visit that truly looks like a jet set summer destination. Don’t ask me why these terra cotta rooftops look different than the others but they were redder, the trees were greener and the sea was bluer. I have heard how historically the island has been thought of as a little tropical Eden because of its perfect climate and lush landscapes. I was instantly in love.

Short on time we quickly started our tour at the funicular near the port, which took us for a 20-minute ride above the homes, farms and gardens of this majestic island. As we rose higher we could see more and more of the shore, the lay of the land and the sparkling sea from afar. Once we reached the top our guide took us on a short tour of the gardens and wealthy neighborhood that was found at the top of the island. After about 10 minutes we came upon a massive pile up of Victorian wicker sleds and with the sounds of us approaching a bevy of men in all white with boaters in hand and on head flew out of a corner bar and headed to their respective sleds to take us down the steep hills of the island.

BACKGROUND: The wealthy of Madeira have always lived high above the city for the cooler climate and spectacular views. Originally the men would take a train or tam down to the city to work in the morning and return at night. The women however didn't have a way to get downtown during the day for shopping or socializing so a wicker sled was invented to be pushed by two servants to take these women to town. The men push, guide and brake for the sled down a dizzying and often speedy descent down one narrow street for Funchal.

Mom and I hoped in and off we flew. The views were amazing and the men were quite funny to listen to. It was our first day in a Portuguese territory so the language was an amusing change from Spanish. Once we arrived at the bottom the bus took us into town to try some Madeira wine. I already knew I liked it so bought some bottles to take back to friends. Then mother and I strolled around the city center checking out the cathedral, gardens and local shops. After only 45 minutes to ourselves it was time to head back to the ship and prepare to sail to Lisbon, our final destination...

Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Canary Islands

Now this is more like it! The co-capital of the Canary Islands, Santa Cruz is a chic, bustling little island metropolis. Gals in high heeled espadrils and gays in huge wrap around D&G glasses.

Again mother and I spent the moring wandering the quaint thoroughfares and doing lots of window shopping.

The massive mountains and thick weighty clouds that wedge themselves into the green nooks and crannies is totally my topographic cup of tea.

We take a trip to the other side of the island way up into the hills where the temperature drops and banana trees hold court. Next we head to a botanica garden established in 1774. The Orchids are amazing. It is here where Agatha Christie wrote The Mysterious Mr. Quinn and Oscar Wilde's father would come to relax. We then got dropped off for a bit of shopping in Puerto de la Cruz. What a waste! The entire place stunk of fried fish and burning flesh. This is the part of the Canary's I have heard about where all the British hooligans come for vacation. So not into it. I stare out at the sea and mother makes the best of it, popping into little shops to see what's news.

Mom and I again ate alone tonight. We enjoy a little tete a tete time and there was plenty of space in the dinning room. Half the guests had ordered room service. Since the ocean was a bit rocky too many people had a hard time walking (or keeping their stomach in order). Stalwart sea people that we are, it didn't bother us a bit! We had a Stinger in the bar and went to bed.
Mom is getting irritated with me. I keep passing out at 10:30. Where is her party boy son?!
Don't worry, he will be back.

Arrrecife, Canary Islands

Quel Hangover!
I barely stammer out of bed. The first day of not going to the gym the entire trip.

Our excursion doesn't leave until 2pm so mom and I head to the island for a bit of shopping. Realizing it is Sunday, the town is deserted. We hail a cab for a shopping district recommended by someone on the ship. Ends up they send us to a mall!

Mother buys some cute shoes at Zara and then we head straight back to the boat for lunch.

The afternoon proves much more fruitful. The excursion is into the volcanic national park. The island was covered by lava only 200 years ago and the lunar looking landscape is amazing. Pictures don't really do it justice. We first took a quick Dromedary jaunt through the park, which was good fun then we took a coach tour through the mountains and valleys of craters and lava streams. We stopped at a fantastically designed restaurant that cooked all their food over a volcanic pit! We then toured a vineyard which grows its grapes in volcanic pits. The wine was a bit too sweet for my taste but seeing acres of vines in black pits was a surreal experience. Or maybe it was just my hangover?

Back on board Russ, Dave and I have champagne in the jacuzzi as we pull out of port and then mom and I had a quick dinner. I was in bed by 10:30!

Day at Sea!

From Cadiz we tooled down to the Canary Islands right off the west coast of Morrocco. This meant a full day at sea. Just what I had been waiting for! I woke, had breakfast and then stretched out on a chair next to the pool from 11am-5pm. I only got up once to get lunch behind me at the pool grill. PERFECT! Listened to alot of Bebel Gilberto's new album Momento. Isn't she just top drawer?

Had a great long talk with a gorgeous British gal named Anna. She is an actress and angel reader and gave me loads of spiritual advice and of course proper ship gossip. Her fiance Lee is quite nice too!

That night we had a formal night so mother and I got dolled up and headed to dinner. We had been invited to eat with Dimitri, the Pursor. Who knows how that happened but we had quite the time. A great family joined us. The two daughters were major 70's hippies and were a riot. The parents were just as elegant and old school as possible. After a boozy dinner Dimitri ordered Grappa shots and they brought two rounds. I got plastered.

The rest of the night is a bit foggy but apparently from these pictures we had a hat showing in the Panorama Lounge with our UK friends.

Good times!

Cadiz/Seville

The night before we had a lovely dinner with our new friends on the ship, Dave and Russ. We enjoyed a bit of champagne and lots of Itialian delicacies. Around 10:30 the ship began squeezing its way thru the straight of Gibralter. We all headed to the aft deck where on one side we could see the towering rock of Gibralter and on the other the twinkling lights of Tangiers. Mmmmm.

The next morning we arrived in Cadiz. We headed out into the countryside of Andalusia for Seville. Our guide was amazing. She spoke as if she was reading an erotic novel, full of passion and elongated words. Seville was indeed a treat. Such a mighty city in its day.

The Cathedral was grand, the palace was very Alhambra and the gardens full of grottos, agapantha and tiled pavillions was lush and alive. Loved seeing Christopher Columbus' tomb!

Dinner on board was pleasant but drinks were hysterical. It was Kareoke night on board so I sang 'The Devil comes down to Georgia'. good times! I did a duet with my new Rhett Butler looking friend Shawn which was good fun.

Malaga/Alhambra

Another morning jog, another morning meeting with Apollo cresting above the mountain tops.
After breakfast we joined a tour to the magical Alhambra.
While we were there the '7 wonders of the modern world' contest was on and the Alhambra was in the running. The frenzy was everywhere from billboards to text messages about voting.
Alas, it didnt make the cut but to me it was a wonder hard to grasp.
Washington Irving spent time here writing about its history and romance and it is easy to see even today how he found it's air, scented with lemons and lavendar, and its architecture, Moorish, meticulous and majestic so poetic.

This is one place mother and I both could of spent days exploring.

Spent the late afternoon next to the pool writing and reading my Nancy Cunard novel.
Heaven

Alicante

Woke up in a daze.
The hangover was not helped by a tall ship parade that ploughed by our ship booming canons and waving great, grand flags.
We toured the lovely old town and strolled the promenade, which reminded me of Nice, visited the City Hall where I fell in love with the John the Baptist sculpture by Dali and the mosaic floors that resembled cross stitching.
After a beer break we headed for the hills to the fortress where we had a spectacular view of the terra cotta tiled roofs and cerulean sea.
After our day trip we lunched by the pool on the ship, tanned, read and then changed for cocktails with the Captain.
Dinner and nightcaps followed and we promptly passed out at 11pm. Vacation has begun!

Buzzed in Ibiza

Tuesday we spent a long and lovely day in Ibiza.
I woke at 7am and went joggin' around the deck while the sun rose over the mountains and the ship pulled into port.
Don't I sound like Mr. Health? Hardly kids. The rest of the day was spent drinking so much sangria, rose and champagne that I nearly missed the ship.
Mother and I went on a tour of the north part of the island and checked out tiny churches and hiked up hills to weary old fortresses turning into hotels.
In the afternoon we hailed a cab to Playa es Cavallett to meet darling Raimond and his boyfriend Stefan.
There we found them calm and cool under a great awning where the white sandy beaches and heat stroke were kept at bay.
We all caught up, looked over the new issue of Gatsby Magazine and dined on loads of seafood.

After lunch we called a car for mother who headed back to the ship and the boys headed back to their home for the week near the Salinas. The place was spectacular and in less than 5 minutes we were in bathing suits and frolicking in the pool. Andre, their friend from Cologne who rented the house joined us for bottle after bottle of booze. At some point I ended up inside and at another point I ended up passed out.

I get a firm rattle from Raimond at 8pm! My ship leaves at 11 but dinner was already in full swing. Somehow I threw on my clothes, found a cab and figured out how to get back to the port. I arrived on the pool deck to find myself in the middle of a wild BBQ with local dancers clacking up a storm. Head spinning I find mom, inhale the dessert table and head to the cabin to pass out at 930pm.

There is something in the air on that island that simply sparks debauchery!

Nancy Boys Rejoice! Barthelona is for you!

Landed in this lovely port city yesterday with dear mama.

I remembered how the Spanish pronounce all 's' and 'z' as 'th' but I forgot how fay they all sounded.

How exciting! Everyone sounds like raging queens! So listen up lithpers, don't bother with speech classes and blow off those homo haters who limp there wrists and swish about when you open your mouth. Simply book your ticket, pack your tankini and head to Barthelona!

So far mother and I have sipped more sangria than is healthy, gorged on tapas at some jointed called Origin 99.9% (www.origen99.com), sipped cafe con leche at Picasso's (Picattho's?) old hang out, Quatre Gatz, and giggled in the middle of the night because of the blue sensory light that pops on when you stumble to the loo for a late night leek at Le Meridien.

Mother is fascinated with the whole place. Coming from Georgia she had no idea Spanish could sound so chic! And she is still shaking her head on how the hell they got that gold Jesus perfectly perched in the middle of that bridge at Gaudi's Sangria (right?) Familia cathedral.

OK kids, must dash off to a Flaminco show. Dot forget you nelly lads, tapas tokers and flip flop fans, Barthelona is for YOU!

Cruising till July 14th!

Leaving in 30 minutes for Newark to meet my mama and board Continental 205 to Barcelona.
We will be there for 3 days and then hop aboard Silver Seas to piddle around the coast of Spain then to the Canary Islands and ending up in Lisbon.
Will try to update this page while I'm over there but if the Sangria gets the better of me, you know its a grand time.

Cocks 'n Castles

Check out my big surprise Rod had for me when I got back from Atlanta!
It was the weathervane on his family farm back in Kansas until last month when a tornado swept through and destroyed everything.
His mother Dottie, knows my love of poultry and packed it up and sent it to Rod.
Isn't it amazing?
Begerk!

Publicolor at the precinct

Just got back from a fun filled day at the 28th Precinct.
I'm sure that sounds hard to believe but the Block Association hooked up with Publicolor and slapped some bright colors on the gray walls of the police station on 8th Avenue and 123 St.

I initiated this in September when, drunk at Edmon's home in Brooklyn, I met a cutie named Dustin. We were chatting and he told me all about Publicolor, the organization he works for. They go around to public building and paint the interiors to brighten up the space as well as help kids learn a valuable trade, meet other people and keep them out of trouble.

Officers Jackson and McLaren met with us 3 months ago and the precinct agreed for us to paint! From 10-3 today we all met up and painted one office, one classroom and the entertainment lounge. The kids were great fun and the officers were glad to pitch in.
At noon they lit up the grill and we had a cookout!
I was holding the little girl in the picture below and when a chain gang of men walked in she yelled, 'Ooooooooooh! Y'all are going to jail!"

I think some of the men but their lip from laughing. She was hysterical.

We go back next weekend to finish up and we are crossing our fingers for them to agree for us to paint the exterior wall.
Check out www.publicolor.org

Home to Hathaway

Had a great trip home last weekend.
Hadn't seen dad since his fall so it was great to spend some quality time with him.
We spend Friday tooling around the lake and had dinner at the club that night.
Saturday I spent the day at Cator's and rode till my thighs almost fell off! It was glorious.
Then I went into Atlanta and spent time with my Yaiyai and cousin Soula.

Sunday Rick, Sam and Laura came up as did my newly tattooed niece Ashley and her friend Jamie.
After an amazing lunch prepared by world famous MOM, we puttered out to cocktail cove and listened to the booty base and took a swim.

The PERFECT weekend!

CFDA-capades

The CFDA awards were held on Monday night and I was high as a kite. Not on drugs mind you but with excitement. Four of my friends were nominated and I knew at least one of them would win.
Fay was my date and we got dolled up for the occasion, me in my tux and black straw hat, her in a Chloe jumper and purple Prada heels. We were both drenched in Subversive Jewelry to champion our dear friend Justin.

Because of a huge project I have been working on for American Express lately I have been a massive ball of stress and a total space cadet. I totally lost the invite and had no idea what time to arrive. I knew the big event started at 6pm but since I don’t have $4000 to throw down for a dinner ticket, I bought one for $250 to be in the lounge and watch the main event on a large screen.
I called a couple of people and got the general consensus that we were to arrive at 730. So I meet Fay at her pad at 6 and we call a car at 7 after a cocktail or two.
We arrive at the New York Public Library with the red carpet in full swing and Betsey Johnson is next to us and tells us both how great we look. She is always such a positive vibe in a crowd.

We walked the carpet, arrived at the check in table and I told them my name. They searched and searched and apologized for not having me on the list. Then I told them I was there to sit at the ‘kiddie table’ and they said, “Oh dear, that doesn’t start for an hour.”
Balderdash.
Bonnie suggested we just pop around the corner and have some champagne at the Bryant Park Grill but once I walked down a couple of steps I realized the entire area was gated off. We would have to do the walk of shame back down the red carpet to leave. That ain’t happening luv. So we teeter about and smoke a lot of cigarettes to make it look like we meant to be standing outside while everyone else was laughing and drinking indoors. Luckily there were loads of people joining us since it was boiling inside. We had Marc Jacobs and his posse on one side, Chloe Sevigny and her crowd on the other and Justin and Paul kept coming out to chat as well.

After 20 minutes uncle Cator had to take a wiz and Fay was parched. What to do? We explained our conundrum to all of our boys at KCD and they said there wasn’t really anyplace to go if we went inside since the dinner was of course seated. Hmmm. Well the crowd died down, we were torn what to do, and then we looked at each other, said “Fuck It” and gracefully walked inside and directly to the bathrooms.We felt so Bonnie and Clyde! Renegades! Who is going to stop us? Well nobody. They were too busy getting final shots and converting the main hall into a colorful lounge where we would be social-liting later.
We simply stood on the sidelines and watched it all unfold. It was like being on one of those home redecorating shows.

We heard a buzz at the front door and P.Diddy waltzed in with his crew. Angela from The Daily swooped in for a quote or two. Then the entire Lauren family busted in and finally Oprah her self graced us with her presence. The arc of fashionably lates had arrived. After nearly kicking it over an electrical wire,
Oprah paused for a moment, looked me up and down and said, “Cool” Fay about busted out laughing with excitement. She looked stunning I must say. She is a real beauty and has an air of calm and cool and apparently she has good taste.

Once the sofas were set and the candles lit, Fay and I plopped down in the best sofa and chatted with Lisa Marsh and Ben Widdicombe. The room quickly began to fill up Fay and I made one rule, we would not go to the bar for champagne, it had to come to us. We thought we were so good and that it would take hours to get tipsy, but damn those cute servers kept coming by with new glasses for us!
We chatted with Kate Schelter, Magda Berliner, Tom from Frame Noir and Evan Fox, Tim Hamilton’s best friend. We were all glued to the awards on the screen and the movie montages of Carrie Donovan and Diana Vreeland about brought tears to my eyes. It is true that no matter how old I am or how long I am in this business it still ‘gets’ me.

The winners began to be announced and Fay and I held hands and were silent through them all until they got to accessories designers. We knew Justin had it in the bag. I mean the Olsen twins were at his place that afternoon picking pieces out to wear and they were announcing the winner! They open the envelope and we heard a ‘J’ but it was a ‘J’ for Jessie Randall for Loeffler Randall and not Justin. We were speechless. We head outside and people are patting us on the back. They knew. Even sweet Brian Coates from GQ gave us a little pep talk.

Alas, the texting to friends began and we decided the party had gone from sizzle to fizzle. We wanted to be with out friends so we headed out and found our car. I heard we didn’t miss a thing as the ceremony dragged on and neither Tim nor Duckie Brown had won. Boo.

In honor of Justin I had arranged a small get together at Smith & Mills, the new bar owned by Matthew of Beatrice fame. We all met down in Tribeca and Justin & Paul soon joined us. Matthew bought us a bottle of Veuve and we all celebrated the true champion of the night. We continued onto the Beatrice till the wee hours dancing, drinking and spending time with our little loving fashion family.

Justin's CFDA Nomination Party

Justin is the best at self-promotion (well following closely behind me) so to build the hype around his collection and to show the line to CFDA members he threw a bash at Phillips de Pury last week.
Even during a nasty spring shower loads of people showed up to imbibe loads of champagne and view his amazing wares.
Of course the night didn't end there. We dined at Florent, danced at the Beatrice and celebrated Justin throughout the night.
Crossing my fingers for his big win on Monday June 4th!

A week in LA LA Land

Ever since my first trip to LA with Patrick Mc Donald in 2003 I have loved this city. He showed me around all the glamorous spots where he grew up and used to see Old Hollywood lounging about.
This trip I went out to spend some time with my client JP, from Baxter of California and catch up with lots of old friends.
Highlights included:
1. Riding in a stretch Hummer with 20 lesbians to Coast Mesa (with Flanders and Kwevil)
2. Going to a picnic
3. Gorging on Pink Berry
4. Swimming!
5. Eatting some Mexican (food silly!)
6. Seeing the hills catch on fire
7. Checking out the newly renovated Getty Villa
8. Hosting a cocktail party at Price and Salman's loft downtown. They were fresh from a trip to Africa and had such great stories to tell, which I don't remember because we discussed over too many cocktails.

Looking forward to more fun in the sun out there at some point. It really can be a little slice of heaven, except for all of theat damn driving. Next time I'm hiring a chauffer...

My 31st Birthday!

After last years blowout this year was much more toned down but equally if not more out of control.
Loads of the usual gang couldnt attend and a hearty helping of new faces made the trek to the Harlem Castle.

I laid out a lovely table with a bevy of liquor soppers and in honor of the Kentucky Derby steeped mint and sugar water for two days for a mean mint julip.

Around 40 people showed up and the Ghetto Gods were on my side, nary a drop of Ragu, chicken, salad dressing or batteries fell from the next door tenament building onto the gaggle of people on my terrace.
I recieved lots of fun presents but as always, the presence of my friends is the best gift of all! Well and the bottles of booze.

Lots of scandal, none of it will be mentioned here, occured, but I have to say it was one of my favorite parties!
Can't wait till the Christmas shin dig. Oh and before that Frankie turns the big 3-0!
Now that makes me feel old.

Dad

Sarasota was the calm before the storm.
Monday night when mother got home to Hathaway dad was working on the new deck with my brother-in-law Brian, and his friend John. He stepped to far back and fell 12 feet slamming his head into a stone wall.

After 12 hours in the hospital (he was there for a week) we found out he will be ok. Doctors are sending prayers and shaking their heads saying he should have brain damage or worse.

He is home now and fine. I was the first person he called since I was ready to stop everything and fly home. He said not to worry about it but he sent me a picture of himself with the subject: Next Years Halloween Mask!

That is why I love my dad, he laughs in the face of death.
Yes the picture is scary but I love it. Its dad through and through.

Never think twice before calling your dad and telling him you love him. I talked to him Sunday night and that could of been the last.