Bubbles' Birthday November 2006

As most of you know, Bubbles' birthday is on November 11th.

On Friday November 10th, the girls went out to celebrate the big day, at the stroke of midnight. After work, we went to Princess Randip's to get ready, have a few drinks AND ... open my GIFTS!!!! Thank you to Randip & Lacra for spoiling me, like usual :)

Our first stop in Amsterdam began at an Irish PUB (can't recall the name) where we had a good laugh at the above fashion-faux-pas, boys with their underwear hangin' out. Waayyy ... to funny.

After a few drinks & a bite to eat we moved on to Rain on Rembrandtplein. After the traditional grab & grope ... we continued inside. Inside carried on with our usual antics. Rain is an elegant venue with nice music ... starting off with slower beats, escalating to faster music as the evening progressed.

Our last photo for the evening ... before we made our way home ;-) Thank you to Lacra & Randip for a night out in AMS!

Madonna Confessions Tour - Amsterdam

On September 4th, I was TOTALLY BLOWN AWAY by an awesome concert: Madonna's Confession's Tour.

I have always wanted to see Madonna but the timing has never really worked out for any of her previous tours. So when I heard that she would be performing at the Amsterdam Arena, I called a few of the girls and landed us some tickets.There were 5 of us in total: (from right to left) Katia, Ann and, of course, Bubbles. Randip and her sister Renu joined as well, but sadly were not sitting with us, so I do not have any pics. Perhaps if I ask nicely :-) Randip can share her pics so I can add them here too. Although our seats were in the nosebleed section, we still had a fantastic time. With my zoom at it's maximum, the shots do not do the show justice. But with a bit of imagination you can perhaps feel the anticipation while waiting for the dance diva to appear on stage. Her introduction, began with gentle thundering horse hooves, proceeded by huge images of Madonna in chic black riding gear on the jumbo screens, with the pulsating beginning of the song "Future Lovers". Above is a close up (thanks to Arnie's colleague's mobile phone & her close proximity to the stage on the ground), I have this fantastic picture of one of my musical idols as she makes her grand entrance. The atmosphere was absolutely mind-blowing and supercharged with explosive energy.

Above is a sequence after the intro that I, felt to be quite powerful with stories of those less fortunate, with painful beginnings of sadness, abuse and misfortune until they were brave enough to chose a different road that eventually leads to recovery & success. Quite an inspiring message with the song "Jump" which is about the chance to find your way and not be a afraid to make it alone ... with hard work.

Although (in my humble opinion) I found, this show did not have her usual sexually provocative display that her earlier tours were famous for - fine with me as she has grown over the years into a different kind of artist. However, it was still VERY full of Madonna's one-of-kind expression & style!! The most controversial part (as we know she thrives on a bit of controversy) was the famous performance on the cross that caused a major stir with the Vatican and Catholics everywhere - yet again. "Live to Tell", one of her successful songs from her True Blue album, set the scene for Madonna, while performing from a white cross, to remind us all about the number of children in Africa that needlessly die every day from AIDS ... while the government does little about it. It was a VERY powerful visual presentation with images of young, wide-eyed, angelic children (both healthy & ill) and flashing numbers representing the deaths of the innocent.

This tour was, without any doubt, an opportunity to make a political statement to the leaders of the world but still have a bit of fun, cuz it was not all about politics. Some other, personal highlights of the night:

Her request to hug our neighbour in the stadium with the reminder to accept each other and our different cultures - during these troubling times of uncertainty and war a gentle nudge on this subject is always welcome.

She did a fun, super-boppy, latino version of "La Isla Bonita" with lots of percussions, colourful caribbean clothing and scenic blue-green beach images - TOTALLY recreating this much-loved song.

She also showed diversity as an artist by playing a raunchy rock-and-roll version to "I Love New York" with a wicked electronic guitar solo and a short message to, none other than, BUSH himself.

Also enjoyed "Isaac" the Middle Eastern-flavored song starring Yitzhak Sinwani, a Yemeni singer, live on stage.

The grand finale approached with her famous dance number that was at the top of the charts everywhere - the ABBA mixed "Hung Up" that was welcomed with a CRAZED eruption of enthusiasm from each and every person in the stadium.

Here is a quote from Madonna about this album that I read in one of her interviews:

Secret does share with Confessions an unabashedly personal tone. Madonna has described the latter as an unapologetic dance album "about having a good time straight through and non-stop." Dig beneath the buoyant beats and neo-disco arrangements, though, and you'll find wistful undercurrents in both the music and lyrics.

That's why I called it Confessions on a Dance Floor," Madonna explains. "Most people equate dance music with being fluffy and superficial; it's just about having fun. That's fine, but I can't write 12 songs about nothing. My feelings or point of view inevitably sneaks
in."

BBQ TIME

Where there are gifts ... there are drinks and food.

DRINKS: Our summer favourite of vodka with bitter lemon or ROSE ...

FOOD: A world famous "Lacra" BBQ !!!

Everyone knows that I am a big chicken who is too afraid to light my own BBQ out of fear of blowing up our building. Lacra has NO such fears.Above is proof that the BBQ was a GREAT success without ANY major explosions.

In case of any doubt, I am sure that Randip can back me up - right Randip? :-) Above is our Princess Randip smiling her agreement and enjoying Lacra's culinary talents.

Lacra's Birthday Weekend

What a day to celebrate -> solid blue skies and the perfect temperature!!

The girls got together at Lacra's place for a FAB barbecue, a day in the sun and lovely company. We have captured many "Lacra" moments and the joyful surprise on her face with every gift and birthday card with their words of friendship.

First the cards ...

Thingi surprised Lacra with many beautiful plants for her NEW garden.

Can NEVER have enough slippers and these ones are JUST for Lacra.What on earth is this?

Is it much clearer now? mmmm ... nope.

What about now? mmmmm ... nope!!!It's all so clear now - a trendy patio lamp that stands at 2 levels.

No airco in the car ... no worries. SUPER fan is here!!! Luckily, Lacra has a new car with AIRCO.

Randip's & Rayan's Wedding Day: Dancing the Night Away

We have the "first dance" ... as husband & wife. Let the dancing begin ... Randips' mom & Jess are struttin' their stuff & showing us how it is done.
Go Rayan ... Go Rayan ... Go Rayan ... Go Rayan!

Bubbles with the girls, Evelyn & Marta - for one last photo on the dance floor before the night comes to an end.

Randip's & Rayan's Wedding Day: Dinner of Love

The grand entrance into the reception hall ...


Lacra & Cremilde posing for a quick shot at our dinner table.

Randip's & Rayan's Wedding Day: The Wedding Party

Above we have a lovely photo of the wedding party.
I just love this shot of Renu, Randip's sister and maid of honour.
Here are the adorable flower girls - bundles of energy - and playing with their new friend.

I love this picture of Randip's Mom & Dad: I just love her beautiful emerald green dress - such a vibrant colour. As for Dad, we got on quite well and I have been adopted as the newest member of the family - what an honour to be a part of this loving family unit.Here is Rayan's Mom, Lil with Rayan's sister, Lillian.

Above is Alyssa, a familiar face now, with Rayan's brother, Licher.

Randip's & Rayan's Wedding Day: Reception of Love

After the exchange of vows came reception to celebrate the newly married couple.
The first official toast as husband and wife. Who can forget those first special moments ... with cake.
Be careful with that cake now ... and no fighting - wink wink ;-)
Randip & Rayan are surrounded by floating bubbles of love, created by those that love you most.

Randip's & Rayan's Wedding Day: The Ceremony

Here we see the happy couple listening fondly to the story of how they first met during a holiday in the sun: the first time their eyes met, dancing, laughing, talking, the eventual exchange of phone numbers, followed by the magical phone call that started it all. As they stand together, they share their vows and commitment to each other in the presence of family, friends & colleagues.Here come the rings ...
Randip & Rayan have officially tied the knot and Rayan proudly displays the proof.

Randip's & Rayan's Wedding Day - The Grand Entrance

Doesn't Rayan look simply dashing?!?! Our "Prince Charming" is anxiously anticipating the arrival of his beautiful bride.

Randip really looks like a Princess today and her grand entrance just brought me to tears. Actually, I will openly admit that I am tearing up, as I write this, from the powerful memory of Randip gracefully floating into the lobby and into the arms of our patiently waiting Rayan - who has not seen Randip for 2 full days.

Presenting: The BRIDE & GROOM: Randip & Rayan

Randip's Henna Party: Dancing Lessons

Part of the Henna night festivities was "DANCING" and for those of us who were in need ... DANCING LESSONS". During various pre-lessons, we have been told that these dances resemble movement of changing 2 light bulbs - tee hee. So we have been referring to this a "doin' the light bulb".After dinner and dessert were cleared away, we dedicated some space for the experts to share with us their dance moves to some delightfully upbeat Indian tunes.
Randip's Mom is showin' us her moves with Jess (or the back of her rather) ...

I love this picture of Randip, showing off her dance skills while trying to be careful with her recently hennad (not sure if that's a real word) hands :-) Unfortunately, Lacra and I left just when the dancing began so there are not pics of Bubbles "doin' the light bulb".

Randip's Henna Party: Let's Meet the Family

In celebration of Randip's Henna Night (and wedding), she had some very special family members present for the festivities. First, we have one of Randip's cousins, Nav with one of her sweet girls - from this side it is difficult for me to tell if it is Saffron or Summer.
Next, is Rayan's Grandmother who travelled all the way from Texas.
Rayan's Grandmother had the most lovely Texan accent - a taste of the "good ole south".
Here is Randip's second cousin, Beena.
This charming lady is Randip's precious mother who worked very hard all day so we could experience delicious authentic Indian cooking (at its finest). What a treat!

These gorgeous angels are Nav's little girls, Saffron and Summer.