European Vacation

My trip to Europe was great. Thankfully, we were upgraded to Business First where I was able to recline into an almost flat position to sleep several hours after sipping champagne and wine, eating dinner and watching two movies. Seven hours later we landed in London Gatwick, where we took yet another flight to Inverness, Scotland, the gateway to the Scottish Highlands.

I have to admit I had no idea how picturesque the Scottish Highlands would actually be. Think beautiful countryside, lakes and snow-capped mountains. However, it was a bit disconcerting to drive on the wrong side of the road. Thank God I wasn't driving! Our trip here proved to be very informative for my script.

After three days we flew back to London where I haven't been in almost ten years. It was just like I remember -- very regal, clean and a cross between NYC and Washington, DC. We stayed in the Baglioni London Hotel overlooking Kensington Park. They gave us a great suite and we enjoyed some great meals in their restaurant. We even sat at Rod Stewart's favorite table (Raul sat in Rod's chair). Of course, we toured the Hyde Park neighborhood in style with a car and driver in the hotel's very own Maserati.

Since we had already seen most of London's landmarks, except for the London Eye, we decided to give it a whirl. It's like an enormous ferris wheel where everyone stands in these giant capsules with great views over the River Thames.

I missed NY for maybe the first time while walking through Piccadilly Circus (their version of Times Sq.) and dining on Old Compton Street in Soho. All the people on the street created such a great buzz. And that's what I miss about NY -- the energy.

Next, we flew to Pisa, Italy, where Raul's driver and business associate picked us up. After a stop at the Leaning Tower of Pisa, we drove to a new villa in Tuscany Raul is going to represent, called Villa Bordoni. We had a site-inspection and enjoyed the best meal and wine of our trip.

In Florence, we stayed at the Bernini Palace just off the Palazzo Vechio. We had drinks at the top of the Continentale Hotel and had a look at a couple of the rooms, which are decorated in chic white. One of the elevators is made to look like a living room, complete with an L-shaped couch, pillows and faux windows. Very cool!

We had dinner at one of my favorite places in Florence, the Lungarno Hotel overlooking the Arno River. Later, we met up with friends who took us bar hopping and to a disco where we boogied down until 4am. I just have to say the Italians are so much better looking than the Brits and the Scots. Hello!

The next day another driver picked us up (the same guy who drove Oprah on her visit to Italy; in fact, I sat where she sat) who drove us to yet another new villa in Tuscany, Poggio Cennina. It's owned and operated by Paolo Rossi, the Italian soccer, er, football player who helped Italy win the championship in 1982. Apparently, he's a celebrity in Italy. Anyway, it's a beautiful property and very affordable, too, as is Villa Bordoni, in case anyone out there is looking for a great place to take your family for a fabulous holiday. Paolo gave each of us a bottle of their very own wine and olive oil. Grazie!

In Rome, we did the usual: walk the beautiful streets and hang out in my favorite place in Rome, Piazza Navona. Love me some Roma! If there's anywhere else in the world I could live, it would be Italy. If only I could speak the language ....

After a nine hour return flight to NY (thank God for Business First, that's all I have to say!), I decided to extend my stay on the east coast and go visit my mother in upstate NY (I could not have endured another six hour flight back to California!). After visiting my mother for a couple days I returned to LA. Now it's back to reality.


On a writing note: I am meeting with the producers this week to go over my outline.