Who ever thought something would come out of speed dating!
As you know, the last time, I was decidely unimpressed and it was relegated to my list of ‘never to be repeated’ experiences
So when I received a notification through my email that someone had sent me a flirt, it was curiosity that took me to the website. I’d even forgotten my profile was still posted.
The flirt was from this guy who boasted about having a huge sex drive. You’d think I’d pick up on that, but sometimes I can be quite naïve/stupid? I don’t know what possessed me to even have an online chat where he clarified that he was looking for a ‘friend with benefits – a f*ck buddy!’ Well I’ll be darned! So told him where to go! He could pay one of those ‘ladies of the night’ in Kings Cross for it, but he sure aint getting any from me! And then, bloody cheek, he asks, “I know this probably sounds too forward… but can I have your number?”
Huh!???!!! DELETE, BLOCK SENDER!!! There are some weird freaks out there!
And then, like a breath of fresh air, came A!
Not only does he share a surname with my favourite fictional character, but he is also an absolutely amazing guy! After my experience with Sex Drive guy, I re-edited my profile to emphasize the Christian bit. And then as an afterthought, did an advanced search for Christians. A’s profile just stood out from the rest. Here’s a guy who loves God, travels a lot, dances salsa, looks VERY nice, doesn't want kids! So sent him a flirt- and he replied!
Giddy with my first success, I was emboldened to ask him out on an actual date!
He thought it was a good idea!
PANIC! PANIC! PANIC! PANIC!PANIC! PANIC! PANIC! PANIC! PANIC! PANIC!
Sent a desperate SOS to good mate and trendy friend Erina, asking for styling advice. What do I wear? What do I do with my hair. (By the way thanks Sweetie for the advice). And then spent the whole week stressing out, even took an afternoon out from work to shop for a cute 'skirt'! Practiced what lines I’d use when we met! Almost cancelled! It was torture! The things men do to us!
The one question you are all asking at this point is... So how was the date!
WHAT CAN I SAY??!
First, we strolled around Soho, looking for a drink and bite to eat. As we passed by a Tattoo parlour, I remarked on how I’ve always wanted to get one . A jumped right in and said, “Let’s go get one!” Before I knew it, we were inside selecting tattoos, asking about prices etc. However, as there was only slot left, and I wasn’t too happy with the available images (it’s an important decision… a tattoo is a permanent thing), A volunteered to get his done! Just like that! Crazy!
Dinner was nice too Bertorelli on Frith Street, great food and conversation where I learnt that A is incredibly funny, honest, there’s hidden depths to him. He’s got a great smile and is so grounded as a Christian! Plus a sexy body! I had to keep pinching myself (Am I actually on a date with this guy?). Did I mention that he is a writer?
On to a Salsa club! He’s been dancing Latin and Ballroom dance since 1995- and is a great mover plus he made me look good on the dance floor! Oh joy!!
Ok, he’s obviously made a big impression on me, but is quite hard to read. The problem with guys like A, is that they are so nice, and it is difficult to figure out whether they like you “that way” or not! Is it a positive sign that he’s the one who came up with the suggestion that we should do this again (Was he being polite?)
Oh Agony! Oh Torture!
Sunday, June 25, 2006
Friday, June 16, 2006
Just a quickie!
I've been away for so long from this post, as I've recently rediscovered the world of Internet Dating!
Yes - some of us never learn do we!
I got on to this American website for Black Singles and discovered all sorts. You don't have to be a paying member to post your profile although there are certain restrictions e.g. you can't send your own messages or put contact details in profile (People still come up with ingenius ways of putting in their email addresses though - "message me on ABC at the Y or M dot, or on 'where it is not cold or warm dot')".
You fill in this questionnaire and based on your answers, assigned a personality colour code which is used to determine who your best matches are. I am apparently a "yellow"??
In my profile, I specified that I wanted to meet new friends and penpals. However, given the nature of messages and flirts I was receiving, realised that this had not been widely understood.So had to edit and clarify requirements which were simply, " an avid reader, well travelled who LOVES to write". To clarify even further - "if you have not taken the time to fill in the "wordy" stuff on your profile, then you shouldn't bother with me"
Despite these implicit instructions, I am still getting messages from 'Brothas' who just want to GET with me (esp the Nigerians from 'Lagos' State. Next thing they'll be writing to ask for my bank details so that they can transfer the millions from the late Abacha's account!!! For a commission of course!
On the site there are also Indians (what part of 'Black Singles' don't they understand), who have posted pictures of Indian film stars Amir Khan, and Hrithik Roshan (see I watch Bollywood films) on their profiles. I've also seen pictures of LL Cool J, Josh Hart...
Loads of white guys (Again... Black Single? ) WannaBEblack, Eminem?) who probably just want to sh*g a black girl
Sent a message to a guy called SmoothRoads who said he was looking for email buddies - his profile made for good reading - so watch this space. Who knows, he may even get to co -write on this blog sometime - seriously he was that interesting. Go to the website now and do a search on him, I'm sure he won't mind.
Yes - some of us never learn do we!
I got on to this American website for Black Singles and discovered all sorts. You don't have to be a paying member to post your profile although there are certain restrictions e.g. you can't send your own messages or put contact details in profile (People still come up with ingenius ways of putting in their email addresses though - "message me on ABC at the Y or M dot, or on 'where it is not cold or warm dot')".
You fill in this questionnaire and based on your answers, assigned a personality colour code which is used to determine who your best matches are. I am apparently a "yellow"??
In my profile, I specified that I wanted to meet new friends and penpals. However, given the nature of messages and flirts I was receiving, realised that this had not been widely understood.So had to edit and clarify requirements which were simply, " an avid reader, well travelled who LOVES to write". To clarify even further - "if you have not taken the time to fill in the "wordy" stuff on your profile, then you shouldn't bother with me"
Despite these implicit instructions, I am still getting messages from 'Brothas' who just want to GET with me (esp the Nigerians from 'Lagos' State. Next thing they'll be writing to ask for my bank details so that they can transfer the millions from the late Abacha's account!!! For a commission of course!
On the site there are also Indians (what part of 'Black Singles' don't they understand), who have posted pictures of Indian film stars Amir Khan, and Hrithik Roshan (see I watch Bollywood films) on their profiles. I've also seen pictures of LL Cool J, Josh Hart...
Loads of white guys (Again... Black Single? ) WannaBEblack, Eminem?) who probably just want to sh*g a black girl
Sent a message to a guy called SmoothRoads who said he was looking for email buddies - his profile made for good reading - so watch this space. Who knows, he may even get to co -write on this blog sometime - seriously he was that interesting. Go to the website now and do a search on him, I'm sure he won't mind.
Monday, June 12, 2006
Habakkuk 3: 17 - 19
Though the fig tree does not blossom and there is no fruit on the vines, (though) the product of the olive fails and the fields yield no food, though the flock is cut off from the fold and there are no cattle in the stalls,
Yet I will rejoice in the Lord; I will exult in the (victorious) God of my salvation
The Lord God is my Strength, my personal bravery, and my invincibe army; He makes my feet like hinds' feet and will make me to walk (not to stand still in terror, but to walk) and make (spiritual) progress upon my high places (of trouble, suffering, or responsibility)
Yet I will rejoice in the Lord; I will exult in the (victorious) God of my salvation
The Lord God is my Strength, my personal bravery, and my invincibe army; He makes my feet like hinds' feet and will make me to walk (not to stand still in terror, but to walk) and make (spiritual) progress upon my high places (of trouble, suffering, or responsibility)
Monday, June 05, 2006
A weekend in Venice!
The flight itself and the long Ryanair Eurobus shuttle ride from Treviso airport to Venice were uneventful! Being ‘clever’, we’d booked a 3-day Venice Card for collection at Piazzale Roma central bus station. We then boarded No 42 waterbus to Madonna del’ Orto and our lovely Hotel Ai Mori d’ Oriente! Dumped our bags, went in search of a coffee ‘fix’, and then shopping! Our route took us to the Rialto bridge and it's market (made famous by Shakespeare’s ‘The Merchant of Venice’) which sports the usual over priced ‘tat’ i.e. fridge magnets, key rings, postcards, masks etc. We inadvertently took the long way back to the hotel and admired the stunning architecture. I do love the bright terracotta and golden colours of the houses with arched narrow windows-beautiful flowers in window boxes, the occasional washing hanging on a line!
For dinner we dressed up and ate at the hotels’ pricey restaurant serving typical Venetian fare- mainly seafood from the Adriatic Sea! It consisted of 4 courses – Antipasti (starters) first course, second course and then scrumptious dessert! The restaurant was very loud - full of Italian families. Afterwards we took to the streets again in search of some action and ended up at the famous Piazza San Marco. This is the largest square in Venice – the size of 2 football fields, and has the monstrous San Marco cathedral dominating the right hand side, and the beautiful Duke’s Palace next to it. Because it was nighttime, the Piazza did not have it’s usual crowds (and fat pigeons), so quite pleasant. Star crossed lovers waltzed to romantic music played by the various bands set up around the square. However nice violin music is, after a while gets irritating, so we made our way to the Santa Margherita Square, recommended by Receptionist Andrea where young Venetians tend to chill out in the evenings. A couple of guys, Lorenzo and Marco stopped us, and offered to buy us a drink. Lorenzo rents out his apartment near San Marco to tourists during the high season. He is also a Salsa Merengue dance instructor who happens to just LOVE black women. “Italian men are a bit’a boring” he assured me “they don’t know how to dance’a. Me, I am a different’a. Not aggressive’o, but I really like you, your lips they are so beautiful!” Well, couldn’t help feeling flattered! Especially when pretty Venetian Susan joined us, and clearly had a crush on Lorenzo! He told me in confidence “ She likes’a me, but I don’t like’a her! I like you” Explained the dirty looks I was receiving. Yati and I both fancied Marco though. He had a wicked sense of humour and very good-looking. The boys took us to the ONLY disco in Venice, a small little pub measuring about 4 sq metres. The DJ looked late 40’s, music mainly 80’s Euro Pop! Lorenzo lost interest when I made it clear to him that I would not be having sex with him that night. Actually he didn’t take rejection very well. When we were leaving Marco came over and gave us each a bear hug and a kiss on the lips. So sweet!
All-public transport (waterbuses) was suspended the next morning, to free up the canal for the Regatta (boat race). We watched a bit from the Rialto Bridge. Some of the participants were dressed in colourful costume and masques; yet others had signature black and white gondola shirts. There was also a Scottish crew, playing loud bagpipes, which apparently abandoned the race and started drinking beer purchased from a nearby boat! On our way down to San Marco again, we came across loads of African street hawkers selling imitation designer bags on the street, (one right in front of the Gucci shop). They called out to me as I went by “hey beautiful lady, come here, I want to talk to you”
When you tire of the streets, you can always catch the No. 1 or 82 to nearby Lido Beach. On the way, you pass by the beautiful Public Gardens, Gardenia, which are a refreshingly pleasant sight after the concrete jungle that forms up most of Venice. Huge cruise ships went by! On our last waterbus circuit of Venice, we met Fernando from Buenos Aires, Argentina. He referred to himself as a photojournalist, and was at great pains to explain that he was not one of the Paparazzi. (Even though he was there to catch a photo of the new James Bond currently filming in Venice for the new Casino Royale Film.)
For dinner we dressed up and ate at the hotels’ pricey restaurant serving typical Venetian fare- mainly seafood from the Adriatic Sea! It consisted of 4 courses – Antipasti (starters) first course, second course and then scrumptious dessert! The restaurant was very loud - full of Italian families. Afterwards we took to the streets again in search of some action and ended up at the famous Piazza San Marco. This is the largest square in Venice – the size of 2 football fields, and has the monstrous San Marco cathedral dominating the right hand side, and the beautiful Duke’s Palace next to it. Because it was nighttime, the Piazza did not have it’s usual crowds (and fat pigeons), so quite pleasant. Star crossed lovers waltzed to romantic music played by the various bands set up around the square. However nice violin music is, after a while gets irritating, so we made our way to the Santa Margherita Square, recommended by Receptionist Andrea where young Venetians tend to chill out in the evenings. A couple of guys, Lorenzo and Marco stopped us, and offered to buy us a drink. Lorenzo rents out his apartment near San Marco to tourists during the high season. He is also a Salsa Merengue dance instructor who happens to just LOVE black women. “Italian men are a bit’a boring” he assured me “they don’t know how to dance’a. Me, I am a different’a. Not aggressive’o, but I really like you, your lips they are so beautiful!” Well, couldn’t help feeling flattered! Especially when pretty Venetian Susan joined us, and clearly had a crush on Lorenzo! He told me in confidence “ She likes’a me, but I don’t like’a her! I like you” Explained the dirty looks I was receiving. Yati and I both fancied Marco though. He had a wicked sense of humour and very good-looking. The boys took us to the ONLY disco in Venice, a small little pub measuring about 4 sq metres. The DJ looked late 40’s, music mainly 80’s Euro Pop! Lorenzo lost interest when I made it clear to him that I would not be having sex with him that night. Actually he didn’t take rejection very well. When we were leaving Marco came over and gave us each a bear hug and a kiss on the lips. So sweet!
All-public transport (waterbuses) was suspended the next morning, to free up the canal for the Regatta (boat race). We watched a bit from the Rialto Bridge. Some of the participants were dressed in colourful costume and masques; yet others had signature black and white gondola shirts. There was also a Scottish crew, playing loud bagpipes, which apparently abandoned the race and started drinking beer purchased from a nearby boat! On our way down to San Marco again, we came across loads of African street hawkers selling imitation designer bags on the street, (one right in front of the Gucci shop). They called out to me as I went by “hey beautiful lady, come here, I want to talk to you”
When you tire of the streets, you can always catch the No. 1 or 82 to nearby Lido Beach. On the way, you pass by the beautiful Public Gardens, Gardenia, which are a refreshingly pleasant sight after the concrete jungle that forms up most of Venice. Huge cruise ships went by! On our last waterbus circuit of Venice, we met Fernando from Buenos Aires, Argentina. He referred to himself as a photojournalist, and was at great pains to explain that he was not one of the Paparazzi. (Even though he was there to catch a photo of the new James Bond currently filming in Venice for the new Casino Royale Film.)
A last quick walk about to buy souvenirs, visit the Jewish Ghetto and that was the end of Venice.
It was quite sad to leave. I think this is the first holiday I’ve ever spoken to anyone else besides my travel companions – so quite interesting. Also first holiday that a guy has come on to me – a rare experience! A definite recommend – but not for budget travellers because can be very expensive!
It was quite sad to leave. I think this is the first holiday I’ve ever spoken to anyone else besides my travel companions – so quite interesting. Also first holiday that a guy has come on to me – a rare experience! A definite recommend – but not for budget travellers because can be very expensive!
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