Woops Brian I seemed to have missed this comment, so I've made up by posting you a couple of nonsensical clips, Stay Calm and Carry On. Cheers DougT 🏴 🇬🇧
Think I need to get me some Yorkshire Tea and see what all the fuss is about. The young man going to Spain needs to also pack some sunscreen. I fear for his alabaster skin. :-p Thanks for sharing those, Dear Doug!
The "feel" seems so American to me. But, I admit that I don't closely relate to British or any social or cultural time markers. My loss I guess. I have rarely felt "belonging", usually a stranger in a strange land, an observer rather than participant. I have enjoyed your post and all the comments here.
Now that you mention it, it is a very American “feel.” Which I’m usually immune to. But something about the people and place made me genuinely joyful. I’m glad I took my friend up on his invitation! Cheers, my dears….
"...questionable towels..." I got a good laugh from this. Thank you! I love the way you write and reminisce about earlier, easier times. It's difficult for me to think that I will ever reminisce about our current times. Enjoy what we can.
Glad that little detail amused someone besides myself. I had never been to a hotel where the towels didn’t even remotely match. Felt like home. But with a lot of strangers having used my towel. And I know what went on there. :-p Cheers and to better days!
Clint, Great memories. And you are correct about memories of the past becomming more prevelant as one gets older, than ambitions for the future. Happy Holiday. Fondly, Michael
Enjoyed your thoughts today. I am one who grieves the seeming loss of the days when males could be naked around each other in communal showers, etc., and it was just a normal part of life. I think the shedding of clothes is symbolic of the shedding of pretenses and façades, which creates a camaraderie and a closeness that is unique and special. I’m jealous of your experience. Thank you for sharing.
Thank you, Bob. I think those days can still be found, but they are indeed rarer. I mourn the loss of Bearfoot Inn (though not its bitchy owner) because I met so many wonderful men there. I didn’t meet their clothes first. I met them. Their smiles mostly. Everyone was so peaceful and relaxed. Gonna start looking for another place with similar vibes. Cheers!
I used to visit the Santiago in Palm Springs a couple times every winter. I usually had work to do for a couple hours in the morning, but it was nice to be away from phones and by the pool.
🌈🌼
https://youtu.be/ILU-r9m9IL8?si=RouSSg__rRQoIdel
https://youtu.be/GFfn8L2saYI?si=GUqc3pvS3QfCDUR4
Woops Brian I seemed to have missed this comment, so I've made up by posting you a couple of nonsensical clips, Stay Calm and Carry On. Cheers DougT 🏴 🇬🇧
Think I need to get me some Yorkshire Tea and see what all the fuss is about. The young man going to Spain needs to also pack some sunscreen. I fear for his alabaster skin. :-p Thanks for sharing those, Dear Doug!
A whole series of those tea company's ads on YT etc, if you get them then IYKYK 👍
The "feel" seems so American to me. But, I admit that I don't closely relate to British or any social or cultural time markers. My loss I guess. I have rarely felt "belonging", usually a stranger in a strange land, an observer rather than participant. I have enjoyed your post and all the comments here.
Now that you mention it, it is a very American “feel.” Which I’m usually immune to. But something about the people and place made me genuinely joyful. I’m glad I took my friend up on his invitation! Cheers, my dears….
In the early 2000's I was newly out.
Trips with my friends to West Hollywood, Orlando, Chicago. Pool parties, crowds of men waiting to get in to the bars, the dancing!
We weren't staring at our phones, we were staring at each other.
It was the best time of my life. Thank you for bringing back those memories.
Thank you, Mr. Michael…I do miss us staring at each other. Cheers!
“We are all in the gutter, but some of us are looking at the stars.”
Oscar Wilde, Lady Windermere's Fan
"...questionable towels..." I got a good laugh from this. Thank you! I love the way you write and reminisce about earlier, easier times. It's difficult for me to think that I will ever reminisce about our current times. Enjoy what we can.
Glad that little detail amused someone besides myself. I had never been to a hotel where the towels didn’t even remotely match. Felt like home. But with a lot of strangers having used my towel. And I know what went on there. :-p Cheers and to better days!
Clint, Great memories. And you are correct about memories of the past becomming more prevelant as one gets older, than ambitions for the future. Happy Holiday. Fondly, Michael
Happy Memorial Day, dear Michael. I’m in full nostalgia mode today….
Enjoyed your thoughts today. I am one who grieves the seeming loss of the days when males could be naked around each other in communal showers, etc., and it was just a normal part of life. I think the shedding of clothes is symbolic of the shedding of pretenses and façades, which creates a camaraderie and a closeness that is unique and special. I’m jealous of your experience. Thank you for sharing.
Thank you, Bob. I think those days can still be found, but they are indeed rarer. I mourn the loss of Bearfoot Inn (though not its bitchy owner) because I met so many wonderful men there. I didn’t meet their clothes first. I met them. Their smiles mostly. Everyone was so peaceful and relaxed. Gonna start looking for another place with similar vibes. Cheers!
Yep! This is in part why we spend our winters there! Great place, beautiful weather, and a very welcoming community.
Indeed. I hope I can come out when you guys are in town and finally meet in person. Btw, I’m a nut for the PS Art Museum! :-)
I used to visit the Santiago in Palm Springs a couple times every winter. I usually had work to do for a couple hours in the morning, but it was nice to be away from phones and by the pool.
Sounds divine! I’m hoping to get back out there for Labor Day or at least next Memorial Day. It’s been too, too long!