Trip to London

[Val]

It is almost Spring in Europe and I have taken out my golf clubs for some practice, since I did not play that much this past Winter.  And I was wondering whether my dear Charles (Caroussel) would join me for a casual golfing tête-à-tête  in London! 
I am planning to spend two weeks in the United Kingdom and will gladly meet other members that I don't know --- Matt Mee, Emma and others, perhaps?

Anyway, if you feel like hitting some balls and would like to come for a drink (or whatever), this will be one of the places where I'll spend most of my time in London:
http://www.moorparkmembers.co.uk/Rotating/rotating.htm

The main reason for my stay in London, though, is the excellent exhibition that The National Gallery has been showing now since February about Renoir:
http://www.nationalgallery.org.uk/exhibitions/renoirlandscapes/default.htm

All in all, I don't think it is a boring programme.   So, whether you like Renoir better than golf or vice-versa, it would be a pleasure to have tea, a coffee or a beer and chat the day away!
I will not leave London, though, without having the pleasure to meet someone that I am sure I will love:  Charles!

Val
___
___

[allopathicholistic]

The main reason for my stay in London, though, is the excellent exhibition that The National Gallery has been showing now since February about Renoir:
http://www.nationalgallery.org.uk/exhibitions/renoirlandscapes/default.htm

oh that sounds fabulous!  london sounds so cool to me (great music scene and everything)

[Val]

Alex,
I'm sure we're gonna have a good time in London.  Charles has already sent me a message,  and so did Emma and Cliff.  Great news, right?

As for the National Gallery, I am quite familiar with the collection.  In fact, I've been there several times and know exactly where  all my favourite paintings are located!  Just like in The Louvre.  I also called them today to book for the Renoir collection which is quite impressive.

Also, I am a bit too much excited, for I may be going to Edinburgh to visit a friend that I haven't seen in years now.  We went to school  together in Rome in the early 80s!

Val
___
___

[Val]

Hey!
I was wondering if anyone has seen (or would like to see) this movie during the London Gay and Lesbian Film Festival!

The Picture of Dorian Gray
http://www.pictureofdoriangraymovie.com/index2.htm

Val
___
___

[jack]

If you make it to Edinburgh,you need to play North Berwick and the main course at Gullane, if you havent already. Muirfield is also very nice, but you have to kiss ass for months to get on.
Scotland and dreams of Royal Dornoch and the Old Course keep me strong.

[Val]

Thanks  Jack  for the little advices.  In fact, I am already negotiating with my best friend in Edinburgh for Muirfield 'cause he tells me he knows a friend of a friend... It is exactly like you said: gotta kiss some ass!
But, you know what?  I already play in one of the most beautiful courses in Europe -- my place -- and will not kiss too many asses for Muirfield, I tell you.  However, I'm still  hoping  he'll  get me in there!

Val
___
___

[jack]

I played it back in early 90s. I called the woman who is in charge of guests every morning for almost two months. She was rude and cold each time. Then around my 60th call, she was said I was in and I was like her best friend.
We had a twosome,which means you have to tee off back nine.  We skipped the formal lunch and played 36 holes in under 5 hours. There were only three other groups on the course that day. If you had four you teed off on front nine but had to play alternating shot. Personally, I was more impressed with the club than the course.
 I stayed in the old Marine Hotel that backs up to North Berwick and it looked like a great layout. Horses buried in middle of fairways(legend) and beautiful stone walls around many of the holes. Hard against the beautiful firth of forth. Sitting in the hotel bar around the 10PM and looking out at the view was truly the most spectacular sight I have ever seen.
My Ratings of the Scotland Courses(I have played)
1.The Old Course, If I could play one course everday for the rest of my life this would be it. I was in tears the last three holes. There was a light breeze and shot 72,maybe that was why I was crying but it could have been the spine tingling sight of the old town as I headed home and melancholy music drifting back to us from the 18th green musicians.
2.Royal Doornoch. Magical
3.Nairn
4.Western Gailes
5.Muirfield
6.Royal Troon
7.Turnberry

What course do you play?? I know this has been way too much info but I am a recovering golf addict

[Val]

That was  very impressive!  Thank you for sharing, Jack.  You cried leaving the golf course?  Wow, now I know that I am not the only fool in this game...   It happened to me once, just once!  I wouldn't go as far as tell you it was the most beautiful day of my life, but it was close.

Picture this competition in 1998:

I was playing with a friend who plays 15.   Acutally  she is a  "liar"  because on a good day, she can easily play half her handicap; and a gentleman whom  I had never met before.  His handicap was 4.   By the way, my handicap is 11 right now, but I'm  doing bad in most competitions and can't   reach my normal handicap which is in between 5 and 10.  At the time of this competition, though, I was playing 9.
Anyway, I was on cloud nine that day and finished the first nine holes with a very honourable 39.   The ninth hole at the golf course where I live -- a par 3 --  is for sure one of the toughest for this championship course.  Where I live we have 45 holes.  So, I get ready and hit the ball and, you must know the feeling for sure, when I finished my swing I knew that it was a  "good" shot.  I made   A HOLE IN ONE!
I finished the competition in first place, cried and had to pay a round of champagne for the entire Club House! (

Thanks for all the links.  They will be very useful!

Val
___
___

[Val]

I'll try to send you the pictures of my golf course, but am not sure I'll succeed.  My laptop is very delicate and does not always obey me!  Be patient.


There are approximately 300 people (families) who live in the premises.  In the first picture you  can see my house.  The one with the red geraniums in the balcony.
Needless to say, if ever you're back in Europe I'll accept to play a round of golf with you regardless the fact that you are a Republican!

Val
___
___

P.S. Sorry Jack, but I get these little  "Xs" most of the time I try to post a picture...  If you're interested about my place, send me a PM with your e-mail and I'll send you the pictures.

[Val]

This is my last attempt, sorry!  However, if you send me your e-mail I'll send the rest of the pics.  I have something like 100 of them!

Val
___
___

[jack]

Now that is a good one! A hole in one on the last hole and to win a competition too! WOW! I would have been drunk for a week. I no longer play to my handicap. I stopped playing on a regular basis in late 90s. A combination of, being so tired and sick from the drugs would leave me drained by the last few holes and at the mercy of my competitors , two rotator cuff surgeries, and embarrassment over my appearance(from lipodystrophy I became very fat) took me away from the thing I loved almost more than anything.  I dropped my club membership about 6 years ago. My wife has started playing again and has gotten me back out. I have been hitting practice balls at least 3 or 4 times a week and playing maybe twice a month away from my old friends.(who would still send a taxi for me for the opportunity to take my money).I used to be zero to 2, but now am lucky to break 80. Shot a 79 in Arizona last week.
I really miss the adrenaline high of a golf competition. There is nothing like being on the first tee after a sleepless night, your stomach feeling like its in a meat grinder, your hands shaking, finally realizing this is the way everyone feels and it will help you win. Those days are long gone. I cant imagine the high from scoring a ONE to win a contest on the last hole. I have had 8 aces. Never one in competition, and all but one were followed by a double bogey or worse.
I did one smart thing, when I found out I was pos in 89 and told I had two years to live, I played as many great golf courses as possible.
I hope  you get to play in Scotland.

[Val]

Jack,
I just read your reply and am sad and happy at the same time.  I am sad, for I do understand what you went through with your lipodistrophy, 'cause it happened to me as well -- blame it on Zerit!  And I am happy (and proud of you) that you got over your anxieties and started hitting the ball again.

You see, ten years ago I had a very bad case of lipodistrophy.  Needless to say, everyone in my club started asking questions!  At first, I would answer:  "Yes, I am dying and you should be very careful 'cause it is very contagious"!  I was angry and very moody back then and, being the kinda of straightforward guy I have always been, would scare people away with my edgy attitude.

Then, I decided that I would not stop playing golf because of HIV, and went to see a dermatologist in Rio de Janeiro.  Now, I suppose you know this already, but Brazilian dermatologists (and  especially plastic surgeons)  are among the best in the world -- it is my opinion that they are indeed the best 'cause I've tried the Americans (second-best, I'd say) and the French.  The result?  I came back from Rio with a new face and feeling much better than when I left.

In addition, I also put on some weight which I fought very hard and lost most of it!  I would go to the gym, do aerobics, swim, bike, play golf (I always walk and hate to play the American courses 'cause they obligate you to drive! ) , run, etc., etc. 

So, it was very hard and at one time I almost stopped playing golf.  However, I am not sure I would be able to live too long  without this sport  Keep the faith, my friend, and don't give up.  Ever.  It is your passion!

Val
___
___

[Val]

*

[Val]

Jack, my man!

I had to resize most of these pics, for almost all of them are larger than 1000 pixels!  Hope you like it.  But I will go ahead and send you some through the mail as well.  Let me know what you think!

The Club House


My Place


Snowing chez moi!


The Club House


Val
___
___