A Gracious Gesture

I have a friend, DJS, whom I would like it to be publicly known has the most generous heart and makes the most perfect gestures. While laying sick and useless this week, I received an email from Mr.S. He would like to gift me with a stay at La Mamounia in Marrakech. Some of you may have heard me speak of a few of the dream destinations on my list. Should I ever marry, I had always wanted to honeymoon in Venice and thus have been saving it. (Yes, I do have a PADI card... Some of you will take a moment and then laugh at that joke. Some of you will Google PADI and then laugh.) Petra is on that list. La Mamounia is on that list. I have spent an inordinate amount of my life with my eyes in a book, my head in the clouds while trying to keep both feet firmly on the ground. (why aren't I taller?) If an opportunity arises in which to add a moment, a memory, a surreal experience to the book of my life, I take it or make it, create it, encourage it. La Mamounia would be one of those unforgettable passages in my book. I think though that La Mamounia is a place for wedding proposals, honeymoons, anniversaries or for those rainy Tuesdays when it has been raining endlessly for days and your other half walks in the door to say "Grab your passport, I have a surprise". (For those of you that read that last scenario and think that I am stretching the bounds of credibility, I do have a friend who a number of years ago swept his girlfriend off to Morocco for a luxurious Valentine's holiday. I will admit to being envious of this woman for whom such a romantic surprise would be planned. Rather than wait for such surprises, I decided to make my own adventures. It seems to be working rather well:-)

La Mamounia I think is meant for two. Would I not feel a bit like that photo of Princess Diana sitting alone in front of the Taj Mahal? To those of you that are going to Google La Mamounia and then send me emails describing my stupidity if I decline, thanks for the support. Jenn. Perhaps instead of Princess Diana Visits Taj Mahal, my photo caption could read Lalla Lisa Visits La Mamounia? Is it better to be Princess Diana once in your life than to never be Princess Diana at all? (alright, alright, I have been royally spoiled over the years but in this particular instance, do you not see the parallel? These places are the epitome of grandeur and romance.)

I may have just talked myself out of declining Mr.DJS's kind gift. Out of the blue, over the many years that we have been friends, would arrive a bouquet of my favourite flowers, a captivating book, a wonderful card or perfume that I still love and wear. All of his gestures and gifts have been ideal. This gift he now offers to congratulate me on my completion of the Hageman-7idansuu Robe is gracious beyond words. I may have to wear my new kaftan. To you Mr.DJS, I publicly offer my heartfelt gratitude for the gift you offer and the many years of enduring friendship.