With everyone asking me about my first foreign trip since my father's death last year, I must post something. On Social Media I have been accused of operating 'fake accounts' since I got back and, at times on this trip, I found it difficult to believe what was happening myself. The trip started in the BA Concorde Lounge, before a 10 hour British Airways First Class flight to Houston. My friends in Houston managed to hold a beautiful cocktail party in my honour, despite 113°f temperatures. I started my time in Nashville with a 'Boy George & Culture Club' concert. 'Berlin' were the support band & 65-year-old Terri Nunn stood of a chair very close to me to sing their last song. At Four Seasons, Nashville I found out we had lost my relative Ann Clwyd, who loved the Kurds & mineworkers, when no one else did. Tony Blair put out a beautiful statement about her. At that Four Seasons I was given a Veuve Clicquot experience where I drank La Grande Dame with Eliza. Her dad (Norbert Putnam) played bass guitar on 120 of Elvis' tracks and was in the support band for the Beatles when they first played in the US. The food scene in Nasville is insane. I had one of the best meals of my life at 'Locust' and the gourmet fast food at 'Joyland' blew my mind too. At that Four Seasons I also learnt Simon Casson had stepped down as a President of Four Seasons (he, kindly, emailed me). With Christian Clerc having left too, the phrase "to lose one President may be regarded as a misfortune; to lose two looks like carelessness" sprang to my mind. However, exceptional young staff like Brian on the bar, & Meagan by the pool, give me hope for the future of Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts. At The Guest House at Graceland Greg & TC gave me a Vernon & Gladys' suite, based on Elvis' Palm Springs home and Elvis whisky & wine. Sitting at Bonnie and Robert's bar there was engrossing listening, & talking to, such a fascinating range of Elvis fans. My Ultimate VIP Tour of Graceland was another dream come true. At The Peabody Hotel in Memphis I was given their Presidential Suite, where Presidents Reagan, two Bushes & Clinton have stayed, as well as Michael Jackson. They also made me an Honorary Duckmaster, during the ceremony for this I dedicated this Memphis honour to my legendary Veterinary Surgeon dad. I ended this extraordinary trip with 5 nights at the Mandarin Oriental, Miami. It is interesting that Mandarin Oriental are far kinder than Four Seasons over my rates at present. My Peruvian dinner with GM Flavia was remarkable, as much for her company, as the sublime food. At that hotel comments to Victor on the bar about the ice at breakfast meant I found large cubes of ice at breakfast the next day, as well as when I used their attractive infinity pool. Must also sincerely thank Stephen Head of F&B and Julian Head of Housekeeping. Will be sad when that Mandarin Oriental closes at the end of 2024. The new Mandarin Oriental hopes to open in 2030. You will find more photos of gifts & comments about noteworthy members of staff on Instagram, Twitter, Threads & Facebook. A '7 teddies' (🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻) trip. When you meet me I can show even more photos and prove I am no 'fake'! | |
36 Comments
7/8/2023 05:17:37 pm
Si,
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Matthew
7/8/2023 05:41:12 pm
Glad you had so much fun seeing such interesting places and catching up with old friends and new!
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GW
7/8/2023 05:52:21 pm
What a wonderful trip.
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Tala Stevenson
7/8/2023 07:28:31 pm
I’m so glad you had an enjoyable stay in the USA Si. A fitting way to remember your Dad! Beautiful photos too!
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Samantha Garvin
7/8/2023 07:49:19 pm
You can hardly blame people who have not experienced the fabulous Si Frew in person, for thinking your life is made up.
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Gus
7/8/2023 09:01:12 pm
Si, The fantastic stories and amazing photographs of your trip made we want to follow in your steps. My 2024 Southern USA Extravaganza has already been booked! Many thanks
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Nick and Rick
7/8/2023 09:50:50 pm
Simon,
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Susan Stirling
7/8/2023 10:23:34 pm
I can verify you are no fake, Simon!! I would be a missing so much in my travels without your kind advice and willingness to share experiences and give guidance. Thank you again for helping out this week as I plan a truly memorable event for my granddaughter's Master's graduation.
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Kathy
7/8/2023 10:32:49 pm
What super photos Si ! So glad you had an amazing time. Looking forward to hearing all about it soon. Your dad would have been extremely proud.
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Kenneth Ng
8/8/2023 01:35:59 am
Looks like a fabulous trip!
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Khalid
8/8/2023 01:57:39 am
Amazing tour, glad you are back on the track
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AISHA
8/8/2023 08:11:49 am
Wow Simon, another masterpiece. I always look forward to your blogs after your foreign trips. I love the care and attention you give to even the smallest details about the fabulous hotels and events that you go to. I loved Boy George and Culture Club when they started years ago and actually going to one of his shows now is something I would love to do. As for the ducks I saw them many years ago. What a lovely tribute you paid to your dad.
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Alejandro
8/8/2023 11:17:39 am
I loved this post full of information not only about Four Seasons but also about Nashville!!!!!
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Maryann Benedetti
8/8/2023 05:24:56 pm
Oh Simon. I followed your journey through the USA with anticipation! The most lovely places you visited and Oh the food and gifts!!!! Everything looked so special for you. And oh those private pools!! Just awesome.💙💙. Glad you enjoyed Boy George. I am sure it was an amazing concert. I admire your travels and so look forward to all. Until the next time. Stay safe and well and enjoy the rest of summer. Please accept my sympathy on the passing of your relative Ann Clwyd. Also please give my regards to your beautiful Mum.
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Emma
9/8/2023 04:50:18 pm
Fabulous trip Si; your Elvis experience looks great. I am so pleased you have started travelling again. Enjoy time with Maria. Emma
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Eliza O’Neill
9/8/2023 05:43:23 pm
Such a great blog! Thank you for the mentions! :)
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Barry Philps
12/8/2023 02:14:43 am
Sounds like a great experience for everyone. I head to Indianapolis in a few days for a retirees reunion. It should be good fun but might not reach the heights of your tour
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Theresia
13/8/2023 12:50:45 pm
Dear Si,
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The AuthorsSi Frew has lived in the UK, Bermuda, Qatar, Cyprus & the Cayman Islands. During this time he met Whoopi Goldberg (in Claridge's), Mike Tyson (in the Concorde Lounge at JFK) , Gordon Ramsay (in the Doha Four Seasons), Chris Eubanks (in The Dorchester), Cherie Blair (in Bermuda & again in the Doha Four Seasons) etc. There are funny stories attached to all these interactions, feel free to ask Si about them when you meet him. Archives
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