I had a hard time getting motivated yesterday, and then I stopped to think about it: I had one hell of a week and was it any wonder I was just a little slow to return to my daily routine? I think not...
Things kicked off for me Sept 5th as I headed to Sweden for my yearly European journey. I am fortunate that I get to "live like a local" for a week in the countryside, but then I always end up in Stockholm. This time I made sure to investigate the SIZE of my hotel room before I booked it. Stockholm must have some of the smallest rooms in the world. That's all very fine and good if you're not spending much time in your hotel, but if you're going to try and do some sessions--even just fetish-based sessions, a postage stamp isn't going to work. My research indicated that the Sheraton Towers would fit my needs--and how! What a great hotel to stay in for the weekend. Spacious rooms, excellent service--AND THEY HAVE TUBS IN THE BATHROOMS. This was the first time I had seen such a fixture in Stockholm. Needless to say, I had a fabulous time exploring more of the city than I've been able to during past trips (the photo is the view from my room). Things didn't quite work out for the locals who had hoped to see me for sessions (tragedy and immaturity prevailed), but my favorite Italian DID make it in for our annual meeting. It was a blessing in disguise that my schedule was so light. I had NO IDEA that getting my nails done was going to be such an ordeal! If you want to get a manicure or pedicure while traveling, my advice to you is to do AMPLE research ahead of time, and don't count on your hotel's concierge to make arrangements for you. I ended up going to two separate locations for the services I needed. All I know is that we are QUITE spoiled here in the US with the plethora of small nail shops everywhere. I will never take my nail lady for granted again!
Now, back to the reference about my week. On Sunday, Sept 17th I flew from Stockholm to Amsterdam. Don't get me wrong, Stockholm is a beautiful city, but Amsterdam is just plain FUN--and no not for THAT reason...Well first of all, everyone should have a host like I do. Nail5us greeted me at the airport and immediately took over making sure that I was comfortable and taken care of for the rest of my stay in Amsterdam. For the next three days, we spent the daylight hours walking around, shopping, and exploring, and the night time was spent dining and talking about everything under the sun.
OF COURSE I visited the Red Light District, as one of my favorite fetish clothing stores makes that area home.
Absolute Danny is a fetishist's dream come true. Whereas some shops cater more to leather or latex only, they have EVERYTHING. Leather, latex, pvc, lingerie--you name it. It's all crammed into a tiny space (it IS Amsterdam after all), but they make the most of what they have. After lots of time in the fitting room, I ended up with two outstanding latex pieces. My outfit for the SLICK Fetish Ball the following Saturday was now set. It's always fun to come home with new fetish clothing that you're relatively certain no one else in the room will be wearing ( wicked evil grin inserted here).
My sessions in Amsterdam made my stay there even more delightful. The young Jasper started things off on Monday evening. It's not often that I get to indoctrinate a cute 19 yr old Dutch boy into the ways of pleasing a woman via foot worship. I don't know who had more fun--he or I! Another first was video taping with René. We figured out how to make latex stockings and face-standing work for the camera. I can't wait to edit the content we grabbed. Of course nail5us also spent time under my feet and heels as he loves to do.
Parting was sweet sorrow on Wednesday evening. I didn't get my fill of Amsterdam but that will have to wait for future trips. To any residents of Amsterdam reading this post, I made sure to leave my mark on your city. Those who email me with a photo of where they found my logo will receive a special treat...
I flew back to Stockholm and spent Wednesday night there repacking my bags to accommodate the US ban on liquids in carry-on bags. It's funny because for all of the hemming and hawing I've heard about how strict the US TSA can be, no one stops to consider what OTHER countries enforce in THEIR airports. I tried to carry on three bullwhips on my flight from Stockholm to Sweden. Did you know that the Swedes consider those items to be WEAPONS? Um, sorry folks but I have no idea how the heck I could take over a plane with an 8 foot whip. Talk about not having enough swingin' room! I have a feeling the biggest danger would be from the pilot getting distracted and wanting to leave the cockpit, but what do I know. Luckily everything made it back to the US with me intact, but I've certainly learned my lesson about carrying on BDSM equipment in foreign countries!
I made it back to San Francisco on Thursday evening and found everything as it should be: the house was clean, the dungeon in order and I was thankful to have such an outstanding support crew dealing with my business while I was away. Traveling can be stressful, but returning home is always a pleasure when you know that your home and dungeon were left in the most capable hands! You two know who you are and my vinyl hat is off to you.
My week ended as exciting as it started--if not a little more. Saturday night I attended the SLICK Fetish Ball at the Porn Palace. Everyone there marveled at the location and I hope that "we" will be able to return for more fetish revelry in the future. I met up with Evil Pony Girl and her Master let me take her for a spin around the dance floor in her pony gear. This was our second up-close and personal interaction of the year for the public eye. I would have to say we made the most of it as the photos will show when I get them.
The Folsom Street Fair was lots of fun, but that will need another post to cover all that went on...
Until next year Europe!!
VQ
So one Sunday I'm in Amsterdam, and then the following Sunday I'm at Folsom St Fair. I was a little fatigued when Fair time came around, but I was still ready for what I've come to expect from that particular event: heat, crowds, fetish chaos, and friends...
