What a Week....

I've rather a mixed blog for you today.
The first part is great news. Robin docked in Grenada and his case has now been returned to him! He really enjoyed having a walk around the 'Spice Islands', which he said are very interesting, hilly and lush. The weather was fantastic with a cooling breeze. Even better, was returning to the QM2, having a bath, and being able to put on his own clothes!
Now that he has his nail repair kit, he can plan his programme for tomorrow. He did consider changing it, as any flamenco pieces may have proved too much for his nails, especially if he was unable to strengthen them prior to the concert.
Hopefully I'll be able to report back on that tomorrow, but many thanks to all the staff on the QM2 for recharging 'phones/computers, and generally finding him things to wear!
There was a story in the paper today, by Christopher Hope, explaining how many original pictures of the Beatles have been inadvertently thrown out, including the only copy of the photograph for their 'Please Please Me' album. That's a real shame.
This brings me to the second part of the blog and the problems we have been having with our very own photographer, Jonathan Keenan.
He also happens to be my brother, which does, of course, make him Robin's brother-in-law.
On Wednesday evening he was doing a shoot in the centre of Manchester (UK), 30ft up in a crane, when the crane fell over.
He was thrown onto the cobbles below, landing on his head and shoulder.
Amazingly, nothing is broken, and despite severe head lacerations and bruises all over his body, he has now come home.
Sadly, the crane operator was not as fortunate and died the next day.
You can imagine the turmoil the family have been in. At times like this everyone pulls together, gathers around, and takes comfort from just being together. Thoughts of what might have been are never far away.
For Robin this has been particularly difficult as he is so far from home and unable to be here. There have been many 'phone calls, reassuring in all directions, and thankfully, Jonathan is home and starting a period of recuperation.
Robin was able to send him an e mail though, which went something along the lines of, "Don't you know the rules of Bungee jumping?" But that's men for you!
I'm surrounded by artistic sorts, sometimes I think life would be so much simpler if they all worked in a supermarket.
Still, at least Robin is able to take his mind off things on the Island of St.Kitts. I'm sure he'll take a break from his guitar practice to have a look around.

The Robin Hill Saga

And so it goes on.
Robin made it to Chicago, but his suitcase didn't. He's making a habit of travelling very light these days.
He then had to endure another flight to Miami, unsure when, or if, he will get his case back, before the QM2 sets sail.
He spent the night in a hotel, and when he got up early the next morning, couldn't face his travel weary clothes.
The only shop open at that time of day was part of the hotel, so he ventured in to purchase a shirt. No such luck, the only thing they had was a t-shirt, with 'M*I*A*M*I' emblazoned across the chest. I think he's more distressed to be seen wearing it than he is about the loss of 10 days worth of clothes.

There's a bigger problem though. If the case doesn't arrive before 5pm US time, then he won't see it until Thursday when he docks in Bonaire.
Thanks to the security alerts last year, strings, nail kit, footstool, all have to be in the 'lost' case.
Whilst Robin's guitar obviously does have strings on, he needs to change the treble strings prior to every concert. Therefore will need a set of Savarez very quickly.

I read the other day that Fergie, from the Black Eyed Peas, recently suffered a similar fate with the loss of luggage, except they lost all 30 (!) of her cases. How does she remember which case she packed her nail kit in? I'm sure it's tiny compared to the one Robin needs. Which brings me to another point. Every day minor repairs to nails are required. No nail kit, no repair.

So, having settled into his very nice room on board ship, (at least it didn't take long to unpack), he decided it best to assume the case wouldn't appear, so urgent supplies were needed.

With the help of a local taxi driver he found a music shop and got himself some strings and a footstool. He was delighted to see a huge picture of Jaco Pastorius on the wall, and when he asked the shop keeper if Jaco had frequented this store the owner replied, "Hey, he was just a local guy"!

His friendly taxi driver then took him for some basics, you know, toothbrush, razor etc. He even managed to get a few pair of socks, but I, and Robin can't understand why they don't appear to sell underwear in Fort Lauderdale. Anywhere.
If any of our American readers can offer an explanation I'd be delighted to hear it!

So if you have been near Port Everglade, Hollywood or Fort Lauderdale today, and come across a rather dishevelled, unshaven, guitarist, sporting a 'M*I*A*M*I' t-shirt, I hope you were kind to him. If you see him again, will you lend him some suncream.