Sourer Kraut

The trauma continues for Lord Heinrich, who is still sans bagages in Cannes. On calling BA handlers in Nice for the 2,723rd time yesterday evening, he informed them that he would be claiming for refunds for the following essential purchases:

- new clothes and shoes from Gucci, Dolce & Gabbana etc (image to protect)
- new sports gear (image)
- chargers for blackberry, phone (appointments to keep, potential loss of business otherwise)
- toiletries (image)
- champagne to ease the mental stress (potential loss of business as so much time spent replacing lost possessions).

No details of the response from the (unhelpful) BA rep. Having frequently lost my luggage on BA via Heathrow (once, my case was lost for 7 days) I can sympathise. The reimbursement was for the princely sum of 50 pounds, so not sure if that will pay for a button on Lord H's shirt.

Time for Tantra

Postscript:

Despite having lived here for nearly a year, I lack a little savoir-faire. When Lord Heinrich texted me to ask if I wanted to join him for a Tantra session, I didn't realise he meant drinks at a bar in Cannes. But this jetsetter was in her pyjamas at 11pm on a Saturday night - too rock and roll for words.

Sour Kraut

Two months after first announcing his impending visit, German aristo Lord Heinrich has arrived on the Cote d'Azur for the international advertising schmoozefest, the Cannes Lions awards. Lord H emailed through some requests to his local PA, which included transport from the airport and a decent hotel.

Sadly, not even a frequent flyer gold card and upper class travel could prevent the inevitable happening - Lord H's luggage failed to make the connection at Heathrow. This was particularly ironic considering the good Lord had frequently mocked the lost luggage woes of others less fortunate (and more economy) than himself. His servant in France has lost cases 5 out of the last 6 trips to Heathrow.

But perhaps the ultimate stinger came when Lord H was told he had been downgraded to a smaller helicopter for the short flight from Nice to Cannes. As his Lordship had no baggage, they downgraded him. Oh the shame!

A matter of taste

Spotted in the supermarket - a French food brand by the name of Gayelord.

Whatever David Beckham thinks, the French invented metrosexuality. Men here have no qualms about using moisturiser and wearing tight T-shirts. They wear pink without a care in the world: in fact, when introducing her baby, dressed in pink and with a pink bow in her hair, an acquaintance was asked "what's your son's name?"

The chavs have landed. I felt the wind of change at the weekend when I saw a few Burberry baseball caps in the supermarket Geant, and now it's been confirmed.
Posh & Becks are in town.

Say what you like about the French drivers (and a lot has been said) - at least they have manners. If they run you off the road, they apologise, and if you let them run you off the road, they thank you.