"Do Sting and I move in the same circles? Well, it's an intriguing tale...

Every summer, for the past decade, except during the pandemic, I've indulged myself with a trip to the Salzburg Summer Festival. This six-week extravaganza is pure heaven for opera and classical music enthusiasts like me. It's a whirlwind of performances, all set in the backdrop of the charming, small city.

In Salzburg, it's almost customary to bump into performers, European Royalty, or famous personalities. This year was no exception. A talented opera singer friend of mine was slated to perform in 'The Greek Passion,' and naturally, he expected me at the premiere.

The production was enthralling, and my friend's performance was nothing short of outstanding. As I exited the theater amid a thunderous standing ovation, my eyes caught sight of a striking blonde woman in the distance. Blondes tend to recognize each other, you know!

Exiting the theater with my Viennese friend, I coincidentally crossed paths with  the renowned Hungarian Architect, someone I'd only glimpsed briefly every few years on different occasions. It warmed my heart that he remembered me.

The three of us strolled toward the stage door, eagerly awaiting my opera singer friend's exit. Then, his gorgeous wife joined our group, and that's when we noticed Sting standing a bit farther away with some other people.

Sting wasn't immediately visible, but the Hungarian Architect wondered aloud if that distant figure could be him. As I gazed in that direction, the puzzle pieces fell into place. The stunning blonde lady was none other than Trudie, Sting's wife. It all made sense now. Sting was indeed here!

Excitement filled our group as I suggested they gather for a photo with Sting in the background. We were just having fun when my opera singer friend emerged from the theater. After congratulating him, he shared an astonishing revelation – Sting had visited his dressing room to congratulate him, unaware that my friend owned all of Sting's CDs.

As we were discussing this thrilling encounter, someone from the opera production team, introduced Sting to my opera singer friend's wife. It was a picture-worthy moment, and we all turned into impromptu photographers. The three of them posed for a photograph, with Sting ending up between my friend and his wife.

With a playful tone, Sting quipped, "I'm not sure if it's a good idea for me to stand between them." To which I replied, "Don't worry, Sting, you can't break up this marriage!”

And there, our story concludes in Salzburg, resuming in Florida.

As a side note, I hold great admiration for my opera singer friend's marriage. They are raising seven children with the help of their parents. He performs globally, and his wife manages their flourishing chocolate stores. It's a miraculous feat, one that continues to astonish me.” It is possible for some!

Our story resuming in Florida….

Since my relocation to Florida and my inaugural nighttime drive to Miami, I'd been captivated on my way by a guitar-shaped building radiating light into the sky.

I marveled at the genius behind this concept and later discovered it was part of the Seminole Hard Rock Cafe Hotel and Casino complex. 

I decided one day I will stay a night in this fascinating wonder. 

The stars aligning with a meeting with my Real Estate Brokerage in Coral Gables on Wednesday and a Realtor Seminar at the Hard Rock Cafe Hotel the following day.

It does not make sense to commute back and forth since the hotel is half way between my home and Miami, so I checked their surprisingly reasonable midweek rates.

Before finalizing my booking, I explored additional entertainment options beyond their extraordinary pool extravaganza.

I found a plethora of restaurant choices, although I typically avoid dining alone  but I am sure I will have to have dinner somewhere. At least, I will be inside of the hotel. 

Alright, but what else can I do after dinner? I can't go to bed on a full stomach!

Bars aplenty, though I'm not one for bar-hopping. But there are more – concert programs! I checked for the night I am planning to stay and couldn't believe my eyes.

Sting is performing on that very night, and without hesitation, I secured tickets for the concert and a hotel room. 

How could it be that I saw Sting in Salzburg just three weeks ago and now, on the night I finally decided to stay at the admired hotel?

Can someone explain this uncanny connection?

I was filled with anticipation as I looked forward to Sting's performance at the Hard Rock Cafe Hotel in Fort Lauderdale. 

Before the concert, I debated whether to have dinner first or afterward. Eventually, I decided to dine beforehand. I ventured down to the main floor which is more like a town.  There are plenty of restaurants for satisfy anyone culinary taste. To my surprise, the eateries had become packed since I had returned from my afternoon swim. Finding an available table seemed impossible.

As I strolled toward the concert area, I noticed that they were already admitting people. I discovered there was food and drinks available, so I opted to grab something there. Who have the patient to sit down for dinner anyway when Sting is about to perform? 

What amazed me was the early access we were granted to the concert area. People were busy getting drinks and purchasing Sting memorabilia, and I wanted to blend in.

I happily indulged in popcorn, devouring it quickly before the performance commenced. Hunger makes you eat fast, after all. I also treated myself to a Margarita, knowing I wouldn't have to drive afterward. I recalled the last time I had such a massive size of frozen Margarita was in Las Vegas over 20 years ago. 

Looking back, I'm not even sure how much alcohol was in that icy concoction. Nonetheless, it was enjoyable to pretend I was sipping when I was waiting having a good time.

A few minutes before the performance was set to begin, I decided to take my seat. I was surprised to see many empty seats still unoccupied. The audience took their time settling in. 

Sting took the stage only when the auditorium was completely filled. He appeared and never left for two hours, a feat that still bewilders me. Only on a few occasions did he sip some water. Intermittently, he spoke between songs, sharing the inspiration behind his compositions. Most of the time, as one song concluded, another one immediately started.

It was an unforgettable evening. His energy was contagious. We sang and danced to his dynamic hits, and during his lyrical pieces, we sat like him, trying to absorb every moment. Watching him from the third row felt like a privilege. 

There are many talented singers out there, but he is one of the few with such a distinctive voice. You can unmistakably identify him when he sings. I still find it hard to fathom how someone can stay on stage without a break for two hours, delivering a continuous performance.

Sting, thank you for creating an indelible memory. I hope our paths will cross again in the future!