Friday Five: Superyachts!

Port Vell, Barcelona

In no way should this be taken as a continuation on last week's Friday Five, but that did make me think of the time we were in Barcelona and we went to Port Vell and had a vermouth overlooking the harbour and stalking the superyachts, as you do. Also, I am aware that there are only three listed here, but last week was a bumper issue with six (or even seven), so I reckon that evens out.

Superyachts in Port Vell, Barcelona

Superyachts (from left to right):

1. Lady Moura - owned by Ricardo Salinas Pliego (sold for USD 125million in 2021) - money from teleco/media/financial services and inherited wealth
2. Dreamboat - owned by Arthur Blank (USD 180 million in 2019 when built) - money from retail (Home Depot)
3. Vava - owned by Ernesto Bertarelli (GBP 150 million when built in 2007) - money from pharmaceuticals and inherited wealth

Vava

While I believe that flashing that amount of cash is ostentatious, unnecessary and frankly obscene, I admit to spending a pleasant afternoon with a vermouth on a balcony looking down on these floating compensations. 

That's Martini

Friday Five: Coward Quotes

Lauren Bacall and Noel Coward in Blithe Spirit

As I am directing Blithe Spirit, my mind is currently full of Cowardisms. Here are five of my favourite.

5 Quotes from Blithe Spirit:

1. "You're awfully irritating when you're determined to be witty at all costs." 
2. "It's discouraging to think how many people are shocked by honesty and how few by deceit."
3. "I do think it's interesting how easily people allow themselves to be deceived."
4. "Anybody can write books, but it takes an artist to make a dry martini that's dry enough."
5. "I long ago came to the conclusion that nothing has ever been proved about anything."