On our last driving trip to California we enjoyed seeing old friends and meeting new ones. We have known the Countess Alexis Del Lago for 18 years. Unfortunately time has taken it’s toll with her and she has had some health issues including a stroke, but she is still going.
In the past she has entertained in New York City years ago. A great video on her is: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_rSnHG_htY4 Another wonderful video was made by Craig Calman: http://worldofwonder.net/meet-the-legendary-and-reclusive-alexis-del-lago/.
She invited us to her apartment in West Hollywood this time where we reminisced about old times and a glorious past. At least she has had a glorious past which is more than we can say about a lot of people. Live well Countess !
The next day we had breakfast with the noted Hollywood Agent, Budd Burton Moss. Among his many entertainers that we agent for was Rita Hayworth plus many more ! He and his wife have lived in Beverly Hill, California forever. We had breakfast at the famous La Conversation Bakery/Cafe, which has been around for more than 30 years there.
You can either enjoy your meal inside or sit on their front patio and watch the people walk by. http://www.laconversationbakery.com/ Last year Budd Burton Moss came out with his biography which we wrote up,
https://www.purpleroofs.com/gay-travel-blog/2017/06/summer-reads-traveling-fabulous-gay-world-hollywood-sometimes-reality-better-dream.html He is in his 80’s and knows all the good stories and tales about ‘Old Hollywood’.
On to Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills with all of it’s glitz and glamour. We walked by one store, looked in and knew we had to enter. Peter Marco ‘Extraordinary Jewels’ is the place and located at 252 North Rodeo Drive. Peter is the owner and he dresses the part! When you are one of the finest jewelry stores in California why not dress the part ? Who wants to buy a diamond ring or jewelry from someone wearing bluejeans ? Peter has a flawless reputation for selling the finest diamonds. No trip to Beverly Hills and Rodeo Drive would be complete without visiting his shop. His website is: www.petermarco.com
Driving home thru Arizona we always stop and see our friend, Paul Winer who owns the Reader’s Oasis Used Book Store in Quartzsite, Arizona located on Interstate 10. One does not need an address to find the store, however it is located at 690 East Main St. Quartzsite is just a very small town, population around 3,500 however in the months of January and February, RV’ers descend on the town.
Paul and his wife have owned the bookstore for many years. He offers a huge selection of used books in every subject matter. Thousands of tourists a year stop to see him and his store. Paul is a VERY interesting guy and he is also a “NUDIST”. The only thing he wears is his cowboy hat, a Turquoise blossom necklace and a ‘penis’ sock. Yep, you read that correctly. His wife is always fully dressed.
So when you go in, forget about the world and visit with Paul. He also sings and plays the piano. Here are a couple of videos to check out on him: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K_ZvmTCBn4M and also
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4X9Ob7Y88sQ
Always remember to have fun when traveling, meet new people and talk to everyone!
TRAVELING IN OUR FABULOUS GAY WORLD is written by Donald Pile and Ray Williams, Award-winning, Celebrity travel columnists who write for gay publications from coast to coast (And now legally married).
Proud members of the IGLTA. You can email them at gaytravelers@aol.com and visit their website at http://gaytravelersataol.blogspot.com/