UNO....DOS.....TRES......IM GAY!

Ok ok, i know what you're all thinking......i was as shocked when i heard! My favourite hip-swinging Latino....GAY!

I'm sure i speak for all you salsa lovers when i say...WE ALL KNEW! The only ones shocked i think are the (then) teeny-boppers who would give a SHRIEK at the slightest wink from the heart throb (lol). Oh well, the world has gained a GAY........and about a million FAG-HAGS! lol

But on a serious note, Ricky, i salute you! I'ts not easy coming out in an industry where being gay is still very much looked DOWN upon. Well done for being loud and proud! (I wonder who's next..... Brad....if you're there....please stand UP)

Adios Amigo

INUKSHUK

I have been back from Canada for over a week now and it is usually during this time where I look through the photos that I took and recap, as it always feels so surreal while I am travelling. It has been a whirlwind month for me as Mr. Gay World 2010 and I can already feel this is going to be a year I will NEVER forget! It feels monumental and something I will look back upon and think WOW!

The 10 days I spent in Whistler was not a holiday but a serious mind opener in so many ways. I was able to take to mind the fact that I had won a World Title - just an ordinary person born in Bloemfontein, South Africa and now Mr. Gay World 2010. I have met so many people along my travels in Canada and made some good friends. This has made me realise that the way I see the world was about to change and expand more than I ever imagined.

Whistler is beautiful, a quaint town of about 10,000 people where everybody seems to know everyone. The locals soon made me feel like part of the ‘family’ and at our first ‘Après Ski’ that the friendships were solidified. During the Winter Olympics each country had a ‘House’, a kind of safe haven, where people could go to get a touch of familiarity and socialise. It was appropriate that the LGBT community established a ‘House’, which would lead into Winter Pride. The Pride House hosted various activities during the week such as Wine tasting, Oscar night and Education on various topics pertaining to the Global LGBT Village. The House, run by Dean Nelson, his partner and an incredible team of volunteers they offered a ‘home away from home’, and I found myself hanging out there regularly.

I was fortunate enough to have a set agenda of activities and flexible schedule, which enabled me to take part in events such at Dogsledding, Zip-trekking through one of the oldest rain forests of Whistler and the Blackcombe Mountains. A particular highlight was taking one of the longest Gondola rides up the Mountain, approximately 20-minutes, to try out some snowboarding! I would love to say that I succeeded, but well let us leave it at that! Winter Pride ended off with an incredible evening on top of the Mountain at The Roundhouse, where we had World Class entertainment and food. My final days were spent sight seeing and I was able to witness the Paralympic Flame as it made its way through the Town en route to Vancouver. Once again, I had a sensory overload and if I had to relay everything about my trip, I would sit here writing in detail everything possible to explain to you, but one thing I take with me is the diversity of our global village! The village I represent in all its glorious diversity!

I would like to thank every person who made this trip possible! Eric Butter, Tore Aasheim and Dean Nelson and the rest of the Mr. Gay World team - you people are amazing! Carlos Melia, thanks for sorting out all the travel arrangements. Then to Gavin B, my Manager, for holding the fort, thanks so much, you are a star!

I leave you with the message of INUKSHUK- May it be you guide for a safe journey through life’s travels and let it always lead you HOME!

Till later

Charl 

JUST A QUICK WHISTLE!

Hey ya'll!

A friendly greeting here from Whistler, Canada!

It's a beautiful day here with Winter Pride kicking and going strong on its 3rd day!
I have so far had a good time here with the friendly locals, and the town filling up once again for what promises to be a good weekend! I must admit, I am yet to get on a Gondola and head up the mountain for some snowboarding (yes, I do prefer it to skiing - just looks cooler), so I'm sure that within the next two days I'll be heading up there!

Other than that I have had some good thinking time too and this has given me a great opportunity to get my 'ducks in a row' so to speak and work on what I have planned for this year. All i can say for now is that it is gonna be BIG, of GLOBAL proportions, so hold on, its going to be a GOOD year! A year, once again of PROBABILITIES!

I will try and post some pictures as soon as im able to, so please bear with me!

Hope you all are good! I'll see you S-Africans real soon again!

Love you all
Charl

Another Week of Excitement

Hi All,

This past week has once again made me realise the extent of my responsibilities and work involved as the worldwide spokesperson for the LBGT community. I have tried to live my life as normal as possible, but my title has shown me that things are not always as they appear. There is an element of normality, unknown and the expanse that is the rest of the world. The gravity of the unknown and the world is making me realise that you need an experienced and committed team to help you deal with your professional and personal life on a global scale.

My team and I have been working on various issues, but this requires serious multi-tasking, to make everything happen concurrently. As a result, I have completed a full-length interview, nearly 20-minutes long, with a production crew for a national TV show. I had to fly into Johannesburg late on Thursday evening, to secure my Canadian Visa, and as part of my International travel itinerary. However, upon my arrival at 22H30, I had to do an interview for a Canadian Breakfast show, which showed me that somewhere in the world someone is awake and doing business.

I thought that my weekend would be restful leading up to my departure, but Saturday started at 07H30 to get ready for my first Social Event, where International Performers, Business People and VIP guests had confirmed their attendance. The guest list was overwhelming and a true baptism of fire to the world of hosting a function for influential people – business and social. Nevertheless, the event was a great success with The Twelve Tenors spending most of the day with my team and me. We (my Business Manager and me) had individuals like Jennifer Su (Radio & TV Personality), Edith Venter (PR Guru & Socialite) and her husband Johnny, Isla Galloway (Chairperson of Dauphin), Anne Power (Legendary Performer), Wilco Stemmett (Businessman), Liane Luriel (Prima Ballerina from SA Ballet) and Bennie Louw (Businessman) in attendance.

The event and atmosphere was so relaxed that it became an informal affair, where everyone kick-backed and appreciated the venue, company and comfortable surrounds. Formalities were quickly forgotten and we began to have fun making a cream mustache competition with our "new" friends from abroad – this showed me that no matter who are, a local celebrity or international performer, we are all just people that want to have fun and be ourselves. All societal expectations, pretences and norms get ignored – we are all just people being people having some fun.

After a hectic morning and start to the weekend, there was barely time for me to get ready for the airport before the flight to Canada. Anyway, I am now finally on my way to Vancouver, and will update you when you when I get back to SA. However, I must thank the following people, companies, for my time in Johannesburg and assisting with the event.

• Le Carnard Restaurant - official restaurant, host and venue in Johannesburg
• Serwala – Chauffeur's to The Twelve Tenors for our function
• Bone Wear – Wilco and co. for designing the Swagbag of swimwear and underwear for the Twelve Tenors and our guests
• The Cupcake Boutique (Colleen) – Designing our cupcakes for the function
• Tania Miles – Personalised flower arrangements and gifts
• Bennie Louw – Venue and Catering
• Gavin Borrageiro – Guest list, PR (incl. The Twelve Tenors) and Expense Management
• Travel with Flair – Canadian Visa assistance and submission

  I look forward to updating and chatting to you when I get back from Canada.

Cheers for now

Charl