When president Barack Obama landed with First Lady Michelle in S. Africa few days ago, he had one dream - to meet with the legendary Nelson Mandela, the other great son of Africa.
That was of-course a big challenge. Even Obama, the president of the U.S., whose story is full of miracles, could not meet "Madiba," the legend. When he arrived S. Africa, the ailing Mandela has been fighting for his life in the hospital for a while. His well being has been deteriorating with each passing day.
***
But, this was not the first time Obamas and Mandelas were meeting in a unique environment...
While I was writing the autobiography of Barack Obama family last summer ("Mama Sarah Obama: Our Dreams & Roots"), I hosted some of the Obama family members at my vacation home in the U.S. They helped me write the powerful story of their family.
While we were working on the book, I was told that my friend Kweku Mandela, the grandson of "Madiba" was on his way to the states and he wanted to see me. In the past, having conducted numerous interviews with many of the family members, including one with Madiba and another one with his wife, Graca Machel and directed a high-end television special involving him, I had befriended him and his loved ones and we were in close contact ever since.
So I figured this is as good as anytime to have the first ever encounter of an Obama with a Mandela. And I took Marsat Obama, Barack Obama's aunt with me, and told Kweku to meet us at fashionable eatery in Los Angeles.
These two were so excited to meet with each other! While Kweku was curious about the (young) aunt of the leader of the free world, Marsat kept asking about Mandela.
Four of us, Marsat Obama, Kweku Mandela, Erbil and I, enjoyed ourselves in a private corner of this posh eatery... All the while, everyone was watching Obama making a speech on tube, no one had a clue who were on the other side of the place observing them quietly, unnoticed.
But of-course not! Because this is MY LIFE. This is the way I have been fortunate enough to live my life: Mixing interviews, business with charities, new friends, introducing different players from different parts of the world to other interesting people, in the most private surroundings. Let alone - having fun!
***
That is why I am so excited about the new membership-only club, opening this Fall - "Secret Fast." The idea of bringing prominent people all around the world, as club members, covering a wide range of fields of interests and territories, in a beautiful resort, primarily to work on their health...
WOW!
If one can lose weight, cleanse, overcome medical problems, and - at the same time - make new friends and/or form business partnerships...
Doing all that in a private & secure atmosphere, among exclusive club members (by invitation only!)!
Can you imagine how many Obamas and Mandelas and the likes, would bond there, enjoying the nature?
I am so excited!
No comments:
Post a Comment