Cartegena, Colombia– After umpteen years of travel to 30+ counties, I have a checklist I go off of, something in the mold of the one promoter Lorraine Chargin gave to Lenny Fresquez, this when he started promoting with Lorraine and husband Don. Her list had items like boxing gloves on it, my own included gloves as well. Leaving the house in San Francisco wasn’t easy as my dog Floppy, she sensed something was up and tried jumping in the cab, which nearly scared the snot out of the driver.
HOW COULD A PROMOTER FORGET BOXING GLOVES?
As for having boxing gloves on the Dragon Lady’s list, don’t laugh. I have been to shows that were delayed and on the cusp of being canceled because the promoter forgot the boxing gloves. The plane to Miami is late, but seeing I pre-board online, hey, I’m only showing up 30 minutes before the flight. Having had a couple of pre-fight drinks with Miss Lee and friends at the neighborhood pub, I wasn’t drunk, but two cocktails are the perfect precursor for a red eye flight going east.
HEY, I WAS REALLY HUNGRY!
Being from San Francisco, my family living on 22nd & Castro in the 60’s, a former San Francisco Policeman, I have no problem with Gay men. Like comic Lenny Clarke, I see two guys holding hands, I figure statistically that means “two more” chicks for me. So when the overly smiling and friendly male flight attendant offered me a second plate of pasta, I took it, but with that “no strings” attached look you learn being straight in San Fran.
LONG DAYS, HARD WORK, SUN SCREEN
The beach here is beautiful, as are the women. But I’m here to work damn it. There will be no raucous parties, no late night encounters I tell you, cause I’ve got all day for that!
Pedro Fernandez