We just landed in Madrid! In fact, we’re not even off the plane yet. We are waiting for a gate to open so we can de-plane. You would think after all of the traveling I’ve done in my life — not mention these past two months — I’d be used to the woes that comes with it.

I am very excited to be in Spain — home of the 2010 World Cup champions! Here’s a little tidbit you may not know about me, since it’s the one thing I’ve managed to keep from the press: I do enjoy soccer — or football, as it’s known around the world. I tried to watch as much of the World Cup as I could this year. However, since I was doing everything in my power to keep Fusion, my daughter’s company, on top, there wasn’t much leisure time. Still, every time I watched Spain play, I’d think, “I need to get to Madrid.” Now here I am in the land of winners!

I am a little melancholy that I’m missing Caleb Cooney’s welcome party in Pine Valley, benefiting the Miranda Montgomery Center. I wish I could be there to support Bianca. I heard from Opal that the guest of honor asked Krystal Carey to escort him. Well, I guess we all can’t be with winners …

The flight attendant — a lovely and sweet one who helped me with my carry-ons — just announced we have a gate. I’ll catch up with you all soon!

Tomorrow, Jackson and I leave Africa. We have been here for almost a full week, but the time has gone by so quickly. It proves that you don’t always need to have glitz and glamour to have a marvelous time. I am once again overwhelmed by the love the children have shown me. After two summers here, I think I may have to make this trip a tradition. I’d love to bring Bianca and Kendall with me next time.

The children weren’t the only ones showing me their love. Yesterday, Jackson and I went on a safari — and I was kissed by a giraffe. They are such gorgeous creatures, and obviously they have exquisite taste! Of course, when Bianca was a baby, I took her to the zoo a few times … but the animals are always kept at a distance. Oh, how I would love to see Miranda, Gabby, Spike, and Ian’s faces if they got to see a giraffe so close!

It’s time to pack again. I’ll miss Africa, but I’m really looking forward to Madrid tomorrow. Orale!

Goodnight,

Erica

Whew! It is one sticky day here in Nairobi, but I couldn’t be in better spirits. I am more than thrilled about my daughter Kendall moving back to Pine Valley. That news brought me so much joy! Pine Valley is her home, and she and Bianca need each other. I can’t wait to return and reunite with my beautiful girls and their children.

As I write this, I’m eating my third mango of the day! They are so good here. I’ve always loved mangoes, but the ones grown in North America can’t compare. Jackson has taken a liking to mandaazi, which is a sweet, deep-fried dough cake. It’s also known as the Kenyan Doughnut. I think after all of our travels, we’re both going to need Pilates!

Bye,

Erica

Greetings from Africa! I can’t tell you how thrilled I am to be back here. It also doesn’t seem to be as hot and humid as it was last August. You should see Jack with the children. They adore him! I will admit that I had a good time last year with Pine Valley’s local shopkeeper, Krystal Carey — I was as surprised as you — but being here with Jack just makes the experience all the more gratifying. Oh, and I haven’t seen any scorpions yet. I say “yet” because you know my string of luck with animals …

Speaking of scorpions, I hear that Scott Chandler has wed Annie Lavery, a noted Pine Valley psychopath. As much as I care about Scott, and adored his late father, Stuart, I’m glad I wasn’t around for this ceremony. The last time Annie was dressed as a bride, she stabbed me with a knife! However, I do wish the bride the best of luck on her fourth marriage … and the groom the best of protection on his first.

Bianca also called and told me that I’m missing out on another celebration. She is honoring Palmer Cortlandt’s wishes and throwing a welcome-to-Pine-Valley party for his nephew, Caleb. I’m sure it’s going to be fantastic. Bianca knows how to plan an event that leaves everyone satisfied but hungry for more. I wonder where she learned that? I also love that the party is being used as a fundraiser to benefit the Miranda Center. I am so proud of my daughter.

Right now, Jack and I are going to bring soccer balls to children. These beautiful kids try making their own, but the just end up falling apart. I hope they get a lot of pleasure out of playing with real equipment. They don’t ask for anything — but even if all you can give is a little attention, they are so grateful.

Feeling very happy and blessed,

Erica

Hello,

I’m about to turn in — but while I wait for Jack to get out of the shower, I thought I’d write and give you all a little update. Tomorrow we leave Moscow and fly to Africa. I just couldn’t come to the other side of the globe without making a stop there. As you all know, when I visited Africa last summer, it changed me forever. Everything I thought was so significant no longer seemed important. I had that feeling one other time in my life — it was when Bianca was just a baby and fell ill with Reye’s syndrome. With lots of love and a lot of prayer, she pulled through. I believe I can and have offered that same kind of care and attention to the children in Africa. They need me — they need US  – and I can’t wait to see their smiling faces again. Africa won’t be as glamorous as Bangkok or Paris, but I know it will be more memorable and the most rewarding stop on our journey.

Goodnight,

Erica

Hello from Moscow! The Muscovites, as the natives of Moscow are referred to, have been so warm to Jack and me. That doesn’t come as a surprise; did you know that Mikhail Gorbachev was (and probably still is) a big fan of mine? When he visited New York in December 1988, he heard I was in town doing some business for Enchantment and sent me a dozen roses and a hand-written note. He congratulated me on my new business venture and the birth of my beautiful baby Bianca, who had just turned 10 months old. Looking back, it’s pretty astonishing that during the Cold War, I was a link between the United States and the Soviet Union.

Tonight, we are going to the Kremlin to see the Armory. I’ve been dying to see the Fabergé eggs that were made for the various members of the royal family for years. Do you think Jack will buy me one? I better not say that too loud, because you and I both know he would move heaven and Earth to make me happy. Last night, he surprised me with a tour of St. Basil’s Cathedral. He rented this beautiful white car but wouldn’t tell me where we were going. When we pulled up to the cathedral, I was almost in tears. I’ve seen pictures of it, but they don’t do the beautiful architecture justice. After we completed the tour, Jack handed me a box. When I opened it, there was a music box in the same design as the cathedral. I didn’t think anything could be more romantic than our cruise in Bangkok, but this surprise took my breath away. I am so lucky!

It’s time for lunch now. We’re going to eat in the hotel restaurant. I’m going to have a little caviar, beef stroganoff, and some kefir for something sweet. Although I’m looking forward to the Kremlin tonight, I can’t wait to get to Red Square tomorrow and go on a shopping spree at GUM. After all, how could Erica Kane come all the way to Russia and not stop at the biggest department store in Russia?

Take care,

Erica

Hello!

What is it with animals and me? This morning, Jack and I went to Samut Songkhram, a little southwest of Bangkok. While there, we went to the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market. It’s the most famous floating market in all of Thailand. It’s true when they say you can buy things there that you can’t buy in any markets in downtown Bangkok. And while we were walking around the land, I came face to face with monkeys! I screamed to Jack, and he thought I was being funny since we saw so many animals in India. Then he saw them. There were four of them traveling together. They were adorable! They kept their distance — and believe me, I did too! I did wish I’d had a banana on me, though. Bears, scorpions, monkeys … they do love Erica Kane!

I will write soon. Take care,

Erica

Jack and I have bid a fond farewell to India. Although I was a little taken back at first with all of the animals roaming around, I actually found the country to be quite charming. A few hours ago we arrived in Thailand — Bangkok, to be exact. Remember that song from the ’80s, “One Night in Bangkok”? I’ve been singing it in my head all day. I remember dancing to that at a disco in New York when the song first came out. Now that was an incredible evening! The club devoted the whole night to celebrating me, and I can’t tell you how many Erica Kane drag queens roamed the dance floor. It reminded me of when I opened my own disco, Erica’s. I know for a fact that Studio 54 was heavily influenced by Erica’s.

Tonight Jack and I are going on the Bangkok Chao Phraya dinner cruise. It’s a luxurious cruise ship that has catered to guests from around the world, including foreign VIPs and dignitaries — and now me! Along the way, we’re going to watch the sunset and see the Temple of Dawn, the Grand Palace, and the Rama VIII Suspension Bridge. Oh, I can’t wait! It is going to be one of the most romantic nights Jack and I have shared on our honeymoon-before-the-wedding.

I’ve been keeping in touch with those close to me back in Pine Valley, especially my dear friend Opal. She told me she follows me on Twitter, though. Do you?

I’m going to take a little nap before our cruise. Then I’ll slip into this gorgeous, vintage dress that I picked up while in Tokyo by famed Japanese designer Issey Miyake. Do you think people on the cruise will be more excited to see me or the Temple of Dawn (picture attached)?  I can hear my mother now, saying, “Oh, Erica … ”

Bye,

Erica

Jackson and I landed in India, and we just checked into the hotel. I am stunned. We were planning on going to Jijamata Udyaan zoo and garden tomorrow in Mumbai — but after this ride to the hotel, I’m thinking we can skip that. India has animals everywhere! I have never seen so many cows roaming freely in all my life. I snapped this photo from our taxi!

It’s so wonderful to experience an entirely new part of the world. I have no idea what I’ll see next. As you know, I’ve taken on a grizzly bear, but I hope I don’t have to battle a rhino or a Bengal Tiger. There is only so much Erica Kane can take!

I’ve also decided that I should star in a Bollywood production. India’s film industry is massive – and many of their movies have huge musical numbers. I really think I could do quite the job, singing and dancing. Do you agree?

I’m going to take a nice bath now. It’s so hot and humid here, and I need to cool off.  I have a feeling this is going to be an exciting city to explore!

Talk soon,

Erica

Hello!

I finally finished packing. It takes longer and longer with each stop because I keep shopping. Yesterday, Ellen and I had a girl’s afternoon, and I bought the most divine kimono. Maybe if I do move forward with my clothing line, I’ll do some pieces with an Asian flavor — and the marketing campaign will feature me in this breathtaking kimono.

In a few hours, Jackson and I will be leaving Hong Kong, hopping on a plane to Mumbai. As many of you probably know, the city was formerly known as Bombay. Although I have never been there, Chris Stamp — an old love of mine who was tragically murdered — spent some time in Bombay while working as a federal agent. He shared wonderful stories with me about the country, so I am anxious to see it for myself. Also, I do have a fan following in India. The Hindustan Times did a wonderful piece on my trip to Africa, and The Times of India ran a spread of the photos I took at the Met.

I am so happy that my daughter Kendall has returned to Pine Valley. Bianca needs her right now. It’s funny — I’ve wanted both of my girls back with me for so long, but they were on the other side of the globe … and now they are together, and I’m here! This is one of my favorite pictures of Kendall and me. Isn’t she beautiful? I do miss my girls, but love catching up with them on the phone and on this blog!

I saw a press conference on the news about Cartullo Fashions having named a new face: Brenda Barrett. She was speaking of her work with A.S.E.C. (the Alliance to Save Exploited Children). I applaud Ms. Barrett’s use of her fame and beauty to promote a worthy cause — as I did with needy children in Africa. Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery!

I’ll talk to you all when we get to Mumbai and let you know about our adventures.

Goodbye — or “zài jiàn” in Chinese,
Erica