Sunshine On Sugar Hill awarded 4 stars

Sunshine on Sugar Hill has been awarded 4 stars in Good Reading Magazine. Here's what they have to say:

"It is far from the glamourous story of a young Australian woman finding love and success in an exotic location, but that's what makes it so appealing and a stand-out among the many other memoirs in this genre. In a vibrant and entertaining way Angela shares her highs and many lows along the road to loving her new home and the people in it. It's definitely work a read." - Melissa Wilson

I finally understand Paris

I was recently holed up in the fabulous Peninsula Hotel in Beverley Hills.

Note: I go from lifestyles of the rich and famous, to those of the poor and homeless on a regular basis.

After asking Jason, my lovely hotelier all the important questions - is breakfast included and how does the shower work - I set off to catch up with a good friend of mine Matty Meyerson of plopculture.blogspot.com.

Somewhat disorientated I asked at the front desk if my directions were correct.

“Well, Ms. Gilltrap, we actually have a complimentary driver, would you mind being driven?”

Um, let me think about it. How does, “Hell no, sound?”

Sitting comfortably in the back of my black Rolls Royce with my lovely driver up front, I flew past the many stores of Rodeo Drive actually understanding Paris Hilton for the first time in my life. If I had this life, I would totally be a shallow, stupid bi-atch with a penitent for small dogs too.

Arriving back at the hotel sometime after, I returned to my room to find something quite odd - either there was a new brand of luxury linen called ‘AG’ or they had had the pillowcase embroidered with my initials.

Answer: they had embroidered. I had it wrapped to go on check out. Hee hee hee!

Very big in Poland right now

Although the book is yet to be translated into various languages, Poland seems to have their eyes on the prize. If you speak Polish don't forget to check out the fabulous net-mag Cut & Paste that has an interview about the book:

http://www.cutandpaste.pl/cut-and-paste-corner/26-angela-gilltrap-wywiad

Behind the Book Series - Casey Gillespie

Behind the book with Casey Gillespie, 29, 5’9”

What page do you first appear on?
I believe it’s 176, but I’m going to have to check again (note my bitter tone).

How do you feel about that?
Again, note my bitter tone, sweetie. I feel a bit jilted being your non-sexual life partner and all. Plus, I’m funny. (And tall.) I should have been introduced much earlier, and when you finally get it published in America I expect to appear in the first 50 pages!

Is it true that you say sweets and/or sweetie a lot or was I exaggerating?
Sweetie — seriously, what are you talking about?! I do not! Total and complete over exaggeration (sweetie).

Who would play you in the movie?
I’m pretty sure that Kate Winslet — having just won an Oscar — is the only one who would truly be able to understand the depth and complexity of my character.

What’s your favorite story from the book?
Well, besides each and everyone that I appear in I’m quite partial to the Laundromat/Korean embassy story. I remember you sent me a text that said, “Laundromat sign says ‘please empty pockets of paper, coins, bullets…’” I still laugh out loud.

Do you think you’ll get a spin off?
All leading ladies disguised as the best friend get spin offs, so yes. I see a trilogy plus movie deal.

Was the 'Casey' in the book the 'Casey' in real life?
You mean demanding, intolerable of stupidity, bossy, sarcastic and tall? Yep, that pretty much sums me up.

Is your name Casey?
Don’t ask me dumb questions, sweetie — I’m blond.

What makes this book better than a handbag purchase?
Well, clearly because a handbag will only give you one — possibly two — months of real joy. As soon as the next season rolls around you are going to want another handbag and said handbag will be tossed aside or donated to the homeless (where do you think the term “bag lady” came from?). The book, however, provides a plethora of timeless moral implications about life, love, friendship, heartache and how to avoid being a drive-by fatality. Plus, it’s really, really funny. When was the last a handbag was funny?

Day 3 - Dubai

It's no secret that Dubai is full of expats. Ironically enough I travelled all the way to Dubai, from New Yoker, to talk to the General Manager of Ski Dubai, Mike Mahoney who is an Aussie, just like me. Was great to get the gossip.

Ski Dubai, gives you the opportunity to ski in the desert (or more accurately inside the confines of the Mall of the Emirates). After a good look around, I wasn't up to skiing, I headed into the Mall to find, well, globalization in fine form. H&M x 2, Forever 21, all the shops we are used to are doing great business unfortunately trying to buy something unique to Dubai is tough. In fact, most stores stocked exactly the same clothes as their world-wide counterparts.

From there it was off to The Address, Dubai's newest hotel addition. It's actually really great, very subtle decor, beautiful positioning, on the harbour directly beside Dubai Mall, Dubai's most recent and biggest shopping mall.

Then back to Emirates Towers and off to the airport.

The benefits of camel's milk - Dubai Day 2

The benefits of camel's milk

While slightly saltier than cow's milk, camel milk is highly nutritious. Designed after all for animals that live in some of the roughest environments, it is three times as rich in Vitamin C as cow's milk.

In Russia, Kazakhstan and India doctors often prescribe it to convalescing patients. Aside from Vitamin C, it is known to be rich in iron, unsaturated fatty acids and B vitamins.

This I learned while having breakfast at the Jumeriah Hotel, Dubai.

Once fed we headed to the Burj Al Arab, considered one of the world's only 7 star hotels. Opulent in every way it shows the over-the-top nature of Dubai.

Next it was off to the Atlantis then a tour of the Old Dubai City.




My favourite, the desert safari with champagne stop and dune bashing.

Day 1 - Dubai

Nothing like an early morning arrival to let you know you're alive (and truly justify those huge sunglasses). The heat hits you like a wall as you exit the enormous terminal that is Dubai airpot. 40 degrees celcius with 80% humidity makes it hard to feel energized but most places are air conditioned so it's not too bad.

Staying at the Jumeirah hotel which is lovely, fresh fruit three times a day, huge bath (with rubber duckie) and free internet!! The view is particularly good, no ocean shots but a good look at what makes Dubai tick - construction, high rises and development.


Headed to the beach which is something I never really associated with Dubai. The water was incredible. The sea the most gorgeous color blue.

From there it was a touch of shopping in the Souk for beginners, now a much needed rest.

Sleep deprivation does little for my brain.