Gloria in Holland 2007

After 4 years, Gloria was back again in Holland. On September 6th, 7th and 8th Gloria, Emilio, the band and entourage were here to promote the new album ’90 Millas’. On the 6th Gloria and band gave a mini-concert live on the Dutch radio. I was one of the lucky fans who won tickets to attend this performance.

I arrived in Hilversum at 09.30 because I wanted to be there as early as possible. While I was outside waiting for another fan to arrive, a huge limousine stopped right in front of me. I was standing there all by myself and I thought that Gloria was already inside. So in a complete state of shock, I looked at the limousine and I saw Gloria & Emilio come out of it.

I wasn’t too sure what to do. I was thinking: should I go inside, should I hide behind a tree, what should I do? I decided to try to stay calm and to stay where I was. I was not calm at all! I was sweating and shaking, but I pretended I was fine and that I was just minding my own business. Then I thought: Should I say something and if so, what should I say? They were walking past me, so I couldn’t say nothing. If I would’ve ignored them I would probably make the newspapers. “The headlines of today! Wendy: the only fan in the world to ignore Gloria & Emilio Estefan!” So as they walked past, I said: Good morning!. And all +/- 10 of them wished me a good morning back. So that was really sweet.

Around 11.15 we were let inside the studio. And about 5 minutes later Gloria arrived. She sang ‘Anything For You’ and then the DJ interviewed her. She was really happy to be back in Holland, and she wants to come to Europe for a tour as soon as possible. She talked about the new album and then the DJ played No Llores on the radio. So Gloria had a 3 minute break. Everyone on the first row immediately asked her for photos and autographs. And Gloria was happy as ever to take the time for her fans. I had my photo taken with her as well, so I was thrilled of course! Then Gloria sang ‘Can’t Stay Away From You’, ‘Pintame De Colores’ and she finished with ‘Reach’. As soon as we were off the air, Gloria sat down and waited for everyone to come up to her for hugs, kisses, autographs and photos. There were about 30 to 40 people on the studio. And Gloria took the time for everyone, she’s so sweet!

I asked her if she would sign a photo from her and me which was taken in 2003. She loved the photo. I told her that I was from Conga Online and she said that it amazes her every time how far we go for her. Then I said: “Anything For You, Gloria”. Gloria said: “I’ve heard that phrase before, hahaha”. I couldn’t say much else because I was still stuttering, sweating and shaking... hahaha! Gosh, that was embarrassing. I hope she didn’t notice. :)

Then I walked to Emilio and he was kind enough as well to have a photo taken together. Emilio told us that they are planning to tour Europe next year. So I’m keeping my fingers crossed!

About 20 minutes later, Gloria left the studio. And as she walked passed me, she gave me a hug and a kiss. And I told her I would see her tomorrow.

When the limousine left, I waved. But the windows were tinted so I’m not sure if she saw me. But who cares, I hug and kissed Gloria Estefan!!

On Friday September 7th Gloria and Emilio would appear in Rotterdam City hall to meet the Mayor of Rotterdam. A bunch of fans from Conga Online all gathered at City hall around 11.00am. Luckily we were let in and we were allowed to wait for Gloria and Emilio to arrive. Around 12.45 the famous white limousine finally arrived. Unfortunately there was so much press, I hardly saw Gloria come inside. And they had to go straight upstairs to meet the Mayor. We were all a bit disappointed of course. But then a security guard from City hall said that if we would all go to the garden, Gloria and the Mayor would come there as well for a quick ‘hi’ and ‘bye’. And Gloria would get a present from the Mayor. Unfortunately the garden is not wheelchair-friendly. So I couldn’t go outside. There were 2 other people in a wheelchair who had the same problem. So the security guard said we could stay inside and he would ask Gloria to come up to us to say ‘hello’. I hate it when other people treat me differently because I’m in a wheelchair. But on this day I couldn’t care less! :) Because there were only 10 people inside waiting for Gloria and Emilio.

So I really had a private 30 seconds with them, that was great. I was the last in line. The other two people shook her hand and gave her 3 kisses, like we do in Holland. Then she came up to me and she wanted to shake my hand as well. And then I said: “Can I get a hug?”. “Of course you can”, Gloria replied. And when she hugged me the photographers were all over us. It was very over the top, in my opinion. And now I understand why Gloria & Emilio always wear sunglasses! The flashes are blinding! Gloria asked me if I was going to be there tomorrow. I said that I was going to go to the show but that I wasn’t going to the Conga Bash. And that I would see her next time. And then we said goodbye. Emilio gave me 3 kisses as well and I said goodbye to him as well. And I thanked Frank Amadeo from the bottom of my heart.

When the limousine left I waved and I blew them kisses. But again, I don’t know if they saw me. After they left, I went straight to the music store to buy a copy of 90 Millas. What a perfect album! I love it!

The next day (September 8th) I went to Rotterdam to see the show. It was great! I met 2 other fans, so I made new friends. And we had a great time! I got home at 02.00am but it was all worthed!

Gloria, Emilio, Frank, Rene, Danielle: thanks so much for 2 great days!
I hope we can do it all over again, next year! :)

For photos: http://www.gloriaheaven.com/gloriainholland2007/gloriainholland2007.htm

~Wendy