REFLEXIONES

MYSTIQUE

El Paraíso, November 11, 2025

MYSTIQUE IS THE NAME OF A HIGH RISE IN NAPLES, the Florida one, not the Italy one. Our dear friends Suzanne and Norm Cohn live there, except for the Summer. They generously invited us to spend a weekend with them and some friends. Having postponed their invitations, much to our distress, several times over the last years we were finally able to go, although we were on pins and needles at the last moment because of the possible delays due to the cuts in airline schedules given the government’s closure. We finally made it to Fort Myers airport about 40 miles from Naples where their driver, Roman Freno, a tall Slovak with a red beard, picked us up, together with Jane Milosch and Kate Bonanasinga, also their guests The trip to their home took about 40 minutes.

From the moment we saw them, we were embraced by their warm presence that stirred profound emotions within us. Despite the years of connection, being in their company moved us deeply with their ever-loving, joyful, and magnetic spirits. We had met them in Philadelphia almost 25 years ago, when they opened their home and hearts to us. At one time we were neighbors at the St. James. They lived in their gorgeous penthouse, where they have the whole floor and spend their summer there.

THE DELIGHTFUL AMUSE-BOUCHES WHICH THEY OFFERED UPON ARRIVAL, of little slices of pizza with truffles and miniature bao mai, soft and delicious, were a prelude to the unexpected depths of experience that awaited us. We immediately left to see “Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf”, a well-known play by Albee, made famous in the 60s by a film starring Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor.

While familiar with the play's narrative through the film, nothing could have prepared us for the profound encounter within the jewel-like black box theater of the Gulfshore Playhouse. The space’s dimensions were perfectly attuned to the audience's size; the seating thoughtfully arranged for optimal viewing; the acoustics finely tuned; and the scenography truly astounding.

THE ACTORS, IN TURN, POURED THEIR HEARTS INTO A MAGNIFICENT performance, its intensity and enthralling nature causing time to simply melt away. Forewarned of its length, we were nonetheless unprepared for the captivating immersion, sparking animated discussions long after the curtain fell. We retired for the night, marveling at the experience and anticipating the adventures to come.

THE NEXT MORNING UNVEILED NOT ONLY THE BREATHTAKING PANORAMA from their residence in the sky, taking up half the floor of the high rise building, but also allowed us a leisurely appreciation of some of the exquisite objects they have carefully and passionately curated, presenting them with such grace for the fortunate among us to admire. The objects are all contemporary, made in glass, ceramics, wood, acrylics, all of exquisite and enthralling shapes and forms, textures and colors. This is only a part of their collection since the St. James and a home they have on Long Beach Island , on the Jersey shore, also house an significant additional part.

WE HAD A SEAFOOD BRUNCH, WITH DELICIOUS KING CRAB LEGS, Jonah’s giant claws, an astonishing salade niçoise, and champagne galore. Thus began also a series of exceptional gastronomic experiences. This seafood brunch, a delightful and welcome repast set the stage for a day brimming with adventure.

WE WENT TO VISIT THE ART INSTITUTE, ANOTHER REVELATION ILLUMINATING the vital work that Frank Verpoorten, the Belgian director and his talented team are undertaking to enrich Naples with the visual arts. The exhibition of local artists was a vibrant tapestry of variety, playfulness, color, and depth. Observing the creative process in its nascent stages is always fascinating, revealing the freshness, spontaneity, and courageous experimentation that define these emerging talents. Frank's presentation of the Institute mirrored these qualities, underscoring how fortunate Naples is to have such visionary leaders as Kristen Kouren, The Guflshore Playhouse founder and director, and Frank fostering such vibrant artistic experiences.

AND THEN, YET ANOTHER UNEXPECTED SURPRISE: HAYES HALL, home of the Naples Philharmonic Orchestra, a fine musical organization that hosts the Vienna Philharmonic a couple of times a year. The matinee performance we attended was not only a sold-out triumph, but we were also as honored guests, seated in the best seats in the house, thanks to their generous support of the Orchestra. We met Kathleen van Bergen and heard of her remarkable achievements. Frankie Moreno was the performer. He is a famous Las Vegas performer who specializes in Elvis songs but sings all of the famous singers. He was there with his brother in the guitar and his son in the drums and backed by the full Philharmonic Orchestra. It was an astounding popular show, a matinee full of silver heads and us, listening to a lighthearted, engaging performance, delivered with exceptional talent. I recognize the difficult challenges of connecting with an audience, and Frankie masterfully charmed a somewhat hesitant crowd, drawing them into his world through dedication, talent and skill. Even the Naples Philharmonic's Pops Director and the Concertmaster were swept away, the latter revealing a hidden talent for hillbilly music interpretations on his coveted, elite violin, transforming it into creating an unforgettable "fiddle" experience, that finally unleashed the audience. Being able to witness performers stepping outside their professional personas to share their hidden passions is always a cherished treat.

FOLLOWING SUCH EXCITEMENT, A BRIEF RESPITE was essential to recharge our spirits for the elegant and sumptuous banquet at Butchers, a private dining club, where the Penfolds Wine Master from Australia shared his expertise and passion for the diverse offerings he and his colleagues presented. The exceptional array of dishes (Dim Sum, Tagliatelle with Truffles, Wagyu Beef), all was served with impeccable care by a young staff, among whom Sabâ delightfully discovered many kindred spirits from Türkiye, forging a charming connection across oceans and cultures. Norman’s conversation about how he started his business and his guiding hand throughout was illuminating and educational.

THE NEXT MORNING WE WOKE UP WITH THE MAGIC TOUCH OF DONNA, whose massage marvel erased all cares, tensions, and knots. This sublime relaxation, coupled with a wonderful night's rest, set us on the perfect path to The Bakery. A delightful savory brunch, complete with sugary pastries, was the perfect complement!

The Museum at Artis offered another enthralling voyage, this time through the life of the provocative Art Nouveau artist Tamara Lempicka. The opportunity to study her sketches and preparatory works, comparing them to the finished paintings, was a truly enriching experience. I felt a special connection, recalling our happy years in Cuernavaca, before leaving Mexico, where Lempicka spent her final years. Such ethereal connections are always deeply meaningful.

All of these joyful and enlightening experiences culminated in a spectacular finale to this unforgettable weekend. Spending time during the weekend with Jane and Kate was a pleasure. Both are incredibly well versed in the arts, know a whole bunch of people and have interesting conversations, although, to our mirth (and restrained loving annoyance) Jane has a delightful difficult time holding her garrulousness.

WE PROCEEDED TO DINNER WHICH GAVE US THE EXCEPTIONAL AND GRATIFYING opportunity to engage in insightful conversations with the leaders we had met and their partners as well as with some other interesting guests. The table setting for the intimate dinner was a testament to Suzanne’s extraordinary talent and sensitivity for crafting unforgettable experiences. Every invitation to dine with them has been met with awe at the exquisite care they invest in every detail. The crafts, the intriguing dishware, their astonishing gastronomic creationsand the impeccable service provided by their discreet and devoted staff, including their full time chef, butler, house manager and valet create the perfect stage for stimulating conversations, the exchange of ideas, and the sharing of adventures and insights.

We were deeply moved by their love, care, and expertise in curating the setting and fostering personal connections. We were equally delighted, amused, and challenged by Norman's masterful direction of the table conversation, his elegant humor and profound knowledge shining through, as he shared his favorite Madeira stories and his enticing 1868 bottle, with wonderful wit and the generous pour he gave all of us after dessert. What a memorable treat!

THE FINALE, WITH DESSERT FLOWERS AND LEMONS just like blown glass, meant to be broken with a little hand hammer to get at the mousse inside, was preceded by a recital of Disneyesque songs by a young woman and her piano accompanist. This kept us enthralled for the remainder of the unforgettable evening.

The conversations around the tables will be long remembered because of the setting and enthralling ambiance added to the wonderful spectrum of ideas and experiences that our fellow guests generously shared with us. Suzzane’s eye for details was in every single moment of the total experience. Norman’s intellect, his wit, care and generosity is always offered with subdued warmth.

WE FINALLY RETIRED TO REST AND TO PREPARE FOR OUR TRIP BACK to Palm Desert on Monday, after an unforgettable weekend full of exciting experiences and the unsurpassed gift of our friends, their warmth, friendship, generosity and truly wonderful souls. Suzanne and Norm invited us to join them in Australia next February. We are making plans for another exceptional treat with them in our lives.