Nobel Nadine

How does one feel spending an evening with a living legend?? Nadine Gordimer wears her greatness lightly (like truly great people must!! And do). Her tiny presence is enough, given her towering reputation. She speaks with the alertness of an inquisitive bird warbling away.... her eyes are alive and watchful.... she doesn't miss a trick..... doesn't mince her words. She is firm and imperious, entirely in charge and on top of life. At 85 she travels the world restlessly, and observes the minutest details of her surroundings. Travelling with her lovely grand daughter Paule (whose sister is named Pascale!!!), Nadine's schedule in India was punishing enough. She was leaving for Kolkata at dawn and then on to Mexico, after meeting several Bong intellectuals , the guv of West Bengal, the press corps. Phew.I watched her eat a small serving of saffron rice with meticulous precision. She wanted to know all about gulab jamuns.... and papdi chaat, naans and parathas. Sprightly and vivacious, she was aware of being Nadine Gordimer - Nobel Laureate - but it did not weigh her down. She must have to process dozens of strangers a day, and force herself to be polite and charming to bores and pests. She does so like a trouper, a seasoned pro, never allowing the hint of a smile to leave her small, weathered, chiselled face. Her words are gracious, measured and queenly. She even flirts!! Discreetly pointing to a young and handsome waiter, she sighed, "Isn't he beautiful?" He was. She'd noticed! Nadine is a babe. A super babe. I want to be like her at 85. Now all I need is a grand daughter....