Meeting Queen Rolene!
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FINAL BOW: Rolene takes the stage for her farewell speech. I felt like I was about to burst with pride. PHOTO COURTESY OF LEONARDO RODRIGUES AND GLOBAL BEAUTIES! |
I pretty much knew my Miss World
experience was over, but I was not ready to let go. I have been a fan for 24
years and have only attended 3 times. I did not feel fulfilled at all. I wanted
more. It was late, after midnight, and I decided to just stick around for ten
more minutes before I called time on my Miss World experience. It was just
about then that I heard the elevator open and saw three gorgeous ladies in red
exit the elevator. There she was: Rolene Strauss!
Rolene was on her way to the
coronation gala accompanied by her good friend, Megan Young, Miss World 2013,
and Azra Akin, Miss World 2002. I never really expected to bump into her, so
after a moment of hesitation, I decided to call her name as she was walking
away. She immediately turned around. My first thoughts were: WOW! Tall. Perfect
shape. Gorgeous. No. Absolutely flawless. Perfect. She hesitated for a second,
before calling my name, rushed towards me to give me a hug and then she started chatting
like we were old friends.
I must say that the whole
experience was surreal. Rolene is even more impressive in real life than in
photos. She is also even kinder, lovelier, sweetier and pretty much every
adjective that I have ever used to describe her. She does not have any airs or
graces. You can tell that she is just a genuinely nice person. She immediately
told me that she was happy to meet me as she had tried to call me, but my phone
was off. Her stylist, Werner, had given her my number. All I can say to this
is: Wow. Rolene Strauss is the real deal. She heard from Werner how much this meant to me and she followed through.
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PHENOMENAL WOMEN: Rolene Strauss and Megan Young are two of the most amazing young women who have held the title of Miss World. Here they are with Miss World CEO, Julia Morley, or just JEM to them. |
She called Megan Young over and
said: “This is the guy I have been telling you about. The guy who wrote such
nice things about me.” I thought I was going to pass out then and there. Megan
was just as kind and sweet. She told me that Rolene had mentioned that she was
touched by my posts about her. Now at this point I have to say, both these
girls are righ up there with Aishwarya Rai. 2013 and 2014 gave us two of the most
spectacular and gracious Miss Worlds in the history of this contest.
I spoke to Rolene in Afrikaans
and we chatted for a bit. I was probably rambling a bit, because I do not speak
Afrikaans that often anymore, but it was nice to just chat to her, congratulate
her in person and wish her well for her wedding (WHICH IS THIS WEEK BTW!). I also told Megan that it was
so beautiful to watch her comfort the contestants on stage and that it was one
of the highlights of the nights for me. She replied that she truly knows how that moment feels, so she just did what she could to help them through it.
Rolene then said that we had to take a photo together. My phone had died, so I couldn't take photos with my phone. I seriously wanted to kick myself. But she took them with her phone
and promised to send them to me via Werner (which she did). She also called
Megan Young and Azra Akin over and said she wanted them to take a photo with me
too. Once again, she exceeded my expectations. Megan was so sweet and even
offered to take a few on her phone and send them to Rolene. I can’t really
remember much of these moments when I took photos with them. I felt lightheaded
– too much beauty to handle. I just know that both Megan and Rolene made me
feel super special. They were both fully engaged when I was talking to them and
that is something I really appreciate. I have nothing but the utmost respect and admiration for these two young women and I am so honored that I got to meet them. It was a moment that I
will treasure forever though.
BEAUTIES AND (THE VERY LUCKY) BEAST: Rolene called Megan Young and Azra Akin over so that I could get a photo with them too. |
After a good bye hug and wishing
her all the best for the future, I watched them make their way to the
coronation ball. As I watched Rolene walking away, chatting and laughing, enjoying this important night, I felt so proud. I also felt overcome with joy. It makes me happy when good people like her reach the top and the best part of it all: it's only the very beginning. It was just such a happy moment for me.
I knew it was time to go. My evening had been made. This whole
experience had suddenly become totally worth it.
(TO BE CONTINUED…)
ive been following her since her elite model days (i think she was about 14). Her parents have done an amazing job. Rolene special aura seems to shine through the photo's .. she is absolutely beautiful inside and out! My utmost favourite Miss SA ever! and Rolene Strauss makes me PROUDLY south african. wrt your experience - perseverance pays off, well done for sticking around - your reward was a once in a lifetime experience!
ReplyDeleteI have had faith in Rolene's ability when I saw her the first time Entering Miss SA. I KNEW SHE WAS THE WINNER then..and after the second attempt the deal was sealed. Everything worked out as it should..that was why she won Miss World...it was her TIME to shine! So proud of you darling lady. Blessings Carene Breytenbach ♡
ReplyDeleteI can feel your happiness sir. I am very much happy for you! - Busyboy
ReplyDelete