A presentation of my book “I am Cleopatra” took place in two languages: Russian and Arabic. The book was published in Cairo, Egypt. My autograph session was held within the walls of the historic and iconic National Hotel, which rises beautifully right across from the Kremlin.
Lenin once lived in this hotel with Nadezhda Konstantinovna; many political and cultural figures stayed there as well, including Mireille Mathieu. And once, in the past century, one of the famous Soviet writers, leaving the hotel’s restaurant, mistook a man in uniform for a doorman: “Doorman, a taxi!” To which the man replied: “I’m not a doorman, I’m an admiral!” But a writer remains a writer—he didn’t lose his wit in such a situation: “An admiral? Well then, a cruiser!” 😂😂😂
The translator and publisher of my book, Mr. Ashraf Aboul-Yazid, is the President of the Pan African Writers’ Association. To receive my author’s copies from his hands was truly moving 👀.
I also thank Halida Abdulkhakovna Ahmedjanova, President of the Society of Women of the Republic of Crimea, for her kind words 🌹. The President of the Union of Russian-Speaking Poets in Austria was also so sincerely delighted with my new book 💕. The book was also celebrated by Dr Victor Klykov, President: Club, ” Russian Poetry in Austria” and Member Austrian Centre of PEN International
