MICHAEL JACKSON - I WENT TO CRETE INSTEAD!

Let me explain. I had bought tickets to go and see the King of Pop perform at the 02 arena in London at the end of July.

The hotel was booked, the itinerary for two days was agreed and everything was hunky-dory as they say. But then, wham. I'd had my doubts that Jacko would manage to complete the full 50-date schedule but I never for one minute thought events would turn out like they did.

I was as shocked and saddened as everyone when the news came through of Michael Jackson's death.

Somehow, a two-day trip to London without his concert just didn't seem right. So instead I got onto the computer and within half an hour I had booked a week in Rethymnon in Crete.

And I wasn't disappointed. We stayed in a studio apartment in the old town and we were surrounded by little, classy shops most of which sold shoes. Oh joy!

As you know I'm not a big shopper on holiday. I tend to buy more trinkets, bits of costume jewellery, candles and the like but I couldn't resist. Prices weren't that good with the pound being so weak in comparison to the euro, but I did find a shop which was offering 20% off everything.

I ended up choosing two pairs of shoes - a red strappy pair and a black and perspex heeled pair. Image my horror when I got to the counter and the assistant pointed at the card machine and motioned that it wasn't working.

Quick as a flash I explained I would be back with the cash. How easy it is these days to get cash out abroad. Mission accomplished.

NB: It's not typical tennis gear but actress Jennifer Love Hewitt obviously knows how to cause a stir (and get some much needed publicity) by playing the game in wedge-heeled shoes and a bikini!.
Somehow, I don't think we will be seeing this attire at Wimbledon