Mirror Magazine

Mirror Magazine

Gwyneth and Chris plan hush-wedding
Cold Play's Chris Martin and Gwyneth Paltrow are to marry next year. The singer proposed to his Hollywood sweetheart over the phone while away on tour in the US.
Chris, 25, popped the question last month in an emotional late-night transatlantic call while desperately missing Gwyneth, 30. She's currently filming The World Of Tomorrow, in the UK, while Cold Play continue to try to crack the American charts. Chris and Gwyneth began dating last August and their recent time apart made Chris realize that he doesn't want to be without her.

The wedding's likely to take place in Devon next year and is set to be a star-studded event. Director Steven Spielberg, who's also Gwyneth's godfather, will be stepping in to give the actress away after the death of her beloved father, Bruce, in October. Gwyneth's best friend Stella McCartney looks likely to take the role of bridesmaid and guests will include Madonna, Calvin Klein, Sting and Trudie Styler.

But any guests expecting a real rock 'n' roll wedding will be in for a disappointment. The teetotaler and self-confessed health freaks plan to have only organic vegetarian food, supplied from Sting's garden. There maybe a glass or two of champagne to toast the happy couple, but that's as wild as it will get.

A close friend of the pair said: They're even more lovey-dovey than usual. There's no doubt in either of their minds that they're doing the right thing.

"This is what Gwyneth has wanted since she started seeing Chris last year. She's keen to have a family in the near future and sees Chris as the ideal partner to spend the rest of her life with."

Despite Chris dedicating songs to her when his band play live and the couple being pictured together, for months the secretive pair refused to admit that they were dating.
They've refused to confirm the marriage rumours and haven't even bought rings yet. Gwyneth has told her fiance she'd like an antique Art Deco ring, which shouldn't be a problem for millionaire Chris.

The King of Siam hits the stage
Put together a talented, enthusiastic group of students of Asian International Sch,ool and an all-time favourite musical - and you have the perfect combination for a very promising production.

On May 9 and 10, the Bishops College auditorium will come alive in a blaze of light, colour, music and movement as 'The King of Siam' hits the stage. This adaptation of Rogers and Hammerstein's well known musical transports you back in time to the early and enchanting Oriental kingdom of the 'King of Siam', where a young English widow, Anna Leonowens embarks on a journey that will leave her and you forever changed.

The wonderful story of the 'King of Siam' is retold here in a creative combination of narrative and drama, song and dance - and will surely capture the imagination of all those involved. This production, is directed by Samantha Abeyweera De Soysa and Indu Dharmasena promises to be a memorable, not to be missed event for all theatre lovers.
Tickets will be available at the office of Asian International School.

Around the world in 107 days
By Esther Williams
Standing majestically at the JTS container terminal of the Colombo Port, was the world's most famous luxury liner - the Queen Elizabeth II. Flying high on its mast was the Sri Lankan flag along with the Cunard flag.

QE2, which has taken top honours for the fourth year running in the influential Berlitz Guide to Ocean Cruising and Cruise Ships 2003 in the over 1000 passengers category, arrived in Colombo last month with 1435 passengers on board. Colombo was on the itinerary on this year's 107 day World Cruise - a voyage to six continents that started in New York in January.

QE2, which entered service in 1969, previously visited Colombo in 2001. It is presently the only ship in the world offering regularly scheduled transatlantic crossings between Europe and North America.

Craig Owens, Regional Sales Manager of Cunard's Asia Pacific Headquarters at Sydney Australia conducted a brief tour of the ship while explaining the facilities on board.

QE2 is the fastest cruise ship. It travels at a speed of 26 knots, and therefore allows customers more time at ports. It also boasts of the finest facilities on board.

Passengers are welcomed through the ship's central lobby. With the harp played in the background, cabin crew in white gloves receive passengers and assist them to their respective cabins.

The ship has 14 decks above the level of water and three below. Apart from the restaurants, casinos, theatres, pools, spas, etc. on the various decks, the ship also houses shops like the Chanel boutique and Harrods. Their library, the largest on a ship, contains 6000 books and employs two full time librarians.

Most of the balls are held in the Queen's room. It is transformed each night to suit the theme. High English afternoon tea is served while the orchestra plays. Guests are encouraged to take dancing classes.

As you go higher up the cabins get larger. The Queen's Grill, has two-storey cabins in the penthouse with balconies. The fare covers food, entertainment and cabin and passengers are entitled to complimentary room service and six meals a day apart from the midnight buffet.

What makes a cruise experience so unique? Can it get monotonous watching seemingly endless stretches of water all the time? "The romance of the sea is still very strong. I am constantly amazed at the different shades of blue in the water. Nothing can beat the beautiful sunsets and sunrises," says Craig Owens who is constantly meeting people of different nationalities.

Mr. and Mrs. Robert Rodibaugh from Indiana, US, were on the 107 days World Cruise. Waving her hand to encompass the view of the port area against the backdrop of the Colombo skyline, she said, "I have never seen so many containers loaded on a ship."

Mrs. Rodibaugh is greeted with a new scene, a novel experience at each stop. "This is a beautiful ship and the people are polite. There is always something to do - theatre, dancing, they even teach you to play cards."

Stephanie Cormack from South Africa has been on the crew of QE2 for two years. She gets sufficient time off at each port - to shop and sample the special food at each port, something she enjoys thoroughly.

Incidentally, the QE2's 950-strong crew comprise of members from 51 nationalities including a chef from Sri Lanka.

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