A selection from the autobiography: ‘My Pianomarathon’:
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In Arles a day later, I even got an offer to play at a festival in the summer of 2014. It could not be missed or I would also head for Les Saintes Maries de la Mer, the gypsy’s den. I first explored the city center on foot, there was a nice church square, where I was once again confronted with some tricks. A few gypsy ladies came up to me and one of them pinned a shiny fake butterfly literally on my sleeve, saying, “Ca rendra du bonheur!” Anyway, again from those money-grubbing up. In that place, however, I could bring a nice concert. Then I picked up my bags, because I did not want to disturb the other gypsy musicians on their own territory. Staying here overnight was not an option! Avignon would be the highlight of this trip … I tried to get as close as possible to Palais des Pâpes, at the top of the mountain. It turned out to be a perfect backdrop, the tourists were already leaving the colossal palace partly in rapture, in order to still get a bonus: “Oh, mais ça c’est formidable, c’est comme un septième miracle !!” The day after I had to close the session abruptly halfway. One of the church fathers was spurting out, and reminded me to stop because I would disturb his “lessons” … In Uzès, a small medieval city, I enjoyed playing on the Place aux Herbes, under the shadow of the many plane trees. It is beautiful and cozy! I also tried to embrace Rocamadour, but hardly any people walked around. Gypsy violinist and friend Gregor Kartai has a wonderful outdoor stay there. Unfortunately, he was not at home.