April is surely the favourite sporting month for those of us obsessed with tradition, stunning venues and top sportsmen.

While the Masters at Augusta plays its way scenically through the azaleas to conclusion, without I might add, the chest thumping, win-at-all-costs aggression  or screaming hype, my bags are packed for Monaco.

The gals and guys from Vamosbrigade are converging from all corners of the globe, zeroing in on another stunning venue for two weeks of top Masters Series Tennis with vigorous cheering, flag waving and a margarita or two.

As moderators and members of an independent site for Rafael Nadal we’ve watched a young teenager grow up, evolve into one of the top tennis players of all time, deal positively with the ensuing pressures and importantly remain a charming fellow with good manners and a great smile.

As a parent and caddy of a professional sportswoman, watching the joys and woes of junior golf at first hand and the ever increasing dilemmas of elite sport, I have watched with a fine tuned interest and can only send plaudits to him and his family.

One smile sadly missing this year in the golf world is that of Seve Ballesteros. It would have been his birthday tomorrow. I remember it clearly as we awoke at odd hours every year downunder to watch the Masters and in particular the Spanish hero, Seve and his amazing golf game.

So, that’s what I’ll be doing – as well as refreshing my character file with interesting people I meet and places I visit.  As for la vie en rose, well its terre battue, clay and has a rosy hue and I love the style of tennis played on it. So au revoir aux tous, bonne chance Rafa and Vamos!