2 Minute Read
Where We’d Meet
We’d meet for breakfast in Banksy’s The Walled Off Hotel in Bethlehem, which overlooks the barrier that separates Israel from the Palestinian territories
The 10-room hotel, with the strapline, The Worst View of any Hotel in the World, is the West Bank’s answer to the Waldorf. As well as a hotel it’s also a museum, a gallery and a living breathing piece of art, packed to the gunnels with Banksy artworks and the work of local artists.
What We’d Wear
Weirdly, we would both arrive wearing top-to-toe camouflage gear and very-obviously-false beards.
What We’d Eat and Drink
We’d share a breakfast of fruit and granola (which would get caught up in my beard), hummus, flatbreads and shakshoukeh (eggs poached in tomato sauce) topped up with a few strong coffees.
3 Things I’d Ask…and The Answers
Q1 Banksy, may I call you Banksy? He (or she) nods. It’s a thrill to meet you and an amazing experience to stay in The Walled Off Hotel. I’ve been wondering, do you have any plans for more Art Hotels? Perhaps, I chuckle, a pop-up castle in Windsor to coincide with Harry and Meghan’s wedding, or how about one on the lawn of The White House, called The Blonde House? Or, I laugh, really getting into the swing of things could your next trick be a swanky hotel in North Korea, where all the staff have Kim Jong-un haircuts?
Fantasy Answer No
Q2 Banksy, you are one of the most mysterious and controversial street artists of our time, covering urban spaces throughout the world with your satirical art, which has proved to be an effective way of getting people to think about what you have to say.
You’ve been called an artistic mastermind, a jerk, a visionary, a vandal, a genius and an overrated purveyor of Art Lite.
Would you like to take this opportunity to, once and for all, define how you see your place in the art world?
Fantasy Answer No
Q3 So Banksy, I’m fascinated with your identify and have read endless theories on who you might be. Could you be Robert Del Naja, the frontman of Massive Attack? Or, as some reports say, a group of seven artists led by a woman or then again, it’s been said you’re a parking attendant from Weston-super-Mare. This is your chance share with the world what we all want to know.
Banksy…Who Are You?
Fantasy Answer
I hold my breath as Banksy leans in towards me and reaches up to his ear. As he starts to peel off his false beard he whispers “I am… suddenly he goes into a coughing spasm. It sounds like he’s chocking. I pass him a glass of water. He manages a sip but the coughing gets worse. I start to thump him on the back before the concierge appears, helps Banksy to his feet and leads him towards to door. As he leaves the breakfast room Banksy turns towards me, waves and winks.
I didn’t even get the chance to ask for his autograph.
Any suggestions for next Fantasy Dinner companion?
Jill x
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what? you went all the way to Israel, wore a false beard and camouflage gear, met Banksy and didn’t take a selfie with him! Shame on you – call yourself a blogger!!!! 🙂
Author
Haha. My imagination has a tendancy to run away with itself!
Ha ha! Love this! I wonder if we’ll ever find out who the real Banksy is?!
Author
Cheers. I’d love to know but equally love the fact he’s managed to keep it secret. x
Awww…this is so cool….I like to imagine things too but I’ve never gone this route…enjoyed reading this. It’s nice being on your blog…I just peeped the other fantasy dinner
Author
Thanks so much. My imagination gets carried away sometimes 🙂 JIll x
Another fabulous fantasy guest! :I love these. 🙂
Author
Hey thanks Judy x
This concept is so interesting ! It’s was a really funny post to read, thank you for sharing 😊
Author
Thanks Oriana, great to know you enjoyed. My imagination runs a bit wild sometimes 🙂 Jx
Brilliant!! A pop up castle in Windsor would be great – he (or she) could pop along to the Blogger’s Bash while they’re at it! 😉 Or maybe he (or she) is already a member of our blogging community? The mind boggles. I took my kids to Dismaland in Weston Super Mare (eldest son is a graphic designer) on the wettest day in UK history – let’s just say, it lived up to its name 😉
Author
Hey Shelley that’s funny. I am fascinated by Banksy. I’d love to know who he (she) is but sorta happy that I don’t. Thanks for commenting. Jx
Another brilliant fantasy dinner. I saw a news story about the hotel it sounds like a different experience in itself! I hope we don’t find out who Banksy is. I quite like the mystery!
Author
Hey Rachael – I’d love to know who he/she is but kinda glad I don’t. So much speculation out there. Thanks for commenting. Jx
Brilliant dabble in fantasy interviews and love the replies against the deep probing questions. I’m with Fiona though, all that way and no selfie or photo bomb. For shame indeed. Wonderful topic though is Banksy. Fantasy dinners rock lol
Author
Hey Gary thanx so much. Yes I need to take a camera next time ! Would love to know who Mr B really is! Jill
I think this is the dinner I want to go to most! Sounds so much fun 🐮
Author
THANX Enjoyed writing that one. My imagination runs riot sometimes 🙂 x
I’m loving this fantasy dinner series… I’ve got images of the false beard now too!
Author
Hey Suzie thanx. You’ve made my day x
I love this one! I’ve heard the name Banksy but knew nothing about him/her/them. Now I’m incredibly interested and will go look up more info. Also great minds think alike. As soon as I read your question about where next he might create another themed hotel, I instantly thought North Korea/South Korea de-militarized zone.
Author
Oh cheers, Phil, that’s so good to hear. I wasn’t sure if folks across The Pond would be aware of Banksy. He’s managed to keep his identity secret for years. Jill
I am a big fan of Banksy and yes your fantasy posts are fun too read 🙂
Author
Thanx Suz. I enjoy writing the. I’m big fan of Banksy too.
This is funny! I love your fantasy dinners. I just might have to do something like this on my blog one of these days!
Author
Oh thanx Lisa. They are fun to write.
Loving this….my daughter is a huge fan of Banksy and we have endless debates about who he/she is! Didn’t know anything about the hotel – where you shared your breakfast incognito! – but quite fancy a trip to Dismaland and could look out for a traffic warden with a paintbrush tucked behind an ear whilst in W-onSM! Are you sure there was no doodle left on the napkin after the coughing fit? Could make your fantasy fortune….
Author
Hey Claire. Thanx so much for commenting. I’d love to know who Banksy is but then again quite pleased he’s managed to keep it secret. If u get to Dismaland make sure u get a pic of that traffic warden!! Jill x ps no doodle !!
Brilliant. I thought we knew it was a bloke, though. I’m now thinking two women wearing false bears in Bethlehem – isn’t that the Life of Brian?
Author
Hahaha. Love that comment.
Beards, not bears. My typing is rubbish.
I think this is the right time for me to confess…I am Banksy.
Ok no obviously I’m not, but I love this post and all these post. It’s a brilliant idea & you write with great humour.
Author
Haha. Thought it might be you!! Great to hear that Jx
The bed looks amazing,what a fun and unique place.
Author
Thanks Shernell. Yes looks like a totally unique hotel. Jill