Jun 2007

Hi all, its my turn again !!! (San will audit shortly).
Well we are in Hawaii after an absolutely fantastic time in the "party capital of the world".
By the way a correction in past mails..Imelda not Amelda but I`m sure that everyone jumped on that fairly quickly.
We departed NY faster than anticipated, our shuttle arrived some 20 minutes earlier than the time arranged. There were 4 other groups onboard, most having departure times earlier than us, and all at JFK (ours at Laguardia). Everyone else was rather "twitchy" as we were delivered first. Normal security process, shoes also.
One of our carry on bags questioned but allowed. Landed at Dallas, had to catch train, directions very poor, but managed OK.
Touch down in LV was rather "hairy" and for a moment I thought that we were going to slide sideways down the runway, even one of the attendants appeared from the back and said "what happened there ?". (Confidence in American Airways is fast fading). No comp meals or drinks apart from soft and H2O.
First thing you see when you step into the terminal, "slot machines", welcome to Vegas. Shuttle to Treasure Island, great hotel, excellent location in the middle of the strip. (Pridmore Rd Travel Agency, doing a great job). Room had great view and also KS bed.
As we arrived late, we decided to walk the "strip" to get a feel then had a drink and crashed, as the day had been long due to early rise and time change. (We had planned to eat but fell asleep and woke too late much to Phil's disgust!!)
Next morning walked south to Mandalay Hotel, viewing externally with the plan to revisit each hotel/casino. All that I can say is "what a massive place, and where did all the people come from !".
Along our walk we purchased tickets for that night to "Cirque Du Soleil- Mystere" which just happened to be at T/Island. We also investigated our trip to the G/Canyon and settled on a helicopter trip for Friday from "Bolder" to the G/C, travelling down the canyon nearly to the bottom, landing and spending 45 mins enjoying the scenery and having a champers lunch.(We travelled to and from Bolder in a Limo).
We enjoyed a meal that evening (Wed) at one of the many restaurants in the complex, then thoroughly enjoyed the diversity/colour/skills and overall"wow" factor of the Cirque. Brilliant show.
Thursday saw us walk north to view the other end of the strip. (A long walk by the way, they operate shuttles, but we decided to walk even in the heat). Along the way we purchased tickets for Friday night to (Yes this is his name) Hans KLOK (Magician) with his assistant (briefly) Pammy Anderson. That night we ate outside at a beautiful French Rest (Mon ami ) and enjoyed an outdoor floorshow by the french can-can dancers from next door. There was also a fantastic water display to music across the way every 30 mins. Thousands!! of people walking the streets and filling up all of the casinos.
Friday we were collected by our limo and driven to Bolder. Matt our pilot advised that the other passengers were a no show, so we had a personalised trip, along with a young lad, brother of an employee of the firm. We both sat in the front, and San was a little nervous until we had been travelling for a few moments. What an absolute blast. Magnificent trip, travelling over the Hume Dam (eagle view), the meandering Colorado river then the G/Canyon. Decending down into the Canyon and landing was great. The views were breath taking to say the least. We could not visit the new viewing platform on this trip, but we flew past it, and I was disappointed in that it was not a big as I thought, and also it is tucked away in a side canyon. We also flew over the viewing spot where bus trips stop (am I glad we did not go by bus !!). Many photos taken, although I must admit we were both absorbed on the way there, that we nearly forgot. The trip back was excellent, with Matt providing a very detailed commentary. (He was great).
That evening we went to see Hans Klok (magician) who provided a real LV show, with colourful dancers etc. He was also (ably ???) assisted by Pam Anderson. She really confirmed that she cant act ,cant speak, but everyone screamed approval, not sure why...!!!!!!!
Overall the show was worth attending and his tricks even had Sandra saying, "how did he do that ??".
Saturday morning, I headed off to the ticket office to buy half price tickets to "The Legends in Concert" . You can only purchase on the day of the show etc. After a late rise we headed off to one of the largest fashion outlet complex`s, approx 20 mins nth. I have never seen so many shops, especially given all of the ones on the strip in the hotel/casino complexes. Afterwards we ate at Pho ( Vietnamese- T/Island), then attended show. We saw, Ricky Martin, Bruce Springsteen, Janet Jackson, The Blues Brothers, Whitney Houston and to top the show Elvis. Believe it or not it was a very enjoyable night, as they were supported by a full troupe of dancers/singers in colourful LV gear. Afterwards we journeyed back to our hotel and enjoyed the half hour free outside entertainment. It is a Pirate theme, taking place on two life-size gallions, outside the hotel, with one boat actually moving and then sinking. Great free entertainment, including fireworks, explosions, girls dancing and singing.
Next morning, back to packing and catching planes etc, on our journey to Hawaii. We flew to LA via smaller jet, then changed to the huge monster, having the displeasure of having the last seats in the plane, again. Complained a number of times, but nothing happened. American Airlines, never again.
Thanks again for your comments etc, this will probably be our last written "blog" as we will be on the beach for the next three days, enjoying the 30 degrees, but we will post photos when we return.
Chow for now....

Hi all, firstly thanks for all of your mails and updates.
Well to be corny "how time flies", with a blink 7 weeks have passed and we are into our last 14 sleeps...scary, but we are both looking forward to getting home and into routines. ( Pigs !!).
Lets get the important things out of the way, I hear that the Crows lost to Melb (who have not won a game all year)...!!!!!!
Yes I know that the Power lost as well, but it's all part of the plan (I hope).
Our exit from Dublin went very smoothly until we passed through the security scanners etc. Saddam Sandra had forgotten some "items" that she had left in our carry-on luggage. Need I say more than, a few anxious moments were experienced, but overall the security personnel were very understanding and assisted us to reach a mutual resolution. (Sandra will advise upon her return).
Our plane trip was OK and tail winds shortened travel time by an hour. No individual TV`s and the meal was just OK..!, had to buy drinks..!!
Upon arrival we seemlessly secured a "shuttle" for $17 each, far cheaper than leaving London. Traffic and two other dropoffs, saw a journey of 1.5 hrs, but it would have taken me three days to navigate.
Our hotel is in a magnificent location in 32nd st. just off 6th ave. The street has many Korean Rest's, so is known as "Little Korea". The view from our window is the Empire State Building which is in the next block. After dropping luggage we headed off to Times Square and to feel this wonderful city. We had a drink at an outdoor bar, and dinner at another to end the day.
Wed 30th. Given our location is half way between uptown and downtown, we decided to walk downtown to "Battery Park" to catch a ferry to The Statue of Liberty. On the way we zig zagged and discovered Greenwich Village, SOHO, Little Italy and Chinatown. What an amazing city, such diversification to the max. On the way we visited 911 (ground Zero), St Pauls church, which was the central support area post t`strike. They have on display many items giving a vivid picture of the impact that was felt at the time, and the bonding of all to the one cause. At the 911 site, a display of children's messages re lost fathers, mothers, relatives, friends brought home the reality/impact of the real loss.
Access to the statue was unavailable, so we settled for a cruise around the island and harbour, which was very enjoyable and many photo`s taken.
On our journey back, we located a restaurant run by two Aussie`s, called 8 Mile Creek. We enjoyed one of our best meals in their outdoor area, then walked back to 32nd street. (I think its about 3miles eachway, so a big walk (especially for those of us with shorter legs).
Thursday 31st. Crossed the road and went to the top of the Empire State Building. For those of you who have been there, you know just how breathtaking the view is. We were lucky as not many tourists there when we arrived, but by hell there were a few when we left..!!!!
Next H-O-H-O (Hop-on-hop-off), good value as there are 4 tours, Uptown, downtown, Brooklyn, and a night (lights) tour. We elected for the downtown first. It covered where we had walked the day before, so we were re-assured that we did well the day before. Upon return we joined the queue for half priced theatre tickets. It took an hour, but two shows for the price of one was well worth it. San wanted to see the "Pirate Queen" produced by the same people as Riverdance, so I elected for a laugh and went to see "Spamalot"... a Monty Python musical. (Bloody hysterical). We ate at Hard Rock Cafe then separated for our shows which both started at the same time and were only two blocks away from each other. Another great day.
Friday 1st. Decided to finish HOHO as only good for 48 hours. Took the downtown again , leaving at Wall Street, then walked to Pier 17.
We then joined the Brooklyn tour which lasted 90 minutes, nothing spectacular, just as I expected. We were given the opportunity to walk back across the Brooklyn Bridge, ie Brooklyn to Manhattan. Again great for those of us with longer legs!!!
Next was the "uptown tour" past Central Park etc. I dont think I could afford a front door let alone a one room apartment. We had dinner, then joined a "night tour" to cover the city lights, both in Manhattan and Brooklyn. V` enjoyable, but we were hearing the same commentary, and the request for tips was driving us mad, after spending most of the day on HOHO.
Sat 2nd. Time out to ring the girls and get a verbal update of the state of the nation at home. Afterwards we set off for the Central Station and Rockefeller Centre & St Paul's Cathedral (I think that I am over churches for awhile). We enjoyed the artwork at the RC, and then decided to take a Horse & Carriage ride through Central Park. A great way to spend time looking at the lush growth, water ways, and most of all the people who obviously enjoy getting out into the park. No wonder as most of the city is concrete.
We again walked back, and dined in one of the "Little Korean" Restaurants in our street. We had Beef/Squid/Vegs BBQ`d at our table, a most enjoyable culinary experience.
Today 3rd. Domestic day. We set off to locate a laundramat, and luckily found one only two blocks away on 30th between 5th and 6th ave. The next best thing is that washing/powder/drying a reasonable amt was about $8-00. (Bargain Joyce !!).
Next it was assisting Imelda when she hit Macey`s. (No more to be said, but the cc took a battering).
When we emerged, it had been raining, and as I finish off it is still raining, memories of London, although every day until today has been close to 30. Due to the rain and our enjoyable dinner last night we again hit "little Korea" tonight, this time enjoying Dumplings (Pork/Seafood/Veg`s) and Pad Thai washed down with the only "red" that they sold, an enjoyable Merlot from Australia.
We selected this rest, as they make all of the dumplings at the front and we have observed with curiosity for a number of days.
Tomorrow we are again off to "Battery Park"...(walking.??) to get a ferry to Ellis Island to view the Immigration Museum, then we will try to cover what we have forgotten before we fly out to Las Vegas early on Tuesday.
Trust all is well with everyone, we will update again in LV. Thanks again for your comments. By the way San (Imelda) is next door reading her book !!!!! Cheers from the Big "A".