Impressions of five lands

I spent most of yesterday travelling.  I got to Monterosso (Cinque Terre) around 5.15, then I had to make my way through tourists and cobbled stoned streets to my B&B.  They had sent me instructions, but they were a bit murky right when I was literally 20 meters away.  Another lovely lady saw me looking lost and asked where I was headed and pointed me in the right direction.

I checked in, but my room is on the top floor (2nd story) and the only way up is a very very steep set of stairs.  Jon the owner looked at my oversized suitcase and said "that's got my name on it" and carried it up the stairs for me.  What a gem.

I settled in, had a shower then headed out to explore and get a bite to eat.  The town is beautiful and amazing.  And if you lived here, you would have mighty fine calves and hamstrings to boast.  The steep roads and hoards of stairs would have anyone fit in no time.

You couldn't swing a cat in the little shops, but they are so pretty and enticing, and all the terraces are colourful and inviting.

I found a little restaurant that didn't have any tourists in it.  It looked like it specialised in seafood, and given it is a seafood town, it was my intent to eat some type of shell fish or grilled fish.  But I must have been tired, and when I'm tired I want carbs, and given I was planning on trekking the next day, I thought I would stock up!  I ordered Trofie con le pesto.  Trofie must be a local pasta, and it is short and twirled.  It was very good and I ate it all, but it was slightly too al dente for my personal liking.

I went back to my room, intent on an early night, but Raffaela (Jon's partner) had informed me there would be a brass band in the square tonight, and the square was right outside my window.  In fact, if I had of gone out on the balcony, I would have had the best seats in the house.  The night before I hadn't slept well, because I was upset at leaving the relatives, plus getting up early and travelling all day.... so you can imagine my delight.  I mean, most of you would know me as a lover of music, but brass bands....hmmm, nah...  At first it was ok, because I was writing my blog, but when I was ready to sleep, well even the 2nd pillow over my head didn't help matters.  The joys of travel.

This morning I woke, got ready and had breakfast at the B&B (included).  I then skyped Todd and even though I had planned to head off early to make good of the cooler morning temperature on my hike, it was about 10 to 10 by the time I started.  

Monterossa is the Northern most of the 5 lands so my plan was to do as much of the trek today as possible, then do the rest another day by catching a train to the furthermost town.  But I can't say I've had a good start.  First my choice of shoes, whilst suitable started rubbing on my left foot (the right is fine) - I think it's because my left foot is ever so slightly larger than my right, and it just doesn't fit right.  Second, my sinuses have started to play up in the change in weather.  I should have known because I woke with a really sore and dry left eye.  I had to stop every few minutes to blow my nose (one hand was carrying my camera, the other the water bottle).  And whilst it wasn't too hot, when you're trekking, and with some humidity, it can be an irritating combination.  Of course, I was stopping at every photo op along the way.  Last week's lack of exercise, and eating and relaxation regime has also taken its toll!  And to top it off, I stepped awkwardly on a rock and have hurt the joint of my big toe.  Bugger.  I think it just needs to be coaxed back into position, but I don't know how to do that.  So I made it to Vernazza and decided to stop there.

The following photo is of Monterosso at the start of the trek.

Looking back

Impacts of a landslide I presume

Coming into Vernazza

Despite my complaints, this place would have to be one of the most beautiful in the world...and when you're trekking up hundreds of stairs (and I reckon I walked another 100 in error upon taking a wrong turn), and then turn a corner and see the most magnificent vista appear before your eyes.  Well, it can literally take your breath away.  Leaving Monterosso, and looking back was amazing, but approaching Vernazza was simply spectacular.

In Vernazza, I explored a bit and stopped for some lunch which consisted of a chinotto and insalata (letuca, malanzane, peperoni, carciorfi and mozzarella).  Then I found a gelateria and got myself the best ever gelati of baci and nocciola.  It was simply amazing with big chunks of chocolate and nuts.  Yummo!!

Then I was off to find a toilet which was near impossible.  Upstairs at the train station the womens was closed and the mens was pure filth!  Quite by accident about half an hour later I found another toilet at the train station which was half decent.  

I decided that to walk to the next town of Coniglia in the real heat of the day, with blisters and a sore toe would be stupid, but I checked out the map and figured I could catch the train to Riomaggiore, and from there could walk to Manarola as that was a shorter trek.  What I didn't do was pay attention to the parts of the path that were still closed due to a landslide.  I therefore got to Riomaggiore only to be told I couldn't trek to Manarola.  The other path was a 3hr trek.  I ended up spending some time exploring the beautiful town instead.

As I am writing this, I am trying to think if I then caught the train to Manarola, but I don't think I did.  Memory, why do you fail me so?

Back in Monterosso I thought I would wander to the other side of town to explore, and then find a bite to eat there before heading back for an early night.  I was walking along the coast, and spotted a restaurant down a side street that I thought I would come back to.  However when I got back there, there was not a soul in the restaurant so I thought it mustn't be a very good one.  So I went to a place next door and got a seat, there were some locals there eating.  But I looked around and instinct told me to leave (combined with the bad service I was already getting and also the plates of lasagne I could see on another table didn't look great).  I rarely do that, but I got up and walked out.  And, ended up back at the original place next door.  My instinct was right, the place was empty because most of the tables were reserved, but I managed to get a good table at the front.  I ordered a pizza margherita because I have been hanging out for one since I got to Italy.  A glass of white wine, and a salad.  Simple, simple food, but so so delicious.  The pizza was perfect!

I am writing this over two days, so apologies if the time lapse doesn't make sense...

This morning I got up late, had breakfast.  Raffaela told me that the market was in town so I wandered down and purchased a skirt and a dress and looked around.  Then I walked to the beach and caught some rays.  The beaches aren't fantastic here as there isn't much sand, more rocks and pebbles.

I got back to my room, showered and decided I would catch a train to Corniglia and trek to Vernazza.  I got to the train station, and I missed the train by a couple of minutes.  The next train would not be for another hour, so whilst I was planning on grabbing lunch at Corniglia and then starting the trek, I instead have found a restaurant on the beach where I have just enjoyed an insalata Caprese, literally slices of tomato and mozzarella neatly arranged on a plate, and they give you the condiments for you to dress to your taste.  Again, so simple and yet divine.  I am also on my second glass of chinotto.  I am going to overdose on the stuff while I am here.  

I have spent the lunch time writing this update to the blog, but I won't be able to publish until I get me some wifi action!  I now have to head back to the train station.  

Ciao

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After lunch I got a ticket for Corniglio, but whilst I was on the train I decided to go to Maranola instead. Turns out I hadn't been there yesterday.  And spending a bit of time exploring there would mean that it would be later in the day for the trek from Corniglia to Vernazza.  It was a good call.  Exploring Maranola I found a gelateria and had a caffe and notella gelati.  Good, very good, but not as good as the gelati from Vernazza I had yesterday.

At a pedestrian bridge in Manarola:

Wandering around I found via Bel Vedere, given that means Beautiful Vista, I figured it was worth the walk (and stairs), and it was indeed a pretty walk, and then there was a look out point of ocean views.

From there I caught the train to Corniglia.  At the train station I got my ticket for the hike to Vernazza, and was informed there was a bus to take me to the town centre of Corniglia.  When I stepped outside I realised why... 365 stairs pretty much straight up to get there!  Bugger that, I waited for the bus.  The bus was tiny, and hordes of people got off, then on.  It was in the sweltering heat of the day, and the bus was a sauna.  I was wondering why they didn't have bigger buses, but I realised why when the bus had to chuck a u-turn at the end of the road.  People were complaining as they got on the bus, but the bus driver just said it was a 10 min ride and we would be there.

When I got off the bus, I was having a look around before going into the town centre and suddenly, when I turned around at one point, I swear to God I thought I was going to be hit by a black van.  It was reversing and clearly hadn't seen me.  Scared the beejeezus out of me.

I wandered around Corniglia for a bit and also found the lookout at Corniglia, again, simply stunning views.  Then I thought it was time for my trek, I purchased a Granite de Limone for the road, and it was nice and cold and tangy and sweet.  Just what I needed.

Starting off the trek was pretty steep, but I had learned from the day before and made two good calls this morning.  1.  I put on my sandshoes, that would mean I shouldn't have blister and bandaid issues, as well as hopefully helping with the pain in my big toe; and 2.  I took two Demazin for my sinuses.  Both were a God send, and made a massive difference to my general enjoyment of the trek.  Not having to wipe my nose every few seconds was a life saver, and I realised how bad I had felt the day before.  I left Corniglia at 4.40, and got to Vernazzo at 5.50.  It's supposed to be a 1.5 hr walk, and I was taking my time and taking photos!  My big toe still hurts, but I'm back in the game!!

The vistas leaving Corniglia were beautiful, but the vistas at the half way point and leading into Vernazza were again, simply stunning.

Now I am just waiting for a seafood restaurant I have spotted to open so I can eat.

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Ok, so I have just gone back to the restaurant that I wanted to eat at...now, just let me point out that I had been there an hour ago and asked for a seat then, but they said they weren't open til 7.00.  Now I get there and they tell me they're fully booked.  Fuckers could have told me that when I asked for a table an hour ago!

Seriously, the Italians have no idea about the word 'service'.  No idea.  I have gone next door, and have just ordered the 'stuffed mussels' and a salad.  I shall report back.

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Oh, and just an observation.  Some Italian (European?) women should really familiarise themselves with a razor blade if they are going to wear tank tops.  Ewwww....

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So I've just had dinner, but haven't paid yet.  The mussels were amazing.   I don't know what they were stuffed with but they came out in a tomato based sauce.  But the thing about them was that they had a flavour of something that tastes exactly like my mum's stuffing in one of her dishes.  I can't quite place my finger on it, but I think it might be her stuffed artichokes.  The salad, whilst always just a salad is good because in Italy, you dress the salad yourself, so it's always to your liking.

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I'm waiting at the Vernazza train station writing this because I mis-read the time-table and missed my train by a couple of minutes.  As I was sitting here, a group of Americans, a mother and a few teenagers sat near me and started talking about whether they were on the right platform.  I informed them that I think they needed the other platform.  They thanked me, got up and checked the screen, then they came back and told me the screen definitely said this platform.  Now, I know that Monterosso is the Northern most of the five towns.  And I also know that if I'm facing the sea, then I will need the train going right (North) if I wish to go to Monterosso.  So I got up and checked the screen, confirmed my thoughts and went back to the same platform.  I informed them that they were mis-reading the screen and they need the other platform.  They thanked me again then went to the other platform.  I could be wrong, but I doubt it!

Feels like home

It is now Friday, and I am writing this offline and will post when I can.  

I have arrived at my Grandparent's house in Caulonia, Italy.  I have been here since my arrival on Tuesday evening.  My Aunty and Uncle also live here and my Aunty looks like the spitting image of my own mum except about 20 years younger, that I immediately feel like I am home.

This house is in a remote village, things are pretty backward, so I am mostly offline.  I have been washing my clothes by hand, and my Aunty got given her first vacuum cleaner only a year or two ago when my mum came to visit.  I got asked last night, by a cousin, whilst we were out on our "passagiatta", whether we have street lights in Australia.  I told him no, that electricity hasn't arrived yet; I cook with fire and that I've never heard of the Internet.

I have mostly been eating, eating and eating, yet the best meal I have had is a tomato salad made from  home grown tomatoes and some figs.  The heat is debilitating for those here, but I am enjoying it still, although the humidity ain't great.  It is thundering a lot today, but still no sign of rain.  There is no air-conditioning and my Nonna in particular, is really feeling it.  My biggest complaint is that the mosquitos are eating me alive, but thank God I bought some repellent with me.

My Nonna is now totally blind, and it upset me to see her because she is so thin now, however, she has all her wits about her and is still quite independent.  She puts her medication in different spots around the house so she knows which ones to take when.  She does't need my Aunty to help her.  She can even take herself to the toilet during the day.  At night she wears an incontinent pad which she took great pleasure in telling me how comfortable they are to wear.  And if she needs to go during the night she can't bring herself to go in bed, lying down, so she gets herself up, does her business then changes herself.  It's pretty amazing.

My Nonno on the other hand, who, when last time I was here, had far better health than my Nonna, has let himself go.  He basically can't go climbing the hills with his goats anymore because of his knee, feels the land isn't being looked after and is now quite grumpy.  There is nothing to be done.  He got himself out of bed for my arrival, but hasn't been feeling well these last two days.  If he could just change his mentality, we are sure he would be pretty good for his age.

I am loving catching up with all my cousins.  They are beautiful.  My Italian is pretty shite, but I get by ok, but it is times like these that I wish I knew Italian well. I only planned to stay here a week, but now I fear it is too short.  I will have to come back again soon.  Not, in another 15 years.

Just one more thing.  I arrived here on the wonderful wings of Emirates, so had the pleasure of seeing a tiny bit of the Dubai Airport.  I arrived at Rome Airport, and saw a bit more than at Dubai.  "Che schiffo."  Italians, you are rude, and dirty.  Your economy could be fixed in one swell swoop.  You have a lot to learn.

Arriverderci per un pocco.

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Im back.  Just  a quick story.  I have just got back home from a cousins for dinner.  I have one cousin from one side of the family that is engaged to a cousin from the other side of the family.  Feels a bit weird but is nice.  Thank fuck it's not incest...  Anyhow, I got in the car to go back home and my cousin Luca started pissing himself laughing, and I asked him why.  I figured it was because I had said something in my second rate Italian that I pronounced so wrong that it had another, solicitous type meaning.  Luca said, I'll tell you in a sec.  Instead, he moved the car a few meters, then stopped the car.  I said, "do you want me to get out" and he said "do whatever you want to do", still laughing, and then proceeded to walk off to the other car in the driveway.  I followed him and figured he was playing a prank.

A few moments later I realised that he was simply moving the first car as his car was blocked in.

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I haven't written in quite a few days.  I have been busy eating.  On Saturday morning we went to the Marina, which is short for Caulonia Marina (not really a Marina, merely the main town which is by the sea). We had coffee and a cornetto, which is not an icecream, it is like a croissant with custard cream in the middle.  It is breakfast for the Italians.  That's what I call breakfast!  Then we went to the market and my Aunty bought me a dress as a present.  

Then it was time to go to Zio Pietro's for lunch.  I got there and my Zio was outside sitting in the shade, seemingly spending time with one of his dogs who was 'resting' about a metre away.  My other uncle said something about the dog looking dead, but Zio Pietro said, "no that's his spot, he' sleeping".  So I went and had a look, and well, he looked pretty dead to me.  I said to Zio "vedi, che questo cane e morto" (look, this dog is dead).  My uncle said, "no, he's sleeping".  I insisted he was in fact quite dead...that got people coming in for a closer look.  He was dead.

I later found out, that the next day, this dog's puppy freakily, also died - one of the neighbour's dogs had attacked him! 

After lunch I went and visted my Grandfather's sister Zia Nuzza, Maria and Loredana.

The next day I went to another Uncle's house for lunch.  He has a new, younger girlfriend.  Interesting. His house is right on the beach.  Walked down and saw another relative, Ilario Paparo.  Then my uncle took me to see cousins Bruno, Adriana and Fabio was there visiting from Milan.  Then I went to his ex-wifes place where I would be crashing for the night to spend some time with my gorgeous cousins Sabrina and Claudia.

The girls took me out to 'Locri', another town along the coast where there was a temporary bar on the beach - the coast of Italy is full of them in summer.  The Italians erect temporary bars and discos right on the beach, where you can drink, eat and dance the night away.  Anyway, first we got there and found a spot on the beach with their friends, then with sundown we got a spot in the bar, and I did something crazy - jumped in the sea at night time!  The water was so warm, it was amazing.  I've never done that before, but it was truly incredible.  And when me and Sabrina were in the water, quite by coincidence, there were fireworks.  Everyone was jumping in and out of the water.  What a party.

From there we went to Gioisa for a bite to eat with their friends.  We got home about 1.00am.

The next morning we got up quite early so that I could get some things done in town before heading home for the day.  Given it was my last day before heading North, I needed to be home because relatives would be visiting to say their farewells to me.

My Zia Adriana dropped me home and when I got there, my Aunty Teresa was waiting for me.  That night Simona and Vice and kids, and Luca and Chiara were there for dinner.  My Aunty Rosa made Lasagna for dinner.

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This morning I was up at 6.00 and had to say my goodbyes.  Too too sad.  Both Nonni said that they won't see me again. Toto, Rasalba and Chiara accompanied me to the airport.  These shots were taken at Soverato along the way:

On arrival in Milan I called my Aunty to say I had arrived safely as my Nonna would be worried sick about me.

I had to find my way to Central Station in order to get to Cinque Terre.  I got on the right bus, and a girl I was talking to in the check-in line at the airport said she would help me get to Central from the drop off point.  But it turned out I had to purchase a ticket first (go figure), so I had to get off that bus.  I finally found the kiosk for the tickets (signage in Italy is attrocious).  I got on another bus headed for the City of Milan, and a lovely lovely lady overheard me talking to the bus driver about where to get off etc.  She approached me near the end of the trip and said she would help me as the route I needed was on her train line and that she would tell me where I needed to get off etc.

She walked with me all the way to the Duomo train station (I quite easily could have got lost if I had been on my own).  The Duomo was looking spectacular - the last time I had seen it, it was covered in scaffolding for maintenance.  She pointed out sights of interest and told me that on the balcony of the Galleria that day, that Madonna (the singer) would be making  an appearance.  People were gathered in the square in anticipation.  If I had been on my own I would have stopped and waited, but had I been on my own, I wouldn't have known.

We had to walk quite a bit to get to the right entry point and it turns out that I needed to validate my ticket on the bus, in order for that same ticket to be used for the metro.  So, this Signora entered with her ticket, but I was stuck.  This amazing woman had another ticket in her pocket so she gave me that one to validate (she had realised I hadn't validated the one I had puchased).  She then got us on the right train that would take me to Central Station.  She helped me all the way, and wished me well.  I told her I didn't know what I could do for her.  She said "Salute per Australia".  She said she has a son about my age, and wanted to help.  

Whilst I find the paid help of Italy is of poor qualtiy (putting it nicely), the people of Italy are of big heart.  This woman is a fine example.  I will remember her forever I'm sure.

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I arrived at Central Station, but buggered if I could work out where I needed to be from that point.  I wandered around (never finding any paid help along the way, and signage lacking again).  Eventually, after going around in circles a couple of times I found the station and platform.  As an aside, I'm usually a really really good 'packer' but my bag weighs around 22 kgs (I had to pack for summer and Ireland!), and at the platform, this 'marachino' helped me with my bags.  I thought he worked for 'il ferrovia', but no, on finding my seat and putting my bag up on the shelf he asked for money.  I gave him 2€ but I'll be fucked if I know how I'll take the bag down at my stop!

I am typing this on the train to Cinque Terre now.  My real journey has just begun.

Boo

Anyone there?

I will be returning shortly.

Watch this space.

Nina

Leaving Las Vegas

Last night we headed out to 'Love', by Cirque di Soleil. 'Love' is the story and music of 'The Beatles'. It was really great, such a production! You've got to wonder about the minds of the people putting these things together.

From there we headed to the 'special' club that I had gotten free entry to. Ros started talking to a guy called Jason and his girlfriend Melissa, we were having such a great time with them that Jason asked us to go along with them to another club, but we wouldn't have free drinks there so we declined.

We moved onto the outdoor area and started to talking to two different groups of people. We had lots of fun, but then I went up to the bar and the free drinks had just finished, so I had to pay $12 for a vodka that I didn't even finish! We left and got a bite to eat then headed back to the Bellagio.

This morning we checked out and were left with a few hours to kill before going to the airport. We went to the shops in Caesar's palace, where I bought a shirt from Abercombie and Fitch and stocked up on more Mac makeup as well as another top from Banana Republic. Then, because I had been searching in every glasses store for my beloved Serengetti, with no luck, I thought it high time to select another pair. After deliberating and probably annoying the hell out of the poor guy in the store for a good half hour I was debating between a $330 pair of Kaenon or $180 pair of Maui Jim. Then the salesman (because I was leaning towards the more expensive pair) said that he could give me a 20% discount, but only with a discount voucher that I could go pick up. I told him I would use that time to decide.

Returning to the store I had pretty much decided on the Kaenon, but then spent another 20 mins deliberating (again), and more out of feeling an obligation to buy something from the poor fellow I had tortured, I walked out with the Maui Jims! I think I am happy with them, but I am still going to seek out the Serengettis online when I get back home. I love those glasses...you know when something is just perfect for you...

Killed more time walking around, got a bite to eat then did some people watching in the front of the Bellagio before getting our bags and catching the shuttle to the airport. As we were waiting, we met 'Bill the Bus driver' who told us he was on series 2 of America's got talent. And then he serenaded Ros with a song. I think she was smitten. You should youtube him. Go on!

The shuttle bus driver was female, and you should have seen her get our bags onto the back of the bus. I asked her how she hadn't dislocated her shoulder yet. On the bus, and she was just a hoot. These African Americans just have the best sense of humour!

At the airport, and we started talking to the lady checking us in. I don't know if she was lonely, but she started to tell us her life story, but she was also really interesting, and when she started talking about her mother and father, she actually brought tears to my eyes. I am completely taken aback by the beautiful people I have met on this trip. In fact she said herself that essentially everyone has three things in common, love, sadness and laughter!

We are now just waiting to board the (small) plane to LA. It has been an amazing trip.

I will likely blog one more time to jot my summary of what I have seen/observed of this wonderful country. Not least my attitude towards it and its people.



- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Oh David, say it again.

This morning I slept in after being awake until 2.00am this morning. I really was itching to be out on the town last night, but my feet wouldn't let me stand up. Oh well, maybe tonight.

Ros went out to the pool, but I was already feeling the heat too much so I went out to the strip for breakfast and a wander. I ended up back at the Venetian (Palazzo) where I purchased a Thomas Sabo charm, and inquired about Serengetti sunglasses for the 50th time this trip. The company was bought out and taken over by a company that now supplies them to Walmart. Apparently the quality won't be the same anymore, but Maui Jim (the ones everyone is recommending to me) just don't fit the same...sigh. Think I will try getting them online when I get back home.

I then went to the Mirage and from talking to a girl in a specific shop, ended up getting wrist bands for me and Ros to get into the club at the Mirage for free tonight. We will have free drinks...yay!

Met Ros back at the hotel and we headed out to the Northbound shopping outlet. I bought a dress and some Mac makeup for dirt cheap.

We got back on the express bus to get back to the hotel, and the (exceptionally good looking) guy who sat behind me asked if he was on the right bus for the strip. I said yes and Ros made a comment about an American asking the Aussie...turns out the guy was from Sydney. I noted his accent sounded British, and he said that yes, he was from London but now lives in Sydney. We went on to discuss each other's travels and then (at the next stop), a buxom lady sat down next to him. She then started to talk to him and asked him where he was from. Then she said "Just keep talking, the alphabet will do". David said that would be boring, she said "for who?". She was clearly in lust.

Well the banter between these two started and went on and on, until the entire front of the bus were laughing at nearly every line being said. Especially when 'Carla Lewis' (yes we found out her name), said "where are the chapels?". We were all talking to each other and then Carla looked at a gentleman who had been laughing along and said "and what's your name" (in a kind of "what you looking at" voice). He said Harrold, Carla asked him about his day and he revealed that it was his birthday. So Carla starts half the bus singing "happy birhtday".

This was seriously the funniest bus trip I have ever been on.

Carla at one stage introduced David to her father and step-mother sitting behind them, and said when we get married you can stay anytime. Her father mentioned "Gerald", and Carla responded with "Gerald who - I don't see no ring on my finger" in her Atlanta drawl. The bus in fits once again.

It really was a fun fun trip, we were literally laughing all the way until we had to get off. Me and Ros even took photos, and so Carla pulled out her mobile phone, took a photo of David and said "wallpaper". Again, an uproar of laughter.

Just resting now before heading out. Will report back later.



- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Perspective

Because I had an early night last night, I was awake early this morning. We got up and figured we would go to the pool, so neither of us showered, we just went straight out for brekky. We went to Paris for crepes! Yummo!

Came back to the Bellagio and changed into our bathers and went down to the pool. It was already hot at 10.00am.

After I had had enough of that I showered and changed and headed out. Today I thought I would explore the North end premium shopping outlets.

That would have been a good plan if I had gotten on the right bus. After going out to Oodiwoopwoop, I got off the bus and headed to the nearby transit terminal and got on a Bus back to my hotel, because by this time it wasn't going to be worth going (time-wise). I got off the bus, but thought I should at least go get the 'Love' tickets (cirque de soleil - with music by the Beatles) for tomorrow night. So I made my way to the Mirage, which is only two hotels away from the Bellagio (and the bus stop). But, it is difficult to comprehend the size of these hotels, they are so huge, that they don't look it. It took me 25 mins to get there, and I walk fast.

Bought the tickets and headed back to our hotel, and on the way grabbed a hot dog and drink. For $13 dollars. Have I told you how bloody expensive it is here? Nothing on The Strip is cheap!

Today was our Sunset Helicopter ride out to the Grand Canyon. We got picked up at our hotel in a limo and were taken to the airport. After formalities we were finally on the chopper, and we were off! It took 45 mins to get to the Canyon itself from the airport, and we were also flown over the Hoover Dam, which in itself was spectacular! Once we were flying in the Canyon, it was long before we landed, took some photos, had a small picnic and champagne too.

Chatting to the pilot I asked what speed he had been going as it felt as though we were going quite slow until we were approaching to land, where it felt as though he was going faster. Well, quite the opposite! He said the speed was 150mph, and that he slowed to 60 on approach. It is the sheer scale of the landscape that messes with your head so that you lose all perspective. And it truly is magnificent. The colours are also wonderful, and it was greener than I thought it would be!

On the trip back we were picked to sit in the front with the pilot and this was awesome. I was able to take photos with some gorgeous colours in the sky. I had been teasing Ros that the pilot would do some trickery with the chopper and that he would do a nosedive. So at one stage on the flight back I hand signaled to Ros that a nosedive was coming up. The pilot saw this, as well as Ros' reaction and he winked and nodded at me to show that he would. Unfortunately he didn't though, so that was a disappointment.

Closer to Vegas, the view of the city lights was great and then we flew in to the right of the strip before coming into land.

The whole trip was fantastic. And whilst we were in the Canyon, a British guy asked his girlfriend to marry him!

Back at the hotel, we decided to go out. We got ready and had a cocktail downstairs, then we thought we would go to the mirage for a drink, but we didn't like any of the bars. We were going to check out Caesar's Palace, but saw that the Venetian was across the road so we decided to check the hotel out. Amazing, kitsch and stunning, all in one...

With all the walking between hotels though, even though I was in the mood to go out, my feet were killing me.

Back at our hotel and Ros went straight up to bed, but I decided to hang around and watch some gambling. Saw one guy playing $1000 chips, and losing them. Another guy at the same table was playing $200 rounds, lost all his chips and just flicked out another $1000 as if each $100 note was worth $1. I couldn't do it, but I suppose that requires perspective too.



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Trash or Treasure?

I am writing this in the morning as I was too tired last night.

When we checked in to the airport yesterday morning, we we told we were actually going to Vegas via Chicago, so we saw the Chicago airport!

When we got off the plane in Vegas, we walked into the terminal and what do we see? Pokie machines! I would never have believed it if I didn't see it for myself. We got our baggage and found our transfer to the Bellaggio.

My immediate thoughts as we were driving towards and through the strip is that Vegas is just an amusement park for adults. I thought it was pretty trashy actually. That it was all a big joke, and therefore the joke was on us. I suddenly realised why all New Yorkers smirked every time we mentioned we were going to Vegas, but they would qualify it by saying everyone has to go once, and that we were staying at the best hotel there!

When we got to the hotel we couldn't yet check in yet, so my burning need to get some sleep would have to wait. My next priority then was to get some food so we walked across the road to the shopping centre. Even the shopping centre though is like an amusement park. Part of the roof is painted as if it is the sky, and the lighting also changes at this point and it actually feels as though you are outdoors at dusk.

After eating, we walked through some of the hotels and casinos, Paris and Caesar's Palace. Words cannot describe these places. And there are people swarming the place, lapping it all up. The pool at Caesars is amazing - there was even a replica of the Statue of David in the hotel.

Back at the Bellaggio and we check in and to our room...literally walking a kilometer to get there. We are on the 16th floor and overlooking the pool. The room is spectacular and so is the bathroom. Then the phone rings about a minute after walking in the door, and it is the tour company confirming our Grand Canyon chopper flight!

We draw the curtains to have a nap, but after 20mins I find I am not sleeping so I go and run the bath instead.

After my bath, I arrange to meet Ros back in the room at about 6.00pm and I go out for a wander. At the front I see the bus that takes you across the strip and to the North and South end shopping outlets. I decide to get on, and as I was waiting I saw two guys trying to sell their CD. I had a chat to them and bought one.

I got on the bus and went to the South end outlet and once again went mental and purchased a few (ok many) things.

On the bus back I spoke to three Aussies from Tasmania and they gave me heaps of tips about what to do, and not to do. Got back to the hotel and told Ros that I had to have an early dinner otherwise I would just fall asleep, so we went downstairs and ate. Got back and I think I was asleep before 9.00pm. Slept like a baby til 7.00am this morning. Awesome!


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