Messages: 3298 Location: Tokyo
Registered: August 2011
It was the best of times, it was the worst...
Mon, 10 September 2012 20:04
Anyway, I thought I would share some pics from my recent trip to LA/Vegas. Had a wonderful time and a not so wonderful time. You'll see:
Start on the train to the airport, passing the "Sky Tree"
Arrive after about 9 hours on a Singapore Air flight - love them! Get my rental and get to take an unusual pic for me:
Being in Japan means I can't take this pic unless my wife is in the driver's seat - and that is a scary thought! ;-)
The reason for the trip was my 25-year high school reunion. I was helping organize it. Here is some of what we picked up from Costco:
The Patron was sweet!
Got a tour of the school - it has changed a lot! Here is a pic from the "Wall of Fame" - the next Heisman Trophy winner?
And about half way through the reunion we got a group shot. More people were around, but Patron was flowing...
Next day, I had some free time, so my sister and her family came into town and we went out for dinner. Was my sis's 41st birthday, so I took everyone out.
Funny how Benihana's isn't in Japan - at least I don't think so.
Had the usual show:
Next day, I begin my trek to LV. Going from LA to LV, one must stop in Baker!
Love the Greek food:
And the Alien Fresh Jerky:
So I finally get to Vegas - the day after Labor Day weekend. Perfect timing! People leaving for LA were in a parking lot, I mean on the I 15. I just cruised right in. Pulled up to my hotel. Gave the receptionist a "sandwich" (which she said wasn't necessary, but she did keep it in the end) and I got bumped up to a pretty nice room with a view.
Though this I didn't need so much. ;-)
Here are some pics at night:
And daytime when most people are sleeping. ;-)
Did some looking around:
Strange signs!
Now it makes sense!
Found this clothing shop with a lot of sewing machines!
Some even made by watch makers??? What?! No Panerai sewing machine?
And it wouldn't be Vegas without the King!
I am hungry, so I stop in a "Pub". Found "prime rib" chili - gave it a try.
Was not as good as I had hoped for, TBH.
But this and this were awesome!
Went back to my hotel and did some winning. :-) Next day, I took a look more closely at where I stayed. Love this!
Hey what's that!! Vegas is truly a WIS's dream place! Some unusual offerings at the Omega boutique:
Did some more shopping the following day. Went to the Panerai Boutique - of course! Had a great time. Very warm and welcoming staff. Had a look through the straps doing some homework. Will definitely get the OEM black gator for my 320 - maybe Xmas.
The shopping mall is a little different here:
And I got the missus something, of course!
She loves goods that no one in Japan will have.
Second to last day and I went to see a friend of mine from high school who does a radio talk show about MMA. Shane Carwin was scheduled to be the guest. My friends hard at work:
Since Shane could't make it. They put me on the show!!!
As some of you know, I have been in Japan for 21 years and am a 5th-degree black belt in kendo, i.e. "Godan". Some listeners started asking me questions. That was not what I was expecting!
Show finished. Went to have some lunch and lo and behold there is Marcus Allen in a press conference!!
Vegas is amazing!
Anyway, it would be about 3 hours later when I would have the worst pain of my life, call an ambulance, go to the emergency room, and be diagnosed with a kidney stone. That hurt! I MEAN HURT!!! Anyway, I drove back to LA the next day after the pain was under control, and the following day I was on a plane back to Tokyo. I arrived in one piece (plus stone gleefully stuck somewhere in me!) and am hoping this will "pass" soon!
If you made it this far, I am sure the kidney stone may have been less painful! ;-)
- Godan