Tuesday, August 26, 2014

Tuesday, August 26, 2014

SpecialToe's luck

Posted by Hippobean at 9:00 PM 0 comments
SpecialToe's only been on 1 trip, to the Big Island 14 years ago. He's a smart and well behaved Stuffy, so I thought of bringing him along to Vegas. The hotel room on our last stay at Paris Las Vegas, was on a low floor and it had no view. This time we lucked out by been placed on the 7th floor overlooking the pool, the Eiffel Tour and Bellagio. So SpecialToe sat in front of the floor to ceiling window day and night to observe the vacationers bathing in the pool, and sunset behind the lighted tower. At night, the lighted tower was a spectacular view. On impulse, we've made a reservation at the Eiffel Tower restaurant and were told it was formal. But as it turned out, some people went simply casual. We had wanted a table by the window but there werent any (or the hostess didnt want to put us at one), but our luck continued as our 4 people booth was at a slightly higher level and thus we could see the lights from the strip. Not as spectacular perhaps as by the window, but good enough. We were satisfied. The expensive food was good and sufficient without overwhelming. My house sparkling was cold and sweet and our lobster and crap appetizers were eye pleasingly presented and delicious. Our entrees were expertly prepared and tasted good. The corn and mushroom soup though was a little too thick and creamy for my taste. Their famous souffle (we had raspberry and grand marnier) was indeed perfect. I'm not much of an egg white concoction, but the souffle was very good. Our waiter was very cute and served us attentively and very professionally. However, he failed to bring me my coffee. While dinning and admiring the evening lights on the strip, I've thought of how many times I've been to Vegas. Vegas certainly was one place I've visited the most. Each time with slightly different excitement, with slightly different companions, in different hotels*, and proud memories of the winnings. Purchases this time included a pair of black leather shoes with a row of fake diamonds in front and on the side, and fastened at the ankles with velcro, Zara olive legging pants and a sweater from H&M. Found a fantastic beer glass for Saffy. At Caesars, we wanted to book for Elton John but learned, to our disappointment, that we've just missed it and the tour was over for this year. But he's returning next summer. So we've already made plans to come back next year. I had to try my hands at video roulette, and on the last day, we played it at Aria. Just a few winners here and there during the first few rounds until I've placed a chip on 19 and chips all around it, and on the 2nd spin, 19 came. Then I've moved the chips to 25 and again on the 2nd spin, the number came. Altogether I won $80. Cashed out and happy camper. It seemed SpecialToe had brought us luck. First the hotel room with spectacular views, then a table at the tower restaurant with a view, then 2 numbers came at the roulette table. As a reward, flying back home SpecialToe got his own seat on the plane, and I've fastened his seat belt tight to make sure he wouldnt fly around during turbulence. He sat on his own seat, ecstatic, with seatbelt on, and filled with self importance, drinking his oj with ice, and munching on Southwest complimentary peanuts and mini pretzels. Hm, since we're going back next year for Elton, perhaps I should bring SpecialToe again, for another round of luck. Oh, and there's a huge hippo at the Wynn's soap store.

vegas 2014

*Mirage, Treasure Island, Caesars Palace, Harrah's, Flamingo, Venetian, Bellagio, Paris, Trump, Hilton Grand Vacations, Vdara, which hotel next?






Monday, August 18, 2014

Monday, August 18, 2014

short stint

Posted by Hippobean at 5:00 PM 0 comments
On clear bright dawns, the sun rays penetrate through the east facing windows, illuminating the front entrance and the kitchen, making the abode brilliant and crisp, a refreshing sober welcome in the morning. At dusk, the west facing sky window is reflected on the towering wall behind the couch, a pure image of the soaring abode. I sit in my dinning room, surrounded by the image of Micheangelo's Sistine Chapel ceiling, carnarfon and comley castles of the northern wales, the California Missions and a panoramic of Cefalu. My most precious travel souvenirs, the crystals, ceramic cups and saucers, shot glasses from all over the world, were all nearby. The mint walls are soothing and cool. My favorite room in the abode. In the evenings, I relax, cuddling my stuffies and snuggling with BigDog on my plush sofa recliner, and contemplate the marble fireplace below Micheangelo's Creation of Man. The mantel filled with my other travel souvenirs, remind me of my adventures in Greece, Wales, Buenos Aires, Chicago, the Camino Mission Bell, Vienna. The photo albums and books the Hippo cant live without filled my green environmentally correct bookcase. I sit on the black stool at the granite breakfast bar doing quick readings with an orange mug of Milo. I will never again find an open kitchen so spacious and bright, with so vast countertops and so numerous cupboards. The mud room closet is perfectly situated next to the front door. When you walk in through the front door, room enough to discard your heavy gear and dump your shoes. Many a times I soaked in the deep tub in the bathroom and never once felt claustrophobic even without a window, because the bathroom is huge, huger than any I've been to. The accentuated white plantation shutters in the light pink bedroom made the room look clean and bright and the Hippo cant say enough what a fantastic idea it was to discard the ugly blinds and horric looking drapes, and put up shutters instead. Yup, best decision ever. The Hippo even got used to sleeping with the sound of traffic and occasional aircraft.

443, the Hippo will have heart piercing memories of you. Together through thick and thin, you've provided me with comfort, relaxation, privacy, freedom to hide, security and pride, and the Hippo shall never forget your beauty and charm. The Hippo is already missing you dearly.

 

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