14 Nov 2014

The Next Leg of our Trip leaving Vegas 12 November 2014

Sadly this was my last day with Paul, it has been great to have this special time with him, but unfortunately sometimes the nicest things have to come to an end. We did some more packing, then were going to find Subway for breakfast but had to make do with McDonald's instead, then we tried to find somewhere to change american dollars into new zealand currency, would you believe thete is nowhere in the hotel or locally that does it, also we tried to sort out my boarding card but again with no success, returned yo the room finished off packing then signed out of the hotel.
Our shuttle to the airport arrived but this time went to a number of other hotels picking up, when we got to the airport,  it was some distance away from the entrance to check in but sorted it out, Paul and I then had to part as he was going to another terminal for his flight. I went to the lounge to wait and was very surprised it was tiny, no toilet, few seats and very small selection of snacks, but at least peaceful and quiet. Eventually it was time to go for my flight.
All went well with this it was a much better and shorter flight with American Airlines,  then I used the mobility service to negotiate through the airport, the first man did not seem happy, it seemed I needed a vehicle to get me to the check in the man pushing the wheelchair had a fallout with the driver,  which I felt was not very professional on eithers part, I was quickly processed then again immigration and security, but the pusher had disappeared,  luckily it was only a short distance to the lounge and departure gate.  The lounge was bigget and better but it seems the restrooms were out of order so if needed would have to use public one on the concourse, the choice of food was a little better, so am now sat here passing time until it is time for my flight to Auckland of 13 hours at 9 30pm, it seems that I lose a day as I cross time zones.
Hope you are enjoying the read.

11 Nov 2014

Grand Canyon 10 November 2014

The three of us got up very early for our coach pick up at 6 35am after a late night. We settled in our seats on our coach only to find it was a feeder coach and we would be changing to another after paying the outstanding balance, plus we would have the chance of a snack and a drink before we set off. We were quickly processed then off on our trip, the coach was quite comfortable, our driver Larry initialy I found ok but after a while I found his voice irritating, not sure why, because he was quite informative.

First stop was Hoover Dam, unfortunately it was only long enough to take photos from a distance before setting off again,  it would of been great to of had time to explore the place. We carried on for some time, the scenary was much the same for quite a while so we watched a series of videos and films on the monitors, about the area inclufing Route 66.

We eventually reached our lunch stop, there were about 4 or 6 coaches to deal with at the place but they were geared to it, it was a buffet style with plenty to eat, we were sat next to a man from Venuzwalia initially he spoke but then got on with the task of eating his meal.
We travelled on for some hours, I had learnt to take my shoes off on these sorts of trips on coaches and planes, but its always a problem to put them on again after to cope better when I got to my destination, I am sorry not to go into much description of the trip but I slept for much of it until we got to the Grand Canyon at last.

I took Chico with me for a series of photos but got seperated from Paul, the sheer size of the canyon was breathtaking, but I found as with many of the tourist attractions, people are often more interested in taking photos of themselves and friends than the actual view,  also that there is often a selfishness by some and lack of consideration of others who also would like to share the view. It was do hard to even guess how deep the valleys were and round each corner there was a totally different scene, I only wish I had had more time to explore the area, maybe another time and an overnight stop to view before and after the tourists had gone, not sure what that makes me, when I was also taking photos, of Chico. Eventually Paul and I caught up again just before the coach was due to depart. 

It wasn't long to our next stop and more beautiful scenary, plus whilst wandering round, we saw an old steam engine and four deer, they seemed unworried at our presence and we took photos of them, sadly I managed to miss the sunset, but as the light changed the whole valley also did. Paul bought a couple of items then off to the coach again for another long journey,  to our last stop where the coach refuelled and we bought some food, it was the biggest beefburger I have seen for a long time. The driver had put on another couple of videos to pass the time. At long last we were the first drop off, so went to the room and decided to sort out boarding cards it would of been one more thing done. 

We struggled with the various sites and eventually managed to sort out Pauls for Ryanair, but discovered that it was to early to do the others. Paul went off to bed,  I tried to Skype Jane and Bren, with no success, in the end though managed to get them on my mobile, they seem to be having a great time in Liverpool, then back to the room for a bath and bed.

9 November 2014 part two

I thought it would be easier to break this into two sections, Andy tells me there is a problem with posting comments so will habe a look also to look and see if I can finally post some photos of the trip either on here or Facebook, hope those reading are enjoying,  so sorry am behind its because I need to write up when its quiet and then find Wi Fi.

Now then about these topless dancers, im the end I booked for us both more of the actual show later,  but as a total contrast we also booked to go to the Grand Canyon by coach, I worried it would of been a very long drive, but Paul felt we would have longer there, he had goven up on the bike ride as nobody eould snswrt the phone. We seemed to get a very good deal for the trip and I was happy it was going ahead because its why the whole adventure started in the first place.

We had found out, well Paul had that there was a meal deal in the buffet wherein we could pay $35 each and use the buffet as often as we liked in the day, most probably we ent more but had a wide range of dishes to choose from and as much as we wanted.  What an odd collection of food we had across the day. Its interesting that this is not obviously advertised,  maybe they dont want people to be aware of it generally.

Well we had a walk then got ready for the show, it was only a small theatre of about 350, I was surprised at how many couples attended, but maybe its mr who is old fashioned,  plus I thought the show would start on time but no such luck. The dancers as far as we could see were attractive and good dancers, I must honestly say that seeing them topless did not really add to it for me, but going by the noise the same could not be said for others. There was a female singer but she was to loud, plus a female comedian, so in actual fact there was not a lot of time that the dancers were on stage, given the skimpy outfits I cannot see costume changes would of taken long. The girl who did a dance using draps was good as was pole dancer,  who was more athletic than provocative to me. At the end the girls posed for the audience to have their photos taken with them.Up close some of them looked older and tired so we left so we could have a good nights sleep and feel relaxed