Tag: Travel

Bodies and Fremont Street

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The Palazzo fountain.

We got a late start today, but my toe was feeling better. We left in search of food, and were hit a wall of heat as we left the hotel. This became a thing for us; we would travel outside until we could stand it no longer, and then head into the air conditioning until we had either cooled down enough, or were people-cicles and needed to warm up. It’s Vegas, baby: you are either on a hot streak or a cold streak.

A little ornate lighting.

We went to the mall in search of food and tickets for entertainment. We wound up eating at a burger joint that was recommended to us by a

Just a small little outdoor pond and waterfall.
Colin at the Mirage.

random couple on the street. It was pretty good, especially after we convinced them to bring us some extra-hot sauce for our fries. After our brunch and a coffee, we got tickets for the Body show, where we viewed multiple preserved dissections of the human body. We opted for the more scientific show–there were two in town–and I am afraid that I held Sarah and Colin up because I read at about 1/4 their speed.

After the body exhibit, we took an Uber–my first–to Fremont Street, and decided to grab a bite to eat at the Heart Attack Grill. They have signs outside warning you that their food is not good for you, and you should try to eat meals

These are not the Legos you are looking for.

at home since it is healthier. They specifically say that their food will kill you. They proudly advertise that they serve the highest calorie burger in the world–the octuple bypass burger, with 8 beef

Art and beauty.

patties. I only had a single bypass. As you enter the restaurant, you are given a hospital gown to wear as you dine. You are served by nurses. If you don’t finish your meal, you will get a spanking. They do not hold back, either. It was quite fun to watch grown men yelp and cry as they collected their whacks.

Diving in the Bellagio.

There were also large scales with very visible displays scattered around the place, where you could take a before and after measurement. I gained 2

Inside the Luxor.

pounds. The food was okay, but the experience was great.

We then took a walk up and down Fremont Street, watching the light shows, the concerts and the zip-liners along the roof. I had to get a mai-tai from the Cocktails bar, where they toss the bottles around. I even managed to get a video of it this time. At around 11, we were pretty worn out–except for Colin–and decided to call it a night again.

 

Ah, the irreverence of it all.

Finish your food or get a good paddling.

Pick your least favorite presidential candidate.

What do the girls have to say?

Cocktails.

Flying to Las Vegas

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Between us, Sarah, Colin and I got a full nights sleep. My contribution to this night was 2 hours. I was up at 3 in the morning getting ready for the trip. I left home and traveled to Colin’s house where we met up with Sarah and made our way to the airport. Despite last minute reservations, we were lucky enough to move around after the doors closed and sit in two rows of seats, one behind the other. Both Sarah and I got a window–poor Colin.

We got to Vegas and made our way to the Palazzo, where we checked into our 720 square foot suite on the 32nd floor. We had a great view of Treasure Island and beyond. After getting unpacked and settled in, we made our way to Caesar’s Palace, where we ate at the Bacchanal buffet. We spent somewhere around 2 hours stuffing our faces, and then continued on down the strip, checking out hotels along the way.

Our plan was to hit Fremont Street that night, but with the lack of sleep, extreme heat, and a particular blister on my toe that I had picked up from a 20 mile walk earlier in the week, we decided to call it a day and get some sleep. I was the first to go to bed, but my toe started hurting pretty bad and I eventually had to make a trip to the drug store to get a sewing kit, some Ibuprofen, and some rubbing alcohol (it was the first alcohol purchased on the trip). Sarah was nice enough to lance me, and things started feeling better immediately. I was the last to fall asleep, though.






Our First Windless Sunny Day

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We woke up this morning to beautiful blue skies with little wind. Although it was cold enough that we had to turn the heater on, the skies were as nice as we had seen our entire trip. We had a quick breakfast at the hotel, said our goodbye’s to Sarah’s parents, and after a bit more reading, headed off to the airport to try to find her lost bag.

De-Parting Is Such Sweet Sorrow

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Today we fly back home. It will actually be a two day journey. I woke up around 4:30 this morning, and we are not due to be landing in San Francisco until about midnight. Don’t forget that there is a 2 hour difference. We arrived at the San Pedro airport at 11, so our total trip time will be approximately 14 hours. Tomorrow, Sarah and I will fly back to Seattle.

I’m already starting to miss the beach always in front of me, and the warm wind cooling me. I’m going to miss the wonderful food and spectacular locations, but most of all, I think I will miss the people. Everyone we have met in has been so friendly, whether they were a part of the resorts we have stayed at, or just a random person waving and saying hello on the streets of San Pedro. Oh, yes, and I think I’ll miss our creepy little giraffe as well.

We have about 10 minutes before our first flight leaves. That means that they will probably start loading in 5. I just saw it land. They are pretty efficient with these little airlines. Unfortunately, our next stop has about a 4 hour layover, and there is nothing to do in the airport. Fortunately, I have not finished all of my reading.

UPDATE

The stay in the Belize International airport was long–over four hours–but it seemed to go relatively fast. We got there as another flight was getting ready to go, so there were throngs of people and long lines that we seemed to always be at the end of. Once we got through, the line was gone. We found a place that served food, and sat, read, and waited.

Our arrival in Huston Texas was exciting because I was marked for additional screening. This was due to a throwing star that I had bought over 10 years ago in Thailand, and declared when going through customs at the time. I had been told that it was illegal to have in California, and I agreed to allow the officer dispose of it. It had been a rather friendly exchange, and I hadn’t heard anything about it since. However, this is what held me up when entering the US this time. It was a bit nerve racking, but the Immigrations agent was friendly all the way through the process, and I was eventually asked if I had a throwing star, and then let in.

Our flight to San Francisco had a delayed departure due to mechanical issues, and the new plane that we took had no entertainment. Thus, the flight was long and boring, with no sleep forthcoming. Although David and Anita got their luggage, something had happened to Sarah’s and it got on the wrong plane. We will need to pick it up at the airport tomorrow before completing our trip.

We spent the New Years in the airport waiting for our luggage to come on the conveyor belt, and the only real notice of it was an announcement over the intercom. Once everything was ready, we hopped on a bus, and went to a nearby hotel, where we all collapsed.

Shark Ray Alley Revisited

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I know I asked in my last post if I need say more, and the answer is yes. I cannot leave a post with no writing, so…

We had signed up for a snorkeling trip to Shark Ray Alley two days ago, and were told that we would be able to go, weather permitting. We woke up this morning disappointed that the weather didn’t seem to be permitting it. Fortunately, when we went to talk to the activities coordinator, he said that it would be going out. Unfortunately–yeah, this is one of those–when the group of us went down to get outfitted, we were told that it was rough and murky and we may want to cancel. David and Anita decided that the trip was not for them, but Sarah and I decided to tough it out.

As we waited to get onto the boat, one of the heaviest downpours of our whole trip drenched everything. We were undercover at the time, but the wind was blowing the rain on us as we huddled under the palapa on the dock. It looked like we were going to be getting wet on this snorkeling trip!

The rain stopped, and we boarded the boat. Within a minute, we were out from under the clouds and speeding along the shores on a pleasant, sunny boat ride.

At our first spot, our guide showed us large schools of fish, and lots of coral. The fan-coral is still my favorite, with its intricate designs, but there were many other types as well. I saw some larger fish that I had never seen before, as well. I was having some trouble with my mask fogging, so I actually saw more with the pictures and video that I took on the snorkel than I did while actually in the water. After about 45 minutes, we got back on the boat and headed to Shark Ray Alley.

Even as we were tying the boat up, we saw a dark shape gliding towards us just under the surface of the water. After the guides threw in a little bit of chum, the water started churning with the dozen or so sharks that came in for a free meal. That was when we were told that the pool was open, and I was the first to slide into the water. I almost landed on top of a shark.

It was fascinating being in the water with all of these large creatures that movies such as Jaws had taught us to fear. These were nurse sharks–humans were not a part of their diet. They were quite used to eating in front of people, though, so they were not shy. We were not allowed to touch the sharks, but I did get pretty close to them to get some of the pictures that I took. Even if I’m the only one saying it, some of them were pretty good.

I’m not quite sure how long we stayed there, I wasn’t really keeping track of time. I was taking hundreds of pictures and video, swimming along with six and seven foot sharks. I think I can safely say that this was my favorite part of the trip, and I have the photographic proof that will allow me to relive the experience whenever I want to.

Our last full day in Belize was finished off with another trip to Portifino for dinner. It was as good as before, but I was worn out and ready for bed by the time we got back to Captain Morgan’s Retreat.

NOTE: Video link to come…

The Ballad Of Creepy Giraffe

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In the master bedroom of our palatial suite on the shores of La Isla Bonita, we have a very nice bed with a thick duvet covering it. The bedroom, like the rest of the suite, is tastefully decorated. There are candles in hurricane lamps, wicker baskets on the floor and the stairs to the tub, a 5 foot tall painting, and a couple of tastefully framed pictures.

Next to the door leading to the lanai is a wooden painted giraffe that stands about three feet tall. Alone he is kind of cute, but nothing special. Your eyes focus on him for a moment before drifting off to something else, like the amazing view out the large windows. He is the type of thing you might find in Pier One Imports.

However, our first night as we climbed into bed, we noticed his long neck and head stretching above our covered feet. His head was turned ever so slightly so he appeared to be staring at us. Worse still, the first thing we noticed when we woke up was our little creepy giraffe staring at us. “What are you doing? Did you sleep well? Did you wear pajamas to bed?” He seemed to be questioning us, our creepy little giraffe. It made me a little uncomfortable to get out of bed.

Each day of our trip, I noticed him more as I entered the room or walked by him. Getting into or out of bed, we would always make eye contact, and I was always the one to look away first. When I woke in the middle of the night, he was there, his neck stretched, holding his ever curious head up to look at me. “Is everything alright? I notice that you are not sleeping.”

Tonight is our last night in Belize, and I am sure our bedroom giraffe knows it. He’ll be watching as I climb into bed, and there when I get up tomorrow morning. I’m sure he will observe my packing to make sure I don’t forget anything, paying extra close attention to any undergarments that I may be trying to stealthily pack. As we walk out of the room, I know he will be standing there, neck stretched, gazing over the edge of the tall bed, waiting for the next people to stay in the room.

I’m going to miss our creepy little giraffe.

A Trip To Town

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Sarah and I decided to bicycle into town for lunch today. There was a little restaurant named Elvi’s that several people had recommended to us. We grabbed a pair of bikes, and quickly rode the the three to four miles to our destination. (I know this is a little vague, but we were told it was three and a half miles to town, and Elvi’s was perhaps another half mile or so after crossing the bridge, so distance depends on where the “into town” point is located.)

We locked our bikes up, and once again wandered down the streets, looking into tourist shops and wondering the beach. When we had had enough, we went back to Elvi’s, and were brought into the dining room to sit. You entered into a normal wooden building, which was where the bar was located, but the dining room was under a very large palapa–a grass roofed hut, with or without walls; this one had walls. Aside from the high grass roof, the first thing I noticed was the floor inside the dining room was covered in sand. There were two young kids building sand castles next to their parent’s table. Sarah had lobster mac and cheese, while I had honey rum tacos. The food was excellent, although the chicken on my tacos was a little dry.

We finished up and rode back to Captain Morgan’s Retreat. I cannot remember whether I have mentioned this before, but we were lucky enough to be staying at the only resort that we saw that was proudly flying the skull and cross-bones.

Tonight was culture night, and we had reservations for the buffet. The entertainment left a little to be desired, but the food was good. Sarah and I were both exhausted, and went to bed as soon as we made it back to the condo. It was 8 at night–or only 6 Pacific time.

Modes of Transportation

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After a a walk to the store and a hearty breakfast, Sarah and I took a pair of the resort bikes into town. These were not as nice as the one I had rode into town earlier–which wasn’t that nice to begin with–but they worked as transportation. Plus, bicycles have the added advantage of not having to pay to cross the bridge into town. On the way, Sarah spotted a large lizard. We don’t think it was an iguana, but it looked similar.

Once we arrived, we stopped at the Blue Water Grill to make dinner reservations, and get a little refreshment–the ride had dehydrated us. Sarah had an iced tea, and I had one of my favorites, a watermelon juice. We also ordered a large plate of fruit which we shared between the two of us.

We then walked over to a store near the small airport which sold swim suits, but they were closed on Sundays. We checked out a gift shop, and then went to the town’s largest grocery store. They did not have oranges, but they did have a horchata concentrate mix that we purchased.

We went back to the condo and did some more reading–I’ve finished both magazines I brought along, and am about a third of the way through my book. At around 4:30, our golf cart arrived. We had reserved one for a 24 hour period so we could go into town for dinner that evening, and do some exploring the next day.

We left for dinner at around 7:00. It was dark, and so we had to figure out where the key hole was by cell phone flashlight. All golf carts use the same key, so there is a bar that locks the steering wheel, that has a padlock on it. As apparently standard for the area, the key had to be in the lock and turned for the lock to be closed. Shifting is done by a knob under the seat, but there were only three “gears”: forward, reverse, and neutral. We found that we had one of the slower golf carts, and since the road was full of bumps and I didn’t want David and Anita to fall of the back, I was slowing down to almost a stop quite often. We actually got stuck on a speed bump once, and I had to back up and take it a little faster to make it over. The break was not particularly good; stepping on it with full force would gently slow you down, but so would taking your foot off of the accelerator. All in all, it was an adventure, and kind of fun.

Dinner went well, and we were able to get back to the resort after some confusion on the unmarked one-way streets through town. It was a good day.

Another Lazy Day

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Today was another reading day. I am getting antsy to go out and do something, but we sat around reading again. It is nice sitting in the warm weather, despite the constant wind, but I still want to take advantage of being in a foreign country, on an island that I will probably never visit again.

Sarah and I did look into diving, but the wind is too strong and the seas too rough; all of the diving trips are being canceled. I was hoping to do Shark Ray Alley and possibly the Blue Hole, but was told that they probably will not be taking people out diving again until Thursday or Friday. We go home on Thursday.  Parasailing was also canceled because of the wind, although we were told that Jet Skis would be great right now with the waves. They are pretty expensive, but we may have to look into them. We did end up reserving a golf cart for tomorrow (at $90 for a 24 hour period–ouch), and will do some exploring on Monday. 

We have dinner plans coming up in just a little while, and the restaurant is going to send a boat out to our resort to pick us up. It sounds like a fancy place, and the food should be good.

Just off the coast, maybe a mile out, we can see the surf crashing against the barrier reef. There are huge waves, and the reef is the second longest in the world. I would love to get a kayak out to get a little closer, but today was too windy for that as well. Perhaps tomorrow will be better.

Update

We were picked up for dinner by a pretty fast speed boat, and taken along the super-highway that lies between the coastline and the reef. It was dark when we left, and the stars were bright in the sky. The boat was quite fast, and it was a thrilling trip. Coming into the dock, we barely missed ramming a dark boat that was running with no lights. Our captain was quite upset at the other boat, and reasonably so. Dinner at Portofino was good. Sarah and I shared a lobster with angel hair pasta and Aglio Eolio. We each took haft of each dish. The wind was still blowing on the way back, and we had to dodge waves crashing through the cracks of the dock, but the boat ride itself was relatively smooth, with just a bit of spray.