What happens in Vegas...

...may be seen through the shower wall! Yes, here's a view of the Vegas Strip straight out of the shower!

Notice the Stratosphere in the horizon?

I must admit this is the first time I've ever seen something like this. I could both watch TV and keep an eye (if shampoo wasn't in it) on The Strip. You, too, can have this view from the Rio Hotel. (I didn't get to choose the hotel!)

It's Minus 5 in the Desert!

Or at least that's the name of the bar at Mandalay Bay!

While it is a little cool here in Vegas (highs around mid- to low-50's, can't remember the lows) and there is snow on the mountain tops, it was still quite a contrast to walk into a bar that was literally 5 below zero.

Yes, it's a gimmick but one that I've never experienced so I tried it.

They loan you (for a fee, of course) a parka, boots, and gloves. (Hats are extra.) You strip yourself of watch, cell phone, and iPod and store them in a locker. Once you enter the bar, you drink from glasses made of ice and sit on faux fur hides that are covering the ice seats. You have to use a coaster so your ice glass doesn't stick to the ice tables or bars.

The drink wasn't good and some of the company was strange. A few drunk, semi-obnoxious guys stripped to bare chests and got loud for the photographer who takes pictures for sale later. But, alas, I can now say "Been there, done that"...even if I didn't buy the t-shirt.

Pecha Kucha, Las Vegas Style

At a conference in Vegas and got turned on to Pecha Kucha. The concept is that you have 20 slides (pictures) and 20 seconds for each slide. That's 6 minutes and 40 seconds to tell a story, introduce your life and passions, teach something, inspire or motivate others, etc. It's powerful, and a very intriguing art form.

Many U.S. and non-U.S. cities are sponsoring Pecha Kucha nights. See if your city is doing one. I just missed a few in cities near me. I'll be sure to find one in my travels.

Wanderings

"Counting the cars on the New Jersey Turnpike.
They've all gone to look for America."

Simon and Garfunkel, America

On the Turnpike heading south for the weekend. Stunning sunset. Not counting cars...this time. The song reminds me of a drive to Martha's Vineyard when I lived there for 3 months.

It's soon going to be time

Another location change is coming. This time the work destination is unknown and I'm feeling OK about that. Planning the Great American Road Trip if there's not a job at the end of this adventure in the Big City/Big Apple. I've already mapped out the trip at a high level, including how I'll sleep in the back of the pickup to save money.

Will get practice at a mini-road trip in two weeks - including Frank Lloyd Wright's Taliesen West. If it's half the experience of Taliesen in Spring Green, Wisconsin, it will be more than special.