Hooliganting: PBR and Home

Hooliganting: PBR and Home: Sundays…the day of rest, but there isn’t rest for those that want to experience free breakfast at the Wyndham. We were up and out for 9...

PBR and Home

Sundays…the day of rest, but there isn’t rest for those that want to experience free breakfast at the Wyndham. We were up and out for 9:00 am with our breakfast at Starbucks. Lounging at the pools, eating our bagels and sipping at coffee, this seems like a way of life that I could so get used to. Sniff, I have to go home today.

But first, the PBR. Walking through the heating sun, we reached the Thomas and Mack Center and straight up we hiked to our nosebleed seats. We were lucky enough to sit next to an expert that filled us in on a lot of details about the bulls and riders. First, we had a concert by Easton Corbin and he rocked the PBR. Hands were waving and fans were singing right along. Awesome.

Flint Rasmussen went rather quiet for this event. Round five was full of the wrecks, spills and rides of a life time. The most touching moment was to see Chris Shivers retirement tribute. He has been a tremendous representative of the sport and really humble about it to boot. He was man enough to shed a tear on live television too, something I respect. He chose bulls that challenged himself and bucked off them for his troubles. He got the wreck of the night as well as he hung up on his bull rope against Monty the Bull. In the end, Robson Palermo won the average, Silvano Alves won the World Championship and Emilio Resende got the Rookie of the Year. The Brazilians are hungrier than the Canadians, Mexicans and the American’s I guess. I would have loved to have seen JB Mauney get a ride, or more Canadians ride but thems the breaks. I loved every second of it and would totally do it again. I loved seeing the children there and I loved the reverent and respectful flavor of it as well.

Cowboys!

Chris Shivers

Still on!

Flint Rasmussen

After the event and all the bells and whistles that went along with it, we trudged back to the hotel for the final time. I took the opportunity to have a free glass of zinfendal and rested my feet in the pool. Once our limousine arrived to take us to the airport, we rode away to the airport. Miraculously, the luggage was not overweight. So, we had dinner at the Chop House but the best thing? There was another Coffee Bean and Tea Company so I got another of my mocha hazelnut drinks to sip at on the plane. Yum.

Now, I am listening to the clanging of the slots as we wait for the plane to arrive to take us to the frigid cold north….doesn’t sound like a good idea, does it?

Nevada on Dwellable

Hooliganting: PBR, shopping and Jubilee

Hooliganting: PBR, shopping and Jubilee: Sleeping in seems to be an impossibility in Las Vegas. Today was no exception as we were awakened by the hotel calling to remind us tha...

PBR, shopping and Jubilee

Sleeping in seems to be an impossibility in Las Vegas. Today was no exception as we were awakened by the hotel calling to remind us that there was breakfast in 1.5 hours and were we still coming? Now, this is Las Vegas so you know we were up too late. I think the hotel staff take serious pleasure in sweetly and politely finding ways to ensure that you are too tired to create trouble. However, breakfast was lovely. I got an update on the timeshare situation at the Wyndham Grand Desert and then was presented with tickets to Jubilee for the 10:30 show.

Since we were up already, it was off to the strip. Our hotel runs a shuttle to Harrahs. We hopped on and began to weave our way through the casinos and the hotels to get to Bally’s to pick up the actual tickets for the show. Then we found the Miracle Mile shops again. My friend did another round at Victoria Secret while I spied something that I had missed the day before. The Coffee Bean and Tea Company. Oh yes…I hadn’t seen one of  those since Hawaii. My heart had palpitations and the excitement grew. Casually, I suggested that I would go there while she shopped. Ha! She left and I literally scurried into the shop and gleefully joined the line. Faster faster faster…hopping and shuffling my tapping feet….ah yes, “please may I have a frozen ½ hazelnut, ½ mocha please with two of those freshly baked chocolate croissants?” There they are, carefully being placed in bags. I had to share after all. I heard the blender whir, crushing the ice. Oh yes, it is being poured into that large clear cup. (By now the cashier is enjoying my excitement too as I am nothing if not entertaining at such times.) Peeling the paper of the straw, I stuck it into the frozen froth and sipped. Eyes rolled back into my head and to describe my expression, my friend said “You look like the cat that swallowed the canary.” I don’t think that even comes close.

My palette was in heaven so my friend took the opportunity to slip into a make up shop called Sephora. After fifteen minutes of aimlessly wandering, my nude face caught the attention of a makeup artist who decided to do my eyes. I had no idea that I could look that spectacular with just eye makeup. Smokey eyes are pretty awesome, I have to say. Of course I bought the product, are you kidding me? It even came with instructions on how to do it myself. They know how to sell their product and it feels really nice on.

The next stop was the M&M shop to collect the requested items for my muppets and then it was onto the PBR marketplace. We met Voodoo and Bushwacker, and had a close up with a lovely Dalmatian and some Clydesdales that were magnificent. I was saddened to learn that there were no Chicken on a Chain shirts being sold, but he was retiring so I guess they decided to promote other bulls. Ah well…The other thing we learned was that the Mandalay Bay is enormous and that the tram service saves your feet. It was a treat, but we did take a cab back to the hotel.

Oh dear, we quickly got changed and tried to connect with our limousine driver. However, the safe ate the tickets for the PBR. By the time we found them, he had gone on to collect his next guests. Being me, we met up with another couple who offered us a ride and gratefully, we accepted. They run a lodge up in the northern states and we can only imagine how wonderful their place must be based on their hospitable nature.

The PBR…I can’t describe it. It was Saturday night at the Built Ford Tough series, Round 4. The seats were crowded and the air was electric. More buills were ridden and the Canadians did OK. Flint Rasmussen complained about his lack of air time while making the day of a lovely fan. The cowboys did their jobs and we waited. Chris Shivers, retiring world champion cowboy versus retiring Champion Bull Chicken on a Chain. Who do you cheer for? It was an historic moment, and the round went to Chicken on a Chain at 6.5 seconds. The crowd sighed and moved on. It was also the “man enough to wear pink” night and it was incredible to see all these tough athletes and fans decked out in pink to support breast cancer awareness.

After the event, my friend and I did what we do best. We walked to the hotel and caught the shuttle to Harrah’s and walked to Bally’s. We snagged some pizza and headed into the theatre, not really sure what to expect. The show was risqué but incredible with the music and old Vegas glamour. For the family minded, definitely see it but at the child friendly show. The sets were elaborate and incredibly well done. The singing rivaled some of my favorite musicals and the stories told were delightful. I wwas surprised to see so many people leave during the performance. I guess the ladies were not peep show enough for the gentleman. I just also believe that it is rude to get up and walk out of a performance. I just listened to the music which was wonderful. Anyway, it was now one in the morning so we walked back to the hotel and packed furiously and crashed….home today after rounds 5 and 6.

Las Vegas on Dwellable

Hooliganting: Las Vegas, Grand Canyon, Black Canyon and Jabbawoc...

Hooliganting: Las Vegas, Grand Canyon, Black Canyon and Jabbawoc...: “Random acts of tourism” is a phrase that I have become rather notorious for in my travels. Being in Las Vegas, there is so much ...

Las Vegas, Grand Canyon, Black Canyon and Jabbawockeez

“Random acts of tourism” is a phrase that I have become rather notorious for in my travels. Being in Las Vegas, there is so much to see and do that it can become a sensory experience that feels crowded, overwhelming and frantic. There are choices to be made over shows, dining experiences and those street entertainers trying to earn a living. Having said all that, Las Vegas feels very subdued, well at least as subdued as Vegas ever gets. The night before, we wandered the streets with ease and without hassle. This was unusual. Perhaps this is Las Vegas at its best.

But this is me you are travelling with. While I can see all the bright lights and shopping, gambling and dining, and the show advertising beckoning, there is a larger pull. A draw that is irresistible enough to get me out of bed at 4:30 am. (And I am soooo not a morning person!) Blearily eyed, we stumbled to the elevator and crossed to the door to wait for our 5 star driver to arrive. Thankfully, he was late enough that the Starbucks had opened and we were able to get coffee for the drive. What was the draw? Oh yes, the 5 star helicopter tour to the Grand Canyon.

The tour was phenomenal. Captain Mike flew us over Boulder City to the Hoover Dam, Lake Mead, Fortification Hill and then swooped down into the Western Rim of the Canyon. It was amazing. The rugged cliffs and the Colorado River. The captain also kept up a steady flow of information. I was fortunate or unfortunate enough to have the middle front seat in the ‘copter. I was able to see absolutely everything, but I had to sit diagonally with my body so as to not impede the pilot. Women have hips, it would be wise to acknowledge that or take out that seat. Trying to describe the canyon will not do it justice and really, it is foolish to try and describe beauty that has to be experienced.

We landed at the top to visit the Gift Shop and snack bar. Shivering, we took pictures and huddled indoors to get warm as the wind was furiously nipping at our core. It is 8:00 am. Then, we flew back to the base and got dropped off at the Hacienda Hotel.

 Our tour at this time was taken over by Black Canyon River Adventures. Oh yes, we might be cold but we were not done! We drove out and visited the Gold Mines at El Dorado. This might be a new favorite stop as I was fascinated by the people that lived there and the site itself. Alarmingly, we were warned of rattle snakes, tarantulas and cactus plants that like to attach themselves to you. All this before we had to board the bus and get off to walk down a path to the Lake. Wow. The cliffs rose above our heads and the sun was brilliant off the water. We boarded the raft and got handed our lunches. It is a good thing that we ate right away as the wind picked up water and soaked us down. So much so that we had a beach stop and pulled on rain ponchos for the sole purpose of staying dry. The spray was clear and cold. But, this was so worth it. The black canyon was glorious with the lava rock formations, green waters and white sand beaches. We floated all the way to Willow Beach, Arizona.

(For those that are wondering, I have no idea why I travel to one state and wind up visiting another while there. It does seem to be a random act of tourism habit.)

Boarding the bus, we headed for home. Until our driver suggested that we could go shopping. That led to the Premium Outlets South where I shopped gleefully and purposefully. Christmas shopping is almost done! I just don’t know how it is all getting home again. It will take a bit of strategy on my part…since of course I over packed to get here…another bad habit~!

Three hours later and with enough stuff to fill another suitcase, we cabbed back to the hotel. Got changed and headed back to the strip. We found Tickets 4 Tonite and bought show tickets for Jabbawockeez. This show is wonderfully funny and entertaining, knowing that you are seeing Hip Hop dancers at their best. The humor and messaging through-out the performance makes it worth seeing. In addition, I have taken notes and have a lot more learning to do myself… We had dinner at the café before that. The food was amazing but the staff…and the service at the Monte Carlo as a whole…between the box office and the wait staff we were nearly late for our show. Just a heads up, get your tickets from the Concierge well ahead (hours!!) and eat somewhere  that respects the show times and can be honest as to whether or not you have enough time to eat. We asked and were assured that there was no problem until….there was a problem. My friend never finished her food as a result. Crazy.

Afterwards, we gambled and wandered the strip home. 1:30 am is bed time….lol. And now, for something different…sleeping until 8:00~

Arizona on Dwellable

Hooliganting: Las Vegas: Planes, Taxis and the PBR

Hooliganting: Las Vegas: Planes, Taxis and the PBR: The alarm clanged loudly and I managed to stumble out of bed, snag my suitcases and meander out into the frigid 4:00 am blanketed dawn. It w...

Las Vegas: Planes, Taxis and the PBR

The alarm clanged loudly and I managed to stumble out of bed, snag my suitcases and meander out into the frigid 4:00 am blanketed dawn. It was swirling ice pellets and I huddled into my coat and then into the taxi. Destination: Las Vegas. Little did I know, but this was to be the day of very irritating taxi experiences.

Now, where I live you have to book a taxi in advance. They ask for your method of payment to which I responded with credit card. I was very clear. Cab fare from my house to the airport averages about $50.00 so that is always more than I like to have on me. So, I get to the airport and reach over to provide the driver with my card. He blatently and belligerantly refuses to take my card and demands that I go into the airport to get cash and incur the bank fee. I thought not so I called the cab company (Access cabs) and tried to get some resolution only to discover that the attendent at that end was completely hopeless as well. I finally opted for the bank machine option so that I didn't miss my flight. However, I deducted the amount of the fee from the bill.The flights were easy and relatively on time with Air Canada. Even with the deicing and the snow, I actually managed to get to Las Vegas early.

I landed in Las Vegas, collected my bags at the snazzy new terminal and headed out to the cab stand. The line was shuffling along nicely and I was thrilled to be close to the warm skies and bright sunshine. Finally it was my turn. I loaded my suitcase and hopped into the cab, only to discover that this driver had no idea where the Wyndham Grand Desert Resort was. None at all. Frustrated, I got out and rifled through my purse in order to find the paperwork that had the address on it. Then, I had to enquire as to who actually knew where the hotel was. I got a great driver in the end that took me the shortest way (not the usual in Vegas as they like to trap tourists into driving the strip) and I got to the resort. No wonder contestants on the Amazing Race have issues.

The hotel at the Wyndham Grand Desert Resort, well lets say it is lovely. There are pools, lovely rooms and a very accommodating staff. There is free limousine services and it is walking distant from the Strip without being on the strip. My friend and I have the one bedroom suite to ourselves and feel like we could live here. This place is lovely. 

So, this is Las Vegas. We had a couple of hours to kill and since my friend elected to pack her daughters clothes instead of her own, we went shopping at the Miracle Mile Shops. That is fun, especially Victoria Secret. Laden down with our purchases, we raced back to the hotel and tossed the bags into our room before heading down to the cab stand at the hotel. The limousines were all booked and the cab driver refused to take us claiming there was too much traffic. He suggested that we walk and in the end, to make it on time for the PBR, we did.  Craziness. 

At the Thomas and Mack Center, we collected our tickets and then headed in. There is something electric about the air in the nosebleed seats that we had. You can feel the heat from the fireworks and are eye level with the Jumbotron. There is a great layout created that allows you to see no matter where you are sitting so it was incredible to watch. Chris Shivers on his retirement World Finals rodeo won the round. We laughed with the clowns, admired the bravery of the athletes and well – you have to know that there is an incredible amount of advertising. (Insert about an hours worth for the event). I know they depend on sponsorship but I have to wonder if there is a better way for the spectators that have come from across the country to see it live and in person. I would rather be introduced to the stock and have feature commentaries on who the stock contractors are than listen to a million plugs for products. Don’t get me wrong, I thoroughly loved the event and am going back on Saturday but…

J.B. Mauney after riding the last draft pick available in round 2: Awesome!

After the event, starvation set in. We walked back along our route (knowing full well that today was not the day to be trying to get a cab) and headed into the Hard Rock Café. They were featuring a live band who rocked out some amazing tunes. The food was pretty good too. Now, it is time for bed…the Grand Canyon awaits.

Nevada on Dwellable