A Quiet, On-The-Road Moment

The theme of this summer is: Business Travel. From my calculations, I have been in a plane at least once a week since the third week of June. Finding myself in Las Vegas again for an early morning panel discussion, I banished all thoughts of going out for a nice dinner the night before or finally experiencing a performance of Cirque  de Soleil. Instead, I decided it was time to just breathe. I enjoyed a long bath in a giant bathtub. I toyed with the idea of watching the tv that was installed in the bathroom, but then realized that wouldn’t help me achieve my goal of doing absolutely nothing.

 Having succeeded in that pursuit, I then lounged in the white bathrobe provided by the Wynn Resort, and read magazines and occasionally experimented with the remote controlled sheers and curtains that covered the wall-o’-window that made up a good portion of my room’s structure – all from the comfort of my bed.

I haven’t been sleeping well on the road, which is unusual. I chalk it up to being a mommy now, always wondering what my Edie is doing at that exact moment, does she miss me, did I remember to do enough of her laundry (as though Gene has never been introduced to a washing machine before).

Oh, the thoughts that run through my mind. “We probably need more eggs at home. I wonder if Edie still likes yogurt. Why is she so terrified of public potties? That lady in the airport bathroom yesterday looked like she had a little too much fun in Vegas. How many times have I been in Vegas this year? Why can’t you get from Orange County to Las Vegas before  9 a.m.? I used to be able to sleep in until way after 9 a.m. What was the name of my high school teacher who used to fall asleep in the classroom? An English teacher. Mrs. Reed. Though, if her name had been Mrs. Read, it would have been funnier. Or was it Reid? Or Ried?” And so, as the sun rises on Sin City, I pull my thoughts together and do the 2 things that I know will get me in the proper frame of mind for my upcoming presentation: I play with the remote controlled sheers and curtains some more.

And I order a pot of tea.

Ah… Harney and Sons English Breakfast. Well served.

A Las Vegas Tee Moment

How many years has it been since Gene and I have visited Las Vegas for fun? No conferences, no trade shows, no boxes to unpack or meetings to snooze through? More than 5. More than 7, perhaps. In any case, off we went with no obligations or responsibilities. Edie had the pleasure of staying with my folks, so we were footloose and fancy-free.

As 30-somethings in town, we explored a different side of Vegas. Actually, we explored the daylight hours and activities and found we liked it very much! And we satisfied both of our desires for tea/tee.

Tee Time at Bear’s Best Las Vegas allowed us to experience Jack Nicklaus’ design – he built the course by selecting his favorite 18 holes from his more than 270 course designs worldwide. We were paired up with a local, who ended up being the best tour guide and golf partner you could ever ask for. Company: perfect. Weather: beautiful. A delightful blend of sun, sagebrush, sport and success (well, for Gene. My game was not so fabulous, but fun all the same).

Tee Time

Tea Time at the Bellagio’s Petrossian Bar, the next day, was a product of my desire to try (and fail) to make reservations in time during any of my last 3 Vegas visits (reservations must be made 24 hours in advance). This was Gene’s first time in accompanying me to tea, so I’m considering it an early Mother’s Day gift.  Tea at the Bellagio seems like it should be so romantic! Okay, maybe Ocean’s 11 has a little something to do with that.  After a bit of a rocky start with the hostess asking if we were there for “high tea” (ultra faux pas!!!), we were seated and our orders were taken. Tea was served on a 3-tiered tray: mini scones on top, an array of chocolate sweets in the middle, and tea sandwiches below. I liked being able to order the tea sandwiches of my choice (4 each).  While the tea selection was extremely limited, the Darjeeling and English Breakfast we ordered was served loose leaf in each pot. The bar itself is a strange situation – half enclosed and half with shuttered windows overlooking the casino floor. Tea is served in the half overlooking the casino, unfortunately, so I can’t give it high marks for atmosphere. But…

Tea Time

Company: perfect. Service: very good. A lovely combination of sweets, savories, schooling and smiles. What can I say? Vegas, baby. Vegas.