Just as at Planet Hollywood (the Miracle Mile), these shopping malls give the appearance of being open air but in reality (strange word to use when talking about Vegas I know) they are under cover. They project a few clouds in a blue sky overhead and it can catch you out at first! Thought I might venture into Chanel's at Caesar's Palace Forum Shops to buy something for Alyson - but then thought better of it! Already have her pressie anyway...
Glad to head East and finally get the chance to see New York. Four nights in Vegas should be more than enough for anybody! There sure are some strange characters out there and I'm hoping I've left most of them behind. I'm about to find out, having just checked into my NYC accommodation (Hotel Giraffe), which is situated on Park Avenue South. First impressions are very, very good - free cheese and wine reception every night, wireless internet included, as is continental breakfast. So far, so good!
Once again I have been fortunate to get a great room (complimentary upgrade to a suite no less!). The room last night at LAX (Sheraton Gateway) was OK but the reading material they leave in every room put the wind up me a bit. Talked about not divulging the hotel name or the room number to anyone, making sure you are not followed back if out at night, not opening the room door to anyone without verifying their credentials, not leaving any valuables in the room, keeping a loaded weapon under your pillow, etc, etc (you get the drift). I elected to stay in the hotel and eat at their Italian Restaurant (perhaps all the warnings were merely designed to encourage you to eat in?). Tried a New York Strip (essentially a steak with a very tasty sauce). I took all my valuables down with me and left two cases with the Concierge whilst I ate! Left the larger suitcase with just clothes in it (but still hid it behind the sofa whilst I was gone!) Up at 5:20am to shower and get to LAX in good time for my LAX-NYC flight with American Airlines. And that's pronounced AMERKN Airlines by the way! As a member of the Qantas Club as well as a Business Class perk, I was "invited" into the Admiral's Club at LAX - it is a Qantas Club partner arrangement for airport lounges. Talk about a massive disappointment! At the Qantas longes you get "free" internet, "free" drinks (alcoholic, tea, coffee, soft drinks, etc) and a wide selection of "free" food - hot and cold. At the Admiral's Club I managed to get a mug of rubbish coffee and a free read of one newspaper. Internet and all the food and drinks items were available to purchase. Some shared arrangement that is....can't imagine why anybody would pay to join the American version. The flight itself was OK - the interior was just a bit tired looking.
So, here I am settling in for my Big Apple experience. Tomorrow afternoon I am meeting up with a volunteer from a group called "Big Apple Greeters". They give their time to partner up with new visitors to New York and arrange to show off a little bit of their city from a native's perspective. Looking forward to it and have already spoken with my Greeter - a guy called Peter. He is meeting me around 3:00pm in front of the "Met" - the Metropolitan Museum of Art (at least I hope that is where we agreed to meet!). So many different Museums of Art! This one is next to Central Park (East side), so I intend to gorge myself on the "free" breakfast and then head out towards Central Park. I guess it will take about 45-55 minutes to walk to the Met so will leave early and make time to see and photograph some of the Park.
Onwards and upwards (especially upwards at this place)!
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