flashman181

Last full day in Chicago and plans will depend on 3 things – weather, knee and ankle in that order. Odd how the knee is currently worse than ankle . Dense fog around this morning which raises the question of course – has there ever been smart fog ? Delays at airport so glad not flying out today . Always sad to leave one place just as have hang of the area and transport to move to another and have to learn its system and foibles. While the weather has been great would like to have seen some more chill around for next week. Could be positively balmy at 12-22. These are what are loosely called first world problems – a term I have used on occasion but actually think it is overused for certain things like complaints about Qantas delays. We live in the first world , we pay first world prices, maybe we should get first world service 🎃 And yes it’s Halloween . Now where is that Cortado . Bloody Fog ! PS Shove your pumpkin spice latte up your ass too while you are at it .

Cortado excellent as usual . The fog may lift today but fear a heavy cloud will descend on Big Ass staff when I tell them tomorrow is my last day . Much like the Tem po cafe I am about to PO. Apparently

Let’s check the Holy Trinity after that exhausting 3 min stroll

Fog will lift ✅

Ankle will hurt ✅

Knee is fucked ❎

Well as The Loaf would say , 2 out of 3 ain’t bad but crap it ain’t good either. So much for the afternoon of rest yesterday . Now for todays slightly altered plan . Altered as in what can I do within a 100 m radius of hotel . Not a lot actually . Oh well, suck it up Princess .

Well it’s Halloween better start Hobblin. The fog certainly adds some atmosphere at 8 am in the morning 🎃

Headed over to the Art Museum praying it was closed . Whew. It’s a great area though near Millenium Park where they keep the Falcon parked apparently . I would be lion if I said I could see very far in this fog though

Speaking of long distances have always wanted to travel Route 66 but just assumed it would take too long. Well , bugger me only took 5 mins 🕺🏻

Pretty well roo ted by now so was near my fave 151 Bus stop and there was one awaiting for me. Have to say the attitude and helpfulness of the bus drivers is excellent . Chances of finding a decent coffee on MM were remote but thought would have a sticky at Starbucks Roostery and it wasn’t wasted . They have exceptional toilets and the best taps have seen. Under for washing, to the side for drying . Works a treat . Of course then hobbled home for a cup of tea as Mamma didn’t raise no fool boy. Ok maybe talking too much to the bus driving ladies. 😏

Then as luck would have it hit the motherload back at SoftlySell. They had a Sundries fridge for those extras – under lock and key – like you know …..water.

One thing have struggled here in US with is artificial sweetener . Yes plenty of varieties but only like Equal and haven’t seen any since arrived . Until now next to the locked fridge . Like winning lotto only a lot lot sweeter . I loaded up

11 am up date . It’s foggy. Seems like a sign may need an Irish Coffee 🤔

Hobbled up to The Brehon , about a 10 min walk . Started with the Irish Coffee and yeah it was ordinary as feared. Then mixed it up with a Harp Lager this time and ordered some lunch – pulled pork roll. One thing will say in USA the meals are enormous and generally good value. This was only $13 .

The fog on the streets had moved to my brain now so knew it was time to head home with the first step of the stool always the scariest . Made it home slowly but surely .

Will be a quiet afternoon again but will head out later for one last drink. That won’t be blogworthy , especially a blog of this pedigree so will sign off now 🕺🏻

This stay in Chicago has been a reality check for the next two weeks. Clearly am limited with significant unexpected restrictions which are only likely to increase with time. Still having fun but would not have come if had known it would be this difficult. Still having a good time, just not doing justice to some amazing cities. It’s not like I come on holidays to relax because I can do that 24/7 in Maryhole 😏

Sofitel has been fine but haven’t checked out yet and got final bill🤞. It’s a good location and quiet . Am checked in tomorrow for flight at 1130 to Philly but of course will be out there ridiculously early 😀. Into a VRBO this time rather than hotels so hopefully a bit more relaxing .

GO PHILLIES

Now not all plans are rock solid as brilliant as they may be . A tweak here, a twist there . The weather forecast suggested cloudy start with rain on the way. We will give the sunrise over the river a rest then and catch a bus up to Wrigley Field to see if it’s still there. Of course, still have my Big Ass Cortado first up natch

Short walk to bus stop for quite a long ride but not crowded so all good. Yep it’s still there but not much else. A few photos and caught next bus back to Gold Coast neighbourhood which is basically my Hood.

Time for some slow walking and fast talking if accosted . It’s a lovely area and of course Sunday morning is doggie park day. Beautiful homes and luxurious cars abound. And not too many rescue dogs methinks . Magic time of year with the falling fall leaves although doubt everyone agrees

Part of my rapidly forming weather driven plan was also to check out the Halloween decorations in the houses here and not disappointed . They may be rich folk but they can have fun. Could be a few nightmares around here tomorrow night …. I’m here all week try the deep dish pizza

The weather is cloudy but very pleasant at present. Of course the real smarts in my plan this morning was filling in the 4 hrs until the Pubs open at 11 am.😏 I feel a Guinness coming on

It came on and went down. First Irish Pub tried was closed for some odd reason at midday so carried on to the Kerryman. Patrons were already lining up for the Bears game this afternoon so could get wild later on. Not that it is likely to bother me as may just have to admit defeat today. Great morning walking around but think the last stop start has finished me for the day . The ankle is a constant of course but the knee comes and goes a bit. Like the little girl though when it is bad it is horrid as it is now . Sitting on a bar stool for 45 mins and then trying to walk home is not easy 😢

So settled in for a quiet afternoon watching LIV golf final and maybe some NFL. Time for some peace and quiet

Knock Knock

Housekeeping

And so a couple of hours later pulling up stumps for the day . With 2 weeks to go best to rest now or will not make it to the end . Not happy Jan

At least the LIV golf is good – something did not expect to be saying this year

Better nights sleep and maybe because no alcohol after 2 pm. Shan’t let that happen again. Into my routine now . Out of bed around 615 am and place both feet on floor. If reasonably level and don’t collapse when stand then it’s full steam ahead for the day . Try not to trip over fridge in middle of room and get changed and hit the ground for my morning Cortado. But first ….

So after hyperventilating for 10mins yesterday put a laundry list in with only 8 items and still a bill of $43 with delivery ! You tick off what you number of each item put in and they tick if they agree . Leave out by 9 am and return by 6pm. So by 7 pm rang to see where my laundry was. They delivered it 10 mins later

Now maybe people who pay for their laundry – a lack of laundromats in Chicago nearby duh (another scam) – don’t care how much or went to private school and didn’t do Math but this LBD did . So , on way out this morning approached front desk

“ Bonjour Sir “ Still with the French nonsense

“ Cut the crap Pal. Do they teach Math in Frogland ? Someone tried the old laundry shim sham on me and didn’t fall for it “

“Let me check Sir. Yes you are right Sacre Bleu “

“ No shit Sherlock. Adjust , or will ram a nuclear sub up you ass and it’s American made not French ha “

Out into the night and onto Big Shoulders . Guess the Woke Brigade weren’t happy with original name of Big Ass. Had the breakky burrito as well as an excellent Cortado. A good coffee makes such a difference

So the afore mentioned routine involves a nice walk after breakfast along the Magnificent Mile towards the river. Fact – it’s only 1606 m. Bloody Yanks again eh . Despite the ankle/knee imbroglio I still try to walk as much as possible on holidays to counter the increased calorie intake . It was tempting though

Still I wouldn’t be able to stop and take photos then that enthral you all eh

Always been a morning person since I was born. At 4 am . The weather remains glorious and the pay off is sunrise. Simply stunning views and no crowds. Slightly different part of the river this time with the creative title of …..wait for it….Riverwalk . Being Fall there are leaves everywhere and at least 4 people with blowers were picking up 100s of leaves . I suggested to them “ that’s easy you wait until they get in your bunkers . I got a blank look “

Next part of the plan varies because that is how I roll ,especially ankles . Yesterday Millennium Park , today Union Station. Once again the buses impress. Clean, move through traffic, on time , great digital info. And the 3 day mobile pass works a treat on phone. Some more bridges in this area of course and the odd skyscraper

Being second visit to Chicago – first 2013 – I am certainly repeating the classics but why wouldn’t you. Places like Union a station you could visit every second week let alone every 9 years . One of my lesser know abilities is to cut tourists out of pictures . It’s an art. Of course I also arrive early

Final part of routine then is to head home for a cuppa and work out todays drinking plan for when it’s socially acceptable . You know …8 am. Another great bus ride home, a couple of supplies including tonight’s salad and chill for a bit. It’s a struggle at times but hey I ain’t the slowest mover on the sidewalk baby

Decided to head up in general direction of Lincoln Park and check out the Gold Coast area where I stayed previously and remember the houses were keen on Halloween. With a solid plan in place involving a short walk to my fave bus stop 151 I went down in the lift . Something didn’t feel right . I was missing something . A cane . Also, have not had a drink yet but see 3 of me 😳

Decided to give it a whirl and check out the new me. It’s like the old me only totally stuffed . Get on bus and without cane have to make way to back of bus with GU. Short trip to Lincoln Park and then work my way back through Old Town amusing myself as I go

It was well past 11 am now so time to find a Pub for a quenching ale or an ailing wench. I went with the beer at LGs – Life’s Good

Suitably recharged decided could walk home from here. Beer does that . Half way home and walked past Lou Malnatis and then thought well why not . It was lunch time after all. Fronted the bar and sat next to what appeared to be a normal looking 35 yr old woman of normal size. I mention this because not soon after I sat down a good size order of Wings came out for her. Fine. I ordered a beer and a classic pizza for 1 . It takes 35 mins to cook . The old beer shim sham . Anyhoo after 10 mins the Sheila finishes her wings and her pizza comes out . I am still waiting of course and order a second beer. Meanwhile the lady finishes her pizza and then mine arrives . A good size portion. Then fuck me she orders the Tiramisu , a good size portion just quietly . She didn’t quite finish it all but a fair effort 👏🏻

Now, without my cane I just appear as your standard stud muffin so after sitting for 45 mins my first few steps were going to be difficult and stumbling …..you know, like a drunk 😏 An average woman out eats me 2:1 and then two beers appears to have the Wobbly Boot on. Did my best Kiwi accent and stumbled out and walked home

So, while chilling for a couple waiting for CLP to wake up a couple of comments/whines. It’s easy to get a Cortado now but no one has ever heard of American Honey Sting at a bar ?? Secondly I am sick of tired of paying full price for a “service” and then receiving multiple emails asking for a review. Be careful what you ask for Clowns .

On a beautiful afternoon let’s head towards the beach now with no great planning. Apparently planning is worthwhile . While I could clearly see the beach there was no way to cross highway 500m in either direction

Oh well will just do a circuit of the block and look at the rich peoples homes. Get to the far corner and out of corner of eye see in the distance something resembling a pedestrian tunnel ? Let’s investigate

What goes down must come up and here I am at the beach. Nice to walk on the sand and look back at the buildings

That will do for another full day in glorious weather . Back to Le Bar for La Drink . A rumbo will settle the nerves . Weather forecast not so flash next two days so will put my thinking cap on . This is me thinking

And I’m thinking, will I have another drink 🤔

Wow, been here almost a week and still have $20 left 👏🏻 That should buy a roll of Mentos if I stinge on the tip .

Once again soft lumpy beds, 37 soft pillows and an all in one doona make for a rough nights sleep. Seriously , in cities where they say “Now wear layers Sonny “ you can’t give a sheet at least . It’s either be cold or be warm but don’t you dare be comfortable. So, maybe 4 hrs sleep total . I swallowed a very large pill and put a few items in the laundry bag and hung on door . Also noted my blood type because if you want starch apparently they may need a kidney. FMS

This meant I was raring to go at 6 am and start the Hobblin because Halloween was approaching and had to practice . Or as they call it here, night time😏 Area is not dodgy of course but still some odd bods around and this is where cane comes in handy . Did my research and Cafe Umbria served Cortado and was about a 20 min walk and opened at 630 am. Left at 620 am to be safe and stopped in to a church to pray for good coffee. It worked ! Excellent

Close to the river now and it’s 27 bridges and sun was almost considering getting up so made a beeline for Millenium Park. Along the way again some glorious shots of architecture if I do say so myself

A bit further along and came across some well known landmarks so of course had to stop and shoot eh , not a term to use loosely in Chicago of course.

The sun was peeking through now and it was nice and quiet this early so had the Bean mostly to myself. As suspected the Fall leaves are glorious and it was an amazing time of day. Old Whiskers is knocking out some pretty handy work of late

Two things always approach with trepidation on holidays are hookers …..oops wrong holiday …… first use of washing machines ( not an issue yet !) and first use of public transport. Got my Ventra card and loaded a 3 day pass and all easy peasy. Caught the red line to Chicago stop which is a 3 min walk from Sofitel. Had to stand because many seats were taken up with men sleeping on them , as in laying down, at 8 am in the morning so even the cane didn’t work. Dropped in to Seven Eleven for some supplies and then back to room for breather and planning now I have the train thing down . Having said that plan to walk to Navy Pier later but of course nothing opens here until 11 am . At least now I have some milk and tea bags, time to ring down for an actual kettle and maybe a cup ! Mind you as bad as the ankle is now I know it’s going to be worse when I start again. Have to say hard to see how I will make it to New York but just have to suck it up I guess 😢. Oh, and the laundry gone so hope it was picked up and not just stolen by a passer by my size😏 Actually looking around this last week not sure many of these folk would squeeze into my clothes. 😳

Ok, maybe we try some more strapping this time.

Time to catch a bus which only leaves the horse and carriage in the Transport Trifecta Bingo. Route 66 took me to Navy Pier and not Santa Monica but it was a good trip and not crowded. Would say 30% people here wear masks and 95% of them would be elderly . Today is a simply a glorious day and also good time to get around with weekend coming up and we all know what that means – bloody tourists .

Halloween is starting to kick in around this place. Two faves are Margaritaville and Harry Carey’s Tavern. Had a mango margarita first up but you wouldn’t know it by the colour. I force myself to drink here for CLPs benefit as she is a huge fan. Of Jimmy Buffet, not me .

Then it was a hop, skip and a stumble to Harry’s and once again thought better eat something so had some very tasty sausage ravioli. And a beer just to mix it up a bit

Then back home nice and easy and now comes the tricky part. How to not waste a beautiful afternoon when already done so much and had a few sherberts . Wonder where those horse and carriages are 🤔

Now being an expert on the subway I decided to head north this time and have a gander at Goose Island Brewhouse. Yes folks that is the level of humour here

Not much else up around there of interest so caught the subway back. Will be interesting to see NYC subways because Chicago is where the dregs congregate. No courtesy at all for cane I’ll just leave my bag on the seat next to me or put my feet up. At first stop two seats opened up and about to sit down when middle aged woman standing pointed at me and thought she was offering seat but no she was asking me to move so her 10 yr old daughter could get past and they took both seats . And of course beggars in every carriage . Will try more for buses methinks or just stay closer to home. Speaking of which found Big Shoulders Coffee 200 m from hotel and they serve Cortado. And Breakfast. Winner Winner Chicken Dinner. Which is spooky because it’s true actually. Having spent todays budget on that xtra pack of Juicy Fruit I was left with $7 which bought a take away Chicken Salad from local store . Fuck the tip

Don’t get me wrong it’s been a wonderful time so far with glorious weather but it’s a balancing act having a good time and keeping an eye on the money all the time. And let’s not even think what it is in $AUD 😢. It’s 330 pm and I am in for the day and counting the hours until

Shocking nights sleep with a 3am wake up call in. Not sure I slept at all and was awake certainly before any call. All packed last night so just had to check out and catch a cab to airport. Of course I arrived ridiculously early at 4am for a 630 am flight but wasn’t gambling just because still in Vegas . It was already getting busy and is a cut lunch between terminals. $5 for the valet $10 extra for the cabbie, $5 tip for the desk side bag drop. I tell ya, money is flowing down the drain over here and don’t get me started on the $65 cab fare today. Of course little anal me straight away converts to $AUD and then the real tears start

Anyhoo thought would get something to eat at Ruby’s in Terminal D and the only hot option was a egg/bacon type muffin for $10 so asked for “ the muffin thanks “ . Got some juice as well so suprised when bill was only $9 and thought was on a winner again . Waited and then they bought my muffin out “ you want jelly with that Hon “? Duh , no why would I . Ok so they sold me a fucking toasted muffin and nothing else not even butter . FMS . Not a good start . Plane was chockers as usual and it was a cramped 3.5 hr flight but arrived a few mins early , bag came out quickly as did Taxi. Slow trip in of course but arrived around 130 pm which was a great result . Checked in. “ The mini bars in the room don’t work at present. Would you like a fridge ? Well of course.”Ok we will send one up and it is now sitting in middle of floor ! It’s a pleasant room certainly on the 22 nd floor but not really as luxurious as advertised. It will do of course

Then it was time to get lay of land and also cross off first tradition – a visit to Billy Goat Tavern for a cheezeborger. About a 15 min walk . Headed down just in T Shirt and jeans as had been a busy last hour. Lordy Lordy . Temp said it was 15 but you always have to factor in wind chill. Quickly back up stairs for jumper and still a bit cool . Glad I bought some gloves and beanie in case

Wasn’t quite grabbing me yet and then headed up to Michigan Ave and remembered what I love about Chicago – the buildings. Think Fall will be a good time to visit as well. Walked the Magnificent Mile and can see some Halloween Happenings around

When word spread that Mr Magnificent was actually on the Mile today the Press gathered of course

Time then to head home after a very long day and pick up some supplies . On these jaunts I do drink a lot at different places but rarely do the eating caper justice and pick up a salad or similar and have an early night . Part of the problem, or joy, of solo travelling but really couldn’t be sitting down to fancy meals every day at these prices . Give me drinking anytime . Speaking of which let’s check out the Cheese Eating Surrender Monkey offering at Sofitel – LE Bar. It was damn fine actually and had a very cold Sam Adams. Then I had a beer……

Last and only visit to Chicago was in 2014. There will be some double up of course like with Billy Goat but will do some research tonight but if weather nice tomorrow then likely start at Navy Pier , about a 20 min walk . At this stage weather looks pretty good for the 5 night stay with maybe some rain on Sunday

Before signing off some things that do annoy me about USA Lodgings apart from all the taxes. Again no utensils or plates as such , just a couple of glasses. No microwave, no kettle, no toaster . It’s all designed to gouge the customer . And of course no laundary 😡

Which raises the question , Why would women stay here , let alone how do they fill the day in 🤔

Ouch .

Last full day of being full in a Vegas. Off to Chicago tomorrow at 630 am so means a very early start for this LBD . Some planning then was required as to which drinking establishments deserved the honour of my company .

Starting the day with an Irish Coffee seemed a solid plan and a good start with a 3 pronged attack first up. Ri Ra at Mandelay Bay was a 25 min walk so even though the left knee has gone out in sympathy with right ankle headed off on another glorious day. The coffee was nothing special but no Starbucks either to be sure 😏

Then it was time to check out Allegiant Stadium although pedestrian access was a bit tricky. Needed to cross Frank Sinatra Drive and then Dean Martin drive but both fast moving freeways .Went the long way around over Hacienda Ave and got there eventually . It is a very impressive place for us Raiders fans

The third leg of my cunning plan was another 15 min walk to Hollywood Car museum which liked the look of. Glad made the effort as has pretty much every famous car you could think of. Don’t believe me ?Make yourself a cuppa

I could feel a song coming on George so naturally sat down and entertained the yokels with a bit of “ You Are My Sunshine “

My other bit of clever planning involved using the Monorail as the MGM is the final stop and the Sahara the first stop. Time to Uber to Sahara given we are in the desert after all. Not having to deal with constant pain momentarily freed the brain to hatch a clever plan in the back seat . The Monorail Drinking Game – patent pending . Have a drink at all 6 stops .

The Sahara was surprisingly impressive given its age and there was some great Rat Pack images . The Casbar was also a treat , ah Thank you very much .🕺🏻

To be fair I skipped the next two stops as no bars before arriving at Harrahs. Time for some lunch I guess which I tend to forget when on these drink runs . Walk Ons was a Taste of Louisiana so had some boom boom shrimp which was delicious.

Next stop was Caesars via Flamingo . A bit of a trek but not a bad thing at this stage . It’s a place that looks impressive on the outside but a bit gaudy and pretentious inside. Found a bar but staff rather indifferent

Skipped the Paris stop as was there on Monday and carried on to the MGM . Decided on an Expresso Martini at Mansion Casino as had heard good things . It was fine but like the Irish Coffee it’s all down to individual tastes

On way back to room noticed pool on other side of MGM was open and looked inviting. A sober up wouldn’t hurt at this stage , back for the sluggos . Great way to chill for an hour

A couple of hours back in room to relax before heading out for a last drink. Had an Irish bar lined up for a Guinness tradition but left run a bit late and ended up in beer garden with a plastic cup 😢

My Gambling Experience/Tips in Vegas.( Knowledge Level -1)

So, on way back to rooms finally stopped in casino and put $20 in a slot . A few spins a few bells and cashed out $41. That earns another drink. Went to nearest bar and ordered a Southern Comfort . No one knows AMERICAN Sting here 😏 Every second bar has gambling machines at seat

“ Are you gambling Sir (Poker) “?
No, why
“Well if u r can comp the $15 Sc “
Line em up Chauncey
Put $20 in and played for 10 mins. Cashed out $15

So half an hour of fun and $15 up. Just enough for takeaway Nathan’s Hotdog and Fries. Living the life #highroller

And that’s is from Vegas folks, it’s been a blast

As long as I can wake up at 330 in morning should be on the 630 am flight to Chicago. Weather looks good 7 -15 . Darool Darool

Woke up bright eyed and bushy tailed to another glorious day . Threw open the curtains and suddenly a malaise came over me and my euphoria faded . Didn’t know why but then it dawned on me

Not a lot of time for breakfast so was stuck with Starbucks on site and when I say stuck I mean I stuck the coffee cup in the bin after first sip. The ham and cheese croissant would have to do.

Picked up on time and the old # canemagic worked a treat again as invited to sit up front next to driver in the comfy solo chair

It was easy to spot the trouble makers in the group as they missed the pick up and were connected back to us by another driver. They were never late after that but always last back which of course being morons they thought was funny. 2.5 hr drive out with a mid way comfort stop just after we crossed into Arizona. Looks an exciting place

We stopped at the stopping point which kinda made sense. It was called Eagle Point and where the Skywalk is situated . Ward , my close up driving pal and tour guide , suggested to spend most of our time at second spot Guano Point. Sounded like a bat shit crazy idea to me . I did pay for Skywalk but after hearing about the no phones, special shoes etc caper passed on and after a few snaps went to Skyview restaurant for the excellent included lunch. Then onto Guano and it was indeed stunning

Bought a couple of tacky souvenirs to fill in time because of course I was first back to bus. Then onto Hoover Dam on way back to Vegas. An impressive erection indeed and quite alarming to see the low water levels. The Pat Tillman bridge above is apparently the second tallest bridge in the world. The tallest is made up entirely of thrown away Starbucks coffee cups. Fact

It is surprisingly close to Vegas so dropped off just before 5pm. Asked to be dropped at Bellagio as wanted to see fountains and couldn’t see me coming back at night. Glorious colours once more at that time of day

Picked up a salad for dinner on way home and also some T Shirts for kidlets so have a carefree day tomorrow . As today was alcohol free I suggest that will quickly be remedied tomorrow along with a proper breakfast and begin search for a good coffee. I fear 24 hrs may not be long enough

Maybe some late jet lag but rough nights sleep . Maybe too excited for todays plans 😏 No noise as such from rooms but every door that closes is loud . Slept in longer than wanted to in the end and didn’t get up until almost 730 am so must have got some sleep 😳 . Wanted to get up early to trek down to Welcome to Vegas sign. Determined to walk and deal with pain later. Simply a glorious day with the bluest of blue skies . The walk was supposed to be 45 mins but more like an hour as kept stopping to take more photos .

Eventually made it and was duly greeted by the King. Hey, he doesn’t look great but not bad for someone need dead for 45 years . I made his day anyway

And for that quintessential USA shot , applause now please

Of course starting early means not a lot open including the Pinball Museum sadly. I trekked back slowly and then back onto strip for some shopping . It was a full morning certainly playing geeky tourist but one thing I do know with ankle is once you stop the trouble starts . Avoided alcohol for a change and just headed home for a couple of hours to plan later day activities. Going to head up to Fremont Street and hopefully catch a couple of nearby museums. Tomorrow is full day at Grand Canyon so hope to be home before too late but obviously like to hang around until sun sets at least if I can . Too far to walk so will Uber once more .

Headed off to Mob Museum first . It’s an interesting place certainly but maybe too much detail for this LBD

Luckily there was a bar downstairs . “ I assume you only serve shots ?” . Blank look so had a Rumbo for a change . A change as in $1 left out of a $20 . He may not have been holding a gun but it was certainly a robbery

Then it was time for the 15 min walk to Neon Boneyard and Museum to see if a spare ankle lying around. It’s an impressive place and would really sparkle at night. Much like me

I decided to walk the 25 mins back to Fremont Street Experience but certainly wouldn’t do it at night time. It was a dodgy area . It’s an interesting place certainly and would go off like a frog in a sock at night I imagine. First up decided to try the Slotzilla as had read up on it and looked fun . It was great to be well hung at last

Time for a drink then and found a perfect bar adjacent and had a couple of beers as needed to sit and relax a bit and wait for the sun to go down

As expected FSE went off at 6 pm. The Killers were on Vista Vision and it was a visual and audio delight . Some amusing folk around too of course

It was a stunning day all round in Vegas with simply glorious weather . I achieved a lot which is good as Wednesday will need to be a quiet day as am really paying for all the walking today . Here is one I prepared earlier

Tomorrow is full day tour to Grand Canyon via Hoover Dam. Should be great with much less walking and no expensive Ubers 😏

Good room at Courtyard LAX noise wise on 4 th floor on side away from airport . Only issue was a loud AC you could not turn off . Was always going to be an odd nights sleep but got some at least . Decided to skip the limited options for breakfast at hotel and head straight out to airport at 8 am even if 4 hrs until flight . Glad I did but first let’s check the account . Bloody USA 😏

DESCRIPTION CHARGES CREDITS

Room Charge 218.00

Room Tax 30.52

Convention and Tourism Tax 4.36

Calif/Local Tourism Fee 0.44

La Hotel Ordinance Fee 10.72

La Ordinance Occ Tax 1.50

La Ordinance Trsm Tax 1.50

American Express 0.21

Total 265.75

Beautiful morning , typical LA this time of year

One thing you have to remember is the tipping and make sure you have plenty of 5s . Not the usual ripping but things like the shuttle bus driver, the bag check guy at airport etc . The shuttle was a nightmare . 5 min trip could 20 mins but couldn’t walk the few klms with this ankle . You know the one fixed by that $ 5000 surgery 5 months ago .

It was checkers and kept stopping to pick up more passengers ! Checked in online with AA last night so just needed to drop off bag. Used the curb side guy – another tip – but worth it . I am a Silver FF and QC member with Qantas and really think it is worth for some OS benefits if nothing else. All tickets are marked “priority “ and you do skip some lanes trust me. And of course entry to the superb Admirals Flagship lounge at LAX – simply one of the best . It’s 8 am and the place is full of champers and red wine. None of that “ not before midday nonsense “ . My chef – let’s call him Frank – made me a simply wonderful fresh Quesadilla which left me just to get the Piper Heidsieck Brut Champagne eh. Here is one Frank prepared earlier

Flight to Vegas seems to be on time at this stage leaving just after midday for the short flight . Now just have to work out that morning coffee

As always AA overbook and try to offload passengers at boarding with offers of $350 travel credit for a $150 flight 🤔 Then they ask for passengers to check in their carry on if in last 2 groups as plane is full . Meanwhile the first seven groups walk on with massive and multiple carry on bags 🤦🏻‍♂️ I boarded ok once I got past the fans

Anyway a quick flight and then had to walk a mile to our baggage claim. It was Vegas so there were slot machines in airport

Then I shit you not there were about 200 people waiting for taxis . It was an efficient process though and on way in 15-20 mins. Checked in fine and got Tower 3 which is quite maybe but further from strip. It was 37 th floor but not strip view

First job then was an AT&T Sim and saw closest was 35 min walk so Ubered. All sorted but by now money was leaking quick eg the Sim is $65 . Total is $80 Sir. Why ? $ 15 to activate Sim. Tell me Sweetheart do many people buy a Sim and not activate it 🤷🏻‍♂️ So, team vote was walk back but via Strip just to add another 30 mins . Lovely time of day

By now I needed a beer and closest was a Pizza place

Rinsed the tonsils and of course as soon as hobbled another 5 mins found the perfect spot so stopped again. We will always have Paris

Dusk was approaching so couldn’t resist some more photos just in case .

Just in case you ask ? The ankle is fucked. Really pissed off with this almost 6 months post surgery and worse than before 😡 Anyway made the long way back to Tower through MGM casino and seriously took 15 mins to get through so stopped for a bite . Strombolis are my new fave

Back up in room and time for some research for a full on tourist day tomorrow . There could be more photos . Meanwhile

You know, the day when you arrive before you leave but haven’t slept for 36 hrs. 🤔 All on track at present but won’t relax until sitting in my seat and buckled in on QF 93 tonight in Melbourne and we are heading down the runway. Leaving late at night of course does not help with the extent of the “no sleep” period

As luck, or clever planning, would have it have been in Brisvegas a few days early to catch up with family and so have missed the current weather Armageddon in Maryhole and hopefully have left Brisvegas before it arrives here later today. May be some damage in the floodwaters especially as could be the submerged Maryhole Dome lurking under the surface 😏

Caught up with Mum at Twilight home with bro in tow . I am the handsome one on the right . She is still doing ok although did have another fall last night. Always a concern

Today we had a lovely brunch prepared by CLP at Windsor before we headed to airport. As always when you leave a little early everything moves smoothly and sitting in lounge with 2.5 hrs to spare😏 Luckily it wasn’t crowded apart from one other oddly handsome fellow . The people you meet eh

JL finally heading home to Melbourne and totally fortuitous on same flight. With weather around was offered an earlier flight but only in economy and have been assured by experts that planes fly in heavy rain just not storms 🤞 Of course if flight from Brisbane significantly delayed then the troubles begin .

It wasn’t. Great flight down in Business. Only 12 seats right . The hot meal looked great . Last served and only left with “ cold alternative “ as in an alternative to actual food 😏 4 kgs of beetroot , 3 small Bocconcini and a shit load of chick peas. Horrid. Washed down with wine, rum, wine. To be fair Hostie had to eat it too .Bid farewell to JL ( who both got the hot meal !) and was hard to walk away with Lorraine crying like that . I promised her we would see them in another 8 months and that seemed to calm her down .

Arrived early . Easy transit to International and quick security check. To date plate and screws remain undetectable . I may have to remove them just for a final check. So, sitting in Business Lounge at Melboring and it is pretty ordinary at 8 pm. Food so so and no service but plenty of alcohol to hook into.

Two other comments . The wi fi on board was excellent and very useful . The Air Tags work a treat. Here is one I just prepared

QF 93 left on time with a smooth boarding process. When the clown in front of me changed into his own Qantas PJs on the tarmac I knew two things – he was a tool and a seat recline was in my immediate future

The PE on Dreamliner is a perfectly acceptable “better than cattle class” alternative. Leg room is not great but all other aspects are great. Not a fan of 10 pm long haul flights . You have a heavy dinner at midnight and then 10 hrs later breakfast and then an hour later you walk off the plane at 6pm , 4 hrs before ya left. It does your head in I tell ya. Mind you the lamb shank meal was probably the best airline meal ever had and I’ve flown Jetstar 🕺🏻

Arrived 5 mins early and it was a good time to descend at least

LA customs was busy of course. Here is a tip younguns , carry a walking cane. A nice man directed me to the “Diplomats and Special Assistance “ lane and through in 15 mins . The hobble to the airport shuttle pick up was long and stood around for 20mins until it arrived and then of course last dropped off at Courtyard Marriott . Looks a nice room and did a quick mini unpack and then ducked down for that first beer on foreign soil and paced myself with a Bud Light. I’m a stayed not a sprinter

Officially Shaggus O Murphy now so time for bed before heading out to airport around 9 am tomorrow for midday flight to Vegas

Ankle …… 4/10 . It’s very bad but suspect could get a lot worse so didn’t want to shoot my load early

Again…