31 August 2015 ~ Barcelona

Listening to: Shirley Bassy ~ Where Do I Begin


I arrived in Barcelona early this morning. I'm here for a work conference, but will get in 2 days of fun before sessions start on Wednesday.

Luckily, the room at the Arts Hotel was available and I could take a nap after the almost 14 hour flight (5 1/2 from SFO to Charlotte and then 8 to Barcelona).

The sun was rising over the marina.

After my nap I went for a stroll on the beach.

And haven't even scratched the surface of architecture.

More to come!

18 August 2015 ~ Stratosphere

Listening to: Jeff Beck ~ I Ain't Superstitious

I also ain't crazy. But somehow I managed to go on a jump off the Stratosphere Tower in Las Vegas. This is a free fall SkyJump thrill from the 108th floor (855 feet).

Here we are waiting for our jump turns.

And right before I'm supposed to step off the platform.

Although the brochure and certificate I received says I'm entitled to "lifetime immunity from being called chicken, scaredy cat, wimp and any other monikers that might imply less than crazy brave", I have to admit I could not step off the ledge. My mind wouldn't let my body do it, even if I closed my eyes.

So, the nice gentleman next to me said they would "help" me. They hoisted me up, turned me around to face the tower, and then 3 seconds later, free falling.

Here's a video to prove I did it!!

http://youtu.be/v60SWrNi38s

Did I enjoy it? Yes, quite the rush.

Would I do it again? Absolutely NOT.

14 August 2015 ~ Views from the Aria Hotel

Listening to: Wailing Souls ~ Fire House Rock

Our conference was held at the Aria Hotel.

We thought the cloud decorations were for us, since we are a Software-as-a-Service provider with data in the "cloud", but it was actually a Danish artist exhibition. Always remember to look up.

The view from my room.

Out for pizza with co-workers.

13 August 2015 ~ Firefly

Listening to: 10cc ~ Dreadlock Holiday


Just finished a work conference in Las Vegas. Whew, that city wipes you out, what with all the work sessions and then socializing (aka drinking).

The first night in we went to eat off strip at Firefly.

There was interesting art work on the walls.

And interesting artwork on the ceilings. This caught my attention because of the cows.

The tapas and drinks were delicious. Here we have a Fly Tai (twist on a Mai Tai), sangria ad garlic fries.

Shrimp, meatballs and dates.

And more shrimp, patatas bravas.

2 August 2015 ~ Westbrae Biergarten

Listening to: The Daydream Club ~ Found


I finally made it to the Westbrae Biergarten. This is a nice outdoor area to have beers, snacks. The Brazilian Café food truck is also there.

I had the Scotch Ale. Tasty.