Viva Las Vegas

I have been in the US since the 28th April, returning this morning. Unlike my typical visits to Silicon Valley, this time I went to Philadelphia, New York and Las Vegas. Even more unusual, I brought V along as well.

Highlights of the trip include:

• Seeing my cousins (and other extended members of the Irish side of my family) in Philly
• Visiting Fogo de Chao for lunch in Centre City
  
• Wandering around and shopping for bits and pieces in Manayunk
  
• Going to see Spamalot on Broadway (based on a friend of a friend's recommendations)
  
• Taking in the views from the Empire State Building at night, after a very satisfying meal from a Korean restaurant
• Some very relaxing drinks and lunch by the pool of the Bellagio
  
• Numerous brutal drinking sessions with Australian and overseas work colleagues while in Las Vegas (a variety of abuse, singing, tackling and dancing. To the chagrin of onlookers and unwilling participants, some minor yelling and scrummaging as well.)
• Taking a helicopter ride over to/landing in the Grand Canyon

It's too bad it was a work trip for me (outside of the Philly leg) -- otherwise I could have joined V on numerous other adventures over the fortnight. Based on her raving, I think her top highlights were going on a Sex and the City tour in New York (let's not talk about shopping!), seeing a Cirque de Soleil: Ka show in Vegas, and bumping into Jack Thompson at LAX.



It's good to be back :)