It's NOT mandatory in Vegas to make mistakes...!

This is the last one (and most interesting) in the 4 part series of our recent LA/Vegas trip on July 4th weekend. If you haven't already read the first 3 parts, you can read them here:

Part I, Part II, Part III.

Anyways, we were walking and suddenly Shantanu spotted beer for $2, that was cheap. He bought two cups, so I tried one. This time I didn't find the beer very bitter, which I most of the times do! So, just kept on drinking and bottoms up! Now, great thoughts started pouring into my mind, and suddenly an enlightening thought came into existence! I thought, I've last few hours in Vegas, and we'll be back to Buffalo. So I decided to drink a lot in next hour or so, while we were walking towards Venetian. Anyways, the beer had started showing its colors, but faintly! And I was feeling dizzy now, vaguely! Inside the hotel, I was trying hard not to sway..;), even though, I was still not so 'drunk'. Anyways, took some snaps near the Venice, and got a call from Purvin/Aditya. It was about 10.45, and we had hardly arrived in the Venetian, and a table was available in PFC, so had to go back. I thought man, we just have come and should spend at least 10 minutes below this blue sky in the night. And we did did that! Second call, and now we were heading back. But I had made a commitment to myself - drink a lot now. So Shantanu, bought 2 more cups! And I think I had 1 1/2 of those. We were running on the foot path and still running late for PFC. So thought of taking the monorail (It's a train which runs parallel to the strip and passes mostly through the parking lots of most hotels), and we were now in the direction of the train station. But the station appeared farther than we had anticipated, and Golu had started getting pissed off on Shantanu now..;).

We walked like a quarter mile inside the hotel before we reached at the station finally. And what we saw - the fare was 5 dollars, man who would spend 5 bucks for a 1/2 mile ride. And I thought I could buy 2 cups of beer and still will have one buck! Obviously, we were not rich enough to spend that much and just decided to walk only to PFC. It really was like an emergency and we were running and panting inside the hotel. Somehow, found the way to get out of the maze of the hotel and now we were back on the strip and running again. I was trying my best to walk straight, and to avoid a head-on collision with the oncoming traffic..;)! I really was enjoying it, but it still was not over, I had to drink more. Anyways, reached finally at the restaurant at about 11.30 or so. Purvin and Aditya already had ordered something to kill the time, well that was some wine (see, I should be proud of myself, even if I was drunk, I remembered all these :D)!

Anyways, it was time to order the favorite lettuce wraps! Ordered that, and along with that I ordered some beer as well (that was first glass), and so did everybody else. She came back with the drinks and wraps and I drank the beer even before I ate. And Shantanu had started worrying now, he kept on saying 'Patel kai khai le pehla (Patel, eat something first)'. Well, I did take that, and had 2 wraps. Finished my drink, and tried Golu's as well. He had ordered something which I don't know, but looked red/maroon, however, didn't like it a lot I guess. Anyways, the waitress came back again and I ordered one more beer. She happily took the order, she came back and this time it was all over me. I almost finished it in one sip. Ordered third one, she came back, I had a sip, and bang! The glass was broken and the beer was on the table now and probably on Golu's clothes as well ;)! Well that was it! I still wonder, how the glass got broken! I don't completely want it to attribute to my drinking:)! Another reason was - most of the times I keep on knocking and breaking things. And same thing must have happened this time as well. Anyways, the P F Chang story was over there.! I apologized to the waitress for breaking the glass and we got out. Somehow, managed to get to the hotel. If I am not wrong, Purvin had suggested that he and Aditya will get the car outside PFC, while Shantanu & Golu will 'take care' of me..:)! But don't know what was decided finally, because now we 3 also were walking towards our hotel!

Boom, the beer didn't want to stay in my stomach now, it so wanted to come out, and I puked! This was just the beginning! I must mention here that, I puked in some lawns by the walk way on the strip. I really am sorry for that, and for messing up somebody's lawn ;). Anyways it must be about half an hour past midnight or so, we reached the hotel and I was flat on the bed now! But we had to leave very soon, so that we can reach Los Angeles back in time! Somebody woke me up, as we had to leave, I just got up from the bed, tried to take control of myself (Shantanu & Golu were there holding me probably). Anyways, now the 2nd cup of beer wanted to come out! I tried to run for the bathroom, and to the hotel-room cleaner's bad luck, Purvin was inside! I couldn't wait any longer, and just puked, tried to stop with my right hand! And eventually everything was on the room floor now. I really had started feeling very bad now, my head was aching a lot, and my mouth was so bitter, and just hated myself for drinking (this always happens.;)). Anyways, Purvin had to come out midway (which I found after reaching Buffalo the next day;)). I went inside the bathroom and puked some more. Golu was there next to me, I suppose. Waited there for sometime and I was feeling better!

Came out, packed my bag (I still had to do that, I hadn't forgotten that!;)). Meanwhile, Purvin and Aditya had already gone, I think. I tried to clean up the mess from the floor as much I could in that state, felt really bad for that! We were leaving the room and it was back again, I was inside the bathroom again and same thing! But after this I was quite alright. Finally we were walking towards the parking lot.

Don't remember perfectly but we left Vegas at about 1.15 am or so. In the car Shantanu had found me 2 plastic bags, in case I needed it in future, I just lied down on the seat, with my hands holding that plastic bag wide open. Golu was sitting next to me on the middle seat, while I was all leaning towards the window. My head was burning like anything, and we were driving! Just wanted to sleep so badly, and I did sleep! However, puked a little bit as well, but in the bag! Took a break at about 2.30, after an hour of driving or so! And after that I had slept completely!

Thanks to all 4 of you (and special thanks to Shantanu & Hemal for patting me:))! You guys are the best! Reached at Aditya's place early morning, I was alright now and was feeling very embarrassed for all my 'adventures' of last night ;). From there we drove to Shashi's house. Shashi & Snigdha had readied some very good Gujju food - 'Patra' & Poha as well. We had it, talked for some time. Aditya dropped the 3 of us - Purvin, Shantanu & me to the airport at about 9.15 am! And now we were on our way towards east!

Well, the return journey wasn't also very smooth, the flight was delayed in Atlanta for more than an hour, due to which we reached at Buffalo almost at 11.30pm, I think!

Anyways, that was all about (not really..!) the Los Angeles and Las Vegas trip. I hope you enjoyed reading it! And yes, 'It's NOT mandatory in Vegas to make mistakes'...! And certainly, what happens in Vegas, doesn't necessarily have to stay in Vegas..:) I just did it, so that we all will have a story to tell & a moment to cherish forever! It was a deliberate attempt..!;)

Kaushal

It's mandatory in Vegas to make mistakes...Part III

Next morning I was awake by 6.15...and by the time we got out of LA it was about 9 am. Good performance by all of us...;)! I forgot to mention here, we had got a real luxury car from the rental company...and I think none of us had expectd it that it would be a V8 engine..with DVD player and all..it was Chrysler 300C or something like that...but it really was a HUGE car..okay not with one of the greatest looks..but not bad then..Anyways we all were so excited to have it..we had grabbed some hindi DVDs and we were on our way to Vegas...on I-5 north. The drive was really scenic (scenic in a sense only barren land..but still beautiful)..you won't see anything but brown land as far as your eyes could see..while it was getting hotter and hotter outside the car, inside the car we all were quite charged...first we enjoyed Rang De Basanti and then it was Himesh Reshamiya now..he really was the flavor of that trip...Shantanu, Purvin & Aditya danced a lot on the back seat while watching the song 'Ek baar aaja aaja'..just too good..! So, we were driving and driving...and it was time to have some food..expectedly you won't find any thing on that freeway - no gas stations/motels/rest areas/towns...it's completely deserted desert...! Eventually found a place to empty our bladders...what a relief it was..but couldn't stand long outside the car... it was 110+ deg F outside...needless to say, it could kill you in a minute..;)..Btw, that rest area only had rest rooms and nothing else...we were still hungry..but luckily found a town after some time and had lunch in Del Taco (equivalent of Taco Bell)...After some time we started seeing the huge hoardings of Casinos and hotels..and suddenly what you see is lots of skyscrapers in the middle of nowhere...how could anybody imagine a city like this in desert, but then it was real...seriously it's just unbelieveable to believe where Vegas is located...Anyways, finally we were in 'Las Vegas'...All of us had heard a lot about this one city in this world...all the hype and all..and now we were there..!

I don't want to write a lot about the actual Vegas...you have to be there to experience..and I won't kill the surprise element..;)...don't forget to grab the opportunity of visiting Vegas, if you ever get one...anyways so now we were in the reception area of our hotel MGM Grand (Btw, it happens to be the world's largest hotel with 5035 rooms in all, that's quite something..!). I personally felt very proud and privileged for we were going to stay in the largest hotel of this planet...seriously I've been telling this to everybody...and credit goes to Shantanu as well for reserving it..! Anyways, our check-in time was 3 pm and we were there around 1.30. Tried checking-in but the receptionist didn't allo..;)! So we had some coffee in the lounge and checked the casino..and lost 2-3 bucks as well in the slot machine..;), roulette and others were beyond our reach..:D.

It's 3 now, and to our surprise the entire reception area was full of heads now..there were almost 10-12 counters for check-in but everywhere, there were long queues..we had missed the train by just 10 minutes..:(..! So, now Shantanu & Purvin were standing in the line and Golu, Aditya & I were waiting near the lion..! However, the most disappointing thing in MGM was that, there were no couches, sofas to seat/relax while you are waiting in the lobby..and the area completely resembled a railway station in India..hundreds of people were standing on the floor with their luggage and stuff...So, we were waiting & tired..and Golu couldn't take it any more..and slept right on the floor and within a minute what you hear is snoring...now that was too much..snoring on the floor in the world's largest hotel..???...nevermind, the story always has to revolve around Golu..whenever wherever..! Eventually after more than an hour long wait we finally could check-in..! And all excited to check out the room..! We are still in the process of getting used to living in hotels..;)! So, we all still get very excited after seeing those hotel beds and free stuff..:D. Before that we had cancelled one room...because we didn't need that anymore..originally since Saloni also was going to come...we had reserved 2 rooms for 6 people..anyways, saved some money..:)!

We rested for an hour so, got ready for the evening and just strolled on the strip. Not surprisingly it was very hot, and I was cursing myself for wearing jeans...:(. Anyways that whole evening we spent in checking out hotels like Bellagios, Caesars, Paris etc. Had good desi food at a place called 'Tamba'. Had some 'Long Island drink in Caesars...anyways it didn't get onto anybody..:). Then, tried to check out a night club, but could not as Golu did not have shoes to put on, and they wouldn't let us in. So, we had to chuck the plan. By then it was around 12 midnight, and we all were exhausted totally and had to call it a day. So that's how first day went..!

Next morning, as we had decided earlier to visit Hoover Dam (which is about an hour drive from there), we left Vegas at about 1 pm after having some Mexican food at Chipotle..! Hoover dam is a very huge structure, built on the border of Nevada and Arizona. The border passes right from the middle of the dam..! It's quite a spectacular site, truly amazing.! Also, met Kanan's entire family there. We got back from the dam at about 7 pm. And we just realized that we were running over budget now..:D, so suddenly thought of cutting on the expenses..! So, we decided, we won't be spending a lot on food that night (Taco Bell was the immediate choice)..and we believed ourselves..:D. And most of knew deep down inside that this is just not going to work out, because we were so much used to living a 'lavish' life style. Anyways, but still we were quite firm. We got back, since we still had to check few more hotels, so check the New York first. Enjoyed roller coaster ride called 'Manhattan Express' there. And it was time to have some food now, once again a tough decision to have consensus. But after a while P F Chang's was decided (see, how quickly we forgot that we didn't want to spend too much money on food..;)). It was 9.50 now, and to our bad luck PFC was completely booked, and there was 1 1/2 hour long wait. We were offered a waiting reservation at 11.30. Phir se confusion. Ab kya kare. Itni bhookh lag rahi thi, and no one couldn't wait any longer. But we still reserved! And what to do now. I still wanted to check the Venitian hotel properly again. So, Purvin & Aditya waited there while Golu, Shantanu & I walked towards Venetian. And that's when I was going to make the 'Vegas Mistake'..!

Kaushal

It's mandatory in Vegas to make mistakes...Part II

So here's part II of the journey. Aditya and Shantanu had come to LAX airport for pick up and it was 11.30 pm local time. From there we drove straight to Shashi's home. I have a special relationship with that house, since I had stayed there for a little over 2 months when I was searching jobs last year. Felt really good after going into that house again. Anyways, so now we all were together. Not to mention, I was very hungry and so was Shantanu. I think Aditya had brought some good desi food from somewhere and we ate like gluttons. Friday, was a long day for everybody I think, everyone was so tired and ready to sleep. And we had to call it a day, but before that we had to plan for next day's excursions. Not surprisingly, when you have lots of heads thinking you can not come to a consensus...somehow something was decided after 20 minutes or so and then we 5 were off to Aditya's place. But for us the day was still not over yet..;)..everybody wanted to drink something...and to our bad luck, we couldn't find anything, it was 1 am by then, went to many shops but all in vain, and went home empty handed..:(, but as they say 'Fighter kabhi haarta nahin..', Aditya had some wine (or may be Vodka, I don't remember exactly)...and that was enough for that night...at least when you don't have a choice..;). Golu was already dead in the car..it took him less than a minute to start snoring after entering the house. Obviously, the melodies coming out of his nose were not the best kind of music you want to listen to at 2 am..:)! Needless to say, I was also badly tired by then and needed a quick nap to recover, and I did get one..! Meanwhile, the other 3 were having an innovative kind of cocktail..! A drink made up of Red Bull & wine. Paradoxical as it is...they both have opposite effects..one excites and the other pacifies...I don't know what the resultant effect could be. But they seemed to enjoy it..I think the drink was 'invented' by some IITians..not surprising..only they can come up with such innovations....;)! Once again, I didn't even dare to taste it...as it is I am not a big fan of any kind of alcohol..:(. Anyways, we sat there for a while, talked lot many things....and finally called it a night at about 3.30 am..!

By the time we all woke up next morning, it was already past 9. And you know, how difficult it is to wake up at 9 in the morning when you don't have to go to job...! It took more than an hour for everybody to get ready (get ready as in, not sleeping;)). We had to buy some stuff for the day's trip. So, Golu & Purvin went to the store. And Golu has to buy something from everywhere. So, the dude bought some floaters from Sears! Now, who goes for shopping at 10 in the morning, but then that's Golu. Anyways, so they come back..but forget something...actually we wanted to buy a volley ball to play on the beach..so this time Golu & I went to Sears, as I liked his floaters a lot and I also wanted the same kind (okay, we do go for shopping in the morning:D). But, I found something different than what he bought, unfortunately, not of my size. And Golu also liked them more than the ones he already had bought, so he decided that he'll buy them instead. He goes to the cashier..and says I want to return this...can you believe he was already wearing those..:)! That lady said we need them back in the box..! Oops..! that's a problem..so he drives back home to get the box and I was just wandering in Sears. He came back in some time, and to my surprise..he was walking naked feet. Oh man, that was heights now..he drove his car and walked all the way from the parking lot to the cashier station..No one could
escape laughing in such cases...and I was no different...! Anyways, he bought those floaters finally. See, when you have Golu around you always have stories to tell...especially if you have grand children...;)!

From Sears we went to Walmart, to buy the ball (for which we actually had gone out;)). Then something happened to me, and I think Golu's bad time had started now..:)..and I showed him the worst ladies around...the worstests of all worsts..! Poor fellow, stopped looking at ladies at one point and just wouldn't listen to me..bahut frustu kiya usko maine phir for the rest of the trip in Vegas as well..Anyways, by the time we reached home, Shashi & Snigdha had also arrived. And we left soon for the Laguna beach..!

You couldn't expect less when you are driving in California..! Meaning, every third car on the road will be a BMW or Merc or the likes...! And if you are from Buffalo, that looks like a whole new world after seeing all those Dodges and Cavaliers here..;)! On top of that, the weather can hardly get bad..it's always awesomely sunny! The temperature was somewhere in 90s..but for some reason I was feeling very hot in the car..;) and had to have a cold red bull and the AC on in full swing..! Anyways so, we were looking at the houses, cars and the surrounding...and suddenly we saw a beauty...yes she was right next to us...All red and driven in style..any guesses ? Right, that was Ferrari...I don't remember if I had seen this closer before or not..but that was something..took a snap of it..and moved on..finally we were in Lagoona beach town...being a holiday weekend it was quite busy..and parking was rarely available..but somehow managed to secure 2 spots in some parking lot and from there we strolled to the beach..

The beach was quite densely croweded...lots of people...Anyways, all of us had a great time playing in the green pacific waters..almost spent 2 hours...and now everybody was dead hungry..Aditya had suggested some nice Mexican restaurant. But after reaching at the restaurant we realized that it was costly beyond our limit..and nobody felt like spending 25 dollars for food at that time..;)..so now once again it was a momentary 'chaos'..somebody wanted to eat Mexican, somebody desi and the rest just wanted something..;)..no discrimination in food at this point..;) kuch de do khaane ke liye baap!

Eventually, after some arguments we all headed for desi food in Artesia. Well, it's like complete desi town there..with all kinds of desi-shops. Anyways, we had a decent desi meal there...and it was about 6 pm now! Everybody was exhausted by now, and kissi ko bhi kuch bhi ghumne kaa enthu nahin thaa ab..everybody wanted to rest for some time..but then all knew..once we reach home..we won't be able to go out again..it will be a one long nap..! Ultimately, it was decided that we go to Santa Monica/ Hollywood..and now we were on our way to Hollywood...

Nothing spectacular happend there..;)..Okay we did see some 'The Places' of this world..Drove on Rodeo drive (supposedly world's costliest shopping district), Million dollar houses in Beverly hills, Sunset boulevard, Hollywood..! Then went to the Kodak theater (Oscars are held here)..the area around the theatre was really buzzing, lots of neon lighting and happening..lots of people on streets..and then lots of street side performances - dances, guitars etc..and then around you, you have various batman(s), spiderman(s) and some other hollywood movie characters popping up from everywhere.. and people were treating them like celebrities and would take pics with them..! One of the character was really scary..he was a replica of dracula..and he would walk very quietly on the street...without speaking anything..and you are guaranteed to get scared..:)..then there were 2 girls playing rock songs - hotel California and stairway to heaven..that was fun to watch...next to them were some Cuban dancers...they were also amazing...in all it really was a buzzing place to be...if you are there at the right time..:)! So, it was past 11 now...and we couldn't take anymore..and just wanted to get back. Next morning, we had to get up early to reach Vegas in time....!

Kaushal

P.S: Part III is coming up... and click here to see the trip pics

It's mandatory in Vegas to make mistakes...Part I

Finally it came! After months of planning (I wonder if we ever had any exact plans..;)). The only thing that was sure was that, we were going to get there. And it was always uncertain right from the beginning that who would make it to the trip eventually and who would not. Till two weeks before the trip, 5 (Shantanu, Golu, Purvin, Saloni & I) of us were in from the east coast. But, future was as unpredictable as it could get! And Saloni was out due to conflict with her new job in Boston. I always had reservations about it - if she would ever be able to join us...! And she would have killed me for forecasting this (But I promise, I would go with you :D..if you want..;))..:)! Anyways, everything happens for good and some good reason as well. So, in the last week only 4 of us were there from east and Aditya, Shashi & Snigdha from the west. Not surprisingly, the last week was harshly exciting, no one could wait any longer for the days ahead. Starting Thursday evening someone from us was flying to the west. Friday, couldn't have gotten any longer for me. It had become very difficult to concentrate in the job..and I was waiting to leave the office around 2.30. Fast forward, I am at the Buffalo airport now, and it's about 3.15 pm. Anyways, you must be wondering where were we all upto...well it's in the subject...! nevermind, we were upto Los Angeles and Las Vegas after 3-4 months of 'planning'.

As I mentioned earlier, I was at the airport. And I had no idea what was ahead for me that day. When I reached the AirTran terminal there computers were down, so they couldn't print the boarding pass for me and for many others as well. To my bad luck, to make it worse, I didn't know anything about my flight..;). I didn't have any e-ticket, flight number/exact time etc. Only thing that I knew as I was flying to Los Angeles..and just had learnt from Purvin the day before, that my stop-over was in Atlanta. So there she was looking for my flight details :), and then she gave me a token (not boarding pass), and that was all needed to board the plane...! So, that was story # 1. Now I am ready to fly to LA from Atlanta..and this was going to be very boring flight..it's very frustrating when you have to sit at a place for 4 hours and absolutely doing nothing. So, we were aboard and to our good luck the flight was ahead of schedule..everyone was so happy about it..but as I mentioned before it was one bad day...there was a long wait in take off..so we were waiting and waiting...for almost 1 and a 1/2 hours. Imagine, we were still in the plane and on ground and the captain was taking us east and west in the Atlanta airport... finally we took off at 9.30 pm, after much hated delay. So, now I was airborne. And still more was yet to come. So, there was this Chinese girl (at least she looked) sitting next to me, in the middle seat and I was on the aisle seat. The fight attendant came, served some pretzels and a drink. I was so thirsty by then (it was 3 hours in the flight now - however only 1 1/2 of actual flying), so I asked for both coke and water. And I was holding the water cup in my left hand. Something happened...and I spilt the water on that girl's pants...:(..that's it she was all pissed now. Obviously, she had a good reason ;)..and her seat and the floor were uncomfortably wet due to water and the ice would also play some role after some time. So, there she was now trying to wipe the water off her clothes, and there I was saying sorry again and again..:(..didn't really know what to do/say..;)...due to all these drama, now I had put the coke cup inside the one with water...and, she tried to get out.. the moment she stands up and boom...she knocked my hand.. this time the coke is off the cup… and on my pants...:(...it was her fault though..;)..so, I am also all wet now, the coke started getting into my those areas of my body where it shouldn't have..;)..poor me..couldn't do much...just waited there for it to dry by itself. So, that was the end of the drama. I was feeling very sorry for the rest of the flight, while she was sleeping on the seat..! Finally, landed in LA at about 11.30 pm local time, after one hell of a flight..!

Kaushal

P.S: This is just one part...I am still writing more...but didn't want to bore you guys with one long post..:)