There is never a dull moment when you travel with me! Things just always seem to not go as planned.
Left my house at 4:45am to pick up Nicole. Lots of traffic, but roads not too icy, so pretty good. Get to the airport, no huge lines, no problems at customs except they had to take Nicole's toothpaste tube. It was over 90ml or whatever it is. We actually were early and had time for breakfast.
Our first flight was to Seattle. We had to go outside to get on the plane which was not very big! I think I could almost reach from one side to the other. It had propeller thingies instead of a jet engine (not sure terminology here) - yes propellers that actually spun around. The flight itself was ok. Wait in Seattle (found the coolest store called Fireworks - lots of neat artwork and unique gift items) then get on the plane to Las Vegas. So far so good. I'm exhausted after only 2 hours sleep, so I slept for a lot of the flight, so did Nicole. We are almost in Vegas when a little turbulence hits. No problem, been thru that before... then WHAMO. The plane DROPS from the sky, everyone screams, the stewardess who was walking by us gets thrown into the seat infront of us which luckily was empty, the lady in the row across from us gets injured as her seatbelt wasn't on and she slammed her hip into the seat rest. Nicole and I actually came out of our seats and we had our seat belts on. Very scary! I've flown lots and never had that happen. My heart was in my throat and my life flashed before my eyes - I thought we were going down. I said many prayers. It was like a roller coaster ride, except roller coasters are supposed to drop down, not airplanes. After things straightened out, everyone was nervously talking and laughing like it was no big deal but holy schmokes! The pressure was all out of wack all the way in to Vegas, still some turbulence, I actually had the barf bag in my hand (but didn't have to use it.) Poor Nicole had to go to the washroom so badly, but couldn't get out of her seat because of the turbulence. Then we finally land (yipee!) and taxi forever because there isn't a gate to go to. Finally get to a gate (Nicole still can't get to the washroom) and have to wait for the paramedics to come and assist the injured lady off the plane. (Nicole still hasn't gone to the washroom and by this point is bouncing in her seat!). Lady gets off, Nicole goes to the washroom and all is well.
Then get the shuttle at the airport. By the time we get to Ceasar's we have seen I think most of Vegas as of course we are the last ones let off. Then no nonsmoking rooms left even though that is what we've reserved. Say that we can't stay in a smoking room as I won't be able to sleep, so the very nice lady does some phoning and we end up with a huge room with 2 full bathrooms. To get to this room though is about a "10 mile hike!" - way at the end. To get to the conference is of course you guessed it, waaaaay at the other end! (This is getting funny by now, because at the airports, each terminal we had to go to was way at the other end!) We'll be getting our excercise today. By this time, we are late for the conference and have to get there even though the last time we ate was 7am. Had a nice class though we could barely lift our trimmers from the hunger (just kidding) and were surviving on the werthers in my purse. lol. Had a wonderful dinner then did some shopping in the few stores we could actually afford here. Wow, what a different world. At FAO Schwartz, you can buy a $50,000 or $100,000 gift card for Christmas. Think I'll pick up a couple of those!
Tried to post a few photos, but typepad seems to be having some issues right now. Didn't get too many today as we just had one class and then dinner. Saw some cool new tools, a preview of the Martha Stewart line and some great paper crafting products. Hopefully this will let me post photos tomorrow night.
Talk to you guys tomorrow, hopefully with some photos.
Michele and Nicole from Vegas.
Oh my goodness...
I was scrolling to the next line and reading your story faster than the screen would let me...what a crazy ride. Very glad that you are both safe.
Enjoy the time with EK! Say hi to Martha if she is there for her preview!
tamara
Posted by: Tamara | November 30, 2006 at 07:29 AM
i'm with tamara! i couldn't scroll down fast enough. so glad to hear you are both ok!
have a great time in Vegas and i can't wait for pics.
gloria
Posted by: gloria | November 30, 2006 at 04:16 PM
Yes, it was scary but God was looking out for us.
Posted by: Michele | November 30, 2006 at 11:27 PM