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Las Vegas Airport
They have slot machines here and later did I realize they also have those gambling machines even at 7-11 !!! This is one travelling tale I will never forget. Days before this trip to Dallas, I phoned a transport service company to pick me up from my boss' house (which is on top of a hill) in San Bernardino to the LA Airport aka LAX. I had to pay around 80 bucks, if I remember it right. So, at around 10pm, the service van picked up from San Bernardino. I brought with me my huge luggage because I figured I have a lot of clothes to bring since I will be staying there for a few days during the Christmas holiday. I feel like already going home to Manila. It felt funny! Now you ask, why didn't I just ask my boss to drive me to the airport? Well, I simply did not want to bother my boss. My flight was at 7 in the morning the next day. I did not want to bother him by waking up too early just for me and drive me to the airport for more than an hour.
So there I was, sitting on an empty boarding section at midnight. I brought with me a book and some fruits to eat. I
Ho Ho Ho
After dinner at the revolving restaurant in downtown Dallas have 7 hours to wait till I take my flight. I knew could sleep in the many many empty rows of chairs but I decided not to. I was too afraid to do that. I might miss my flight... or someone might pick me up and bring me somewhere else... or aliens might drug me and bring me to their planet a gazillion miles from here... or....
6:00 am
I congratulated myself for being patient enought to wait. I was not able to chitchat with fellow passengers who slowly poured in. I was too busy with my book.
6:15 am
The speakers blared with the following announcement:
Flight to Forth Worth is cancelled due to foggy weather. Poor visibility they say. I sprung from my chair and shouted hysterically! (Ok... ok... I made that up.) But I was so pissed!
They provided us with a bus to take us to our destination. I found myself dragging myself into the wheeled vehicle. I hated the fact that I decided to endure all the hassle and gave up a good night's sleep for this. I should have gathered all my courage to ask my boss to just take me
The Galleria
They say this is the biggest Christmas tree setup inside a mall... in the world! to the airport. Oh well, too late for those.
In the bus, I had my best nap in ages. Maybe I was drooling like a baby. Then after about five hours, I was struck in awe of the the beauty of Las Vegas. It was noontime and the sun exposed the dessert's aura. It was all dry, brown, barren; but right smack in the middle of it all is a glimmering collection of buildings and fancy man-made structures.
Welcome to Las Vegas, I whispered to myself. So this is it! Wow! Once again I was as happy as a kid. I did not mind having my next flight (i.e. from Las Vegas to Dallas) delayed for another hour. I just did what I love doing! Take pictures! Yeba! Sorry, I was obviously a first time shutter addict.
Slot machines everywhere!
I walked my way from the bus to the Las Vegas airport. Here I shall finally board a SUPPOSEDLY connecting flight to Dallas Forth Worth. There we slot machines in the airport! Took pictures. Lots of it. This is the fanciest airport I have ever seen.
Meeting my relatives in Dallas
The best part is finally meeting
Stone Briar Center
Now with Uncle Dave my relatives in Dallas. My Aunt Sol and Uncle Dave picked up at the airport. We had dinner at the Sopranos (near StoneBriar, Frisco); and for the first time, I met Uncle Dave. Then we headed home for a long, deep and refreshing sleep. I can almost feel the bed behind my back already.
The next few days they took me around town.
The Reunion Tower
They took me to fine dining, baby! Driving to the Reunion Tower (owned by Hilton Hotel), I can see the tower stand out amongst all the city lights. Truly, it is trademark of the Dallas' Skyline. We had dinner at ANTARES, the famous revolving restaurant in downtown Dallas. It's inside the Reunion Tower. That was my first time to try fine dining in a revolving restaurant... I was thrilled. The food was good. But the sight from the top was even better. I can see the downtown Dallas in full glitter, especially this Christmas season. The sight was very pretty.
The Galleria
Next, we hit the mall -- the Galleria. We did more sightseeing than shopping. There were fairly many people in the mall doing their last minute Christmas shopping. In the middle of the mall is a huge Christmas tree and people were skating around it. They say this Christmas is the biggest one set up in any mall around the world!
Merry Christmas Everyone!
I just had an experience of a lifetime. I was spending Christmas in the US with my relatives... Auntie Sol, Uncle Dave, Auntie Nelda, Uncle Domeng, and my handsome cousin Marc. It was cold outside but Filipino hospitality and close family ties has kept us warm. We also attended a family reunion of the Zerdas, another clan somewhat knitted to us, the Guimary clan. I had fun watching them make jokes and do their simple presentations. There were a lot of them in Dallas. I wish there were also a lot of Guimarys there. We visited a few more Filipino families around Dallas. They are all doing well and all seem to be happy families. I am proud of their achievements.
Vietnamese Food
My Auntie Nelda, Uncle Domeng, and Marc took me to a Vietnamese Restaurant. I don't remember trying Vietnamese back home but this one's going to be great. It was quite spicy though. Still, I enjoyed it.
Why are holidays always short? I had a lot of fun in Dallas. Last thing I know I was back in Forth Worth airport saying goodbye to my two aunts who are both in their red leather cloaks. See our picture here. Neat, eh?
Goodbye Dallas! =(
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Denise
non-member comment
A Christmas Tea for Family
I am not sure if you still have family in the Dallas area. However, I am a tea Sommelier and would love to plan a Christmas tea for your family. If I may help please contact me at dcallawa@comcast.net