Newport Beach, CA

Ahhh a nice relaxing weekend at the beach - catching up with some family and some friends.

We left early Friday July 31, for the 4 hour drive from Las Vegas to San Clemente, where we are to meet the Naags' for lunch. It's been over 2 years since we last saw them in Coronado. We meet at the Beachfire Grill in the middle of San Clemente. Both are looking good and seem really happy. A bit sad Baden couldn't be there, but it sounds like it was good for them to get away without their son for an afternoon. A's brother joined us during lunch. Drew is staying with us at Newport for the weekend. After lunch the Naags' took us down to San Clemente Pier where we had drinks at Fisherman's Restaurant looking out over the ocean.

The drive up to Newport on the Pacific Coast Highway should have been a quick one but Friday afternoon traffic was slow and laborious. We checked in to the Hyatt, where we've stayed a few times before, and had a newly renovated room tucked in a corner in the Lido building. By the time we arrive Drew is not well and relaxes while A and I take in the pool. He is still too unwell to come to dinner with us, and we head off to Harborside Grill on the peninsula side of Newport. This is a favorite spot from last time we were here, and again the dinner was great, and the view - perfection - watch boats cruising between us and Balboa Island. Picked up some supplies for Drew on the way home.

Got up on Saturday and walked to Balboa Island for breakfast at Wilma's Patio. After breakfast we walked around the island a little bit, but Drew is getting sicker, so we head back to the hotel. A's a little worried so we stay close and camp out by the pool for the day. We were out there for about 7 hours (which has to be some sort of record for me). What a relaxing day, with just A, my iPod and an Esquire magazine to keep me entertained. Drew is still not well enough to come out for dinner again, but we head to Oysters in Corona Del Mar (at the recommendation of the Doorman) for dinner. This place was awesome. Food was soooo good! And the jazz trio just made for a perfect ambiance. I had a perfectly cooked rib-eye and A's halibut was just perfect. And the chocolate lava cake we split for desert was to die for. Originally I had booked a water-view restaurant, but I'm glad we changed our mind to eat here instead.

Drew is marginally better Sunday morning, but a trip to the urgent care is on the cards to make sure all is good. Doctor says the problem is viral and Drew is happy to continue resting and not worry about the prescription. We leave him at the hotel and head over to the beach. Parking is a nightmare but, A spots a secret space and we are set for an hour. The surf is kinda rough. 4-5 foot waves breaking right on the beach, and a rip just beyond the waves in an area too deep to stand. But it's just nice to be on the beach. Everyone is relaxed and having a great time - us included. I don't handle the sun as well as yesterday and we head back with the dreaded thought of packing and driving back to Vegas. Drew is well enough to come to lunch with us, and we head back to Corona Del Mar to Gulfsteam. Just lunch food, but everyone enjoyed their meals (shame we didn't wait for a table outside though). After lunch we packed the car and made the uneventful drive back to Vegas, making it back in good time. We left Drew behind as he flew out of Orange County on Monday morning.

As per usual, we didn't want to leave, but it was nice to get away from the Vegas heat and relax for the weekend.

Chicago, IL

One last day on the town, before returning to the nasty summer that is Hell Vegas.

For some ungodly reason, Robbie had the need to see Chicago from the Sears Tower. I wonder how long, if ever, it will take for it to be known as Willis Tower (NEVER! is my guess). So we walked over to the Tower and while Robbie made his way up the tower, I kept my fear of heights in tact, and zigzagged my way over bridges on the Chicago River. I was back before him, so I relaxed with a paper and a smoothie in the park across the street.

Once done, we followed the river up to Michigan Ave, where we met A. She had meetings in the morning. A last minute shop on the Magnificent Mile before we jumped on a 90 minute Wendella architecture cruise of the Chicago River and Lake Michigan. A and I had done a similar cruise last time we were here with the Meyers', but this was longer, included going through a lock into Lake Michigan, and was far warmer than doing it in November. The cruise travels west along the river (towards Sears Tower ironically enough) and our guide outlined tons of the buildings, old and new, visible from the river. Out on the lake gave us a great overall perspective of the city as well as an opportunity to get a feeling of how Chicago was built after the Great Fire. I feel like I've learnt more in the last 4 days than I have in a very long time.

Cruising Chicago River

As it happens, time was running short and the South Water Grill was between the boat cruise and our hotel so we stopped there for lunch (again) before taking the taxi out to O'Hare. We dumped Robbie off at the American terminal before swinging back to United for our flight back home. Which went off without incident (unlike the previous two trips A and I have made together).

I need to reiterate how great a city Chicago is - maybe one day we'll live there - who knows. Was great to catch up with Bob again, even if his lovely wife snubbed us again. Hope to see him in the new year when if head back to Australia. Chicago is our kinda town!

Chicago, IL

Unfortunately today is the day A has to work, so Rob and I are off for a boy's day.

The day started with us walking down towards the Field Museum of Natural History, where we are to take in a great display of history, before heading down to see the White Sox take on the Orioles. This building is grandiose at best. From the overwhelming size, to the columned frontage, to the spectacular view of downtown and Lake Michigan from the front door, it is a building that can match some of the great buildings of Europe. However the building is nothing compared to the collection inside. From the moment you step in and see "Sue" the most put-together T-Rex, you are in awe. So much so, we spent the next fours and a half hours inside. We didn't even get around to the featured Real Pirates, and Water exhibits. We spent a long time in the Evolving Planet Hall, with it's dinosaurs and timeline of the world. There is also a fantastic exhibit of the Americas, which finishes with artifacts from Pacific Northwest Native Americans (my favorite). All the masks, totems and imagery really catches my imagination (again like the Dali Museum in St Petersburg - I don't know art but I know what I like). Another highlight was a photographic retrospective of the Civil Rights Movement. 150 black and white photos, each more powerful than the last. The photo that summed it up for me was a Will Counts photo of Elizabeth Eckford, who on her own, tried to enter Little Rock Central High School in an attempt to desegregate the school, even when the rest of the Little Rock Nine did not show due to a miscommunication. It is a compelling image of a strong and proud woman holding her own in the face of the worst adversity. The picture can be found here.

Once we'd finished, and missed the start of the baseball by 2 hours, we opted to walk over to the the Adler Planetarium - because one museum a day is never enough. While the Adler had some interesting stuff - I particularly liked the Apollo 11 and Telescope exhibits - it was a bit benign after the Field Museum.

We walked back to The Essex Inn for a drink, while deciding on where to eat dinner. Not a lot of thought was put into it as we ended up back at the Weber Grill for burgers and beer. By the time we finished the day it was near 9pm and we'd walked at least another 4 miles, as well as trekking through an amazing museum. Sad there is only one day left.

Chicago, IL

Today is a day of walking. And we cover some ground in Chicago - at least 5 miles.

We walked down towards Robbie's hotel to meet him for an extended breakfast, before the three of us wandered across Millennium Park to the lake front. From there we casually strolled up to Navy Pier. A beginning regatta had the lake full of boats and plenty of people enjoying the perfect weather (70 degrees with a light breeze). So much more pleasant than the furnace that is the Vegas summer.

We headed west along the north bank of the Chicago River, back to Michigan Ave where we walked up part of the Magnificent Mile til lunch was decided upon - The Weber Grill. I really like the warm feel of this place. And you can't go wrong when burgers and barbecue is cooked on a Weber. Afterwards a bit of shopping was done before we made our way back to the hotel via Cloud Gate sculpture in Millenium Park. This is such a simple piece of art, but it brings so much pleasure to people. Everyone enjoys it, and makes the most of the reflective photos.

Bob & I @ The Bean

Robbie had been given the tip of Gibson's for dinner by a friend. So we thought we'd see if we could walk in on a reservation. A quick cab ride north of the river and the area around Mariano Park was hopping. No chance of getting a table at Gibson's, but we walked into their next-door-sister restaurant, Hugo's Frog Bar & Fish House, and were seated in the bar area of yet another busy restaurant. Score. Again it's steaks for Robbie and I and a nice piece of fish for A. The food here was magnificent (better than last night) and the noisy atmosphere made for a great all round meal.

Me, A & Robbie @ Hugo's

We lucked out again across the street at the Hunt Club, where we walked in and found a couple of guys leaving what was to become the only vacant table. A few drinks and shooting the shit - a great finish to a productive day. We finished up there when the club started getting going. A cab back to the hotel and a good night's sleep after an exhausting day.

Chicago, IL

Ahhh! Chicago! 2nd visit here and I loved this town the first time. I could live here if it weren't so cold in the summer. ABH has work to do in this great city, so I must accompany her to ensure there is no bad shenanigans going on. And as a bonus, Robbie, who has been in New Orleans for work, will be flying in to join us.

Gratefully ABH booked the tickets so we arrived at the hotel at midnight last night and we wake up ready to take on the city (well at 10am anyway). We are staying at the University Club of Chicago (on Monroe & Michigan), right across from Grant Park. Not too impressed with the hotel. For a private club with all it's pretentiousness, I was gobsmacked to find two huge holes in the wall outside our room, with no indication that work was taking place. But it's a great location, and free - so that's the last of you hear me bitching about it.

We started with a late breakfast / early lunch at a favorite place from last time. The South Water Kitchen. Just typical bar and grill food, but a nice restaurant, good food and good service to get the whole shebang started.

From there we walked back down to Grant Park and Art Institute of Chicago to begin our cultural education. There is a lot of Modern Art which is too highbrow for A & I , but there is plenty for us to enjoy. Like Seurat's "A Sunday On La Grande Jatte", Wood's "American Gothic", some El Greco, a Lichtenstein and some Monet. Glad we stopped in there, even if he museum layout is a little confusing.

As is usually our want on trips away, the afternoon nap called us away from the city for a period of time. I rested while the boss did some studying. Basically we were killing time waiting for Robbie to fly in that evening. We ended up meeting him at his hotel (The Essex Inn) before we headed up to the Chicago Chophouse for a late dinner. This restaurant is a legendary Chicago steak house and it did not disappoint. Beer. Wine. Steak. Potatoes. It's all good. We did head out to look for a bar to have a drink after dinner and ended up at the Hard Rock Hotel. It surprises us in other towns when last call is midnight. Las Vegas has spoiled us. It was this time last year we last saw Bob (his annual work pilgrimage to a meeting in the US) so it was good to catch up with him. But we still have 3 days of adventure.

Jet @ Wasted Space

Time for a bit of Aussie rock (it has been too long between gigs). Tonight I came to see Jet for the second time in Vegas (the first was 5 years ago at the Joint when they were wedged between the awful Vines and the awesome Living End). Was also curious to check out Wasted Space as a live music venue.

Wasted Space seems to be more of a nightclub that put up a stage as an afterthought, as it is an oddly shaped venue. But no complaints from me. Being 6'4", I was stoked to be 8 feet from the stage, leaning against a railing, and not blocking anyone's view. I'd guess that about 300 people made the place fairly full, and everyone erupted when Jet hit the stage. From the get go Jet were ready for a good time, and the crowd reacted accordingly. They played a mix of songs off all of their 3 albums, none better than the early-played Are You Gonna Be My Girl? Plenty of good banter with the crowd. Nic did a couple of songs from the bar and spent some time on the dance floor as well. This was heaps better than last time and a much better venue.

The Crap Facts:
This is my 287th concert.
Wasted Space is the 78th venue I've seen a concert in.

This is my 86th concert in Las Vegas.

This is my 86th concert in Nevada.

This is my 95th concert in the USA.

This is my 2nd Jet concert.

Rise Against, Rancid & Billy Talent @ The New Joint

So the New Joint has a much larger feel when you are on the floor than in a VIP Booth (as per Santana). Mind you it is tons bigger than the old Joint (much to my dislike), but this is what I am working with so I will go with it.

After queueing all the way through the casino to the parking lot, we got in to see the last 3 songs of Billy Talent. They seemed ok, and had plenty of people up front interested. This may be too big a venue for their style of performance.

It has been a couple of years since I first saw Rancid at the House Of Blues in Vegas. That time they blew the PA halfway through a rockin' show and it ended fading slowly. Not so tonight. A good, solid set with some of the new album and plenty of old stuff. All the songs I wanted to hear were spread out through the set (Ruby Soho, Time Bomb, Fall Back Down, Olympia, WA etc) and the graphics / pictures on the screens on and surrounding the stage added to the performance. An hour only whet the appetite, I really need to see Rancid headline their own show (in a smaller venue) soon. Props also for dedicating a song to Lux Interior.

Rancid was my reason to go tonight, as the only Rise Against song I really knew was their cover of Nervous Breakdown from the Dogtown & The Z Boys movie a few years back (because I'm old and can't keep up with the kids today), though I had downloaded a bunch from iTunes the week before and listened to them enough to recognize a few songs. Regardless, I thought Rise Against was good - mainly because their drummer is awesome - but a little too much synchronized skipping between the guitar and bass players, and a lot of rock n roll face from the guitar players. Again I stand in the minority as the masses spent a good hour and a half going berserk.

The Crap Facts
This is my 286th concert.
This is my 2nd concert at The New Joint.
This is my 85th concert in Las Vegas.

This is my 85th concert in Nevada.

This is my 94th concert in the USA.

Billy Talent are the 357th band I've seen.
Billy Talent are the 100th different band I've seen in Las Vegas.
This is my 2nd Rancid concert.
Rise Against are the 358th band I've seen.

Santana @ The New Joint

Ahhh!!! The benefits of being a Concierge. Tonight we were invited to see the Supernatural: A Journey Through The Hits show at the Hard Rock’s Joint. So A and I head down early for a dinner at Pink Taco – we used to eat here every Friday when we lived behind the hotel, but hadn’t been for ages. Half price appetizers and 2-4-1 beers at the bar – a good meal done for $14.

Got to the box office, picked up our tickets and ran into Lori, whom I used to work with. I didn’t recognize her at first – not because she looks different - but because I thought she was working at the Palms. She is doing well and loving her job at the Hard Rock, which is always good to hear. Went inside to inspect the newer, larger, version of the Joint. It is big – maybe too big. I liked the old one as it was a bit more intimate, but time will tell whether the new hall will be as big a success. Ran into others from work, Claudia & Kevin, and The Moss and happily took in the free drinks before getting the show started. Just before kick off, Lori came and offered us a VIP booth, and who were we to say no.

Santana came on stage and instantly I was a 10 year-old kid on vacation again. Dad used to have Santana’s “Black Magic Woman” and The Who’s “Who’s Next” playing in the car whenever we were going on a road trip. From the very first song I was transported into the back of the Kombi, headed north on the Pacific Highway.

And the show. It was magic! Santana played a great mix of old and newer material. He is not the greatest performer, preferring to stand at the back of the stage, out of the limelight, so to speak. But is guitar playing was superb. My favorite for the night was She’s Not There, which I later found out was the first time he had played the song for 15 years. The venue also turned out to be pretty good – but let’s see what I think in coming months when I’m on the floor for Rancid and No Doubt.

If you are coming to Vegas, this is probably the newest “do not miss” show. Hopefully I’ll go and see this again.

The Crap Facts
This is my 285th concert.
The New Joint is the 77th venue I've seen a concert in.
This is my 84th concert in Las Vegas.

This is my 84th concert in Nevada.

This is my 93rd concert in the USA.

Santana is the 356th band I've seen.

Animal Collective @ House Of Blues

Let’s keep this pretty brief. I’m old. I went to see Animal Collective with Moz, because he said how much he loved them (and tickets were half price). I was the oldest person there by about 10 years and the music / performance was not my cup of tea. It was just noise and button pushing to me – not a live performance. Having said that, a packed House Of Blues seemed to be into it. All I kept thinking was “I should have relived my youth by going to The Offspring instead”. Moz had a blast, as much as you can read from him, and got a good recording.

The Crap Facts
This is my 284th concert.
This is my 31st concert at House Of Blues
This is my 83rd concert in Las Vegas.

This is my 83rd concert in Nevada.

This is my 92nd concert in the USA.

Animal Collective are the 355th band I've seen.

Jane's Addicition & Nine Inch Nails @ Pearl

It seems like I’ve had these tickets for a while, so I was pretty pumped for tonight's show. (Going with Erik & Spoon). I’ve seen both before, on separate occasions, and had been disappointed. Hopefully tonight would change my opinion.

I was surprised to find Nine Inch Nails opening, as I thought this was their tour, but apparently the bands had been swapping slots. We waited patiently as a fog machine filled the Pearl – to such a point that it set off smoke alarms in the building – which nobody reacted to. Before long the lights went down, and out came Reznor and the gang. The show was rocking from the get go. The band was on, and looked like they were enjoying themselves. This is in complete contrast to when I’ve seen them in the past when Reznor had smashed something after every song. March Of The Pigs is a favorite NIN song of mine, so I was pretty happy when they played that early on. Head Like A Hole finished the main set, and Hurt was the one and only encore – but a fantastic end to a good hour-forty set. (Shame he didn’t play Closer though).

There was a quick turnaround and all of a sudden Jane’s Addiction was on stage, and Perry Farrell was ready to play. From the first notes of 3 Days, to the last chords of Jane Says, Jane’s put on a show that had me wondering “Who was that ordinary band I saw years ago at the Orleans?” Thanks for coming back Eric Avery. Ever the showman, Perry had an awesome stage presence, and great rapport with the crowd. I stood in front of Dave Navarro and you could tell he was having fun – and was mixing it up with the crowd. The best part – nothing older than Ritual de lo Habitual was on the set list – no breaking in new songs – no playing the Strays album. Just Jane’s at their best. Highlights were definitely Been Caught Stealing and Stop!

The Crap Facts
This is my 283rd concert.
This is my 7th concert at The Pearl
This is my 82nd concert in Las Vegas.

This is my 82nd concert in Nevada.

This is my 91st concert in the USA.

This is my 3rd Nine Inch Nails concert.
Nine Inch Nails are the 250th time I've seen an American band.
This is my 2nd Jane's Addiction concert.

St Pete Beach, FL

The morning started at The Cockney Rebel, a British pub, where I got a full English breakfast and to watch some football – and see ManU win another Championship (ARRRRGHHH!!!!).

Got back after A finished her morning session and again we took our last chance to sit out by the beach. It has been nice being here on the water and I do not want to leave. At dinner A and I met up with J(?), her colleague and we went to the Madfish for dinner. Great restaurant, a converted silver caravan. Good food and good company. A nice way to finish the trip.

Our story for the flight home on the Sunday comes courtesy of “We’re On A Plane, So Someone Will Do Something Stupid”. The guy in the aisle seat across from me thought it would be OK to serve himself and friends drinks. When a hostess finally caught him, he got shitty that he’d been cut off, so went back for more when she turned away. Then had the gall to act like nothing happened when he was escorted off the plane by the police. Dickhead!

St Pete Beach, FL

So I could either go back into St Petersburg today to see what I didn’t get to yesterday. I could take a bus up to Clearwater and have a look around. Or I could hang out at the beach and be a lazy vacation bum. Needless to say, after breakfast at Skidders, across the road from the hotel, option 3 was taken. Back under the cabana, in and out of the water, getting through “Executive Privilege" by Phillip Margolin, and listening to a ton of music on the ipod. Multi-slacker extraordinaire.

That evening I was going to go to the baseball, after missing out last night. Instead A wanted me to attend a reception related to her work (why we are in St Pete’s in the first place). I did, and had a fun night meeting tones of people. On a side note the Rays came back from 0-7 down against Cleveland to win 8-7 in the 9th innings.

St Pete Beach

With A at work all day, I caught a bus into St Petersburg to go and visit the Salvador Dali Museum.  This is my 2nd visit here, the last time 9 years ago with Reggae & Marbs.  I am the epitome of the saying "I don't know art, but I know what I like", and Dali speaks to me.  I spent hours in this museum, actually so long that I didn't eat lunch until closer to 3pm.  But I couldn't get enough. With 9 of his master art works here, the exhibit is amazing.  While I think it is hard to pick a favorite, I think The Hallucinogenic Toreador is the best.

I intended on going to see the Tampa Bay Rays play baseball on the way home, but I picked up a migraine and took the best option - just to get back to the hotel and try and sleep it off.

St Pete Beach, FL

A's only morning where we are going to get to hang out, so it's off to the beach to enjoy Florida's sun. We got a cabana with our cushions and I thought I was never going to move again. However the crystal clear gulf beckoned and it was great to be in the water again. The water was warm, and really salty - which I discovered after my first dive under - eyes ablaze and tongue a-spluttering.

St. Pete Beach, FL

We left for Florida this morning as A is attending a work conference at St. Pete Beach, and I don't want to be at work, so I will tag along.

Seems like A and I can't fly anywhere without it being plain and simple. Just before arriving in Tampa a storm kicked in and had us circling over the city until we ran low on fuel and were diverted to Fort Meyers. Once we'd refueled we took off into the storm and had the most terrifying 20 minutes of flying in my life before eventually landing in Tampa.

So much for an afternoon on the beach. We arrived as we watched the sun set in the Gulf of Mexico. We are staying at the Tradewinds Resort, which has one of my favorite hotel features, no road between the hotel and the beach. Bags were dumped in the room and dinner was downstairs in the hotels bar, Beef O'Bradys.

I know it's lazy, but I am looking forward to doing virtually nothing for the next few days.