And then he gave us Gin......
Trip Start
Mar 14, 2008
1
9
23
Trip End
Apr 28, 2008
Las Vegas,
Nevada,
United States
Saturday, April 5, 2008
Another fantastic day. Nice to see that 5 clever adults can finally organise for all to be in the same uniform (if only the same could be said for banners in attendance....without naming names Tim and Rhonda). Luce has been named official uniform police (with Tim as deputy). Having been in force one whole day we have Narelle and Peter on -10 points (casual jacket and no badge respectively). No Narelle potential work cover claims for hypothermia will not stand up in court - it's a balmy 70+ degrees farenheit in the states at present. Rhonda already -20 points (casual jacket + incorrect badge). Tim and Luce remain squeaky clean. Expect improvement from the ladies in the days to come. Peter as our leader needs to set the standard with respect to dress....
Off to Green Valley Rotary Club for our breakfast meeting. A HUGE thank you to Mike Link for his wonderful chauffeur efforts. Beautiful setting for the breakfast meeting and a fun club with younger members and hilarious traditions. Thanks Peter for the heartfelt impromptu speech which hit home
Oscar, The Team and Little Gin Bottles
. Narelle created blank expressions and nervous laughter with her "sheilas, blokes, ripper time and bonza meeting" spiel. We are not in Kansas anymore Toto.... Then a 9am appointment with the Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman. Everything we have heard about the man seems true.....the martinis, the semi naked female entourage, the past life as a defence attorney, the fully stocked in office bar, the throne, very interesting insights into solving problems of prostitution and drugs, the Atkins diet for weight loss (inclusive of 1L of gin per day). A great conversation all round. Many anecdotes to take away and digest in our own time. Gifts from local Australian council Mayors (thanks Jack) were exchanged for small bottles of Bombay Sapphire Gin (when in Vegas!?!)
Off then to the Liberace museum for a tour providing a taste of the glitz and glamour behind the Italian American wonder pianist. 200 pound costumes, pink rhinestone covered cars, monkey fur jackets, sweeping mink coats, rings that would choke a donkey....and somewhere behind that a showman and wonderful musician who made it big and spoiled his Mum (Mom) rotten.
By then the tummy is rumbling. To the Haufbrauhaus, a Bavarian Beer Hall with authentic bratwurst and buxom apron clad waitresses with very American German accents (well at least at Peter's end of the table). Beer served in very large vessels as a side followed by apple strudle and chocolate Bavarian with cream. Full as a public school we rolled out to the carpark to continue our journey.
A lovely afternoon with a guided tour of the Atomic Testing Museum
Rhona loves the German Lager
. Hiroshima, Nagasaki, the Nevada testing site, radioactive waste, testing going underground in the 70s, defense capabilities.......full of information. Tim behaved like a 3 year old on Christmas morning in the souvenir shop (Zac and Mia will be well looked after upon his return) playing with colourful bouncy radioactive goo.Back home for a quick change and then to our Farewell BBQ at the home of Brock and Barber Frasier. A fantastic array of food and fine wines and beers was received with open arms by our battle weary team. Peter again spoke well on behalf of the group and gave a heartfelt farewell and thanks to the many generous Rotarians that have made our stay in Nevada so fantastic. Perfect BBQ (despite uniform discretions as listed above). Luce continues to dictate and officiate regarding same. Deputy Tim (aka The Enforcer) continues to assist (subject to uniform adherence). The quest for GSE perfection continues. We are very close.
Ciao
GSE TEAM (Luce)
