Quick Trip Home

Saturday May 3, 2014

Narita Airport Tokyo

Beautiful Day to Fly

Quick post before I fly to Bali for some R&R

About a month ago I had to go to the NAB conference in Las Vegas (one of the very few cities I dislike). So took advantage of the trip to catch up on some friends and family. As it was a short trip, couldn't catch up with all my friends which was sad, but glad I was able to see some of my Besties.

First stop LA. Arrived in the AM, checked in the hotel and met LA Besties, Brigitte, Chris and Genie for dinner and major catch up!

Sandra drove down from SF in my "old" Prius so we could catch up. Stayed with me at the hotel, and next morning did my Malibu Saturday morning ritual. Hike Ocean and Canyon trail:

Selfies! God, I need Botox!

Then went to Lily's cafe for the best breakfast burritos in America. Took the burritos to Westward Beach to enjoy the ocean and have breakfast

And then for the first time ever, right after I took the photo of my burrito, a seagull flew by and took my burrito right out of my hand! And a flock got together and downed it literally in less than 30 seconds!

One of these guys was the ring leader!

We then went shopping at TJ Maxx where I bought some Escada clothes for a steal! We then met my Besties and "god" parents of Yuki, Skipper and now Tobey – Amy and Michael to catch up on things over delicious food!

Another selfie!

Then it was off to that city that I dislike – Vegas

The only good part was that I caught up with my great colleagues and clients!

And as soon as the show ended, I got on the first flight to Denver to catch up with sis and family. Sis picked me up and we had lunch in Denver on a beautiful day. Hard to believe a few days later (the day I was to leave) a blizzard hit Denver area.

Then we went to her home in Boulder but before doing major shopping at REI, some local boutiques, etc. I had to buy a new suitcase but so glad I found a fantastic Briggs and Riley duffle bag like thing.

I also got to see first hand the damage done to their backyard from the major flood last year. Their entire basement was damaged and they remodelled it but the backyard is a mess! The flood established a new river in their backyard but fortunately, the city moved it. However, major major work needed in the backyard.

View of the mountains from my sister's backyard, if you look closely, you can see a dry "waterfall" . That was formed during the floods. Water was gushing down the mountain.

Zuma showing me the damage to their backyard

View of backyard facing their house

Next day sis and I did the flatirons hike. The altitude got to me for the first 10 min (hate that feeling when you gasp for air!) but then I got used to it. It was a glorious day for hiking.

Selfie with the flatirons as a background

For my last nite, we went to dinner for some really good American cuisine. I had roast chicken with mashed potatoes but the shrimp and grits looked delicious and something that is hard to get in Japan