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| Holiday 2008 (Contd) |
| Saturday, January 10, 2009 |
Day 3 (Contd)
I was a little sad as we drove into Denver. No more snow! :--( Denver was less colder than Aspen, and was on flat lands, although the elevation is about a mile, hence the name, Mile High City. It was ages that I had experienced the frozen nose tip, frozen toes and frozen fingers. It was ages since I had worn three layers of clothes. It was kinda nice, reminded me a lot of good old days in Madison. That doesnt mean I like cold weather, I used to, but California has spoilt me, and it is nice to visit for a few days. And since there were no snow storms or heavy winds and it was perfectly sunny, I really enjoyed it. Which brings me to another conversation we had with a skiing couple we met. We said where we were from, and they said," The only thing I think of about the place is, its too warm!!" We smiled cordially in response. But, what the heck!! So we analyzed something during lunch. There are two kinds of people, one kind is like this skiing couple, they have been living in cold places and like cold weather, and like winter sports. The other kind has always lived in sunny california, especially the south, by the beach, or in Florida, that cannot take less than 60F weather. They like all the summery sports and those by the beach, the sailing, diving, etc. Guess what, we talked to one such person last winter when we were in Miami, and he said," Wow, that place is cold!!" Perspectives!! And we are in the hanging in the middle kind. Like to put our legs anywhere and everywhere.
Anyway coming back to the story, we stayed in JWMarriott in Cherry Creek which we realized was the upscale side of the town. After going round the block looking for a decent parking, we realized there was only Valet parking. The moment we stopped our car, the guy came to open the car doors for us! That was the moment I started feeling like royalty. ;--) We had stayed in JWMarriott last year same time in Miami Downtown as well. That was much bigger a hotel, and much more royalty. ;--) It was all Sirs and Madams for us which felt good. Of course it also meant we shoud behave properly. When me and DH are together, we behave like nutcases. Especially me. Especially on vacations when nobody around knows us. ;--P There will be an example later in the post at the airport. Thats a good reason why I was quite flustered when we bumped into a friend in Reno during Thanksgiving. Thats the reason why we never get to make friends on our vacations, because we are in our own worlds. No, please dont entertain cheap thoughts.
So anyway, we checked in to our hotel, freshened up and immediately went to the Concierge Lounge for some free gourmet snacks. We sat by the window looking at the city and the mountains, sipping tea, and eating. We didnt have any plan for the evening, we decided to hit the Mall. Which is very unusual of us to do on a holiday trust me. I was pulling DH's leg saying he never got me any gift for Christmas. We were at this handbag shop, Coach. And I was looking at some bags, as my current one is badly in need of replacement. I found this really cute one, multicolored, liked it and put on a paavam face to coax DH into buying it for me. DH laughed and agreed. I was still in a dilemma, when I found the tag. It was a whopping $150!! My dilemma was over ;--) But DH wanted to buy that bag for me! How cute! He pulled me with the bag saying, "Its okay, you dont generally spend too much on such things, its my christmas gift for you, lets buy it"!I was shocked, both with happiness, that DH would do that for me, and because he was ready to do it! I vehemently shook my head. Its insane to pay so much for a bag I would carry to work everyday. Finally we came out of the store empty handed.
We had dinner at Macaroni Grill and went back to the hotel for dessert. There was free dessert in the Conceirge Lounge. I didnt eat anything of course, but DH got a few brownies and gave a longing look at the other delicacies, that he didnt eat. See, thats what happens, I heard recently from someone, when there is ability there is no opportunity, and when there is opportunity there is no ability!!
Day 4
We set out to Colorado Springs to visit Garden of the Gods. We were going down south from Denver, and it wasnt too great a drive. It was a decent place to visit. We went on a short hike around between the rocks, watched the rock climbers. DH immediately wanted to try rock climbing. The place had a number of red rocks standing almost vertically in contrast to the rest of the surrounding areas. These had apparently taken many many years to form. We had lunch at the visitor center, debating if we should go on a bigger hike in the afternoon. We droppped the idea, somehow the hotel seemed more enticing. It was a short day, we started driving back to Denver, I slept while DH drove. We spent the rest of the afternoon in the room, watching TV, browsing the internet, just relaxing, as many would say. We went to the Concierge Lounge, again hoping there would be something to eat, although it was time for evening snacks. The guy there, apologized, I dont know why, and said snacks will be available at half past five. I had a totally vazhiyara look as I looked all around and picked a handful of crunchy tasty snacks they had and some fruits. After a lot of deliberation on what to do for New Years Eve, we decided to keep it quiet. We went to an Indian Restaurant, had masala dosas and vadais. Nothing like Indian food. We came back to the hotel and called it a night. DH thinks we still need to have atleast two more quiet New Years Eve to make up for the one gala night we had last year, in Miami, eating gourmet Indian meal of five courses, on the famed South Beach, for a helfty sum.
Day 5
You know they had a weighing scale in the room? That was not a good idea, totally spoit my vacation. :--P I am kidding of course. There is absolutely nothing interesting to do in Denver! It was a big mistake we didnt stay in Aspen for longer. After debating about a Zoo, or a place called Red Rocks, literally it was Eenie Meenie Mini Moe that saw driving towards Red Rocks Park. Oh and also the recommendation by the hotel desk, who said, RedRocks gives a wonderful panoramic view of Denver from up high. Now who really wants to see the panoramic view of Denver? This place seemed to be much bigger than Garden of the Gods, with much bigger rocks. There was an amphitheater in the middle, where I guess some famous shows have taken place. We got the map of the park and directions for a hike, and set off. This day was the only day that the Sun hid behind the clouds refusing to come out. Till then everyday was bright and sunny.
The trail was damp and a little icy. We had our own kind of fun, walking and laughing. There were supposed to rattlesnakes and mountain lions around the trail. I was praying and hoping we dont sight any, only to realize along the trail that DH was hoping to sight atleast something! I saw some foot prints of animals on the damp ground, and was dumbstruck. "DH, see those foot prints? Do you think there really are mountain lions prowling around?" "I really hope so. We can get to see one then.. But I really think those are of dogs, that people walk on the trail." Phew!! I really thought believed myself for sometime, and walked with my heart on my sleeves, until I saw a family walk along with their dog. See, I really want to do all these interesting dangerous hikes, I dont have the guts, seriously, if not for DH, I would have not even ventured into the hike.
Once we reached the end of the trail, we headed to the airport. DH had incorrectly thought our return flight was at 2PM when it actually was at 6PM. Hence this day was not actually planned. We finally boarded the flight, after a female asked DH if I was under 18. :--( There was a women on Oxygen sitting on the third seat. we heard one of the airhost tell her that because she has the oxygen he will find someone to swap seats at the window. I was stumped. I love window seats. Period. DH also likes window seats. In fact when we were back in college that was the binding factor that helped our friendship grow. We always picked window seats in the same cabin facing each other. Now whenever we travel DH has to give up the window of course, to me, and sit in the not-much-coveted middle seat. This time actually DH, to annoy me, picked two seats, with his name on the window and mine in the middle seat. He kept pulling my leg saying, we have to sit according to the seating assignments. ;--) But of course, we know how it ends. So anyway back to the story. After hearing the hostess, I immediately told DH, " I am not going to agree to switch seats if asked" with a pout. A few minutes later, he asked me. All my resolutions came flying to my mind, much to my consternation. I have to be accomodative, I have to be adjusting. Sigh! I gave up my window seat.
One thing I loved about this holiday was we still had three more days off before getting back to work. One day was spent getting back to routine. One day was spent by me cooking, while DH and my brother spent playing some invasive war game on Wii. I have found a new love for cooking. I am not sure when it will vanish so I am making the best use of it. We had a movie night, I slept as usual of course, I cant stay past my bed time :--P, and DH and brother watched some gripping episodes of 24.
It was not so good getting back to work after such a wonderful time. Things have been pretty busy since Monday. So much so I keep wishing for December 2009 to come already!
Looks like I am done with blogging for the whole year. :--) |
posted by SK @ 3:36 PM  |
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| 4 Comments: |
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yesskaay!! you look like you are under 18 ah?
womygaad! I am still curious about that thing you told about meeting you and being surprised. Now am even more inquisitive. Under 18! Lol!
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Adi, Did I say 18? err. I meant 81 :--P
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Bwahahaha! And I thought that I looked young for my age. Looks like someone beats me. Under 18! *smirks*
And why did you give up on the window seat, man? There are some things in life that are too precious to be given up... window seats being one of those.
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Drenched,
Ahhhhh fellow window lover! :--)) My love for humanity surpassed my love for windows. :--P
I most certainly dont look 18, I may have acted like one. :--S
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yesskaay!! you look like you are under 18 ah?
womygaad! I am still curious about that thing you told about meeting you and being surprised. Now am even more inquisitive. Under 18! Lol!