陽光.彩虹

As I did not want to wait for the next local CIC class, which is going to be held in Nov 2012, I decided to sign up the one here in Vegas.  Therefore, here I am in Vegas for 3 days 3/28-30 on my own.

Clement dropped me off at Long Beach airport at 6-ish pm on Tue.  It was my first time flying out from that airport.  It was a very small airport.  Maybe because of the pilot issue happened earlier that day, the airport was packed with passengers from delayed flights.  As soon as I learned that there was one flight got postponed for 2 hours due to no pilot and co-pilot were available, I was very nervous as I did not know what was going to happen to my flight.  Luckily, mine was only half hour delayed.  To my surprise, JetBlue’s plane was new and modern.  Seats were spacious and comfy.  I then landed on this piece of wonderland approximately after 45 minutes fun plane ride watching Chopped.

As soon as I got my luggage, I walked out of the airport and got on a taxi.  I always have issues taking taxi alone at night.  While I was trying to hide my nervousness and being extra alert, I notice the driver drove into some street that was super dark.  I could not really see where I was.  It was not my understanding that the hotel would be located in such a creepy area.  I started to freak out.  When I was having all sort of different thoughts in my head, the taxi came to a sudden stop.  Seriously, he hit the brake pretty hard.  Gosh…he drove into a dead end area and almost ran on the curb.  Ok…he apologized for getting lost and thinking that was a short cut.  I remained silent and did not respond to his apology.  Luckily, it did not take him too long to find the way out.  We arrived at the hotel.  I handed him $20 which included $2.50 tip.  I turned around looking at the hotel entrance.  Phew…I am safe now!!  Checked in, ate, called it a day!!

Wednesday, first day of the class.  I woke up feeling a little weird.  Nose was congested with itchy throat.  Well, I showed up at the class at 7:45am.  Class started at 8am sharp.  It was a pretty long day.  Coffee could not be of help.  I was very tired throughout the day.  8-hour class seemed like forever.  

After the class, I decided to walk up to the strip. Maybe it was not on a weekend, traffic on the strip was pretty light.  I checked out a store called Sugar Factory and was fascinated by its cakes and ice-cream.  I am definitely going back next time!  As I walked, I passed several restaurants and was surrounded by some fantastic cooking smell.  Sigh, I had to watch my expenses, I reminded myself I was not on vacation, I had to grab something quick for dinner and then go back to the hotel and study…Oh man, the feeling of being in Vegas alone and for an exam was strange.  I ended up having hot dog from Pinks!!

 

I came back to the hotel, got the music ready, study time it was!!!  This hotel is kind of old and off the strip.  I could tell most of the people staying in here were elderly.  It was deadly quiet at night.  Size of the room is decent though despite the fact that I could here people walking upstairs.  I was glad that I brought my music player.  Sure thing, music kept me well accompanied in the whole trip!!

 

Thursday, second day.  I felt better and not as tired as yesterday.  8 hours had gone by pretty quickly.  I went for a quick walk after class, back to my room and took a nap.  Study time again!!!

Looking forward to finishing the class and exam tomorrow.  I really miss Mr. Eng and the doggies.  I miss home!!!