This week marks the end of an era as we have sold our home in Henderson Nevada. We had some wonderful times witnessing world class entertainment which included: Paul McCartney, Elton John, Ringo Starr, Tony Bennett, Smokey Robinson, The Beach Boys, The Moody Blues, David Copperfield, All the Cirque du Soleil shows… and much more.
I would be remiss if I didn’t also include the restaurant experiences: Guy Savoy, Jean George Steakhouse, American Fish, Bouchon, Fleur de Lys, Fiamma, Craftsteak, Sinatra at the Wynn, Daniel Ballou at the Wynn, Bartolotta at the Wynn, Nine Steak House at the Palms, Hanks at the Green Valley Resort, T-Bones at Red Rock Casino, Prime at the Bellagio, Michael Mina at the Bellagio, Commanders Palace at the Aladdin Casino, and Postrio at the Venetian. There were many more but this gives you a sampling of the hospitality industries commitment to excellence in Las Vegas.
In September 2002 I moved to Las Vegas with Nancy. When we moved there the following structures were built after we arrived: Highway 215, The Wynn, Encore, City Center, Green Valley Casino, The Linq Hotel and Experience, Red Rock Casino, Resort World, T-Mobile Arena (Hockey (the Golden Knights) and entertainment center, The Las Vegas Ball Park (home to the Las Vegas Aviators), The Raiders Stadium, and a myriad of housing developments too many to mention.
Through-out this experience we were blessed to begin in an apartment and end up in a dream home in Henderson. I worked with world class chefs as a captain/server and even got my Sommelier certificate. Along the way we traveled in close proximity to Las Vegas visiting Cedar City Utah, St. George Utah, San Diego, Laguna Beach, Newport Beach, Malibu, Santa Barbara, Los Olivos, Santa Ynez, Solvang, Buelton, Sedona Arizona, Jerome Arizona, Prescott Arizona, Scottsdale Arizona, The Grand Canyon Arizona, Zion National Park Utah, and Bryce Canyon Utah.
We lived a wonderful life in the Las Vegas area and were truly blessed to be apart of and witness its meteoric rise in hospitality and entertainment. Walking through the Wynn before it was completed and being apart of its opening was magical. Then I was fortunate enough to open the Aria at the City Center. Along the way we met some incredible people that have added so much to our lives.
Working with world class chefs and master sommeliers was an added bonus. The depth of learning and commitment to excellence enhanced by the lavish surroundings provided by the Casino operators lifted our appreciation of the experience to an unequalled footing with the worlds best. No where else in the entire world could you see an NFL game, have an unparralleled dining experience, and then sleep in luxory befitting any VIP within a 10 block radius.
This, not to mention the energy on the Las Vegas Strip which culminated with New Years Eve. One Million people on the Strip closed to traffic that day with an amazing firework display witnessed by the entire world. People from all over the world came to be apart of an event they would never forget. Truly an experience by which all others would be judged.
Now, for the next chapter Nancy and I have moved to Idaho. There couldn’t be two more extreme environments. Vegas with its selfies and the catch phrase, “What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas” to the solitude of the wilderness.
The next chapter will involve travel, very special time with family and friends, and the hobbies put off due to businesses and work. Actually embracing the secluded spacial consciousness and taking time to enjoy without the thought of anything but peace and quiet. And so it begins.