theShizzknit

Whiteface, aka Ice Face, is the first mountain I have ever gone to Snowboard. I’m sure it’s delightful when the ice has thawed.
In winter, the iciness of this mountain is a near deathtrap.

A crew of close friends headed up. Most were total newbies but a couple of guys were pretty good. All of us except those two did a quickie one hour snowboarding lesson. Then we went to the peak of the mountain to check out our new found skills.

Or lack there of.

One friends gave up early. She basically slid down on her bum until it was flat enough to walk down. The rest of us powered through, falling on our bums, elbows, knees, etc.

Since I have a tendancy to go straight away at things, I fell on my face more than any other spot. The good thing is that my bottom was spared. I’d been planning to board without googles but a friend who had decided not to hit the mountain, lent me hers. From all that falling on my face, if I had gone without goggles, I would have given myself a nose job, I fell over so much.

Now I must say these falls weren’t so much from spasticness. It was that we were super newbies and the our more adroit friends were silly enough to suggest be head all the way to the top on the first run. It scared so many of the group that most never did another run that day or even went boarding again.

It’s worth visting the town of Alpine, some fun night spots, shopping and good restaurants, but steer clear of the mountain unless you are skilled or have a lot of bum padding.

I’ll be revisiting Gaylord Opryland for a weeklong conference once again this year. They have a fantastic set up if you’re looking for conference space for a very, very large group. The rooms are large and well kept and there are direct flights with not stoppovers available to Nashville. Very key.

Pseudo verandas overlook fulminating arbors that make up the interior. All the foliage is kind of cool in small amounts. After a week there, it got to be a little strange. I got a kick out of the automated monkeys that swing through and the “river” inside the hotel where you can have a “boat” ride.

Hotel served very wonderbread with mayo Mall tupe food. For the largest hotel in a city so important to the music scene, I’d have thought there would be more cosmopolitan choices. The rotating bar in the main area was a little disconcerting after one cocktail. Cute idea but the sensation that everything is spinning around is not something I’d want to experience again.

Again, my primary reason for visiting the first time and revisiting is for business so being at the Gaylord is what it is. Attending that annual conference is a big deal so I’m glad my presentation was accepted. After this year, I’m hoping they choose another venue.

The best benefit of GO is its proximity to the Grand Old Opry!

Don’t miss the Grand Ole Opry. You might think it’s a cheesy thing to do but it’s so bad a**. A definite on the to do list.
Go to downtown Nashville and check out the nifty art guitars. They are bigger than you and decked out differently. Very photogenic. Get a shot of you playing one!
Eat some BBQ. Mmmm yum!

We stayed the Gaylord Opryland. Fancy hotel overflowing with live plant and flower atriums, hotel rooms have verandas that open to the lush gardens. There is even a “river” inside the hotel where you can have a “boat”ride. Peek around to find the automated monkeys that swing through the foliage, and don’t miss the hidden fountain goings on.

My fabulous Fiance flew us out for a week in Amsterdam. We celebrated my birthday at this hip restaurant and lounge with a design bar beneath that’s the sexiest haunt in town.

The dining area is all white, including the wall to wall beds used for patrons lounging while they dine. – sexy! Food is delish Mediterranean. Drinks are artsy cool and costly. Chill scene with a surprisingly unpretentious crow.

The cosy bar beneath is done in similarly lush style of red velvet, mirrors, pillars and couches completing the sultry effect. Live DJs keep playing until late with scantily attired hard body dancers. Clubby dreamworld experience.

It’s close to home, inexpensive, and delicious. My fave is the De Pabellon- shredded beef, black beans, aged salty white cheese, and sweet plantains- $5. Do not order more than one arepa unless you have been doing bong hits all afternoon.