As I entered the chic hotel Marriot La Jolla, Ajju! a familiar voice greeted me. I immediately hugged my brother and kissed his cheeks. The bags were transferred to his car, a rented Audi-5 series, sex on wheels. We went to the Sheraton where he had booked a plush room for us. We exchanged the gifts and over Glenfiddich, discussed about our families. It was 1 am and he was pretty tired, I had in fact enjoyed my 30 hour journey from Mumbai-Dubai-San Francisco to San Diego. I wasn't tired at all. I was oblivious to jet lag! Maybe, the scotch had worked right for me during the travel.
I told Vinay that sleep well, We are going to Las Vegas tomorrow! He was amused and surprised at my energy levels. I'm a cribber traveller and need rest all the time. Las Vegas beckoned me!
We woke up at 5am, I hardly slept in excitement. We began our road trip, It would take 5 hours to reach Vegas, the only known and existing heaven on our planet earth.
The uninhabitable city was overinhabitated, We, overinhibited folks were venturing into the land of complete uninhibition.
Amidst the mist laden mountains of South California, our car sped on the asphalt as if it had wings. The heat appeared as we reached Nevada desert and soon we were in Las Vegas.
Vegas in daytime appears like a normal town but at the stroke of sunset, the entire town comes to life on its own like a shimmering neon city.
We rested for a while and began our sojourn onto the fabled streets of heaven. We parked our car and like excited kids in a toy land, began exploring the city.
The lights dazzled us. The music was around everywhere and we would walk into songs. It was a trance like effect. I think every night in Vegas was like our Diwali. We saw the Eiffel Tower, Giza pyramid and Disneyland themed hotels with awe and a sense of euphoria.
Cirque du Soleil-Zumanity, a sensual show celebrating love, was applauded by us till no end. The music, visual effects, acrobatics and of course the topless babes drove us crazy. The audience gave a standing ovation and clapped till their hands hurt. I ogled. The show was world class and I was privileged to see it.
We hurried to Venetia, a Venice themed hotel with Gondolas and other crazy stuff to catch the Blue Man Group show. I had seen them so far only on DVDs and badly wanted to see a live show. My brother dragged me as I was almost half asleep on the street. Sleep can drive you mad and I was reaching that point of no return. I even missed the adjacent musical Bellagio fountains in that state. As we entered, I slumped on the seat and soon the joy ride began. The audience, young or old were dancing to their beats. I shook myself awake and danced making whooping sounds with trademark Mumbai whistles. It was manna from heaven and we were indeed blessed to view this spectacular show in Vegas. After the show, I hugged the lead person of the group and Vinay clicked me right on. I was on cloud 9.
It was nearing midnight now, after a quick bite, we booked a Limo, a stretch Limo! to go to the night club. I slept like a king in the limo, much to the chagrin of the driver.The heavy weight gunned ushers respectfully welcomed us to the club and then the night began.
The night club was like an oasis in the desert, it was like a mirage.... a dream come true.... The awesome show girls .
I can't describe further, 'cos 'what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas.......'
At 6 am, we reached our hotel and crashed on our beds. I remember waking at 12 noon with a real big swollen head, migraine and selective amnesia for the whole night. I was reliving the Hangover movie!
We skipped the Grand Canyon and packed our bags to leave for San Diego at 2 pm. While returning the mood was sombre and I felt like a kid leaving Disneyland..
Next day, Vinay left for Miami, I thanked him for the trip and as he was leaving in his car, I hugged him and cried.
It was not Vegas but it was my brother's company that I enjoyed the most. I had brought him up with love and care ever since he was a toddler. I was attached to him and not Vegas. I would probably meet him after a year or so and that caused tremendous pain and anguish. We always want our near and dear ones to be around us all the time.
The rest of the trip in US, including Hollywood and Beverly Hills was just a formality.
I was homesick and badly missed my folks at home.
The overcast skies greeted me, The rush at the luggage carousel belt due to lack of trolleys and the pot bellied porters with the paan chewing cops smiled at me.
It was a letdown, a beautiful letdown. Vegas was a distant fading memory.
I had reached my sweet home town.
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