Back in the States!

Well, unfortunately I have to announce that I am back in the states. It was quite a shock to the system walking out of baggage claim late Sunday night in flip flops. I lost all feeling in my extremities within minutes and longed to return to the mid-to-high eighty degree temperatures of the Bahamas that I had left earlier that day.
The trip was wonderful with beautiful weather the entire time. The azure waters of the carribean are almost surreal and the pink-hued sunsets each night were unbelievable, as well. We toasted the sunsets each night with champagne from the giant balcony of the Royal Bahamian Suite, an upgrade they provided us with when I mentioned that the condition of the Royal Village Honeymoon Villa was just not up to my standards. We must have consumed at least ten bottles of champagne in our room alone, as I requested our butler bring a pitcher of fresh-squeezed orange juice and a bottle of bubbly each morning with our breakfast, and we would usually polish off another at sunset before heading out to dinner or late night upon returning to our room. We certainly kept them busy restocking the wet bar in the suite, but hey when they say "unlimited" in their marketing brochures they should know that I take them very seriously.
The food was great and we dined in a different restaurant each night except for two evenings. We enjoyed the romantic surf and turf dinner on the pier so much we had to do it one more time so the night before our departure we returned there to dine under the stars with the waves lapping at the beach beneath our feet. One of the benefits of staying in a butler suite was access to this exclusive restaurant.
Turns out we not only had one butler, but actually three butlers working in shifts to accomodate our every request. Those of you who know me understand I can be a little demanding when it comes to good service.
The exclusive offshore island was a great amenity of this resort that we took advantage of on several days. A short ferry ride across the clear water and you could spend the day secluded on a sun-drenched isle with two private beaches and all the comforts of a full-service restaurant, swim-up pool bar and spa treatments. I forgot how much I loved conch and Kalik beer!
Of course it all ended too fast and leaving was difficult, especially knowing the temperature would be dramatically different back home. I managed to get some time in playing blackjack at the Crystal Palace Casino down the road from our resort, and thanks to their generous offer of four free nights should I return to play, I think Lauren and I will be making an extended weekend visit in the near future!
I'm still getting the pics developed and since they are old school 35mm I need to get them scanned to upload here, but will get to it soon.
Anyway, its good to be back regardless of the weather!

Bahamas!

We leave for the Bahamas in just a few days and I am very excited about this trip and not because I just found out that the World Poker Showdown is holding its deep-stack poker tournament that same week at the Crystal Palace Casino, just down the street from our resort and within walking distance! No this trip is destined to be the most romantic vacation I have ever taken, and while I have stayed in hotels with personal butler service, I have never had the opportunity to utilize their services for an entire week and Lauren and I plan to put this one to the test of his limits! We will be staying in the Royal Village Honeymoon Villa which is in a secluded area of the resort and I also intend to put their all-inclusive amenities to the test of their limits, too! I'll be sure to take lots of pics and post an update when we get back.

Happy New Year!

I have been inspired by MoC's barrage of new posts to update my blog and wish everyone a Happy New Year! I'll start from the last post. I returned from Vegas recharged and excited to play after 5 winning sessions and 1 loser at the Bellagio poker tables. I even got a little time in at the Luxor and the Palms casinos, as well. I won a little at Blackjack overall, but lost at craps every time, which is why I usually avoid the game in Atlantic City. Thanksgiving was great with a wonderful family gathering at the Top of the World restaurant at the Stratosphere and a trip Downtown to Fremont Street for a taste of old school Vegas. One of the highlights was watching poker pro Phil Ivey playing some high stakes craps at the Bellagio with six figure bets on each roll of the dice! I've included some more pics below.
I played for a bit in the World Series of Poker Circuit event at Harrah's in early December, but came up short of the money. I haven't played much at all with the holidays upon us, but will be getting back to the felt in the next week or so.
Christmas was great and New Year's Eve was a bit more quiet than years past, but fun just the same (see MoC's blog for pics).
Lauren and I will be heading off to the Bahamas on the 15th of this month. From the moment we are picked up at the airport in our chauffer-driven Rolls Royce we will be experiencing the ultimate in luxury vacationing, including a personal butler at our beck and call 24/7! I'm especially looking forward to that trip!
Well, that about does it as far as updates. Wishing you all the best in 2008!