Here’s a side view from the living room. Click on it to see the larger version of this panoramic thumbnail.
One mixed-bag element of timeshare ownership is the meeting during every visit. On the downside there’s the half day eaten up by a presentation, conversation, etc. To compensate, you get tickets to shows and fed. Surprisingly I have enjoyed the majority of our meetings. Back when we first went to Tahiti Village I was rather annoyed at Somara for cajoling me into this for cheap Cirque du Soleil tickets. Her parents do it all the time to get the discount, freebies, whatever. Me? I would prefer to maintain control of how our vacation gets spent, nobody can give you the lost hours back.
Last year’s meeting resulted in us walking away from the whole point thing because it was too cost-prohibitive, we were on the verge of paying off the car and I was on pins and needles regarding Molly’s diagnosis. The year before was awesome, they offered us the second deed for half the price we paid on the original. I was expecting a repeat of 2012 minus the cat illnesses but at least we got cheap tickets to Blue Man Group at Monte Carlo and freebies to Popovich at PH. As the title states, we doubled down since we received an attractive offer. The Bora Bora for $9000 and our two Moorea deeds. Yes our dues will go up somewhat. Yes we’re taking on a new debt. In exchange we’re getting a larger, nicer place to stay! Somara can deal with the point crap, I’m just stoked over the amenities (washer-dryer, two bathroom sinks, balcony), additional space and how it is going to be easier to invite a couple guests to accompany us. The Moorea has a couch with a hide-a-bed yet more space makes a less uncomfortable situation; I haven’t lived in the dorms for 24 years plus I don’t miss ’em.
Back in 2010, we stayed in a Bora Bora through an upgrade (long story). The experience was significantly better. We did laundry a couple times while relaxing in the place versus hanging out in the common area. The bathroom wasn’t crowded. Overall it was a pipe dream to making the shift. Now we got it in perpetuity.
We certainly made Deborah’s day. From what we know of talking to other reps, the success rate is about 25% for the vets. We were her only client that day. I liked her regardless of what we decided. Deborah’s regular day job is playing poker until she has enough to move to Cabo.
With the paperwork finished, we took some panoramic photos of the model Bora Bora via our newish iPhone 5s and had lunch.
Now there’s a kitchen! These accessories in a room on the Strip would average over $500/day.
Our annual pilgrimage to the Pinball Hall of Fame was abruptly cut short by car insurance matters Somara had to handle, forcing us to return to TV early. I did get in a few games I love to always play alongside several new arrivals. The new Metallica SE machine was there. My immediate impression? It’s much like their career, it starts off exciting, filled with potential and eventually becomes a turgid experience; ball one = Ride the Lightning; Ball five = Saint Anger. Others were better.
Leaving my mark in Vegas as I do often in Austin!
We made it to the Blue Man Group show under the wire, they were just getting started as the curtain rose. After being indifferent to this show for over a decade, I left rather impressed. It was certainly more interesting than Stomp (or Cake as I like to call it). The Blue Man Group has the percussion factor but there’s more comedy and they share DNA with another troop I loved as a kid called Mummenschanz (saw them live too). There were bits using giant iPhones, catching gum balls, plumbing = the Internet, smoke, robots (my favorite), synapses and a closing number listing dozens of euphemisms for our butts. The pictures afterwards were a riot. The Blue Man we are with is the one who tends to be the jokester. I’m definitely sold on catching their touring show should it come to Austin and/or seeing what the other cities have.
My beard fascinated him.
My fave is Showbot. She responded to me talking to her like Twiki.
The day was wound down with a light dinner at a cafe in Aria (making space for breakfast at Paris tomorrow) and video-poker victory number three for me!
Raise a glass with me (Jose, Nelson and/or Helen, I’m looking in your direction)…next year in Las Vegas!
Gambling Report:
- Video Poker: Steve 3, Somara 1 ($12.50, $0)
- Somara: No idea, I guess -$60
- Steve: -$25.50: VidPoker -$40; Football +$9.50; Craps +$5