ASIAN HARVEST MOON FESTIVAL, Spring Preserve, LV

Today I visited the Asian Harvest Moon Festival at the Spring Preserve.  As expected, I had a wonderful time at this event.  

For a few hours, I was transported into the exotic world of Asia yet I was here at the Spring Preserve in Las Vegas.  I have such an international mind that I am at my best when I’m mingling with other cultures.  I may have been born in the small island of Puerto Rico, but without question, I am a citizen of the world. 

Asia is such an exotic part of the world.  Its vast culture and geographical diversity, its cuisine, languages/dialects, architecture and folkloric clothing make this part of the world so magical.  I have had the privilege of visiting Japan, China, Thailand and Singapore.  I still want to visit more of the Asian countries that I haven’t visited.  In California I used to live in an area with an increasing Asian population allegedly because they liked the school district.  I also have several Asian friends here and in California, so I’m very well acquainted with this magnificent culture.

Kind of a funny story is that when I went to Europe with two girlfriends from Puerto Rico, every time the tour stopped at the major landmarks, there were numerous tourist buses with Asians.  They always came to me to ask if I could take them a picture.  That was back in the non-digital era.  My friends laughed because Asians never approached them, they always asked me.  My friends said that it was because I looked like them.  Honestly, I don’t think I have any Asian resemblance, but I am constantly asked if I am Asian or Philippina.   Do I care?  Absolutely not. 

What a wonderful time I had at the Asian Festival!  The food, the performers, the colorful customs, and a bunch of friends scattered all over the place, made this the perfect day.  After being in Lake Las Vegas in the morning (previous post) and spending my afternoon at the Spring Preserve, for sure this was a busy, but extraordinary FUN day.  

STAND UP PADDLING ("SUP") ON LAKE LAS VEGAS

Today I had another special and fun day in fabulous Las Vegas. I did something I wanted to do for a while. Stand up paddling - yes!!!

If you know me, you know that I love the water. For some time I’ve been interested in trying stand up paddling at Paddle to the Core in Lake LasVegas. Stand up paddling, known as SUP, it’s nothing new, but it’s becoming very trendy these days.

Stand to the Core is located at The Westin Lake Las Vegas Resort. Beautiful resort and ideal water to SUP if you are a beginner.

After a very brief explanation, we were given our boards and paddle. Oh, I was excited! 

My first dilemma was whether to bring my best friend, my camera, with me. As much as I wanted to bring my camera, what if I fell into the water? It wouldn’t be the first time I ruin a camera by falling in the water, but I was not ready to say goodbye to my Olympus, so I left it.

My second dilemma was whether I was going to be able to balance my body on the board. Well, that turned out to be easy.

Once the board was on the water, I immediately started moving the board slowly with the paddle. A few minutes into it and I was already moving smoothly down the lake. I was having a sense of pride in myself. I was finally doing SUP!  Woo--hoo!!

Then serenity overcame my excitement. Once you are balanced on the board and get the hang of it, paddling on the lake is so relaxing. I was enjoying the experience to the fullest and delighting in the beautiful surroundings. Why in the world did I leave my camera behind? That was the only thing that was troubling my mind.  But not so fast.

About half an hour into paddling and feeling confident in what I was doing, I became so confident that I got distracted by the beautiful scenery when all the sudden PLASH! Yes, I’m embarrassed to report that I fell into the water. By the same token, I am proud to report that I got onto the board without much trouble and didn’t lose my paddle. All in all, it was a fun moment and a learning experience. Now, not only do I know how to paddle on the board, but I also know how to get back on when I fall into the water.

I also found out that SUP is a good workout for your legs, your arms and your core.

“Am I in Las Vegas?” This thought crossed my mind at least a couple of times. It’s easy to forget that you are in Las Vegas as you paddle around the lake. In the desert doing SUP, wow!

We started paddling a little bit passed 10 am and the temperature was hot, but nice. I covered my skin with sunscreen and wore surfer's shorts on top of my bathing suit to get some protection from the sun.

We paddled around the lake for about an hour. As I returned ashore, I was feeling proud of myself thinking: “mission accomplished.” What a good feeling that is. I had finally done the SUP including a good plump into the water. Bravo!

After paddling, I took a quick shower to remove the lake water from my skin and clothing. Yaak.

Then I went to the resort's beautiful swimming pool and swam a little.  Nice.

Too bad that Lake Las Vegas is 32 miles from my home. I don’t like driving, so for me it’s out of my comfort zone. But for sure I will do this again. Just don’t know when.

They also offer Yoga classes on the board. I love Yoga, so I’m already looking forward to try that class. I have the feeling that yoga on the board won’t be as easy as paddling on the board, but I’m ready for the challenge.

I love trying new things and adding new experiences to my life. Life is short so we need to enjoy it to the fullest…as long as we have health and a few pennies in the wallet. 

And, of course, I don't have pictures out on the lake, but the staff of Paddle to the Core was gracious enough to take a few pictures as we were coming back from our paddling experience.

"My Vessel"

As if I didn't have enough fun, from Lake Las Vegas I headed to the Asian Harvest Moon Festival at the Spring Preserve (in my wet clothes).  What a fun day this was!

POLITICIAN QUOTES

Politicians are the same all over. They promise to build a bridge even where there is no river. – Nikita Khrushchev

The reason there are so few female politicians is that it is too much trouble to put makeup on two faces. – Maureen Murphy

In politics stupidity is not a handicap.  – Napoleon Bonaparte

Politicians and diapers have one thing in common.  They should both be changed regularly and for the same reason.  – Anonymous

A politician is a fellow who will lay down your life for his country.  – Texas Guinan

Congress is so strange.  A man gets up to speak and says nothing.  Nobody listens – and then everybody disagrees.  – Boris Marshalov

If you cannot convince them, confuse them.  -- Harry Truman

Everything is changing.  People are taking their comedians seriously and the politicians as a joke. -- Will Rogers

The problem with political jokes is they get elected.

Day Trip to Willow Beach Marina, AZ

Fall began today and before welcoming the fall, I officially said goodbye to the summer by going to Willow Beach Marina in Arizona.  After an extremely busy week topped with allergies and friends in town, I was exhausted and longing for a day of relaxation on the beach. 

As we arrived to Willow Beach, we first visited the National Fish Hatchery System.  From there, we were very pleasantly surprised by a bighorn sheep who shortly directed us to his “buddies” at the mountain.  That was truly a Kodak moment.

From there, a short drive to the beach.  By the way, a horrible beach!  The water was COLD and looked dark, the bottom full of rocks and algae, no, no, no --  not my type of water.  I never got to put my bathing suit on because I had no intention of getting wet in that water.   

But the beauty of this beach is not in its water, it’s the surrounding beauty.  If I wanted relaxation, I certainly got it.  But it’s such a torture to be at a “beach” and not being able to get in the water.  This time we had no swimming pool to compensate for the cold water.  I was so tired from my busy week, that I just rested and delighted myself on the serenity of the water and beautiful geological area.  That was much needed food for my body, soul and spirit.  I think my timing to go to this “beach” was just perfect.  Today, it was just what I needed.   Any other day, I would’ve been bored to death.  Unless you have a boat or like fishing, there’s nothing else to do.

Lunch was picnic style.  Everyone brought something to share and we had a nice lunch.

Ok, I cannot say that it was a “fun” day at the beach, but I had a very enjoyable time at Willow Beach.

Spending a day with friends on the beach, the picnic lunch and being surrounded by beautiful scenery was an ideal way to end my summer.   Welcome fall.   

Do you see what I see?

Ok, you stop staring at me now.

Hey, what are you doing now?  I didn't mean to offend you.

Bighorn, thank you for showing me your buddies.
- Was this beautiful or what? - 

Do I see on the left two cucus with caca?  Delma!  Stop making fun of us!

This is as deep as I got into the water.

I was not the only one who got cold feet.