So many have posted their feelings, reviews, photos and videos that there isn't much left to cover....except...
Las Vegas (and later San Jose) will always hold a place in my heart, not only because of Leonard, but because of each one of you! Leslie and Maarten, thank you for sticking with me and encouraging me when sometimes things weren't exactly coming together for the dinner. It was wonderful to work with you over the computer and phone calls, but even more fun when were able to meet in person! Maarten - your nametags and lanyards are works of art and like so many others have said, I will treasure mine forever. Les - the green glo lights were perfect! Thanks for all your co-ordinating when it came to shipping them etc..
I loved the 2 1/2 hours that Marie (IrishMar), Leslie and I spent sipping capuccino's outside of the patisserie in Caesars...non-stop talking, and of course touching Marie's hand
The dinner was fun, as was the after dinner get together in the Seahorse Bar! So many wonderful old and new LC friends...MaryB and George, MarieM, Marsha, Mary Mollydog, wonderful Arlene, Denise, Bonnie, Nico, Novabella, Lisa, Vlasta, Conny, Birgit, Roman, Jayne, Wendy and Tony, Dar, Graham, Philippe, Patricia (grannypoe) and the lovely Ann! Great to finally meet Doug and John from Utah who couldn't stay for Red Rocks! So interesting to talk with Michael about trekking and the Himalayas! And of course Jarkko (our high prince of Cohendom!) and Eija, and Dick and Linda!! Loved running into Rafael in the hallway about 110am
Breakfast the next morning was another lengthy affair with Les, Marie and MarieM...so much to talk about and share! Followed later by the welcome arrival of Albert Noonan...hurray!
The concert was perfection as always with the added excitement of the 2 new songs! Love the bluesy sound and Leonard's guitar work! Also loved the intro to Chelsea hotel.... Great to meet up with some band members before the concert. My first time to meet Dino! Loved Roscoe's new haircut...verrry nice!
Seahorse Bar again and then up early in the morning for our shuttle to the airport (thank you Arlene!). Singing Happy Birthday to Maarten! The Southwest flight attendant welcoming all the Leonard Cohen Forum fans on the flight to San Jose! Then the hydraulic leak...off the plane...and waiting patiently (see Jarkko...we have learned from you!) for the new aircraft!
Thank you all for your warmth, intelligence, and sense of humour!
ps..one more thought. Although I once lived in Vegas for 8 years, I don't like the city and would never have been there if not for Leonard. Nothing is real. But Leonard, the band, and all of us with our passionate hearts were real, and that's what counted!
