I was very lucky to have been invited to take a spin on the Circuit of the
Americas track in a Lamborghini Gallardo, one of the sexiest vehicles around by
Lamborghini of Dallas. This was a once in a lifetime experience that I
decided to take despite the consequences of motion sickness afterwards. To
prepare, I fasted for 18 hours in advance, sipped on water, and brought #GoogleGlass
and candied ginger with me. I've been on many tracks before as the driver
and the passenger, and I had a feeling that this was going to be one of those
where I probably wouldn't be in the best condition after exiting.
This is one SEXY machine. It has a nice rear.
The front isn't too shabby either.
This is the one I actually rode in on the track. It is smooth, slick,
and sexy as hell. If you haven't ever been on a racetrack or autocross
track, people who suffer from motion sickness can get sick very quickly.
Going 160 mph isn't a bad when you are going straight. When you are taking
hairpin turns, it can really do a number on your system. Usually, the
nausea subsides after a few hours.
However, this time was even rougher on
my system. I went into stress overdrive and lost motor control. It
has happened before with a dose of epinephrine, which is typical. I guess
studying behavioral neuroendocrinology was useful. In a nutshell, I just
had a really high dose of cortisol. However, it took several days to go
back to normal. If it happens to you, don't fret. Eventually your
cortisol levels will return to normal.
Here's the video taken with Google Glass. Enjoy!
Isn't it beautiful?
And here's the driver, Les Betchner. Not only
does he drives at these types of events, he also does stunt driving for movies.
I asked him if he felt bad for destroying cars, and he said, "No. They have it
worked into the budget." Aww.... I feel bad when the cars are destroyed!
Holeman and Finch was one of
my last stops on a an evening of eating and drinking. It was pretty dark
we're a little low on the photos. Three things that I would order again at
Holeman and Finch:
1. Drinks - the cocktails here were creative and well executed. I
ordered the Spikey #1, but every time another drink went by, I looked longingly.
Next time, I'll make Holeman and Finch my first stop and stay awhile.
2. Things with meat. I ordered the amazingly crispy and clean tasting
sweetbreads and the charcuterie board. Get it. Eat it.
3. The pork fat caramel is amazing. It is simply, simply, simply
amazing. It is was definitely a sweet dessert with a subtle savory note.
I did manage to procure the recipe, and I'll be trying to make it at home.
Varekai,
means "wherever" in Romanian, is one of Cirque Du Soleil's traveling shows - one of the rare
opportunities to get to experience
Cirque Du Soleil outside of their stationary
shows. Varekai was my eighth (or ninth) shows, and it does not disappoint.
While the core of the show is around human feats of strength and skill, the
frame and feel of each show distinct and beautifully done. All
photos by John
M. P. Knox / @hopsafari Photo by John M. P. Knox - @HopSafari
One of the biggest lessons that everyone can learn from Cirque is how to tell
a story - how to repackage something that we've been exposed to previously and
turn it into something absolutely stunning. Prior to Cirque, impressions
of "circuses" were dirt floor rings, unfocused acts, lack of story, and
sometimes the smell of elephant.
Photo by John M. P. Knox - @HopSafari
The best example of this is
Zarkana in Las Vegas. Of the shows that I
have seen, this is the one that is the closest to traditional circus acts.
However, the creative directors added a story, distinct and elaborate costumes,
live music and beautifully choreographed movements. It doesn't resemble
anything that you might see in a three ring circus.
I was very lucky to get a behind the scenes experience of Varekai. A
big thanks to Endicott PR for inviting us see the artists in action. Above
is a video compilation show of clips taken by the artists wearing my GoogleGlass
and my iPhone during rehearsal. Next, I'll have some photos of the artist
during rehearsal and onstage. Enjoy!
This is Karen. She was on the stage when we arrived.
Karen is from New Hampshire. It is imperative for the artists to
practice at a new site because each one is a new space. Movements need to
be adjusted and refined to ensure safety. The set takes about 16 hours to
set up!
Here she is getting a few pointers.
And this is her on opening night. The costumes and makeup are so
elaborate that it is hard to tell which artist is which.
As she leaves the stage, the two Ukrainian artist take a turn on the stage.
There are about 50 artists total in this show from 18 different nations.
While we walked around backstage, I was certainly exposed to make other
languages and accents. It is amazing to think that these artists trust
each other with their lives even though they might initially speak different
languages.
My palms are still getting sweaty and shaky looking at this photo. I
did take a trapeze class after last year's
Quidam show.
It was pretty scary being 60 feet up in the air hanging onto dear life by some
wires. My hands are really sweaty now.
Here they are setting up for the next moves.
After watching these moves, I can not complain about planks or hand stand
walks. This is an amazing display of control.
Do you recognize the artists? I wouldn't have! These boys made my
heart skip a beat several times!
Icarus, the character, is getting his make up put on. It takes the
artists about two hours to prepare their make up and costumes for the
performance.
And here he is on stage, falling from the sky.
A big thanks to
Cirque Du Soleil for having us during your dress rehearsal and opening
night. What a treat!
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