Trip to Las Vegas: Day 2 Which is Really Los Angeles Day 1

We left off after a long, sometimes disappointing day in Las Vegas.  As I had said, it was very changed from what I remembered years ago and not all of it good.  Including my sadness that our beloved Monte Carlo had sold off a corner of its property to build this:

It seemed many of the older casinos did the same thing... Since they are restricted on the land they can build on, they only have so much space, so they are using everything, up to the edge of the street - filling it with shops or bars to pull in the customers.  Again, some of the class (I KNOW its Vegas but still) is getting shuffled away.

Anyway, our second day in Las Vegas was not spent there.  We had arranged to fly out to Los Angeles on a short 45 minute flight to check out Gnomon School of Visual Effects.  As some of you may know, I am looking to get into game design as a career and I'm checking out a few options of where to go.  Gnomon is one of them.  The rain was still dribbling from the sky but there were no problems heading over to L.A. - though they didn't serve drinks or anything because the pilot was concerned about some turbulence.  Originally, we were going to meet my cousin Sue (that's right, she's an amazing gorgeous actress) at the airport but she got a commercial booked for that morning and wasn't able to pick us up.  No worries on our part!  We were more than thrilled for her!  The taxi ride to Hollywood was pleasant and easy - especially as we didn't have any luggage with us - you'd be amazed how nice it is and sometimes a little strange when you fly somewhere and have no bags with you!

We were early to Gnomon, which was a little hard to spot since it is in a television studio and you had to go around a corner to see the signs for it.  There was a security office with a sign outside that said to 'check in' there before entering.  Being the good rules-follower I am, I did so and they just nodded and waved me around the corner without having me sign anything.

Gnomon School of Visual Effects

Gnomon School of Visual Effects

I went into their office and would have taken photos but that felt like it would be awkward and a little too much like a tourist.  I did find this one on line though:

Found here: http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/ZTIylJezLDjJSInMF2icaQ?select=t-OdhrazM730CwAUNYLzYg#t-OdhrazM730CwAUNYLzYg

It was very cool, dark and imposing with a definite gothic and industrial feel.  That decor traveled throughout the school's building and offices on the tour I went on of the facility.  It was rather sprawling through the television studio and they did have a connection to the Pixologic offices (the folks that make ZBrush) right there.  The classes are small and intimate with a great set up, as well as shows done by graduates and industry people.

Found here: http://www.destructoid.com/an-education-in-gaming-gnomon-school-of-visual-effects-165247.phtml

I was very impressed with what I saw and was glad to know that even the instructors still got lost going around the campus, because it was not all just in one building.  And for those that might wonder, they also had this:

Found here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Gnomon_school_arcade.jpg

Because you can't move forward if you don't remember the past!

I met with Brian, my advisor at Gnomon (his office is actually the door on the right in the lobby picture above).  We sat and talked for a long while as we worked out what I was interested in and what Gnomon could provide and offer me.  The program sounds great and I'm still trying to figure it out.  Considering my desire is more concept and design than 3D programming, there were options available for me.  It certainly left me with a lot to think about.

Afterward, Mom and I sat on a bench talking about the school and what I spoke to Brian about.  It was a little overwhelming and the sky above remained gray and foreboding.  Sue picked us up and told us that she had just gotten through a horrific storm of thunder, lighting, rain and hail!  It hadn't hit us, which I was thankful for... We headed over to a little hole-in-the-wall that Sue knew of and we spoke about her shoot and life in general.  It was really great to see her as I haven't gotten to in years!  Considering that we grew up very close, its sad we don't get to see each other more often.  On top of her acting, Sue is doing a very successful H2Yoga program which is growing all the time... So it was awesome to hear about all the great things going on with her.

Mom, Sue and I

When we were done eating some really great food, we had time before we had to head back to the airport.  We were rather undecided about where to go as Sue recommended a few places, but she finally decided to surprise us.  My sneaky cousin said nothing about where we were going till she pointed to something and said, "What do you see?" I leaned over to look and said, "A frog with a hat...?"  It was then that we realized where we were...

The Jim Henson Company

I think I squealed with excitement to see we were at the Jim Henson Company lot!  It was so very awesome and a great surprise to be there!  Originally, it was the studios that belonged to Charlie Chaplin which is why Kermit is with the bowler cap and bamboo cane.  We parked in a lot not too far off and walked back to look and take pictures.  The place wasn't open to visitors (not surprising at the hour) but it was still amazing to look inside.

The Green Man himself!

I can't say what a real thrill it was to be there and see it.  It was rather emotional really.  Beneath Kermit was a door with a painting of Charlie, showing how the Henson Company was really honoring its past.

Charlie Chaplin greeting you at the door.

 

A faded signature of Charlie Chaplin at the foot of the door in the cement.

It was a real treat and I am so very thankful to Sue for bringing Mom and I there to enjoy the moment and of course, to share it with us.  It was truly an amazing moment.

When it started to get too dark to really enjoy it, we headed off towards the airport, but decided to have a cup of coffee to chat a bit more.  We hit a little diner and enjoyed sweet potato pie and sweet potato fries and more great conversation.  The time went and Sue drove Mom and I to the airport to fly back to Las Vegas... the time ending too soon of course, as it always does.  After hugs and kisses, we checked in and waited for the flight.  There was a bit of confusion and our plane was given to a previous flight of passengers, so we had to wait for another plane.  That one eventually showed up so we boarded and waited to take off...

That didn't happen.

Apparently, the storm Sue had spoken of had hit Las Vegas and no planes were allowed in or out.  The flight ahead of ours was actually sitting and going no where like us.  They let us off to go off the airplane to wander about, but Mom and I decided to stay on and sleep and/or read till we were ready to take off.  Thankfully we had eaten already so we were fine.  What makes me laugh is that EVERYONE you talk to from Las Vegas or Los Angeles for that matter insists that "We NEVER get weather like that!" to which I reply, "You only have to have it the one time... And you did... When we were there." It was a few hours sitting at the terminal, but then, finally after the lightning and hail had passed, we were off and able to get back to Las Vegas and the hotel... I can honestly say, we were both pretty exhausted and went to bed straight away!

I'll continue our little Vegas adventure again in the next blog...  Till then, anyone want to share any little stories of that "This never happens here" moments?

Please remember to check out my Stormwolf Studios shop at etsy to see my jewelry and maybe even purchase something!  The holidays are coming and some of these might be perfect for you or your friends and loved ones!