MelissaHI made a quick visit to Las Vegas and we were able to get together for a Christmas-night dinner at the Second Street Grill in the Fremont Hotel, downtown.

We had a wonderful evening and an excellent meal. It was nice to finally meet her after reading so many of her posts on this thread.

She's winging her way back to Hawaii as I write this. To check us out, take a look at http://tinyurl.com/3xmvlg

Well, that didn't seem to work. Try the long version:

<a href="http://tinypic.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://i19.tinypic.com/6llsg0h.jpg" border="0" alt="Image and video hosting by TinyPic"></a>

I thought I knew how to do this. The 2nd URL in my 2nd post brings up the photo.

Great photo of the two of you. Thanks for sharing. Wonder if MelissaHI gets the prize for having met the most Fodorites?

Hi dwooddon, thank you for sharing the great photo of you and MelissaH! How nice that is worked out you two could get together for Christmas dinner. Happy 2008..along wishes that the year treats you well and that you are able to enjoy many more trips.

Hi dwooddon, it was so great to meet you! It was a nice way to spend Christmas (although time stands still in Vegas for me). Sorry I lost you when you left. I turned to look at the newly renovated bar and when I turned around I think you had gone to your car.

I just landed a couple of hours ago and couldn't resist peeking on fodors!

For those of you who haven't met dwooddon yet, buggah has some stories! It was really interesting to hear about some of your adventures. I do hope you get to more GTGs! That means more traveling, of course!

iceeu2: I think Faina beats me. But I'm close!

Melissa! You were sporting your Fodor's pin! Cool!

Sharp eyes, betsy!!!!

Great pic!
Are we going to hear more, or did What Happens in Vegas, Stays in Vegas

About the GTG, there's not much more to tell. We had a nice meal and spent a couple of hours getting to know each other a little bit. Melissa and I have a few things in common (writing, Hawaii, travel) so we had a good conversation and I enjoyed meeting her.

Hi dwooddon..
I missed you both by a day..
Glad you had a great time!
I love the .99 cent shrimp cocktail at the Fremont..lots of shrimp and so good to soak up those free cocktails..

Next time we'll all GTG!

That really is a nice picture of the both of you.

dwooddon is a gentleman, Starrs.

Thanks for posting.

Great photo! I'm glad you both enjoyed a Christmas dinner in Vegas. It looks like you were having a good time.

Thanks for posting.

Hey, kodi, maybe next year??? There were quite a few singletons on my flight escaping Christmas. I saw one lady at the beginning and end of my trip, who had even left her daughter and grandchild back in Hawaii to do this trip. I asked, "So how was your first escape?" She beamed, "It was very interesting! I think I'll have to try it again next year!"

Hi Melissa, yes, I'm already thinking of next year. I think going away at Christmas is a wonderful idea.

My niece enjoyed staying at my house , doggiesitting.. it all worked out very well.

hmmm, maybe Vegas.
This was my third Christmas away. How can I possibly stay home next year!! I'm on a roll.