Yadi & Sal :)
Today was the final day of this incredible weekend. Everything started early, well for most of the people, since they had to catch early flights back home. James also left early. He drove Will to the airport and he was in his way home. I was so glad I could say good bye to them the night before. During the morning it would have been just impossible. Well, I have to accept I was surprised that 2 of us, didn’t go partying until late the night before in order to be ready for the “Bike Tour” the next morning. Wow! Tim, Shawn: you are awesome!!! There were just 3 people staying at the hotel: Eric - who had to drive back and didn’t have problems with the time, Sal - who had to catch a flight in the afternoon and me - who had to catch a flight around 4pm. By the way, we were smart enough to ask for a late check out the night before, hehehe.
so sweet - sharing Peruvian tejas
By 9am I was ready and Eric knocked at my door. We went downstairs. I just wanted to print my boarding pass. One of the bellboys, who performed as our photographer a couple of times, recognized us - part of the crazy group - and gave us coupons for the brunch at the hotel’s restaurant. Yummy!! Now we had plans for the day, haha. Eric and I went upstairs to Sal’s room and started knocking at his door as crazies, hehe. When he was ready, we went upstairs in order to enjoy a delicious brunch. But before leaving, I gave Sal & Eric some Peruvian candies to try. Something sweet to remember the little Peruvian ;)
We arrived the 1st to the restaurant, all the huge tables were just for us.
enjoying a Sunday brunch with our Mimosas!!! - cheers!!!
The waiter introduced himself and the minute he saw me he started to talk in Spanish. So much fun!! Ok, where to start? Of course, ordering a “Mimosa”. The restaurant was lovely and the view was amazing. I didn’t know we were so close to the World War I Memorial, :P We wanted to take things really easy that morning and just chill out and enjoy our last hours in KC. Ok, time to go for the food. Round 1: something light just omelets and fresh fruit. Round 2: for me and Sal it was about fish and seafood. Eric started with the meat. Round 3: Eric & Sal went for meat and I kept on the salad and fish. Round 4: dessert time. We were so full, but everything looked so tasty… While we were eating, we were talking about the great days we just had and started to talk more about ourselves, what we like, do, future travels, etc. Besides starting planning next time to meet, it doesn’t matter where.
kids having fun at the fountain
This time was incredible and made us closer.
We wouldn’t leave the restaurant until we heard from Tim and Shawn. We wanted to know how they did in the Bike Tour. Also I had a present for Shawn ;) Finally Shawn called us, letting us know they did it ok and were at their hotel right, they’d come in a while. Ok, we would meet them later then. I moved my things to Sal’s car and then the 3 of us went to an Antique Show in the hotel. There were nice things there. Eric and Sal couldn’t help buying a couple of neat articles. The day was so beautiful and the kids were enjoying the fountain. We were just walking around when Shawn called us. They had already arrived. Now, we were 5: Tim, Shawn, Eric, Sal & me. Shawn was wearing his Inca Kola shirt as I asked him to do.
do you want to join the club and get your matching shirt???
Ok, I was wearing my Inca Kola shirt to and gave him the golden stuff he was missing since he left Peru: “The Inca Kola”. We took some pictures and Eric was trying to describe the flavor of the Inca Kola to Sal and Tim, who hasn’t tasted it ever. Then Shawn had an idea, what about having our last toast with Inca Kola!!! Shawn, you are so kind! I know how much you like it!!! We got some ice from the bar and toasted for our new friendship and future meetings and travels. Cheers - Salud!!!
Then it was time to leave. Shawn would drive back to Nebraska and would drive Tim to the airport. We walked with them to the car and saw them leaving KC in style.
ok, this can be the Inca Kola mobile haha
Shawn’s car (the batmobile) was really nice!!! Sal, Eric & I went back again, just to have our last drink (I didn’t take any picture at this time) and hang out for a little while. I don’t remember exactly how, but the idea of grounding the Inca Kola and Gypsy Group came out at this point. The 3 of us really spent a great time together and I think we became good friends, just with 1 concern: how can we meet us again ASAP??? Hahaha. Well, the time went fast and it was time for me to leave. Eric walked with us to Sal’s car, said goodbye and Sal drove me to the airport. Thanks Sal!
I was on time, did security and was just waiting for my flight. Well, before leaving I got changed, hehe, Inca Kola shirt is just for special ocassions. While I was there, they announced the flight to Dallas would be delayed.
time to say good bye... :(
Oh oh!!! I wasn’t worried, it would be just for 10min. I had enough time to take the flight from Dallas to Miami; also I was talking to a man who was telling me the whole story of his family, haha. He asked me what I have been doing in KC, telling him the whole story would have taken forever and ever, so I just smiled and said I spent a wonderful time with friends - which is 100% true. Well, before I noticed we were departing.
Wonderful Brunch in KC - Benton's!
During our last day in KC, 3 of us went to the Benton’s to enjoy one of the best Sunday’s brunches I have ever had!!! Really delicious!!! I couldn’t have asked for a better way to say good bye to KC's restaurants! There’s a lot to say about this place, so better going step by step.
Benton’s is located at the 18th floor of the Westin Crown Center hotel and has breathtaking panoramic views of the downtown skyline, cozy fireplaces and a distinct and romantic atmosphere + beautiful pieces of art. There’s a fireplace just went you step off the elevator, which welcome you and warmth the room.
We were there for the Sunday’s Brunch. It has a huge selection of over 100 items including fresh fruits, salads, shrimp, caviar, salmon, omelets made-to-order, a carving station for prime rib and turkey, and breakfast traditions like bacon and sausage, biscuits and gravy, breakfast potatoes, eggs Benedict, and apple crepes. I’m a seafood and fish lover and there were just delicious. My favorite was the salmon! Not only the taste was great, but also the presentation was amazing! They really took care of every single detail. I usually don’t eat much, but couldn’t refuse tasting almost everything. Of course we started the brunch toasting with a Mimosa.
And what about the service? It’s wonderful. The staff takes you seriously – they can’t see an empty glass or plate -, but with a nice, warm relaxing approach. The service is fast and friendly, besides very professional. Not only the waiters and waitress are helpful, but also the cooks and receptionists.
We didn’t make any reservations, since we were there early, but if it’s highly recommended doing it.
Well, to summarize: Wonderful experience!!!
fixing omelets
impressive presentation
delicious salmon!
fresh salads
Meat station
yummy seafood
sweet!!!
