N-60 Reunion Las Vegas NV
	4 July 2003
Here are some photos snapped randomly during the day as the Nepal-60 reunion unfolded this year on the 4^th of July in Las Vegas. There can be no doubt that it is worth getting a good photographer for these sorts of events, but I did manage to capture a few images of those who attended and of the surroundings. The difficulty was forcing myself to stop talking or listening and take photos at times – and then no one really ever wanted to be quiet and stand for a good posed shot, so most of the pictures attached to the links below are “spontaneous”, that is to say, chaotic with things like furniture, trees, flower pots, and the like, mysteriously floating into the camera’s field of view just as the picture was snapped. Another irritating thing was the way members of the group would suddenly lift their arms, look away, sneeze, or have to jump up to go somewhere as soon as a camera was aimed in their direction. But, no matter what the critics may have to say about the quality of the pictures, I hope everyone gets a sense of the camaraderie and fun we enjoyed that day. Anyway, here are a few pictures to give you an impression of the day’s events. Jeff
Pam (who drove most of the night and got to the hotel around 3 a.m.) and Karen getting reacquainted soon after Karen’s arrival at the St. Tropez hotel.
Late morning “Lite” breakfast with (left to right) Karen Halliday, Tom Jackson, Pam Engler, Jeff Rocheteau, Chery Smith, and Tim Cromwell (photo snapped by Kathy Cromwell)
Breakfast conversation flows easily.
More breakfast banter.
A pack of Tim’s or Tom’s player cards from an earlier summer showing Tom, Bruce, Rich, and Tim at the beach.
Karen enjoying the surreal experience of a dal bhat lunch which Pam provided. It’s a good thing.
The smile on Chery’s face says “mitho chha!”
Pam and Tim munching – the photographer didn’t know enough to sidestep the table flowers obviously!
More story swapping and photo sharing.
Kathy reacts to another of Chery’s hilarious accounts of life in the village.
Doug and his youngest son arrive with lots of photos to share.
“Hey, this is okay!”, thinks Doug. Little did he realize that as the latest member arriving, he was picked to host the next reunion. After a beer or two, he would, within the short space of an hour, volunteer to have the 2005 Reunion at his place!
Later in the day, after the late afternoon dip in the pool, it is decided that the group move to the Las Vegas strip and the first order of business is finding a place to enjoy dinner. We chose the Luxor Hotel and settled into a table at a restaurant within. Watch this mysterious pair of eyeglasses in the following photos.
See what I mean?
Long story made short: Pam got up in the beginning of the meal, striking her forehead and exclaiming “Oh my God! My friends are just arriving at the airport. I’ll be right back!” Thirty minutes later, she returns with one of her friends to find that the rest of us have eaten whatever it was that she ordered and left on her plate the food we didn’t particularly like. She is a good sport about it all and says the Corn Soup is delicious and her friend obliges by taking photos round the table.
There go those strange eyeglasses again.
Well, from the angle that the picture was taken, it appears Jeff was responding to an insult from Chery (which everyone found funny, apparently!). Anyway, it’s as plausible an explanation as any. Looks like one of those pictures where you’re supposed to come up with a good caption.
“Gosh, are these guys old!”
A panoramic shot taken by Pam’s friend. Pam verifies for her that the flash does indeed work.
Guess where the eyeglasses are.
Dinner finally over, the girls finally decide to relax and have a little fun.
Chery is pensive for a moment as she is reminded of a previous incarnation when she lived as an Egyptian princess in a palace on the Nile.
We all suddenly remember previous incarnations as Egyptian rulers!
Who made that noise?
Waiting for the train to arrive at the station.
Another silly group shot.
I think this is it! The defining moment . . . the one true reunion photo . . . the one to bind them all.
What the hell are we doing out so late?
The Vegas strip. Obviously, this shot can only give the merest impression of the place’s grandeur.
Midnight – the magic is starting to wear off.
We venture inside the depths of the MGM Grand – there is a band onstage – Panama(?)
You can tell who the real party people are.
As the little group disbands to go in separate directions, the moon presides over the crazy place called “Las Vegas”.