I sank into the plush cushions, it was an endless-seeming journey.

Five waiters, a conference organizer and a concierge could not convince me to elevate and wander out of the lobby, of course, they were otherwise occupied.

I watched, waited, eavesdropping on the long-married couple who had centuries of experience it seemed.

Two cognacs later it became obvious that I was now a resident.

A tour bus passed the bubbling glass windows. Apparently you could see everything for thirty nine small pieces of gold and three hours of your time.

Everything!