From The Broadmoor

About four months ago, Erik's manager asked if he could put his name in to work a conference in Colorado Springs in November.  Looking at our calendars, we thought it might be the perfect opportunity to get away as a couple.  We asked if it would be possible to purchase our own plane ticket but allow me to stay with Erik in his room.  Takeda said that would be fine and they would even help us find a good price for my plane ticket on the same flights as Erik.  Lovely.  But wait, there's more.

About two months ago, Erik discovered that Takeda was going to be lodging us at the same location as the conference, The Broadmoor.  At the time this meant nothing to me.  Erik went online and did a little research.  He knew what was coming.  Me?  Clueless right up until the doorman opened the door and the most stunning lobby ever greeted my eyes.

The beauty and hospitality of this place is indescribable for me.  I grew up in the suburbs below the poverty line.  Finding myself at a five star resort is a bit surreal.  Just yesterday sitting by a roaring fire in the beautifully appointed West Tower lounge, I couldn't help but be thankful to God.  We have spent the last four days surrounded by absolute beauty and luxury.  We could never afford to be here without the generosity of Takeda, Erik's employer.  God provides more than we ask or imagine.  No joke, people.  I would NEVER think to ask for this.  I ask God for opportunities to connect with my husband, and God gives us a nearly free trip to the Broadmoor.  Wow.

Wanna see some pictures?  I've taken a few.  Let's see what I can find...

 Our room - 550 square feet of beautiful

 No fish eye lens necessary - this room is huge.

 The view from our room on the fifth floor of the Broadmoor West building

 Where we ate breakfast yesterday morning

 Hallway in the main building

 Also in the main building

 Me on the stunning marble staircase in the main building

 The lobby in our building

Real roses - you can smell this from about three feet away.

  View from the terrace looking toward Cheyenne Mountain - we stayed in the building on the right.

 Swans on the lake - lovely

 Cutest couple in the coziest spot at the Broadmoor.  This is the library.

 Erik looking scholarly in the library

 Another gorgeous fountain, this one in the main building.

The TV in the bathroom - in the mirror.  Game Day while I brush my teeth...I'm such a happy girl.

Check out is in about two hours.  Erik is working his final shift at the conference.  I'm finishing this blog post from a comfy chair in our room.  This post would be incomplete without including the quality of the staff here at the Broadmoor.  Think Disneyland without the costumes, people.  Everyone smiles at you and greets you warmly (good thing considering it was -8 the night we arrived).  Seriously though, Erik and I have spent the trip splitting every meal, a necessity because of his expense account.  Not one person has even looked askance at us.  In fact, they have gone above and beyond to serve us and make us feel welcome.  Last night at the Golden Bee, an authentic English pub, we ordered a chicken pot pie to split.  They baked two small pies in separate adorable little dishes.  That's just one example of how cool the staff is here.  As folks who could easily feel like we don't belong here, we have experienced the exact opposite.  It's been a pretty amazing trip.