Let me say this about that.

We’ve all done it …. imagined we have won the lottery and become an instant multimillionaire!  Yeah, I’ve done it myself (imagined – not won).  The burning question I always had was not ‘what should I do with the money’  but ‘what is the FIRST thing I would do with the money?’  Now, to this question I have given considerable thought.  Wanna hear about it?  Thought so.

Gulfstream G550

“CONGRATULATIONS, Mr. Shambo, you have just won the grand prize in this weeks MEGAMILLIONS Lottery.  Your prize comes to, after taxes, $87 million !! 

Shambo:  “Hello, NetJets?  I need to lease a Gulfstream G550 business jet for a couple of days.  I know that they say ‘if-you-have-to-ask-you-can’t-afford-it’  but I’ve had a really good day and I want to splurge.  Can you tell me about how much that might cost?

NetJets:  “Why, of course, sir.  We charge $8,000/hour, plus expenses and gratuity.”

Shambo:  “Not a problem.  I need to fly to the Virgin Islands.  Will this aircraft make it that far without stopping?”

NetJets:  “Oh sir, we are quite the jokester, aren’t we?  The G550 has a range of 6,000 miles at 550 mph.  The jet has a boatload of…    technical features, but I will mention just two. 1) the couch folds out into a queen-sized bed, and 2) our flight attendants are ex-Playboy centerfolds.”

Shambo:  “I beginning to see why you mentioned the ‘gratuity’.  Can I get something to eat on board?

$25,000 Caviar

NetJets:  “Certainly, sir. What would you like?” 

Shambo:  “Well young lady, as I said, I’ve had a really good day and would like to splurge on lunch.  I’ve heard about this rare Iranian Caviar that comes in a 24 carat gold tin.  Can I get some of that?”

Net Jets:  “Well, we can hardly call it a ‘TIN’, now can we sir?  The caviar to which you are referring is Iranian Almas Caviar, and is the rarest in the world.  And yes, it comes in an 24 carat gold container.  If that is what you want for lunch, I’ll add $25,000 to your expenses.”

Shambo:  “Not a problem – not a problem.  You know Miss, you have been so helpful, I wonder if I might impose on you to make all the arrangements for my vacation?”

Necker Island

NetJets:  “Sir, with your obvious good tastes, I will devote the rest of the day just helping you.  Now where exactly did you want to stay in the Virgin Islands?”

Shambo:  “Oh Hell, I don’t know.  Someplace really nice.  Spare no expense.  Got any suggestions?”

NetJets:  “Well, if I am to take ‘spare-no-expense’ literally, then there is only one place for you.  It’s called ‘Necker Island’. ”

Shambo:  “Doesn’t sound too fancy to me.  Tell me about this ‘Necked Island’.

NetJets:  “That’s NECKER Island – not Necked island, even though, at the prices they charge, you could probably change the name if you wanted to.  The island belongs to British tycoon, Sir Richard Branson – you know, Virgin Airlines?  The island is a private resort on a 74 acre island, just off the coast of Virgin Gorda.  The main house has eight bedrooms, and 20,000 square feet of commons area. There are six ‘Bali Houses’ scattered over the island if you want a little privacy, as well as four pools and a spa.  There is even an open air bathroom in the VIP suite.  Clothing is optional and all food, booze, wine and champagne are included in the $54,500 per night charge.

Shambo:  “Sounds perfect.  Book me for two weeks.”

 NetJets:  “OK, that comes to just a little over three-quarters of a million dollars.  MY, my.  You did have a good day, now didn’t you sir?”

Shambo:  “Indeed I did.  Now I’m going to need transportation from the Virgin Gorda Airport to Necker Island.  I get seasick very easily, so I would prefer not to take a boat.  Are there any other options available to get me there?”

Bell 429 Jet-copter

NetJets:  “I have just the thing for you.  Do you like flying in helicopters?”

Shambo:  “Don’t know.  Never been in one.  What’s it like?”

NetJets:  “I would recommend the Bell model 429, sir.  It is jet powered and silky smooth.  The top speed of 175 mph can be maintained for the full range of 4.2 hours of flying time.  This machine will get you from the Virgin Gorda Airport to Necker Island in under six minutes.  If you would like to keep the helicopter for sightseeing while you are in the islands, the charge will be $1,500/hour of flying time.  Shall I book you sir.”

Shambo:  “Oh, Hell yeah.  I’ll need it the whole time I’m there.”

Service with a smile

NetJets: “Will there be anything else, sir?”

Shambo:  “No, that ought about do it.  Oh wait. I have never done anything quite like this before, and frankly, I really don’t know what I’m doing.  Will there be anyone in the Virgin Islands that can help show me the ropes after I arrive?  I would really appreciate the help.

NetJets:  ” Sir, for a good customer like you, I’ll do it myself.  I will be waiting for you on the beach when you arrive.”

Great service – Priceless !!

And, that’s all I have to say about that.

Shambo