My first Vegas visit was in April with Marie. Didn't tell my mom I was going because after my New Orleans Mardi Gras trip she said, "These trips stress me out, I'd rather not know about them because then I just worry." So I took that as literal suggestion. She ended up finding out I was in Vegas from my sister (gotta love older sibs), and I got a voicemail while on the Strip that said, "This is your mother.... I heard you are in Las Vegas... I suggest you give me a call." (Sorry, mom). She retracted her "don't tell me" policy after.
Marie and I made sure to visit the most iconic image in Vegas - which is little more than a tacky tourist trap in the middle of the road, but of course a necessary stop. We were in line right behind a gothic wedding party. In my yellow flower dress next to their tattoos and piercings and black attire, I felt like I should be skipping through a field of daisies rather than stalking through Sin City.
I told my mom about the second trip with Amy last week. We stopped to spend a night with Marie (who now lives in Vegas) on our way to the Grand Canyon. Amy had never been before, so of course, we again went for a photo opp at the sign.
And in our first 15 seconds on the Strip we already had our first Elvis impersonator sighting.
Amy's parents weren't too concerned about us being in Vegas. They told her, "Amy, we aren't worried about you two. Most people go to the Grand Canyon because it is close to Vegas. You're stopping by Vegas because it is close to the Grand Canyon."
And it was soooo true. Vegas is one of those cities that I think you have to see once, but I wouldn't say I'm particularly fond of. Yes, it is awesome to see the famous hotels that you see in all the movies- like Caesar's Palace. I wonder how much they hated the movie The Hangover.
"This isn't the real Caesar's Palace, right?"
"What do you mean?"
"Did Caesar live here?"
"No."
"I didn't think so."
And yes, I love the many hotels themed in the cities I've either visited or desperately want to. Like the Venetian -it brings back fond memories from my family trip in Venice.
I love the shops in the Venetian. Mostly because they aren't that dissimilar from the shops in Venice, and the blown glass and masks are so beautiful.
Love Vegas' Eiffel Tower. Paris is high on my list of places I've never been but want to go to:
Lucky I took French in high school and college so I could more easily shop in Vegas. :P This sign says "water."
My favorite hotel, however, is across from the Paris - the Bellagio. If for no reason other than the Bellagio fountains.
Day or night, there is an unbelievable beauty in their choreography. I took possibly like 100 photos of the fountains. Just a continuous stream. Amy was smart. She just took a video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x_3Rzmpct6g
I also love the Chihuly glass ceiling.
And the Conservatory, which is themed based on the season. In the spring there were butterflies, bees, and flowers...
And in the fall, the Conservatory sported falling leaves and giant real pumpkins. Some were over 1,000 pounds.
And this cool, but creepy-looking tree man.
Amy and I both love the Bellagio.
Marie and I had an obnoxiously expensive, but unbelievably delicious dinner at the Bellagio during our visit. The next time I'm in town, I desperately want to eat at the Jasmine, which overlooks the fountains... If you haven't caught on, I really love those fountains. I could sit there all day just watching them.
The other good thing about Vegas is the availability of shows. From the Lion King to the Blue Man group - plus all of the Cirque Du Soleil shows. Marie and I went to see one Cirque show - Zumanity. The abilities of some of those acrobats are impressive and the show was definitely unique. Maybe a little too unique... a little too artistic for my taste - like an independent film.
I think the next time I'd rather see one of the more commercial Cirque shows. Like Beatles Love. Combine the artistic and acrobatic talent with pop music. I think the result would be positive.
Not enough time for a show in my most recent visit, but we did hit the Strip for a night out - for free... Met a promoter for Haze in the Aria and he hooked us up with free cover and no line - for the ladies AND gent in our party, which saved Marie's friend Jon $80 cover and a lot of time in line - and getting both waived almost never happens for men. I can't believe any guy is willing to pay that much to get into a night club - or the prices they ask for a drink. I'm not normally one to let guys pay for my drinks, but in a city where its $20 for well liquor, I'm willing to muster up a cute smile for a free beverage - especially if it is Grey Goose bottle service. It is one time it is to my advantage that men don't think solely with their brain.
So yes, I think Vegas is a city that is good to see. But I don't gamble (I spent $20 in video Roulette while on the Strip, and maybe a quarter or two in a slot machine), and I'm just as happy with a $3.99 bottle of Sutter Home White Zifandel at home or a Hennessey's Vodka Lemonade on the pier as I am an overpriced, sweaty night club. And Amy and I both had to work pretty hard to not be offended by the City of Sin. But I can appreciate Vegas for the fun I had during my two adventures there...
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