Sunday, April 19, 2009

Vegas Day 3

We started our day by heading to the Venetian for a breakfast buffet at the Grande Luxe Cafe...it was very good. After we ate, we went back to the Blueman Theatre and took a few snapshots of the outside as we did not have the camera with us when we were there for the show.
After this, we took the Deuce (a double decker bus that runs up and down "The Strip") to the far South end, getting off at Mandalay Bay. We spent the majority of the day walking in and out of hotels and casinos....just checking everything out, seeing what there was to see in each one. From Mandalay Bay we went into the Luxor. Then it was into the Excalibur...nothing too special here but we did go on a Spongebob Squarepants 4D ride..we each posed with a giant Spongebob...lol! Here are a few snapshots of other hotels from outside the Excalibur...
*you can click on any of the images to see them in a larger format*


Next stop was New York New York.
Brian had read that 'BLT Burger' had amazing milkshakes so we figured we'd better try one. We chose a "Twinkie" flavored one and holy cow...it was awesome!!
We noticed after we ordered that they had some pretty yummy sounding ones with alcohol...seriously, you can get liquor in anything here...lol!
While wondering around, came across this...loved this movie.

it wasn't open but that's ok...I didn't really need to see some girls dancing and singing on the bar.
From New York New York, we crossed the street to the MGM Grand. We enjoyed a delicious lunch at the Rainforest Cafe and a look around. Secretly I was hoping to bump into some country music celebs as the awards were being held here on Saturday. Even though it was only Wednesday, it could happen right? We did manage to see their lion exhibit...isn't he cute...


outside the MGM I was able to get some better shots of the New York New York skyline...



Next stop of the day was here...

you really can't imagine the kinds of things we saw with M&M's on them. Here are a few snapshots:





and right next door to the chocolately goodness was this:




some sights to see as we continue walking towards Planet Hollywood...


had to take these shots for Reilly...he has a Harley infatuation.
We gambled a bit inside Planet Hollywood and walked around checking out the Miracle Mile shops.
Took this pic of the Paris from across the street...

this is Big Elvis...



Brian had read some good reviews about his show and we have to agree. He was fabulous! He's been performing at Bills GAmblin' Hall & Saloon for 7 years. We found out that he actually used to be bigger. In the last 3.5 years, he has lost 550 pounds!! Can you imagine? (I kinda wanted to ask him what the secret was cause I'm having a helluva time losing 50) Watching him perform for an hour or so was a great opportunity to rest cause we had done a lot of walking so far today. When he was done, we played some slots here and had a .99 margarita on the way out.
Next stop was the Paris. I think this was my favorite hotel. It was so pretty inside.
the legs for the Eiffel Tower outside go right through the building



this is the ladies bathroom. I had to take pictures because it was sooo pretty


Brian said the men's was really nice too but wouldn't take the camera in for some snapshots...lol
We went to the top of the Eiffel Tower to get a good spot to watch the fountain show across the street at the Bellagio. From here, I was able to snap these pics...





I also snapped this pic, which I love...

I actually took it before we went to the top of the tower...I just think it's so pretty.
It was also at the Paris that I paid $15 for a strawberry margarita in a glass that looks like the Eiffel Tower. This thing probably had 2 or 3 inches of tequila in the bottom. Plus it was really heavy. Brian took a pic of me holding it but it didn't turn out very well.
I have no more pictures from day 3 as after the Paris we booked it back to TI where we went to Cirque de Solei 'Mystere'. It was pretty incredible. (I think next time we are going to see the Beatles Love one if it's still there.)
When the performance was over, we realized we were pretty hungry as we hadn't eaten since lunch way back at the Rainforest Cafe. We also left the camera and video camera at the hotel and just went out to enjoy ourselves. And that is exactly what we did. We wondered hand in hand along the Strip just really taking it all in. As we approached Margaritaville, we could here this really great music. Turns out is was coming from a band playing inside. We were quite surprised to get a table actually. We ordered a drink and a platter of nachos. Holy cow...this huge restaurant sized plate came heaping with nachos and all the fixins about 5 inches tall. We both agreed these were the best nachos ever...I'm not usually a fan of guacamole but theirs was amazing. Brian and I had a few more drinks while we polished off the majority of the nachos (we couldn't believe we almost ate them all...lol). It was awesome just to sit and talk and really enjoy the atmosphere. Finally, at about 2 am, we decided we should make our way back to TI. By 3 were were off to sleep. I loved day 3!!
ps: I am going to try to figure out how to add video and will share the fountain show with you if I can.

8 comments:

Anonymous said...

I love day 3 too! So much fun and I love big Elvis!

I'm so glad u got an Eiffel tower drink and YES, the liquor was flowing! :)

I want a twinkie milkshake, BAD!

Amber said...

Your pictures are amazing!!! Love the shots from the Coca-Cola store and M&M store! Sounds like Day 3 was pretty awesome!!!

Peggy said...

I love following you around Vegas. :)
Great recaps and photos.

redmom said...

The photos are fantastic!! I love reading about your days....I almost feel like I'm there with you!! Can't wait for day 4!

Vanessa said...

Holy Moley those night shots are fantasic!
My word you guys got alot packed in on Day 3! So much to see and do.
I like the M&M store..I would not step foot in the coke store-blech! Ahh J/K,of course I would check it out :-)
I agree, Cirque is awesome-they just go all out!
Vanessa

Angele said...

Laura, I agree with everyone else, its like we took the vacation with you. It sounds like a blast! And wholly cow, you weren't kidding about the eiffel tower being so cool!! Waiting now for day 4!

Lori said...

I just love how you have shared this trip with us, I get lost in your story - yes, just as though I was right there.
You had such an amazing time - you can tell how much fun you had - just by reading. It's like a second honeymoon - you really enjoyed each other and Vegas!
Awesome pictures, great play by play - thanks so much for sharing all of this.
You also really did research - even reading about where the best milkshakes were, etc. - how cool!

Julie said...

Let's hear it for day 3! I love it. I seriously think I need to go to Vegas now.The architecture and lights are all so amazing.Thanks for sharing all of this with us!