Sunday, July 25, 2010

a good time was had by us

Vegas day 5
A bit of a sleep in for me, early morning blackjack with coffee and Bailey's for Brian is a great way to start the day where we had nothing set in stone!
Enjoyed some breakfast then a walk across the street to the Bellagio to catch the Tram on our way to Mandalay Bay (had to get off and back on at Monte Carlo and Excalibur but still saved walking all the way). Stopped and snapped some pics of the Botanical Gardens inside the Bellagio first...







Our actual destination was here...


since we didn't make it to get our pic taken here on last years trip, it was a must for us this time. It wasn't that far of a walk either (which is somewhat deceiving when looking at things on the strip...lol)
We head back on the Tram (which is free to ride by the way...in case you plan a trip...too bad we didn't learn about it last year)
Stopped in at the Miracle Mile shops in Planet Hollywood and purchased an aqua colored Vittorio leather purse I had eyed up earlier in the week...I love it!
Saw some street performers as we were making our way back to the room...



Had a snack of gourmet M&M's while we freshened up them headed back out to grab the bus for Freemont Street...soooo happy they changed the bus system back as we were there in no time. Went for a bite to eat at the El Cortez, which is a local casino that Brian had read good things about. It sure is no Vegas strip casino that's for sure but the food was good and cheap (compared to the strip restaurants). Gambled a bit here then headed off to the Golden Nugget...tried my hand at the exact same Happy Days machine I won on last year...it wasn't as good to me this time around. Went and hung out at Mermaids for awhile...Brian wanted to try the deep fried Oreo's this trip

While he was waiting in line and dining on his treat, I played some slots...won a bit so we ended up staying there for awhile. Watched the light show then crossed the street and went into Fitzgeralds...Brian knew they had cheap blackjack there and wanted to play. I sat at an old style nickel machine, plunked in about 60 cents and ended up sitting there for bout an hour and a half...was doing pretty good making some money, chatting it up with the 2 guys on either side of me and had the waitress bringing me Malibu and sprites quite regularly...it was sooo much fun! Brian didn't have as much luck with the blackjack so he came and sat with me for a bit...was bored so he took off to play some slots too...came back a few times with winnings, then was off to play some more. It might have been the most fun for the fewest dollars gambling we've had in Vegas! Caught the light show again a little later then headed back to the strip to catch the Volcano show at Mirage (it was being repaired on last years trip so we wanted to catch it this time).



When that was done we went inside the Mirage to BLT Burger and had milkshakes with liquor in them...I had a Malibu Barbie and Brian had The Knight Rider...who knew alcoholic milkshakes would be so yummy! Took our time wondering back to Bally's, checking things out and dodging the crowds...Vegas sure was busier this time around! Not sure what time we called it a day but it was a good one!

all dressed up

Vegas day 4
I for one was definitely looking forward to today...we were hitting the outlet mall as soon as we finished breakfast...couldn't wait to get my hands on some good deals!! however, the nightmare of it all began when we tried to catch the bus...at the beginning of the week they changed the bus routes a bit thinking it would be an easier, faster, more convenient system (it ended up being the exact opposite and they changed it back to the way it was last year). So anyway, it takes us about an hour or so to get to the mall on a jam packed bus...barely even standing room only. I, am in heaven...shoes and clothes stores galore! Brian on the other hand is not such a happy camper...he thought there would be other stores more up his alley there (computers/electronics)...how he came to that conclusion I have no idea as he was even online printing off coupons to some of the stores listed in the mall directory and they were all shoes and clothes! So, after only 3 hours of shopping, Brian was so done that we grabbed a cab and headed back to the hotel. Now that I know how to ride the bus there, I'll leave him to gamble and I'll go by myself on the next trip.
Back at the hotel, we grab a bite to eat, change into our dress clothes and head off to the Venetian where we have tickets to see......

This show is indescribable...I have yet, after 3 months been able to find the words that would give it justice. If you EVER get the chance to see it...DO IT!!
Played a few slot machines at the Venetian after then headed back to our room to call it a day.

Monday, July 12, 2010

been there...done that (for the most part)

Vegas 2010 day 3

I wanted to sleep in sooo bad today after coming back from the Grand Canyon exhausted. However, Brian was up and raring to go at 7:30....this is where our compromising skills come in...he went to play blackjack for a couple hours leaving me to sleep in. Upon his return, I was enjoying that big in floor soaker tub!
So, we head off to brunch and then roam the strip for a bit...checking out some things we saw last year and really liked. Stopped in at Toby Keith's for a drink...mmmm...love the Georgia Peach!! Ended up on Freemont street for a bit. We were kinda bored *gasp* I know...how can you be bored in Vegas? So, we watched the light show, checked out a couple casino's we didn't go in last year then headed back to the strip. Had some supper and were off to see 'Jubilee'

Now, I had no idea what to expect...all I knew was the show was a topless, old style Vegas show. This was something Brian wanted to see (obviously...lol) and being it's held at our hotel and we got 2 for 1 I thought what the heck. The performance in general was actually pretty good and the costumes were really cool. However, I could have done without the boobies. Brian said after awhile he hardly noticed (ya right!) Gambled a bit at the Paris then called it a night.