tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-42502517229938836642024-03-07T23:40:35.143-08:00Going Places, Doing ThingsOneDNPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13154826509898126475noreply@blogger.comBlogger6125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4250251722993883664.post-27329302473891575412010-12-19T05:54:00.000-08:002010-12-19T06:24:49.931-08:00Italy: Collio December 2010<div style="color: #2c2c2c; margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">This was a quick trip packed with as much of the local culture and history as our hosts could fit. I predict this emerging region is going to be the “it” place for white wine in the next 10 years.</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">DAY ONE</span></span></b></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">Arrival</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">After being bumped from my Memphis flight due to they typical Newark delays, I flew Continental to Toronto and then Air Canada to Munich. I managed to score an exit row or free and sat next to a lovely gentleman from Nova Scotia. The flight to Trieste was delayed so to "a problem with the plane" resulting in a net dely of 5 hours. If you have a choice, I recommend getting a seat on the left side of the plane to enjoy the beautiful views of the Adriatic and Alps as you fly in. Customs was . . . non-existent and I literally walked from the plan to the car in less than 5 minutes.</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><a href="http://www.venica.it/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">Venica & Venica Wine Estate</span></a></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">As with many of the wineries in this area, they include hospitality (aka a Bead and Breakfast). This one was closed for the season, but between the pool, the vineyards, and the rooms, this would make a lovely vacation spot during the spring or summer. After a tour by the spirited proprietor, we went to the tasting room for samplings of many Collio Biancos: Ribolla Gialla, Friulano, Ronco delle Cime, Ronco delle Mele, Pinot Bianco, and Pino Grigio Jesera.</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><a href="http://trattorialuka.it/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">LVKA Restaurant</span></a></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">This restaurant is on the property of the </span><a href="http://zuanivini.it/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">Zuani wine estate</span></a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;"> managed by an amazing brother-sister duo and their mother who was, unfortunately, in the hospital during our visit. This dinner featured a tasting of 10 different wines Collio Bianco varieties with most of the wine producers present. High notes of the dinner were the white fish with polenta crisp (this was a new preparation of polenta for me and one I would love to replicate), beet risotto, roasted pear with berries and gelato, and Italian cookies. Interesting was the pumpkin soup with oyster dish. Espresso and grappa topped off the dinner, a common combo of the region. They had an amazing Jazz trio that would bring you to </span></span><a class="internal auto pid3182" href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/Tourism-g60864-New_Orleans_Louisiana-Vacations.html" style="outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">New Orleans</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;"> of you closed your eyes.</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><a href="http://www.marcofelluga.it/vini.asp"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">Russiz Superiore</span></a></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">Ahhh, bed! And a lovely bed it was. Free wi-fi is available at this B&B/Winery. In-room TV is not. The views of the town and mountains are amazing with a pool to be built soon. Breakfast was juice, espresso/cappuccino, farm fresh eggs, crusty bread, cheese, croissants, and pancetta. If you are lucky, you will also get a visit from Vinkie the poodle. The wine cellar is beautiful with rows of barrels aging this year’s harvest and stacks of vintage bottles that have not been touched in decades. You can almost see the horse-drawn carriage pulling in to load up for market. </span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">DAY TWO</span></span></b></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><a href="http://www.castellodispessa.it/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">Castello di Spessa</span></a></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">Oh goody, a castle! This was a quick stop so there was not a lot of time to explore the interior, but the grounds were amazing. I imagine change of season would be the optimum time to visit., especially for golfers. They showed a movie featuring some of the history complete with John Malkovich as Casanova and a couple of girls happily picking grapes during harvest. In the great hall, I imagine many a fate was decided by politicos of the day. Good thing the dungeon, I mean barreling room, was a few feet away with a convenient automated ramp next to the stairwell! The gift shop features an excellent variety of Grappa, and I regret not purchasing a few of their specialties while I had the opportunity.</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><a href="http://aquileia.net/inglese.htm"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">Aquileia</span></a></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">The town museum is worth a visit for the statues and trinkets of every-day life during the early ages of Western civilization. No pictures allowed and you will be called out if you try. The restoration at the Basicilia was beautiful, especially the original mosaic flooring and crypt that created some artistic dedications using the bones of martyrs, but beware of tripods and flash – you will be chastised severely if the guardians see them. Take to opportunity to walk the grounds, and stop by the local café for drinking chocolate and lemon cookies or whatever caffeine and sweet variety you desire (especially if you need the restroom).</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><a href="http://www.jandamorewines.com/edikeber.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">Edi Keber</span></a></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">A devilishly humorous producer who enjoys entertaining guests and riding around town in his “Collio yellow” Vespa and glasses owns this 10-hectar vineyard. Again you will see the interweaving of art and wine – Keber is home to a cartoonish “wine god” figure created by a local artist. I had the most incredible barley soup here with homemade sausage, cheese, and bread.</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><a href="http://lasubida.it/newsite_eng/index.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">La Subida</span></a></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">This vinegar producer was vibrant, passionate, and a little salacious in an entertaining way. The evening started with Parmesan lollipops and preparation of polenta on an open fire in the dining room. The tour involved a small hike and look around the vacation cabins. Anyone interested in escaping for the holidays should consider this warm, homey, and private get-away. We sampled the two vinegars and the master developed his own “official” method of tasting since there is no established standard. When we came back from the tasting, the polenta was removed from the pot and sliced up to accompany prosciutto cut fresh from the hindquarters, hen –on-a-stick, cheese, and bread.</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">As if the appetizers were not enough, we went up to the private dining area for a tasting of several Friulano wines with a lovely dinner, although the things that stuck out most were the venison (both because it was nicely done and because I would have liked one of the local red Refoscos to accompany) and three dessert courses! The evening ended with a gift of aceto d’uva vinegar to all of the ladies . . . an instruction art book was included and I will not spoil the joke for those thinking of paying a visit. And you should.</span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;"><br />
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</div>OneDNPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13154826509898126475noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4250251722993883664.post-73139105087678730372010-12-01T04:23:00.000-08:002010-12-19T06:25:23.728-08:00Las Vegas "In My 5 Year Working at the Wynn I Never . . . " November 2010<div style="color: #2c2c2c; font-family: Verdana, Tahoma, 'Bitstream Vera Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">“Hi, I’m JaXPrat. And you have come to my trip report like most for information.</span></span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">But unlike other trip reports, we’ve filled it with surprises.</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">Even we are not sure where they are, though.”</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">Pre-Trip Preamble</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">I bought the package for this trip back in August for my husband’s birthday. Being a Okie and OSU grad, he is a huge Garth Brooks fan and never had a chance to see him. I got a deal at the Wynn Tower suites for 2 front row tickets, $600 spa credit, $300 Switch credit, $150 Country Club Jazz Brunch, and $100 GB merchandise. We have wanted to stay at the </span></span><a class="internal auto pid3182" href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g45963-d1533327-Reviews-The_Wynn-Las_Vegas_Nevada.html" style="outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">Wynn</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;"> for a long time so were were pumped to finally have an “excuse.”</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">Day One</span></span></b></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">Arrival</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">As usual, we flew SW direct and were lucky enough to get exit row seats on the way over. We nearly always get a limo with Presidential and he was waiting at baggage claim. We are way past the “picture at the sign” but he did take us on the loop through downtown so we could enjoy our champagne. We talked shows and he suggested Terry Fator highly, so we added it to the list.</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">The Tower Suites Check-In</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">You are important here, even if you are not IMPORTANT. Everything is Feng Shui and from the moment I walked in I felt I had taken the biggest exhale of my life. Since there was a big Tony Hawk event, there were many skaters buzzing in and out of the lobby, including a very nonchalant Shawn White. Cool. Robert, the most distinguished concierge I have ever met (he will come up again later, my husband is still trying to copy his mannerisms) printed out our Garth Tickets and set hubs up with a shave at the spa on Tuesday. Our room was not ready yet so we decided to give the Wynn buffet a try (thank you line pass!).</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">Wynn Champagne Brunch</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">We keep trying buffets even though we came to the conclusion we are not buffet people. We still try to get one in per trip and this time we had two. The high points on this one were a white fish dish, BBQ hen, a pancake, cheese/cured meat/olive station, and a few of the desserts. Refill service was slow, and most of the other food was average including the bacon. I give Aria’s champagne brunch higher marks. We will try Bellagio at some point, but not in any urgent way.</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">Quick advertisement: By the Wynn buffet near the bathrooms you will find Levi, one the men who rents space to shine shoes. Hubs swears by a good shoe shine so I went in with him for my first. Go see Levi - it is $6 well spent!</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">Breeder’s Cup</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">After some slots and blackjack that put us ahead by a bit, we headed over to the sports book. We felt like we were cheating somehow not being at Churchill Downs, and chatted with a lot of folks in the area who though because we live in </span></span><a class="internal auto pid3182" href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/Tourism-g39604-Louisville_Kentucky-Vacations.html" style="outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">Louisville, KY</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;"> we somehow knew something about how the race would go down. I wish. Naturally, we had Makers and a cigar to watch Zynyatta almost pull it off. There were more than a few wet faces around me, and not because of a lost dollar.</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">The Room</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">Yes, Steve Wynn does verbally greet you when you turn on the TV. The room was great, and we had an okay strip view, however we are beyond caring about that after we had the un-toppable killer view from Mandalay Bay last time. It is not the size of the room that is impressive, but rather the quality of the details and bed and the linens and the obscene amount of toiletries. We have a couple hours before the show and decide to take a nap. Thankfully the automated curtains almost totally block out the light!</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">Garth Brooks</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">While hubs is a huge fan, I knew about two of his songs, but I am a personal fan because I used to work for IATSE in college and he always went out of the way to make sure the local crew had access to craft services and extra pay.</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">The show blew my mind!</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">If you have not read the countless reviews, this is like a memoir of influence set to music, comedy, tearjerker stories, and appreciation for the fans. Rare is the performer who can command that level of attention and not come off as an ego-maniac. He came out in jeans, tee-shirt, guitar, and baseball on a bare stage save for a stool and a couple water bottles. It really felt like you were sitting in on a jam session with your buddy talking about the old days. He moves through each decade singing songs from some of the greats a well as some of his own and has great stories about his family, James Taylor, George Strait, and his own early days. He had the whole audience singing “American Pie” and “Low Places” and laughing at many of the tales he told, many of which where he made fun of himself and some of his own music. Trisha came out (not a country fan so again, I knew who she was but not a lick of her music) and she sang a solo and duet that was killer. After the show, we chatted with a few neighbors, all of whom were awestruck. One of the husbands had planed the trip as a surprise and told his wife an hour before the show they had tickets!</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">I would see this show again without hesitation, even with the new price hike. I feel like I really got to see something special because once his contract is up with </span></span><a class="internal auto pid3182" href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g45963-d1533327-Reviews-The_Wynn-Las_Vegas_Nevada.html" style="outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">Wynn</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">, it is back on the road with the cowboy hat and pyrotechnics. Oh yes, and without the “Hi, I’m Steve Wynn” voice-over introduction.</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">Eastside Lounge</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">So maybe the dueling piano guys were not Garth Brooks caliber talent, but we had no problem meeting our 2-drink minimum and enjoying the tunes. The place had a wait so next time I would make reservations. The all organic cocktail menu had more delights on it than I could get without a trip to the hospital, so I picked two (one of which was a fruit-punch mocktail that I had them add rum to). It was an all request-show, and when the players got to Alisha Keys, an inebriated craps player crashed the party and tried to lead everyone in the bar in some hand waving. It worked. Security let him finish the song before scooting him out. Ahh, those lovely Vegas moments.</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">Society Café</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">What better way to top off the night with mini-chili dogs, wings, and beer. This gets us thinking we need to ask the concierge about hot dogs. Naturally, they are closed down for the night, but the receptionist at TS, after laughing at us in surprise, called one of her coworkers who excitedly said “Pinks – open until 3! We never get that question.” Somehow we feel good about that and march off to bed "where like most, you came here looking for sleep, but unlike most other beds, there are a few surprises." Like, wow, turndown service - have not seen that in a while!</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">Day Two</span></span></b></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">Started with a purifying facial at </span></span><a class="internal auto pid3182" href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g45963-d1533327-Reviews-The_Wynn-Las_Vegas_Nevada.html" style="outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">Wynn</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">. The spa is smallish and very warm with gold/pink/red hues. There are the usual whirlpool, sauna, steam room, cold plunge, and experiential shower with an assortment of tea, juice, fruit, water, and coffee. If they could move the Aquavana experience from Canyon Ranch it would be perfect! I snuck in some pictures because the place was dead. Friend me on face book if you want to check them out:</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><a class="external" href="http://www.facebook.com/JaclynEM" rel="nofollow" style="outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">http://www.facebook.com/JaclynEM</span></span></a></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">The staff is excellent and my facial was well done considering the shape my face has been in lately. The gym was also well stocked and I hit the free-weights before grabbing a shower and heading back to the room.</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">A Visit to the Concierge</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">Not that we did not trust our gal from last nigh, be we needed to know what smooth-operator Robert suggests. Thus, the title of this TR – “In my 5 years working at the Wynn I have never been asked for a hot dog recommendation! I have to think.” Thanks to his super-powers and a gentleman waiting in line behind us, the consensus was the </span></span><a class="internal auto pid3182" href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g45963-d657031-Reviews-The_Country_Club-Las_Vegas_Nevada.html" style="outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">Country Club</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;"> put out a good dog and it was worth a special order if it was not on the brunch menu.</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">Country Club Jazz Brunch</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">Now this was a buffet worth going to! We were seated outside with a view of the golf course and with all the lush greenery and waterfalls, I momentarily forgot I was in Vegas. This brunch has a cold station inside with fruit, veggies, pastries, desserts, fish, meats, cheeses, and salads; a warm station outside with carved meats, pasta, and sides; and kitchen menu with, oh yeah, a hot dog. . . . plus a pulled-pork eggs Benedict that was rockin! The band played a lot of my favorites of the genera, including “St. James Infirmary” so I was won over several ways.</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">A Private Event</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">One of the wine guys we met a couple of trips ago invited us to a small party at this house in the north end. This was my first venture into Las Vegas suburbia and it bares a striking resemblance to most suburban areas I have visited in the southwest. Great party, great people, but not "Vegas" Vegas related so I will skip the story.</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">On the other hand, we hired a driver who used to be one of the managers of the poker room at Bellagio who was full of stories of celebrities behaving badly (Paris Hilton, the entire crew from </span></span><a class="internal auto pid3182" href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/Tourism-g659474-Jersey_Shore_New_Jersey-Vacations.html" style="outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">Jersey Shore</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">), thieves, and carting around some of the richest people I have never heard of (like the guy who invented frozen burritos). Entertaining, but ASD is no match for Presidential.</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">And the Evening Continues Into Morning</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">We always seem to wind up at Parasol Down so we opted to sit in the Up bar instead. I am still in love with the spicy lemon drop cocktail from the last visit, but we were itchy to take in the night view of the strip and head to our favorite romance lounge, Petrossian Bar in Bellagio. Since the piano player had retired for the evening, we opted to sit at the bar and have a great chat with the staff. They specialize in classic cocktails and we always order the traditional side car to start. I opted for a Singapore Sling for round two and let me tell you, I was slung! Hubs and I traded "I love you mans" as we stumbled back down the strip around 3am and feeling like this whole trip was a second honeymoon.</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">The Wynn will do that to you.</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">Day Three</span></span></b></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">Don’t Speak to Me of Breakfast, Speak to Me of Rum!</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">. . . and cookies.</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">. . .and maybe some coffee, but that’s it! Thankfully The Drugstore Café was stocked with what we needed to wake the heck up and get our butts over to Mandalay Bay for a late lunch at </span></span><a class="internal auto pid3182" href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g45963-d618317-Reviews-RM_Seafood-Las_Vegas_Nevada.html" style="outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">RM Seafood</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">. Having met one of the chefs the previous evening, we were allowed a look at the kitchen and were able to tip back some brew with RM himself who was in town and sociable with everyone in his place. If you are a sushi person, here is what you order:</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">Ringo Roll</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">Futo-Fireball Roll</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">Shot and Roll</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">Don’t read the menu, just order and eat and thank me later. Honorable mention goes to the selection of loose-leaf teas and the chic server uniform.</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">Strip Action</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">Woe is the number of porn slappers soliciting on the strip, for it is cold and many of their numbers have gone into hibernation for the winter. I am pleased! We walk over to NYNY and it is windy! After hubs buys a CD from a random mixmaster on the bridge for a $20 “donation”, we catch a cab back to the </span></span><a class="internal auto pid3182" href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g45963-d1533327-Reviews-The_Wynn-Las_Vegas_Nevada.html" style="outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">Wynn</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;"> and have the driver put in this sure-fire musical masterpiece to revel in the beat. After browsing through the first several tracks, hubs decides the poor guy needed the $20 more than we did.</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">Switch</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">We needed to use our credit otherwise this would not have been my first choice, despite to cool theme of a restaurant automatically switching it’s décor every quarter hour or so. Figuring we are in need of vegetables, I start with the field greens and tomato while hubs gets the endive-bosc pear salad. So far, delicious, especially with a respectable </span></span><a class="internal auto pid3182" href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/Tourism-g1904061-Rhone_Rhone_Alpes-Vacations.html" style="outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">Rhone</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;"> wine from a very personable sommelier. Then the steaks arrive. Quick fact, Costco sells USDA Prime with a lot better marbling than what they have at Switch. I would swear the cow was choice grass-fed which is great if you are on a diet and don’t require a dental apparatus to chew, but not if you are anticipating the delicious juicy fatty fat fat flavor of a New York Strip. In other words, the steak was fair – that’s it. However, the roasted garlic, Parmesan fries, and woodland mushrooms were well done and the Lemon Frangipane dessert cake was the best sweet of the trip.</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">Thoughts on the Beautiful People</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">If I were a hard bodied young male looking for a stays-in-Vegas moment, I would hit Aria – Wynn just did not attract the quality to their clubs. Even Bellagio was an upgrade. For myself, I quite enjoyed the man cornucopia at Mirage. We agree being on the wrong side of 30 is far better than having to compete for attention in the current meat market spray-on mini-dress fashion – if I still have my abs when jeans with bare midriffs are back in style, watch out!</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">Rhum Bar</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">Yes, speaking of a club scene I CAN get into, we arrive at Rhum Bar and our favorite chill n’ groove spot in Vegas. The classic 1944 Mai Tai, the Hemingway, the Totonga, some drink with raspberries in it – all were mine! This particular Pink Sugar Monday had a great Reggae band and between sets, an awesome DJ that played, among other gems, “I Want to Sex You Up” without a hint of irony. You better believe the patrons were getting funky while laughing. Spying a group of baby marines (was 21 really that long ago), hubs buys them a secret round of drinks after watching them strike out, uniform and all. It takes the boys a while to figure it out, but they do and we have a lovely time welcoming them home from </span></span><a class="internal auto pid3182" href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/Tourism-g659499-Afghanistan-Vacations.html" style="outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">Afghanistan</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;"> before they have to return for a second tour next year. Alas, the good times close up around 1am on weekdays, so it is back to the Wynn for a win.</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">Oh Right, Gambling!</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">Normally a black jack man, hubs had come out even for the trip thus far and we decide to play slots. I am a Wild Cherry girl mainly because you never win or loose big but you can play for a long time on $0.50 a pull and with it, many rum a cokes. Not in his right mind for strategy, hubs proceeds to win a $1300 jackpot – our first hand-pay ever! While waiting for the cash, I make the bad call of following his slot advice (as if there is such a thing) and blow nearly $200 on one of the glittery machines that I normally can’t stand. Now I have 200 more reasons why I don’t play those beasts! I shoot him the raspberry, as I am pleasantly inebriated but ready for bed, while he proceeds to win another $500. Hot dog – monthly mortgage is paid!</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">Or is it?</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">Day Four</span></span></b></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><a class="internal auto pid3182" href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g45963-d586852-Reviews-Tableau-Las_Vegas_Nevada.html" style="outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">Tableau</span></span></a></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">On the advice of many a </span></span><a class="internal auto pid3182" href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g45963-d1533327-Reviews-The_Wynn-Las_Vegas_Nevada.html" style="outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">Wynn</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;"> expert, we decided to get in a good breakfast before hitting the spa. Now I have marinated a lot of things in my life, but bread? In white chocolate and orange honey? I kept looking to see if something was stuffed in the French toast, but no, it was just that smooth. Hubs had the duck and eggs which was so rich, he couldn’t finish it, but we traded enough bites to polish most of it off. Apparently we were smiling like twiterpated teenagers because one of the bussers looked under the table “to see if there is a reason you are smiling that big at each other.”</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">Encore Spa</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">More opulent, larger, brown/blue/gold décor with a juice bar are some of the distinguishing characteristics from the Wynn spa. And their robes lacked pockets. Since I had some time before my treatment, I did the shower, sauna, steam, whirpool, cold plunge, and experiential rain routine before lying in the heated stone lounger. One thing I neglected to mention before is those of you who are in any way nude-phobic, both spas had a mix of unclothed and suited patrons. I had the Good Luck Ritual with a male therapist who beat me up in the manner I requested. This treatment is a head-to-toe massage with an oiled scalp massage followed by a hand and foot scrub. I felt like I needed a recovery drink! I followed my therapist’s advice and hit the water again before getting ready for a late lunch with hubs.</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">ZooZa Crackers</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">Our intentions for a light lunch and </span></span><a class="internal auto pid3182" href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g45963-d568861-Reviews-Okada-Las_Vegas_Nevada.html" style="outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">Okada</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;"> for dinner were thwarted by the call of </span></span><a class="internal auto pid3182" href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/Tourism-g28953-New_York-Vacations.html" style="outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">New York</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;"> deli. I went for the triple-decker roast beef and turkey on rye while hubs got a burger the size of an appetizer plate and smothered in a multitude of heavenly toppings and washed down with Newcastle. We could barely make it to the room as the food and the previous night’s merriment caught up with us.</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">Terry Fator</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">A 2-hour nap and a couple of more cocktails at Rhum Bar were all we needed to perk back up just in time for the show. This is another performer I knew little about, but we were in the mood for comedy. Our seats were in the center of row J. The pre-show performance from the DJ was a hilarious flow of dance moves moving from clips of one pop song to the next. The show itself was pretty clean with the adult themes subtle enough for kids. He sang one of his original songs, “Horses in Heaven” (sappy me teared up) and he is donating the proceeds of sales from that single to St. Jude. In addition to donating some of his revenue to veteran charities as well, Fator thanks vets every performance and both hubs and the WWII vet next to us enjoyed taking the moment to stand and be recognized. I love that he also thanks the crew and acknowledges the band by introducing them and showing pictures of all of the performers when they were little as a curtain call. Great show!</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">“Hi, I’m Steve Wynn”</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">We went to meet a friend at Parasol Down and none other than Steve Wynn himself was walking from a private party in Lakeside to SW steakhouse. Much as I wanted to introduce myself (I think you know how), he had his people around him and his new blond wrapped in his arms. Actually, she was guiding him more than anything else – I am not sure how much vision he has left, but I doubt there is much. After sampling every cocktail on the soon to be expired seasonal menu, we decide to end the night at </span></span><a class="internal auto pid3182" href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g45963-d1486388-Reviews-Stratta-Las_Vegas_Nevada.html" style="outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">Stratta</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">where I suspect we saw our waiter get fired on the spot after screwing up several orders, including ours. At least the pepperoni pizza and Caesar salad were delicious and the back-up staff was courteous.</span></span></div><div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">Last Morning</span></span></b></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">Obiously, we did not pack the night before and hubs had run out of clean shirts. I ran down to the country club pro-shop and got him a swanky golf polo for the ride home. He was pleased. I also had to collect all of the "sweet Dreams" and "Good Night" notes the nightly turndown service leaves on the pillow. These will come in handy on random occasions! We had a 9:30 flight out - SW changed their to direct flight from 5pm and I think I may prefer leaving in the morning. Afternoon flights are such a tease. We grabbed complementary coffee from </span></span><a class="internal auto pid3182" href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g45963-d586852-Reviews-Tableau-Las_Vegas_Nevada.html" style="outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">Tableau</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">, checked-out at the desk, and had the concierge print out our boarding passes (no Robert, bummer). We left about 8:20 and got to the airport in time to by a hot dog for the flight and bored with our group - no exit row this time, the flight was packed again.</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">Giving up the ghost(s)</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">For the past several trips we have meant to check out the Rio and Palms, but have yet to make it over there. We have resigned ourselves that unless we see Penn and Teller, we probably never will. This is also the second trip in a row we ran out of time and missed afternoon tea at Mandarine Oriental. We will get to Pinks next time.</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">Spa vs Spa</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">I give the edge to Encore if you are getting a treatment since the hallways in the </span></span><a class="internal auto pid3182" href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g45963-d1533327-Reviews-The_Wynn-Las_Vegas_Nevada.html" style="outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">Wynn</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;"> carry background noise into the therapy rooms. I give the edge to Wynn if you want to chill out since it is a bit more intimate and calming in design. But overall, Canyon Ranch at V/P is still my favorite.</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">Casino vs Casino</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">I had the good vibes from Wynn this time and it paid off. Last time it was Encore. This just demonstrates the randomness of gambling! It is such a pleasure to loose your money at W/E - the dealers and cocktail staff were all pleasant which was not the case at V/P or MB on our last 2 stays.</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">Hotel vs. Hotel</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">We are officially spoiled on the Tower Suits, although the term "suit" is a misnomer. We normally go with regular rooms but have stayed in the Suite Calais at </span></span><a class="internal auto pid3182" href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/Tourism-g187147-Paris_Ile_de_France-Vacations.html" style="outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">Paris</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;"> (pre-renovation . . . have they been renovated?), the 750GR suite at Mandalay Bay and a luxury suite at Palazzo (arguably neither of which are suites but rather lofts). Size and layout-wise, these are more suite-like then the regular TS rooms. However, I knew this before reserving the room so was not remotely disappointed that I did not have sweeping spaces in which to lounge in my Wynn embroidered robe and slippers. The bathroom was the best we have had and, hubs always feels this in necessary to include, the toilet paper was the good stuff. Normally we like to try other places and I do want to hit THEHotel and Caesars at some point, but while the economy allows, we will defiantly book W/E TS for our next trip.</span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">Originally posted </span></span><a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g45963-i10-k4046022-The_In_my_5_years_working_at_Wynn_I_never_TR_11_6_10-Las_Vegas_Nevada.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">here</span></span></a></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div>OneDNPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13154826509898126475noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4250251722993883664.post-41150666492946959702010-06-01T04:18:00.000-07:002010-12-19T06:15:50.516-08:00Las Vegas Anniversary 2010<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">This trip was in celebration of our 3 year anniversary and quite possibly the last visit for a few years, so we wanted to soak in as much as possible. Due to a last minute story assignment, hubs came in a day after I did leaving me an entire day to myself to get in theoretical trouble.</span></span><br />
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<div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">Saturday</span></span></b></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">Packed and bumpy direct flight in as usual on Southwest from SDF and airport was pretty busy when I got in at 2pm to meet my Presidential driver. I have never come to Vegas by myself before and I was a bit bummed hubs wasn’t there to enjoy it with me . . . I got over it quickly!</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">Flamingo Check-In and Impromptu Spa Visit</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">No one bothered to help me with bags when we pulled up so I lugged it all in myself. No big deal. Check-in was quick with no eye-contact or offers to upgrade my GO Room and I was told my room would not be ready until 5ish. I got a handful of coupons that were not useful for me personally, but included lots of food, show, and happy-hour specials among many of the HET properties. I booked through the TR website which was about $50 less than if I had booked through any of the promo codes.</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">Since I had time to kill, I checked my bags with the bell desk and went to see if there was a massage available in the spa. Luckily I slipped in just in time and had a great massage by the same therapist George Wallace and Donny Osmond use – since he used to be a nurse and is trying to go out on his own, we chatted the entire massage about small business ownership, LV living, and healthcare. He gave a great deep tissue bonus since I was shortchanged a bit on time.</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">The spa was functional with your standard sauna, steam room, warm and hot whirlpools, and basic toiletries/styling tools. They charge almost as much as the “better” spas for the same services, so I would not go back unless on a promo and I could get the same therapist again.</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">Flamingo GO Room</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">I had a nice view of the gardens and it was a modest hike from the lobby elevators. The hallway carpet and fixtures are showing wear, but not enough to be bothered by. I heard no noise from the hallway either walking through or from my room.The room looks just like the pictures on the website and I appreciated the coffee maker and small fridge that came with it. The Bell Hop was up in 5 minutes and gave me a tour of the room features. Despite the water going everywhere in the bathroom, the shower was awesome – high pressure with two extra heads you could turn on around waist level (or in my case, rib level). The bathroom in-mirror TV and equipment in the main area worked well and the bed was comfortable.</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">Flamingo Casino and Amenities</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">Despite wanting to chill at Bugsy’s Bar and taking advantage of some of the roving happy hour $5 martinis that occurred at different bars every few hours, there were not a lot of food options that drew me in. I was not in a mood to gamble and the air-freshener perfume that was piped in was just a hair too much to hang around for very long.</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">Dinner at in Venetian and turning in early</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">I met Evoni and her husband for dinner at </span></span><a class="internal auto pid3182" href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g45963-d1771821-Reviews-Timpano_Tavern-Las_Vegas_Nevada.html" style="outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">Timpano Tavern</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">– great conversation as usual and hope we can meet up again. This is one of the new eateries and it was okay for a casual dinner. I had one of their signature cocktails, the Dragonberry Hurricane, and was pleased. The prawns were big enough for all of us to share and the sauce was a perfect dipping sauce for their bread. My seared tuna was over seasoned (could not taste the tuna) and the onion soup at Panera was more flavorful than theirs. The cheesecake lollipop tree was fun and I am a fan of their single-serving dessert selection, especially the chocolate-raspberry cake.</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">On the way back I had to stop by Walgreen as a poison ivy reaction I had the week prior was going nuclear all over my back at this point and in need of first aid. Carnival court was the usual fun experience although the novelty of drunken frat boys hitting on me has defiantly waned. I briefly considered checking out Harrah’s piano bar or catching the late performance of O, but the travel exhaustion came on fast and I decided to hit the hay around (shock) 10:30.</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">Sunday</span></span></b></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">Flamingo Habitat</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">This has been on my to-do list for the past several trips and I finally got a chance to enjoy it. I was up nearly at dawn and practiced my photography skills for a couple of hours. It is very peaceful in the morning and I got some great pictures of the wild life and gardens. The Bugsy Memorial could probably use an update since it still has Hilton owning Flamingo, but it was still cool to see.</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">Margaretville Breakfast and Check-Out</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">I milled around Caesar’s and Bellagio, but all of my favorite places to eat were mobbed. I headed back to Flamingo and had a nice mimosa and omelet at the 3rd floor bar in Margaretville. I sat between two sets of hung-over gentleman trying to recover from bachelor parties and enjoyed the stories and pre-marriage advice. I did the in-room check-out right at 11am and hailed a cab to Mandalay Bay.</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">Mandalay Bay</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">The driver dropped me off away from the bellhop area so I walked my luggage into an extremely busy lobby full of conventioneers. I found a friendly face and waited about 20 minutes to check in. I booked with a Travelzoo promo that gave a 750GR suite for the same as a regular room and provided 2-4-1 breakfasts at house of Blues and </span></span><a class="internal auto pid3182" href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g45963-d481409-Reviews-Foundation_Room-Las_Vegas_Nevada.html" style="outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">Foundation Room</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;"> access (no resort fee since I booked before they instituted it - we got free wi-fi anyway!). They had a room ready right away, but I asked nicely if she could give me a high floor with a view if I were willing to wait and if she could do anything special for our anniversary. She provided 2 spa passes (we later changed it to a f&b credit since hubs is not a spa guy) and a fabulous room right off the elevator with the best strip view I ever had (room 29-201 for those that are interested). I tipped $20. I checked my bags at the bell desk and headed over to </span></span><a class="internal auto pid3182" href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/Tourism-g294205-Luxor_Nile_River_Valley-Vacations.html" style="outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">Luxor</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">.</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">Bodies</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">I had a free pass and picked up the rest of our MGM show tickets at the box office. No photos allowed but they will take your picture outside the exhibit – I skipped that. The exhibit was excellent for the novice, but as someone who has taken many science classes, it was a bit anti-climatic. I did enjoy internally cursing out the QL muscle when I saw it featured on one of the bodies and found the stages of fetal developments extremely interesting and the best part of the exhibit, especially since we are finally thinking about taking the baby plunge. It took an hour to get through, but if you are not familiar with anatomy & physiology it would probably take 2 hours to do the exhibit justice.</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">Aurora Lounge, Mizuya, and Airport Pick-up</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">I had a pear cocktail that was decent, but nothing spectacular – no happy hour specials, although they were pushing the Sex in the City 2 cocktails hard at all the MGM bars. Mizuya at Mandalay had a beer and sushi roll happy hour special that was lackluster – I am spoiled by the sushi we get at home and their spicy salmon roll was pretty underwhelming. Hubs wanted me to pick him up at the airport to start our anniversary trip off right, so I had a limo pick me up and do the champagne experience. Hubs had been in France and we had not seen each other in a week so it was well worth it. The driver forgot to take us to the sign, but we were too busy being excited to care.</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">Shang Hai Lilly</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">From this point on, take for granted that if restaurant.com has a discount for it, we used it. This was one of the best meals of the trip – potstickers, spring rolls, sea bass, and kung pao chicken were all exceptional and the service was top notch. Their sidecar was off, but the lycii cocktail and selection of Alsase wine more than made up for it. The almond cookies at the end were better than any fortune cookie. We both liked the décor and felt there was enough space between tables to have a private conversation. It was about ¼ full which was not surprising since it is classed as fine dining and there are a few other Asian restaurants at MB with lower price tags.</span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"></span></span><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">Monday</span></span></b></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">Strip Run</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">Woke up at 6 and finally conquered our goal of running the strip (MB to Sahara)! We ran on the MB side until we reached City Center then crossed over and ran that side until reaching Encore where we had to cross back over due to some sidewalk maintenance. We took a lot of steps and had very few stops along the way. The shell of Fountanblu “opening fall 2009” was pretty depressing, there were several sewage-smell pockets on the north end, and I am still peeved they took out the Stardust with this area of the strip in need of more action. We took in Circus Circus for the first time together and I thought it was a fine place to pick up a bottle of water and throw a few dollars down on black. We were too early to catch any of the circus acts or take advantage of the $20/20 minute reflexology treatments that sounded heavenly after a 4-mile run. Frankly, the atmosphere was much better than Excalibur although location and report of bad rooms takes it off my cheapo weekend getaway list for now. We walked back passing many fellow runners on the return trip to MB.</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">Lunch at Raffles Cafe</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">After a refreshing shower, we went to Raffles for a much needed meal. Our waitress was elderly and pleasantly scatterbrained and apparently causing some upheaval with other members of the staff. Hubs liked his hamburger and my tomato soup with grilled cheese was just fine. The Herschel Walker wings were breaded and deep fried with no sauce, which were okay, but we prefer our wings naked and sloppy. At this point, we are feeling the need to laze, so hubs went to the room and I went to the spa.</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">The Bathhouse</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">I imagine that if East Germany during the cold war had a state-spa for government officials, it would look much like the Bathhouse. It is institutional black cinder block with rains from the ceiling that makes you wonder if the dungeon is leaking. It is the perfect spa for people who feel guilty for spaing, dislike the typical warm tones found in other spas, or who can’t stand fru-fru environments. I had an excellent sun-facial that, as usual, I slept through, and spent a couple of hours in the warm whirlpool, sauna, steam room, and chill area. In comparison to the other spa folk milling about, I felt a bit under-jeweled and overfed, but not enough to harsh my mellow. I was not pressured to buy products or upgrade my service, which I appreciate. They have several $100 special on facials, massage, wraps, and nail services and the lounge is stocked with many juices, tea, water infusions, fruit, snack bars and nut mixes.</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><a class="internal auto pid3182" href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/Tourism-g294205-Luxor_Nile_River_Valley-Vacations.html" style="outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">Luxor</span></span></a></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">After getting back to the room, hubs went to the cigar shop at MB and was a bit disgusted at the selection, storage, and knowledge, but he picked up a Padrone anyway and we decided to head over to </span></span><a class="internal auto pid3182" href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g45963-d1580348-Reviews-Aurora-Las_Vegas_Nevada.html" style="outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">Aurora</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;"> in the Luxor for a few drinks. I had a decent Mai Tai and hubs enjoyed a cigar with his bourbon. I finally got the Dean Martin slot to pay out something and hubs put all a $20 on black then walked away a winner. We spied another cigar store and he purchased 4 new ones and was much happier with this shop.</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">Stripsteak Dinner</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">One of the few thumbs down experiences of the trip. We were seated quickly off of the bar area and our waitress’s costume was about two millimeters away from wh*re. I have no problem with this in lounges, the casino floor, and sports bars, but when paying $50 for a steak, I should not be able to tell if the server has waxed lately. After months of yearning for the highly touted duck fat fries, we both came away with the feeling we were just served McDonalds fries doctored with some spices. Hubs had a tasty chicken dish and I had a solid bone-in ribeye with the truffled mac and cheese that everyone seems to have on the menu and I did not like as much as I thought I would. The wine menu did not have a good balance either. It was not horrible or great, but it was nowhere near </span></span><a class="internal auto pid3182" href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g45963-d1450874-Reviews-Botero-Las_Vegas_Nevada.html" style="outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">Botero</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">. Next time we will try Cut or </span></span><a class="internal auto pid3182" href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g45963-d491626-Reviews-Craftsteak-Las_Vegas_Nevada.html" style="outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">Craftsteak</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">.</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><a class="internal auto pid3182" href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g45963-d662769-Reviews-Carrot_Top-Las_Vegas_Nevada.html" style="outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">Carrot Top</span></span></a></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">Since this has received such excellent reviews, we figured we would pocket our dislike of CT based largely on the old AT&T commercials, and give him a try. We got these on a pick 2 for $75 promo and our seats were toward the back of the theater. No problem – it is an intimate theater and you can see everything. The warm up act was lame, but Carrot himself had us laughing beginning to end. As many have mentioned, he had a lot of recent news in his comedy act, which was about 50/50 props and stand-up. The theater was packed and everyone seemed to enjoy it. Because he keeps the act fresh, we would defiantly check him out again in the next few years.</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">Aria & Mandarin Bar First Impressions</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">We walked over to City Center and my first impression at night was that if they ever decide to re-theme the strip, this one would be perfect for a DC or Marvel comics home. I would love to see spidy crawl up the Harmon or see the bat signal come up from between the Veer towers. I thought the Aria casino was beautiful with all of the glass and metalwork hanging from the wall and ceiling, but hubs hated the brown. The vanilla scent was subtle and was not the super-sweet fake version you get in a lot of candles or diffusers. I wanted to take in the view from Mandarin bar and it did not disappoint. Hubs ordered a lemongrass mojito but returned it since the stalk of lemongrass stuck in the glass to replace the traditional sugar cane did nothing for the flavor. He got a Cavilier instead (a side car plus apricot and almond flavors) which was one of the best cocktails of the trip. My Golden Leaf/Mandarin cocktail was pretty good, and came with a 24K gold flakes floating on top (a little antibiotic for my itchy and now peeling back!).</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">Hubs is feeling the jet lag from his overseas flights and we decided to go enjoy the incredible night view from our room back at Mandalay. In an unprecedented move, we actually took a cab rather than walk.</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">Tuesday (our anniversary!)</span></span></b></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">We had some of the leftovers from </span></span><a class="internal auto pid3182" href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g45963-d663943-Reviews-STRIPSTEAK-Las_Vegas_Nevada.html" style="outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">Stripsteak</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;"> that did not keep well and decided to put a ban on truffled mac and cheese for the remainder of the vacation. Bank of America calls about suspicious credit card charges despite notifying them the dates I would be out of town in Las Vagas – I was happy with this extra protection for about 30 hours until they did something that really p*sses me off. More on that later.</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">We head over to MGM for a memorial visit to ‘witchcraft – always delicious! Dean Martin gave me a little more love at </span></span><a class="internal auto pid3182" href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/Tourism-g294205-Luxor_Nile_River_Valley-Vacations.html" style="outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">Luxor</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;"> on the walk over, which was a good omen since we had to hop the monorail to Sahara to pick up our Rat Pack tickets for that evening. I have not been in Sahara in years and I really enjoyed the casino feel. Most of the people playing $1 blackjack were doing crazy strategy, if you can call it that, so hubs went over to the $5 table and broke even after a few cocktails.</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">We grabbed the monorail back up the strip and stopped off at Flamingo so he could see the habitat. When we got to MGM, there was some kind of kids camp at Rainforrest Café that looked like a good time. The lions were out and feeling playful, but no chance to get pictures with the cubs. We get back to the hotel and got gussied up for the show and headed back to Sahara</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">Sandy Hackett’s Rat Pack</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">We got 2-4-1 VIP tickets through half price shows (lower fee than Goldstar) and tipped the usher for a good seat. Hubs and I are huge fans of the era and “our song” is “All the Way.” I admit I got misty eyed as the boys came out – none of them looked like who they were playing but they really captured their swagger, vocal styling, and nuances of speech. Most importantly, they all looked like they were having a great time. Due to smoking rules, Dino was handicapped by having to carry an unlit cigarette. We gave them a standing O and they were all there for a meet and greet after the performance. The guy who played Frank stayed in character for that – he really nailed </span></span><a class="internal auto pid3182" href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g45963-d1213285-Reviews-Sinatra-Las_Vegas_Nevada.html" style="outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">Sinatra</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">. There are different actors depending on the night, so if you happen to be in town on a Tuesday, put this show on the to-do list.</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">Parasol Down</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">We had some pre-dinner cocktails with Patricia, the head mixologist of </span></span><a class="internal auto pid3182" href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g45963-d1533327-Reviews-The_Wynn-Las_Vegas_Nevada.html" style="outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">Wynn</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">, and got to sample everything on the new menu. I think the strawberry one or the ginger Collins were my favorites of the group (Canton Ginger seems to be the hot ingredient about town). There is also one with an absinthe wash that I did not care for, but absinth is icky to me. No changes have been made to the Lake of Dreams shows since we were last there.</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">Encore Beach Club/Surrender</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">We got to sneak into the employee “play day” at the new club. It is an amazing pool scene with all of the grandeur you would expect from a Wynn property. Since I am on the wrong side of 30 and have no desire to prance about in 4-inch heels and a bikini not meant for water, I doubt I will actually pay to go there, but it is really exceptional. Surrender is the ulta lounge night party counterpart to the pool and was not 100% finished the night we were there. I much prefer lounges to nightclubs so this one, as well as </span></span><a class="internal auto pid3182" href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g45963-d675866-Reviews-Blush-Las_Vegas_Nevada.html" style="outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">Blush</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">, may make it to a must-do list in the future.</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">Society Café</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">Keeping in theme, we were going to eat at Sinatra but we missed the last seating. This was a lucky misfortune because Society really fit our style. A couple of couple things about us – my husband realized he wanted to marry me over a Nathan’s hot dog at the MGM and did a surprise engagement dinner with the ring on a hot dog (</span></span><a class="external" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/5433/512/1600/ring_ring.0.jpg" rel="nofollow" style="outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">…blogger.com/blogger/…ring_ring.0.jpg</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">). When we saw spicy pigs in a blanket on the menu, we knew we chose the right place. Also, we did lots of appetizers rather than a sit down dinner at our reception, so we kept the tradition going by ordering lollipop wings, ahi tuna tacos, and prime beef sliders. And a bottle of champagne. We were also introduced to the cocktail “Delicious” which is a beautifully fragrant and refreshing concoction made with raspberry vodka, ginger, citrus, and agave.</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><a class="external" href="http://www.photoshelter.com/c/fredminnick/gallery/Society-Cafe-in-the-Wynn-Encore-Las-Vegas/G0000vaF8e8sxY4w/" rel="nofollow" style="outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">photoshelter.com/c/…</span></span></a></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">As we were leaving Wynn, a drunken 20-something began profusely complementing hubs on his brown hat with a feathered brim. He asked if he could borrow it for the night and tried to grab it off his head when hubs gave him the stare down, pointed at the feather and said “I killed the pheasant.” The look on the kid’s face was priceless</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">Palazzo</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">Since we were walking back to MB, we decided to take a turn into the v/p complex. A few blackjack wins were countered with my losses at the Star Trek machine (will I ever learn?) and we headed down the rest of the strip.</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">Bellagio</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">It was really late and our favorite bar, Petrussion Paris, was hopping. We managed to get a seat in the back and ordered an Armagnac sidecar – our official house cocktail should anyone want to swing by for Derby someday. On a trip to the bathroom, hubs met Leroy, one of the guys who does shoe shines, and for a mear $7 plus tip got the leather buffed and softened to a condition like never before. Gentleman, support the local economy by extending the life and comfort of your shoes – go get a shoeshine in the Bellagio! We stumble "home" to again enjoy our view.</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">Wednesday</span></span></b></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">The Café</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">2-4-1 mimosas, a tableside coffee carafe, vanilla custard pancakes with macerated blueberries, applewood smoked chicken sausage,</span></span><a class="internal auto pid3182" href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/Tourism-g189100-Portugal-Vacations.html" style="outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">Portugal</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;"> spiced sausage, and a house eggs “café” benedict – a perfect breakfast. Service was pleasant and speedy and of course the atmosphere was subdued hip. If we stay at THE Hotel next time, I imagine this place will be a morning staple.</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">Private Garden Cabana</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">Despite many trip to Vegas, we have not been to any of the pools. I decided this would be a great time in the trip to relax, renew, and detox with a cabana. We chose the private garden and it was the best thing we did the entire trip! The key-entry area has 8 cabanas, most with their own Jacuzzi, and share a private pool.</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><a class="external" href="http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash1/hs502.ash1/29708_129941743684533_100000061234071_321584_3132845_n.jpg" rel="nofollow" style="outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">…fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash1/hs502.ash1/29708_…</span></span></a></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">It reminded us a lot of the resort we stayed in for our St. Lucia honeymoon. It was in the 80s and breezy, the cabana girls were attentive but not intrusive, and the vibe was mellow. We were told this was one of the most chilled-out areas of the poll and only occasionally a boisterous group of family with young kids chose this area. We had about 3 drinks each and took advantage off the free water and mixers in the fridge. I got an awesome teriyaki beef salad for lunch while hubs opted for the shrimp noodle salad. We briefly went out and took a turn in the Lazy River and wave pool, but we quickly retreated back to the zen zone. We hung out from 10 until nearly 6 and wished we could have booked another day. With the cabana came a 20% deal at any of the fine dining places at MB (can’t use with other promos) which would be a significant savings if you had a group. This is on the must repeat list!</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">Bank of America Can Stick It</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">Due diligence turned into a nightmare when I got back to the room and listened to a message informing me that my account went under a periodic review and they dropped my credit line to about $200 over the balance BEFORE I left for Vegas. Periodic my foot – there are no coincidences! I get my dander worked up then calmed down and they grant me just enough for what I had budgeted for the trip, but nowhere near what it had been just 2 days earlier. Thankfully we had cash in the bank to cover the rest of the trip. We are making big strides to reduce our debt to mortgage and student loan only and this just fueled the fire even more (so no more Vegas for awhile, - ho hum).</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><a class="internal auto pid3182" href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g45963-d496849-Reviews-Burger_Bar-Las_Vegas_Nevada.html" style="outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">Burger Bar</span></span></a></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">My father-in-law was in town for a conference so we met up with him at Burger Bar. We split a nutella shake three ways that was gone in about 2 minutes because it wasa so delicious. We each did a name your own burger – I like that you can choose the type of meat you want and that the toppings are there o enhance the flavor, not cover it up. I had a kobe (I know – it’s a farce) with prushito, mozzarella, and pesto with the fat fries. F-I-L had a peppercorn burger that he enjoyed much more than he thought he would (he is a local dive and chain restaurant guy) and hubs had the angus with a concoction I cannot remember. We left full and happy.</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><a class="internal auto pid3182" href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g45963-d1550706-Reviews-CSI_The_Experience-Las_Vegas_Nevada.html" style="outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">CSI Experience</span></span></a></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">Since F-I-L had some MGM perks, we got 241 tickets to CSI. There are 3 crime scences and you can read the descriptions before you choose one for your experience. The first tip I want to pass on is that if there is more than one person in your party, you should each pick a different crime scene. One inside, you have access to all of the crime scenes but only the paper report for one. Had we researched this a little better, our group could have done all three. It took less than an hour to solve the crime and at the end you take a computer test and they will email you the criminologist certificate. Or you can buy it in the gift shop. I asked one of the staff if anyone ever fails and he said “only really drunk people” although there have been a few who got frustrated and left. The souvineer shop was mostly cloths and a few knickknacks. Hubs thought the whole thing was lame and nowhere near as awesome as STE, but what is?</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">Tropicana</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">I wanted to take a quick look at the ongoing renovations on the way back to MB. They are still deconstructing the entrance to the hotel and we got to hear a delightful cell phone argument on the way in. The musty smell is gone, but, wow, were the lights bright and white. It felt like a grocery store casino! We did a lap and walked out. Lighting and torn up entryways aside, I am interested to see what it looks like when everything is completed.</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">Thursday</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">House of Blues</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">We took advantage of our 2-4-1 breakfast deal and they serve up a good omelet with an upbeat attitude! Hubs had a decent bloody Mary and my Singapore Sling had to be altered due to lack of ingredients. When the server told me it was “full of alcohol,” I did not expect a 16oz glass of gin with a splash of grenadine and sour, but I rolled out happy with a to-go cup.</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">Mac King</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">We spent the morning on various gambling at </span></span><a class="internal auto pid3182" href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/Tourism-g294205-Luxor_Nile_River_Valley-Vacations.html" style="outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">Luxor</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;"> and Excalibur before hitting Nathans in NYNY using an ACG coupon. We decided to take a walk down the strip and check out Mac King. The$ 9.99 drink-for-entry (really about $14 after tax and fee) was well worth the comedy magic show. He had several people come up from the audience to include in tricks and ended with a great disappearing act. I would suggest coming warly since the drink line is outrageous and understaffed, and so you can have your picture taken (he inserts a cute surprise when you go to pick it up). Since he is a native Louisvillian, we had a nice chat after the show and we purchased a 50-majic-trick lunchbox for my niece.</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">Rhumbar</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">Ahh, one of my favorite lounges! Hubs had one of his cigars with a fine rum while I tried the Spanish Trampoline (think tangerine mojito) and Tatonga (spice and mango rums with pineapple, lime,, sugar, and bitters). I enjoyed both, but my favorites are still their Mai Tai and Hemingway. It is amazing that with all of the rum and coke I drink while gambling, I rarely get tipsy. Half a cocktail here and I am nearly on the floor! Service is always great here and the atmosphere is comfortable chic.</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><a class="external" href="http://www.photoshelter.com/c/fredminnick/gallery/Rhumbar-Las-Vegas/G0000RJt2H3.vDZY/" rel="nofollow" style="outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">photoshelter.com/c/…</span></span></a></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">Believe</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">Since we lounged a little too long, we grabbed a taxi back to MB to get ready for the show. It is a shame we lost the lunchbox and photo somewhere between Rhumbar and our room! We fully expected Believe to be so lame we would laugh about it over dinner, but were pleasantly surprised. Coming in, we thought Criss Angle was a huge tool and had never seen Mind Freak. They must have changed the show a lot since, contrary to the reviews, he was onstage most of the performance, the trapdoors and wires were well concealed, and he interacted with audience frequently. He did your standard illusions that probably most of the magicians perform on the strip perform, but he had a gorgeously twisted back drop with the avant garde Cirque flair as his hook rather than wildlife or comedy. I was a big fan of the memorial dedication to all of the rabbits that had perished in the line of duty serving magicians. The clown character that finds its way into most CDS shows was instead a magician assistant, the costumes were spectacular, and despite a few “I am so awesome” moments from Criss, this was very entertaining.</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">I long ago stopped comparing CDS shows to each other because, other than having a parent company name in common, the subject matters have little to do with each other (it is kind of like comparing the Wizard of Oz to Luxor – they are both MGM creations but it is hardly logical to compare a movie to a hotel). I would highly recommend this show to people who like illusion magic, appreciate modern art/dance, and enjoy dark humor.</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">When we came out of the theater, the Lakers/Suns game was just about to come to an end and the sports book was packed with </span></span><a class="internal auto pid3182" href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/Tourism-g32655-Los_Angeles_California-Vacations.html" style="outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">LA</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">fans (boooooo!). Since it was our last night at MB, we figured we would give the </span></span><a class="internal auto pid3182" href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g45963-d481409-Reviews-Foundation_Room-Las_Vegas_Nevada.html" style="outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">Foundation Room</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;"> a whirl.</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><a class="internal auto pid3182" href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g45963-d422683-Reviews-Aureole-Las_Vegas_Nevada.html" style="outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">Aureole</span></span></a></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">We had previously had one of the best meals of our lives here at Thanksgiving and put aside expectations of a repeat. We were seated inbetween two couples and felt a little crowded in our personal space. Hubs flaked out on me when he found a bottle of wine he wanted to try and opted out of the awesome 3-course tasting menu. We started with seared ahi tuna, I chose salmon while he devoured the lamb, and we finished it off with a trio of ice cream and coffee. We were not allowed to combine the 20% off cabana discount with restaurant.com, and since the $50 off worked out better, we went with that. Had we maxed out the cabana with 10 people (heck, even 6), that discount would have been a steal! Although this was a great meal, we decided we were kind of “foodied out” at this point.</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">Foundation Room</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">Well, I got in for free, hubs had to pay $20. The place was packed with men and a few attached women. That people actually pay for bottle service here makes me scratch my head. Yeah, it is groovy and it has one of the best views of strip an iPhone can capture (since the </span></span><a href="http://hphotos-snc3.fbcdn.net/hs542.snc3/29708_130359750309399_100000061234071_322999_2981410_n.jpg"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">view</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;"> has a copy write attached to it and you can not bring up “professional gear”), but we did not stay long enough to order a drink. It just was not our scene, I guess. Being in psych, I had to ask security if they had a jumper plan for those that had a few to many and really wanted to throw it ALL away in Vegas. As it was put “once they cross the railing, there is nothing I can do if they want to jump.” Apparently this has happened only once and not during the public hours. Hubs decided to stay up and gamble while I went back for a final turn in the whirpool.</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">I am signing off for today and will be back with our last 2 days at Aria. For now, scroll forward through these photos for night shots of the strip from our room at Mandalay and Aria, and some interesting views from City Center:</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><a class="external" href="http://www.photoshelter.com/c/fredminnick/gallery-img-show/Travel-Las-Vegas/G0000.dLAP8E1vx4/?&_bqG=31&_bqH=eJxz9agISDfMdDQ3cNENzHDNMgl2yvV2Dq10T420MjGwMjQwsLJyj_d0sXU3AAK9FB_HAAtXw7IKE7UAkKiau2e8u6OPj2tQJDZFAO1fGjU-&I_ID=I000007NVpDM1alI" rel="nofollow" style="outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">photoshelter.com/c/…</span></span></a></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">Friday</span></span></b></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">Checking-Out of MB</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">We order up room service to enjoy what little time we have left with our view – no late check-out available. It was your basic coffee, oatmeal, and fruit morning. I pack up everything we will not use again with one bag to carry us through the rest of the trip. Check out stinks – not the process, just the fact! We agree this was the best overall Las Vegas resort experience thus far and are a little nervous about the change to Aria. I doubt we will hotel hop again. It only took about an hour round trip, but it kind of interrupts the established trip vibe. My brother is meeting us today and calls to let us know he landed and is heading over to the Monte Carlo. We grab a cab and head over to Aria.</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">Aria Second impressions, Check-In and Room</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">The bellhop was great – he was really excited about the hotel and assured us we would have a great time. My initial casino love dwindled a bit when I realized the metal art I liked so much made the midday noise level several dBs higher than it ought to be. The staple of casino design is busy (ugly) rugs with a bare ceiling so your focus goes to the gaming. At Aria, there is so much to look at the casino feels like an afterthought. Well, except that the lack of wall-to-wall carpet and plethora of metal and glass creates a fabulous echo that give the impression the place has 1500 people in it when there are only 50.</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">Vegas was already filling up with the Memorial Day crowd but check-in was moving along smoothly. . . with faces as wooden as the casino décor and robotic as the room controls. The lady at the reception desk did not look at me once and when I asked about upgrades she gave me the "$30/night for strip view" without a commitment to the up-sell. I do not think she would have noticed if I used a $20 bill as a paper airplane let alone “the sandwich” routine. She did give us a high floor and we had a nice view of Vdara. She did not let me finish the question about the player’s club perks for this reservation – she pointed in the direction of the casino and said “I don’t know anything about it - go to their desk.”</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">Room 26-135: Only 6 or so floor included in this elevator bank so there was never a wait during the trip. All of the room electronics worked well and the bed was plush. This place would (and I guess does, in some fashion in the other buildings) make a great apartment. The bathroom configuration was innovative with the walk-in shower leading to the bath. If you are one of those people who complain that the frosted glass in the MGM Grand’s West Wing commode is not enough privacy for you, the door in this bathroom that makes the commode private may not be to your liking. There is a really nifty wood sliding door that closes off the bathroom though.</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">There are already some nicks in the wood furniture so I am not sure how well the room will hold up in 5 years. Doubtless the technology will fail at some point, but there are enough backup switches that it should not be a deal breaker. The bellman was up in 5 and had obviously been to the same personality-training seminar as the receptionist. Even in Flamingo they provided a tour of the features in the room. Thankfully I am tech savvy, but there is a learning curve for those who are not!</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><a class="internal auto pid3182" href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g45963-d1854394-Reviews-Julian_Serrano-Las_Vegas_Nevada.html" style="outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">Julian Serrano</span></span></a></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">We met up with brother who thought the room was cool. We decided to try Julian Serano since we are all tapas fans. We tried the mushrrom soup with foie gras cream, ahi tuna tempura (best dish!), chicken croquetts, stuffed peppers, olives, and charcutrie platter (second favorite). We split the churro chocolate for dessert – they gave us A LOT of that spicy chocolate! All in all, a great meal but nothing that would compel me to return for aother few visits.</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">Gambling at Aria, </span></span><a class="internal auto pid3182" href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/Tourism-g294205-Luxor_Nile_River_Valley-Vacations.html" style="outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">Luxor</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;"> and Excalibur</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">I get my $50 free play from the desk and realize, while the slot technology at Aria is excellent, the available denominations and payout on the machines are not! I burn through my freeplay quickly and we move on.</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">My brother decides to try and get over his 10-year-grudge against Luxor when he and a few buddies got kicked out for arguing with a dealer. Well, it may take him another 10 years to go back since he went to the roulette table, was in the process of putting his chips down when the dealer calls “no more bets” and she scoops up all of his chips before the ball drops. Time tempers the rage of youth I suppose, because when she told him “tough!” in response to his protest that he was placing the last chip on the table as she was calling it, he just walked away. To add a little extra insult, neither of us could get Top Dollar to give us an offer.</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">We moved over to Excalibur where hubs won me a rose and an owl stuffed animal on the midway. I forgot to mention we had attended the poker lesson there earlier in the week and enjoyed it more than we expected. Brother played 3-card-poker while hubs got beat up at the blackjack table. I came out even on slots plus a couple of really good rum and cokes.</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">And Back to Society Café</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">Hubs had a meeting at Encore at 6 so brother and I hung out to watch the Magic/Celtics game at the bar outside of </span></span><a class="internal auto pid3182" href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g45963-d1307808-Reviews-Wazuzu-Las_Vegas_Nevada.html" style="outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">Wazuzu</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">. The bartender was rather dour and the pineapple punch was so-so. We had a toro roll (delicious) and pork belly buns that were a little bland as the boa bun hid the flavor of the meat. There was also a great fight that broke out on the slot floor - an elderly lady bumped into another playing slots, and the slot gal throws her drink at her and calls her several names before Encore Security makes their presence known about 2.377 seconds into it!</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">We wound up eating at Society Café again and ordered most of the same stuff as before plus a few chef gifts. We were also introduced to the </span></span><a class="internal auto pid3182" href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/Tourism-g190405-Monaco-Vacations.html" style="outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">Monaco</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">, which was a delicious vodka interpretation of a mojito. Service was just as good as before and it is officially on our come-back list next visit.</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">Best “Walking the Strip Street Moments” of the trip</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">As we are walking through Carnival Court, a few guys behind us are talking about how they used to collect the porn-slapper cards when they were on a family vacation as kids and their parents were not looking. They then went into a discussion about what they did with those cards, using some terms I have not heard in a while. As their conversation was concluding, another group of drunk 20-somethings, as if to emphasize the point, were heckling the parents of young children walking by: “why are you bringing your kids to Vegas? You are screwing them up!”</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">And speaking of porn slappers, we saw many games of “slapper go-fish” and “are you smarter than a porn slapper” throughout the trip. There seems to be a lot more of them and are more intrusive, but I attribute it to the holiday weekend.</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">I am sick that </span></span><a class="internal auto pid3182" href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/Tourism-g187147-Paris_Ile_de_France-Vacations.html" style="outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">Paris</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;"> tore out the fountain to make way for a candy store/nightclub. I got the sparkly lollipop when they came out, and the novelty wore off quickly. However, there was an excellent row of street performers in the area, most notably a tall, beefy black gentleman who used a blend of contortions with de-strung badminton rackets and Ashtanga Beginner & Intermediate poses set to music and with a grand finale of shutting himself in a small, clear box.</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">Lost at City Center</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">Somehow we walked down the wrong staircase and wound up on the outskirts of City Center. I think we were in-between the Harmon and the coming-soon Cosmopolitan. However, the end result was some artistic architectural photos and the chance to watch a group of tipsy co-eds trying to walk of a flight of steps in stilettos and finding out the elevator was locked down for the night “OMG, I’m not trying to get a workout here!” We walked by the massive line to get into Haze and noted the standard issue girl’s uniform of mini-dress and podiatrist-referral heels, or mini-shorts with tunic (not the worst look to resurrect from the 80s. At least it is comfortable). Have I mentioned how happy I am I do not have to compete in this market? If I were a man, I do not even know how I would pick one to pick up!</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">Moderna Bar and Bedtime</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">I saw the piano earlier in the day and was hoping this would be our Aria Petrussion Paris. Not to be. It seems every time I walked into Aria, I started liking it less and less. But their amythest and il cuore di Aria were tasty cocktails and I got a kick out of their morning drinks, some of which came with a side of ibuprofen or Alka-Seltzer. We thought the place was packed by the noise, but one again, the echo fooled us and it was pretty tame inside the casino. We make it back to the room and are immediately in love with the bed. Hubs and I had an unintentional “is the remote or the manual switch more powerful?” fight when trying to close the curtains for his night shots. I set the alarm for open curtains, nature sounds, and bedside lights, and we sack out in the luxurious bed.</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">Saturday</span></span></b></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">Aria Buffet</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">This sleep goes down as the best of the trip! We hem and haw a bit about breakfast, but since we heard good things about the buffet we decided to give it a shot. Hey, how bad could it be with unlimited champagne or Bloody Marys! We are no buffet connoisseurs and we do not always hit one with every visit, but I enjoyed this one much more than when we went to the one in</span></span><a class="internal auto pid3182" href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/Tourism-g187147-Paris_Ile_de_France-Vacations.html" style="outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">Paris</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">. They had a burrito that was </span></span><a class="internal auto pid3182" href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/Tourism-g28952-New_Mexico-Vacations.html" style="outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">New Mexico</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;"> style amazing! The pizza was just average, but hubs was a big fan of the seaweed salad and bacon cut straight from the slab. I enjoyed the selection of meats, cheeses, rolls, and fresh fruit. The cream puff was seriously yummy. The omelets, crepes, waffles, and pastas other folks were ordering up looked great, but we are trying NOT to have the appetites we used to, so we just grazed until we felt we got the $60ish bucks worth of booze and food.</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">Encore Gambling</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">I get this itchy feeling that Encore slots would be good to us, so we head over and finally sign up for our red cards. We play slots for 3 hours, each on about the same $20, and earned extra freeplay. Hubs has never lasted more than 10 minutes before loosing it all, and I rarely last 30, so we count it as successful! I consume a lot of rum and coke and watch as the now open Encore Beach Club goes on a wait-list. The streak of putting it all on black comes to an end for hubs and he blows it on roulette. I, however, have a great conversation with the dealer about space launches and NASA, where her son works. Bro and hubs also come to the realization they are bad luck when they sit at a table together, and that the bad luck may extend to strangers. They watched a guy at their table drop $1400 on BJ in less than 10 minutes. For once, the slots were more kind than the table!</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">Sahara Gambling</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">From posh to, well, Sahara. You do not need pretty surroundings to have a great time. Actually, we made a quick stop at the Rivera, which turned out to be dead in comparison to Sahara and about the same quality level. We sign up for player cards here and bro rakes it in on 3-card poker while hubs starts making some money back at black jack. The cocktail service there is lightning fast and I am once again breaking even. I don’t really have a favorite slot machine, but I do prefer the old-style ones where you can only bet 2 credits. I just have a hard time pulling a lever or pushing a button for $4 a pop! I am still playing with the same $20 I started the day with, but it is getting pretty low at this point. We meant to hit the Strat but ran out of time.</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">A Monorail Conspiracy?</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">Total Rewards had joined forces with the LV Monorail and now offers $5 in freeplay for new TR sign-ups. We take the monorail back to City Center and find it odd they say Bally’s is the best exit. We go with it, but it is a hike. Since you have to walk though Ballys and Paris then pass Planet Ho to get to City Center, I wonder if this is a HET trick to get you into their properties. If you took the logical MGM station, you would pass through and by MGM properties only on your way back, and I believe it would be faster too. If anyone wants to do an experiment, I would love to here the result. We did grab a quick bagel dog and water at Bally’s using the ACG coupon to help fuel the next few hours until dinner.</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><a class="internal auto pid3182" href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g45963-d1629904-Reviews-Viva_Elvis-Las_Vegas_Nevada.html" style="outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">Viva Elvis</span></span></a></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">As I stated earlier, I am not going to directly compare this to another Cirque show. The only thing close would be LOVE (which I was lukewarm about), but this is a live music tribute show with circus acts as opposed to a dramatic interpretation show using aerialists and modern dance with recorded music. Out seats were on the aisle of section 204, and we got them through the summer promotion for $88 plus fees. Of course, I am one of the weirdos who likes to sit close up, but these were really good for taking in a fair amount of detail while still seeing the overall picture. The couches close to the stage looked pretty comfortable – I do not think the balcony seats would be that impressive. We decided on this show because, while none of us are huge Elvis fans, it was on all of our mutual “to see” list.</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">The pre-show show involves lots of girls dressed in 50s outfits giggling and getting the audience excited to see Elvis. Bro got some tasty peanut-butter/banana cashew brittle to snack on but we skipped the drinks. The show blends many circus elements that you see in other CDS shows – the clown, in this case, is Cnl. Parker as a narrator, period dancing, trampoline acrobatics, couples acrobatics, live musicians, huge set changes, and amazing costumes. I believe the Elvis vocals were isolated so the musicians and other singers could perform live with him. I like the 4 female singers they chose and one of the drummers was particularly awesome. I could see Cirque throwing in some guest musicians later on since their blocking is not that complex to learn. One of the things I think they changed from the original version is toning down the performers’ roles when they show live Elvis footage – whenever the footage plays, is where you attention goes. The performers usually did incidental dancing rather than amazing feats that would be likely be overlooked by the audience. Some scenes that stood out were the superhero trampoline act, the entire military sequence (love the flag being made up of the soldiers’ hanging laundry), the tearjerker wedding and honeymoon acts, and the finale where you may get a little gift if you are sitting in the right seat. The whole performance, I wanted to get up and dance. The energy was great with most of the audience getting up and dancing for the finale and remaining up to give a standing ovation. This is another show I would like to see again, and would be a good one to franchise in </span></span><a class="internal auto pid3182" href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/Tourism-g55197-Memphis_Tennessee-Vacations.html" style="outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">Memphis</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">, the real home of Elvis.</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><a class="internal auto pid3182" href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g45963-d1054627-Reviews-Dos_Caminos-Las_Vegas_Nevada.html" style="outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">Dos Caminos</span></span></a></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">A return trip to our favorite Mexican fusion eatery. We hung out in the lounge for a bit and got no end of amusement watching an older gentleman try to hook up his younger friends with some junior cougars dressed like 20-somethings at the bar. The mojito gave me an odd stomach ache but the spicy sweet Cosmo del Diablo more than made up for it. The asada, lamb, and short rib tacos were as great as we remembered and the spicy guacamole was even better. There were a few bachelorette parties going on and the place was still over half packed when we left around 11.</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">Casino Royal</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">Another first for all of us. We figured there was no way we would find do-able table limits in the higher end places, so into the dive we go. The casino was jammed packed with a huge line at the bar that went nearly to the back of the casino. When the guys finally did get a place at a table, the dealers were some of the nastiest they had encountered in any gambling establishment. I know some people have a good time there, but this was not the night to do it. There was a lot of grumbling about tight slots and , while I don’t think dropping $10 in Dean Martin is statistically significant, I did not want to feed this beast.</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">Worst Street Moment of the Trip</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">The area between Carnival Court and Flamingo was packed like Haj. I am 5’1” on a good day and I started getting antsy as I moved forward a millimeter at a time looking longingly at the empty sidewalk across the street. I would say “I can only imagine what the kid in the stroller thought,” but since he and the 3 other children I passed in the crowd were crying and wailing, I have a pretty good idea. I am not one to really have an opinion about kids in Vegas – I don’t have any so I can’t relate to the family vacation decision-making process – but come on, tuck them in by midnight, please! One of those cuties could get snatched and disappear in the blink of an eye or get injured in such a dense crowd. After about 10 minutes we escape the mob and cross over to Caesar’s. Although we did not intend to wind up at Bellagio . . . we wind up at Bellagio.</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">Bellagio</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">Seriously, $10 blackjack tables on a Saturday night? Are you kidding me? The lowest I saw at Aria was $15 into early afternoon, but mostly $25 and up no matter what time of day. Hubs sits down with a bunch of Norwegian guys who have no clue how to play and he finally comes up ahead for the trip. I play slots here and there and manage to make a few bucks, mostly on the Wild Cherry machines. I also decide someone needs to invent “butt tack” when I see this poor girl’s cheeks fall out of her dress several times. Surprisingly, The Bank line did not look too crowded. We end the night at Petrossian Paris, naturally, for a last round of sidecars. We decide to call it a night sometime around 5am (no late check out from Aria, naturally).</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">Sunday</span></span></b></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">Aria – “see ya!”</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">We get a refreshing 4 hours of sleep, use video check-out, and call the bellman to get our bags. At 10am the ridiculous level of noise in the casino is starting to really get to me and I cannot wait to get out of Aria. However, I somehow had two cash out tickets in my purse from some last minute gambling a few hours prior, and decided to pocket the money rather than re-deposit it in another slot. I forgot to mention that at one point we did take the monorail to city center from Bellagio and we found it convenient, but not so much from Monte Carlo. I think if I were shopping for (and could afford) a loft, City Center would be cool. As for Aria, I just wanted to yank the casino out of the hotel and move it to </span></span><a class="internal auto pid3182" href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/Tourism-g32655-Los_Angeles_California-Vacations.html" style="outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">LA</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">, Dallas, Chicago, or </span></span><a class="internal auto pid3182" href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/Tourism-g28953-New_York-Vacations.html" style="outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">New York</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">. I think I would have loved the place a lot more outside of the strip.</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><a class="internal auto pid3182" href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g45963-d1073536-Reviews-Le_Burger_Brasserie-Las_Vegas_Nevada.html" style="outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">Le Burger Brasserie</span></span></a></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">We wanted to do Mon Ami Gabi but the guys are both anti-line, so we scratch our brains and decide to grab a burger. By the way, the</span></span><a class="internal auto pid3182" href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/Tourism-g187147-Paris_Ile_de_France-Vacations.html" style="outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">Paris</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;"> buffet line practically reached to Ballys! We were not expecting much but were deliciously surprised with the quality we received. We split a vanilla milkshake and an order of fries. The guys both had the Le Paris (brie, caramelized onion, and bacon) on a parmesan bun, while I opted for the Promenade (chicken with brie, shallots, and bacon) on an onion roll. Usually I only eat half the bun, but I cleaned it up this time. We go back to Aria and catch a cab to the airport grateful we are getting out before the Monday rush.</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">Last Thoughts</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">Tube of Shame – not only are people now purchasing straps to hang these things around their neck while they get their sip on, but they are using them to secure the tubes to their check-in luggage. Does anyone ever use these things again?</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">Canadians – it seems the entire trip we were surrounded. Every casual elevator chat we got into, at least one person was from Canada. Every show we went to, either an audience volunteer was Canadian or there was a huge contingent in the audience. I asked if there was a holiday going on, and the the reply was, “no, its just still really cold!”</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">Trends I am over - St. Germaine in cocktails, celebrity pool parties (well, darn, we just missed Paris Hilton and Neyo at Encore Beachclub), organic alcohol</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">Plans for the Next Trip (new stuff):</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">Stay at THE Hotel, Bellagio, or </span></span><a class="internal auto pid3182" href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g45963-d1533327-Reviews-The_Wynn-Las_Vegas_Nevada.html" style="outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">Wynn</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">/Encore with no moving</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">See O, Rat Pack at the Plaza, and Frank Caliendo</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">Eat at Cut or </span></span><a class="internal auto pid3182" href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g45963-d491626-Reviews-Craftsteak-Las_Vegas_Nevada.html" style="outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">Craftsteak</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">, Alex, Mastro’s Ocean Club, and </span></span><a class="internal auto pid3182" href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g45963-d1213285-Reviews-Sinatra-Las_Vegas_Nevada.html" style="outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">Sinatra</span></span></a></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">Rent a car and see the Hoover Dam and Valley of Fire</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">Give downtown another shot with gambling and a trip to Firefly</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">Things we meant to do this time but will do next trip:</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">Watch someone sky jump from the Strat while we stay safely on the sidewalk</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">Afternoon tea at MO</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">Ice Lounge and THE Lounge</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">Check out Rio, Palms, and M (3rd time on the list is a charm, right?)</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">Oh, and hubs updated some of the photos for those interested in the Cabana, some </span></span><a class="internal auto pid3182" href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g45963-d422683-Reviews-Aureole-Las_Vegas_Nevada.html" style="outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">Aureole</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;"> shots, and the Aria standard room (you can get a good look at the pheasant feather!).</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><a class="external" href="http://fredminnick.photoshelter.com/gallery-image/Travel-Las-Vegas/G0000.dLAP8E1vx4/I0000lGsxK2xdbHs" rel="nofollow" style="outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">…photoshelter.com/gallery-image/Travel-Las-V…</span></a></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">Originally posted </span></span><a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g45963-i10-k3682983-TR_May_22_30_A_Consummation_Celebration-Las_Vegas_Nevada.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">here</span></span></a>OneDNPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13154826509898126475noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4250251722993883664.post-31444772129513435032009-12-01T04:07:00.000-08:002010-12-19T06:13:50.017-08:00Las Vegas Thanksgiving 2009<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The waiting for this trip began back in April when, after returning from their first trip to Sin City, my mother started working my father to spend Thanksgiving in Vegas. By June we had booked the Palazzo on a $129/night rate that included some perks I will go into as they happened. The only direct flight from</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span><a class="internal auto pid3182" href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/Tourism-g39604-Louisville_Kentucky-Vacations.html" style="outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;">Louisville</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">to LV is on southwest and we were able to secure a DING flight with only 3 price changes (love those guys). We left 11:35am Sunday after both my husband and I were coming off a few really stressful and sleep deprived months and had been moaning how much we needed this trip.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"></span><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">We got in 40-minutes early and out limo driver from Presidential was there to meet us. He was okay but nothing special. It took 25 minutes to kill the bottle of champagne so I had a happy buzz. We pulled up to Palazzo and were greeted by a friendly bell hop and shown to the front desk. Husband usually likes to scout out the front desk receptionist for the most likely-to-give-perks-face but the manager was there (dun-dun-duHHHHH) and put us with the most sour faced of the bunch. He asked about upgrades and we were offered half off suite upgrades, but we declined. Using his Okie charm, he was able to get her smiling and laughing and we were given a high floor with a strip/mountain/pool view. We tipped twenty to save $150 had we booked it online.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The room and view were excellent and the bed was both pillowly and firm. I love the remote control blinds and the bathroom was gorgeous. Bags were up in 15 and we were too starved to bother unpacking. Headed out for lunch at </span><a class="internal auto pid3182" href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g45963-d661131-Reviews-Enoteca_San_Marco-Las_Vegas_Nevada.html" style="outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;">Enoteca San Marco</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> to use our resturant.com $25GC. The atmosphere is food court, but the food was bliss. This was about 3pm so the bartender was also playing waiter and he suggested a bottle of Aglianico Campania 2007 when we told him we like the dirty, earthy reds. Great pick to go with a carne tasting of prosciutto and salami. I got the Sunday special cabonara pasta, which was simple but knocked my socks off. Hubby had the pork belly rigatoni, which was also a winner. We ordered café Americano and let the server choose a gelato trio for us in our dessert. He chose butter rum, dark chocolate and pumpkin (tasted like pumpkin pie and could have easily eaten a vat of it). Italian is pretty low on the list of cuisine we eat on a regular basis, but we would eat here again. Total including tip, tax, and $25 GC was $130.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">We hiked up to MGM to get our KA tickets for Wednesday only to find the box office was closed on Sundays. Concierge helped us out and we had a nice discussion about her hometown in western KY. She also got us reservations at L’Atelier for after the show. The walk was much needed and despite the griping about the look of City Center and distance from one property to another, in person I think it is amazing architecture. We may skip </span><a class="internal auto pid3182" href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g45963-d1533327-Reviews-The_Wynn-Las_Vegas_Nevada.html" style="outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;">Wynn</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> next trip and give Aria a try. Speaking if which, we made the trek back to Wynn to pick up our 7pm </span><a class="internal auto pid3182" href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g45963-d602782-Reviews-Le_Reve-Las_Vegas_Nevada.html" style="outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;">Le Reve</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> tickets. Roundtrip walking time was in the 90 minute range.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">We had section D row E seats 1 & 2 for Le Reve and grabbed some good popcorn and average cookies with a couple of waters for $23. As it is a theater in the round, there are no bad seas in the house. Well, unless you are sitting by some chatter boxes who have to comment on every molecule that makes a movement or a sound in the theater. Luckily, the music was loud enough to drown out the chatty ladies so we could not hear their running commentary (I am not a snob, but I think we need some remedial theater etiquette training beginning with 4th grade social studies). I spent most of the show with my mouth hanging open partially because of the amazing acrobatic and artistic tableaus that were being performed, and partially because my two biggest fears are falling and drowning - this makes everything the actors did more impressive. As with most shows of this genre, the “plot” is merely an excuse to show some amazing athleticism and artistry, not to make you think philosophically about your morals or the sate of society. It is entertainment that makes you think, “wow” and then makes you feel like you need to hit the gym.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">After the show, we headed over to Parasol Down for our first Side Car of the trip which was good but a bit weak. He had his favorite specialty cocktail, the Asian Equation (a coconut-lemongrass concoction) and I gave their seasonal Louisiana Lemon Drop (basically a lemon drop with some cayenne on the sugared rim – yee haw) a try. My favorite of the Lake of Dream shows, the one where the red and blue glowing balls flirt and dance together then have a little purple baby ball, was a disappointment as they changed the music from a moving piece that told a story to lame sexual grunting – I guess the former was too subtle? 4 cocktails with tip ran nearly $70.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Headed back to Palazzo for dinner at </span><a class="internal auto pid3182" href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g45963-d1054627-Reviews-Dos_Caminos-Las_Vegas_Nevada.html" style="outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;">Dos Caminos</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> using our $25 coupon we got with our package. Sangria was fair, hubby had two margaritas on the rocks and commented it was the first time he felt drunk. Of the trio of salsas they brought out, the mild and hot were favorites. We got the spicy tableside guacamole that was comparable to what we get at a Cuban place at home. The Asada and Lamb taco dishes with Mexican corn and refried beans, however, were on another level of goodness. Add this one to the list of places worth a second visit. We were stuffed and skipped dessert – total with tip, tax and discount was $75.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Even though it was only 10:30 we were spent and headed up to the room for some shuteye.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Day Two </span></b></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">What an awesome sleep! We did not even miss the Tempurpedic we have at home! I was up at dawn – I love watching the shift change on the strip, especially with our view. I received a disappointing message that my parents had to back out of the trip last minute for an unexpected health sort-of-emergency. We gave ourselves 2 hours to have emotions then get over it and, after a few quick phone calls, the financial ramifications of their decision were settled and we were ready to move on with the trip.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">We decide on Grand Lux for breakfast. We each had a mimosa and hubby ordered the smoked salmon and eggs while I had the Tuscan Farmhouse eggs – this deserves an “OMG.” I can even delude myself into thinking fluffy egg whites, grape tomato, shaved parmesan, crushed basil with a drizzle of olive oil on wheat toast is healthy. Total bill $60</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Next headed over to Bills where husband decided he wanted to pop his black-jack cherry. Our daily gambling budget was $40/day/person and this is the first time we really really made an attempt to spend it. We signed up for the player’s card and he headed to the one $5 table available. I split my time between the Star Trek slot, video poker and another random slot machine. I lost about $13 and he won $65. I also realized cheap gin they use to make the “free” gin and tonics seeps out of my pores and after two I smelled like I had been on a 3-day bender. And no buzz. I made the decision to stick to well side cars. I took a stroll over to Caesars to get a player card but apparently I had signed up for one during a trip to </span><a class="internal auto pid3182" href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/Tourism-g45964-Laughlin_Nevada-Vacations.html" style="outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;">Laughlin</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> years ago.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">We decided to walk up to City Center and check out Monte Carlo. While I was at the Player’s Club desk to pick up a card I had also signed up for at some point, hubby sat down at a table assuming it was Black Jack when it was really Let It Ride. Explaining that not only should you know what game you are playing before you sit down and the payout table was hilariously fruitless. As we were walking back, we stopped by Hawaiian Marketplaces where two performers were giving “Let it Whip” all they had. This was followed up with equally entertaining renditions of “Give it to Me, Baby” and “Brick House” that deserved a fat tip.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">We went to Petrussion Paris at the Bellagio (our happy place) for afternoon tea service. For $35 each you get 2 scones with lemon curd, clotted cream and butter, a plate of sweets and choice of 4 finger sandwiches from the menu. They offered both loose and bagged tea and we were mostly happy with the Earl Gray and </span><a class="internal auto pid3182" href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/Tourism-g304557-Darjeeling_West_Bengal-Vacations.html" style="outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;">Darjeeling</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">. They were running a bit behind so we received a couple of complementary champagnes. I will save my criticism for our tea snob blog, but for those who are into tea rooms I will say this: they keep pouring hot water over the same loose tea that is continually steeping in the little pot they bring to your table. Despite this, and the fact the whole thing is situated only a few feet from the casino, it was good experience. After tea was over, hubby ordered a scotch and cigar and I decided to try one of their specialty cocktails our waitress had won an award for. It was subtle, but potent. Total damage $160.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">After leaving Bellagio we saw our one and only fountain show of the trip and it was set to “Tis the gift to be simple” – a tear jerker for me (I am a sap).</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">We had tickets for Phantom and decided to chill in the room with some wine and music before the show. I have to say this is the first time we felt we were not missing any essential action by longing in the room. It was kind of a shame the TI show was on hiatus, as I would have liked to see it from our window, but not a huge loss.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">We get into our show duds and head to the theater. Our seats were Q29 and 30 right under the chandelier and we used a coupon code I found here for $50 off each ticket.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I have seen this performance in </span><a class="internal auto pid3182" href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/Tourism-g60763-New_York_City_New_York-Vacations.html" style="outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;">NYC</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> and Chicago but this version flows far better. I was hoping in this one I might like Raoule, but no, I still think he was a macho jerk. I mean he saves Christine’s red scarf when they were kids and that entitles him to a life commitment after being away for decade or so? At least the phantom had money, artistic talent, and some serious engineering ability. Probably some really good bottles of wine in that labyrinth too.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">But I digress.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Of course the effects and the theater are stunning and the actor who played phantom was phenomenal. I do want to mention there are a few scenes with gun-fire, firecrackers, and lightning for anyone who might be sensitive to that. My husband has been singing the soundtrack to me since that night and he claims it as his favorite Vegas show.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Dog Chapman and crew were also in attendance – I read his bio a few years ago and all I could think was a phrase I heard in the Golden Girls “soggiorno a partire da me, siete sfortuna” (stay away from me, you are bad luck). And yes, he was wearing his vest, but no bear mace.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Hit up Woo for dinner since we had $30 off as part of our package. The place was nearly dead but the servers were upbeat and speedy. We had a glass of wine each and stared with the ginger chicken ravioli and seared beef tenderloin with Asian salsa. Both good dishes but the utensils were awkward - chopsticks much better. For main course, my ribeye in a garlic soy sauce reduction over crispy rice was divine and his Peking duck was good, but not super. There is so much Asian to try, we will probably not go back, but it was worth the visit. Total bill $98.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">After dinner we headed to Lavo for a couple of comp drinks that came with the show tickets and had the best side-car of the trip so far. I like the feel of the place, but I am not sure we met the minimum cool level for the nightclub. And maybe not even for the restaurant. A few of the older hipsters at the bar even gave us the southern crossways stare when we sat down in their vicinity – it made us happy some lounge seating was available, but not happy enough to stick around for another drink.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">We walked into the casino and parked it in Liquid Lounge. Much more our style and our cocktail waitress was a doll. My husband and I played the “who is going to get some” game with the several groups of guys and girls who were traveling in quaffed packs through the casino. This comfy and swanky blue lounge has a great variety of champagne cocktails and an okay side car, although at this point my judgment was rather impaired. So impaired hat I blew a $25 slot credit plus $10 on the Dean Martin slots. Now ain’t THAT a kick in the head. At least the CWs were friendly, even though mine thought a side car was an amaretto sour. I decided to save some of my daily gambling budget for down town, so I call it a night and head upstairs with hubby following shortly thereafter.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Day 3</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Up at dawn again and starting to get that sleep deprived feeling. Grabbed a quick bite at illy – why don’t we have more of those in this country? 2 breakfast sandwiches and two extra large coffees were $24, although my husband charmed his way into a second large coffee for free.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">He met with Palo, the Master som from Alex for most of the morning while I met up with big brother. First thing he does is play 20 on the roulette wheel on his favorite number combination than off to his room with a great view of the </span><a class="internal auto pid3182" href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g45963-d1533327-Reviews-The_Wynn-Las_Vegas_Nevada.html" style="outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;">Wynn</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> golf course and pool. We had some quality conversation while taking his first walk through Lagasse Stadium and the Wynn/Encore, then headed to O’Shea’s for some 3-card poker. He called me his good luck charm when he got a straight flush on the first hand and cashed out $150 up after a half an hour.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Onto Bills where the Star Trek Slot gave me back my stake from yesterday – I seem to do best in terms of hitting bonuses on the first two of the 3 games I unlocked. We stopped for a bite of red chili dumplings and shrimp dim sum at Asia Noodle in Venetian for $30, then swung by Rhumbar, where hubby was doing a photo shoot:</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><a class="external" href="http://www.photoshelter.com/c/fredminnick/gallery/Rhumbar-Las-Vegas/G0000RJt2H3.vDZY/" rel="nofollow" style="outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;">photoshelter.com/c/…</span></span></a></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I had the weirdest and most potent Mai Tai of my life there called the 1944. Brother had the Hemingway Daiquiri garnished with pink grapefruit, which was also excellent. That made me declare Tuesday rum day, which set up the pattern for the rest of day’s drinking. The vibe of Rhumbar was nice – football on the big screens and techno remixes of a lot of Michael Jackson hits. $31 for two very nice cocktails.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Hubby and I met with Evoni and BigVegasFan from TA for drinks at</span><a class="internal auto pid3182" href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g45963-d1141590-Reviews-Sushisamba-Las_Vegas_Nevada.html" style="outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;">Sushisamba</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">. $6 happy hour was good for 2 mojitos each, an okay spicy tuna roll and delicious chicken skewers. As a gambling neophyte, I learned more in an hour with this crew than I have in reading strategy books and our weekly blackjack practice. It makes me long to be a high, hey, even a medium roller, but alas, out miniscule discretionary cash will likely bring comps in the form of drinks only.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Although we had managed to resist, this time the lure of cupcakes from Sweet Surrender called. The lemon vanilla and chocolate are worth the $7! It was nap time for a couple of hours before dinner and was much needed.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Since we were planning a couple of high-brow foodie meals, we decided to hit BLT burger in the Mirage for dinner before hitting downtown. Brother had Shaft’s Blue, Hubby the classic, and me the “BLT” burger with avocado. We split an order of average hot wings and decent sweet potato fries. After looking at the massive chocolate shake the table next to us ordered, I was glad I stuck with diet coke (I needed the caffeine). We grabbed a taxi ready for my first time in </span><a class="internal auto pid3182" href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g45963-d607345-Reviews-Glitter_Gulch-Las_Vegas_Nevada.html" style="outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;">Glitter Gulch</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">My first thought as we walked along Fremont street was that this was like 4th street live at home only with gambling. We arrived in the middle of Don McLean’s American Pie on viva vision. I took a quick look around </span><a class="internal auto pid3182" href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g45963-d91828-Reviews-Golden_Nugget-Las_Vegas_Nevada.html" style="outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;">Golden Nugget</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> before the boys were lured by the dancing girls at 4 Queens. I found a row of full pay video poker machines and played even there for 2 rum and cokes before doubling my money. Decided to see what all the fuss about Glenda at the Wizard of Oz slots was about and the witch took all my winnings. Phfffft.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I played a little craps with brother than decided to check out the souvenir shops after watching the Queen show. Nothing caught my eye, well, nothing I would spend money on, so we headed over to Mermaids where a couple of showgirlish types gave us beads. Triple black cherry, my favorite machine from back in the coin days was there, so I plunked in my cash and won back everything I had lost to the glorious sound of quarters crashing into the well when I cashed out. Ahh, cash money.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Went to Binions for some three-card poker and brother hit a 3-of-a-kind in the first few hands before walking away. Then we headed over to Fitzgerald’s, which was my favorite of the casinos. In the span of an hour I saw 3 people get thrown out and one of the pit bosses accused me of pretending not to know him (supposedly he knew me from hanging out at a TGIFridays in </span><a class="internal auto pid3182" href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/Tourism-g39604-Louisville_Kentucky-Vacations.html" style="outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;">Louisville</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">, but seriously – no clue who the guy was). I won three spins in a row at roulette, then had a great time leaning black jack switch from an awesome dealer named Yang. Hubby lost most of his winnings at Fitz so around 1am we decide to wrap it up.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The guys decided we needed a snack so I went along. Keeping in theme, I ordered a mojito with some duck potstickers, brother had a sandwich of some sort, and hubby got chicken and waffles. I am sure it was perfect late night drunk food, but I refused the offered bite. Played a little more at Palazzo before crashing around 3am.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><br />
<div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Day 4</span></b></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I had been looking forward to a day at Canyon Ranch Spa Club for years and was eager to check out Aquavana. I also really wanted to get a cupping massage since I went through some of the training and practice Chinese Medicine style cupping anyway.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Aquavana was really interesting. I did one of the assigned programs starting with the Finnish sauna followed by a turn in the tropical experiential rains. My body rebelled and I couldn’t breath for a moment after the shock of the cold after the warm. But I am trooper, so I tried the </span><a class="internal auto pid3182" href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/Tourism-g147237-Caribbean-Vacations.html" style="outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;">Caribbean</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> storm rain next and did much better. Next went to the little herbal laconium room which was relaxing and warm, then went into igloo with eucalyptus arctic mist and was able to man through it. Went into the crystal steam room next where I felt all of the previous night’s alcohol pour out, then back to the igloo with peppermint, then into the cool fog rains. I finished it up with the whirlpool and about 6 glasses of cucumber water and a banana.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I would not pay to do Aquavana by itself, but it is a great thing to have available for free before your services. If you go for a spa treatment, make sure to come an hour early so you can make the most out of it.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The cupping massage was delightful and got deep into some places that needed it. I also fell asleep 3 times during the course of the massage. Afterward I grabbed some tea and an apple and hung out in co-ed conservatory then stepped into the salt grotto. Eeh – I liked to warm seats but I was expecting to smell some sea air along with the changing led lights.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Next was the wave room with inverted chairs. It was oddly reminiscent of a chill room at a really high class rave. At first I though it was lame but the more I hung out, the more relaxing it got. But the belly beckoned so I packed up to meet the guys at</span><a class="internal auto pid3182" href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g45963-d1054627-Reviews-Dos_Caminos-Las_Vegas_Nevada.html" style="outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;">Dos Caminos</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">It is usually a hard and fast rule not to eat the same place twice in one trip, but sometimes exceptions must be made. We had the chorizo fundito, brother the lamb tacos, husband the short rib tachos, and myself the dos tachitos (should have ordered the enchilada). I gave their side car a shot but it was served on the rocks with far to much sweet.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">At this point I am feeling the effects of the spa experience and excuse myself to pass out into a lovely and restful coma. I also pick up a cupcake and drop $20 on Star Trek on the way.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">It was a great nap.</span></div><div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The boys spent the afternoon at O’Sheas then came back to change for Ka. I had a lovely nap and was still butter from the massage. Brother had an icky blister so we decided to cab it over MGM. Since we had some time to kill, we took advantage of the happy hour 2-4-1 drink specials at West Wing Bar where they made a decent side car and provided an excellent snack mix.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">We bought the Ka tickets for 50% off though the cirque web offer in section 201 row cc the first three seats closest to the aisle. The ushers win the award for best costumes and commitment to character. As you enter the lobby, there is some eerie string music being played by musicians above your head. I realize I am a Star Trek geek, but the theater seriously reminded me of a Borg cube. Pre-show activities included a lot of cool flying tricks around the theater and scaring audience members as they were walking in.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">On our first trip to Vegas together in 2005 we were on a tight budget and stayed in the MGM wishing we had the cash to see Ka. So after 4 years of buildup we were a bit disappointed. I had expected to see something like a dark Shaw Brothers movie given the Cirque treatment with lots of cool martial arts and a story of honor, redemption, betrayal and what not. What we got was fine – good music, amazing stage, some really touching moments (the drowning rescue and shadow puppets being my 2 favorites), but it didn’t come together for me. My brother took a nap and my husband wanted to, although this is partially because he said some of the music was really soothing.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I think the stage, while amazing, took away from the acrobatics – there was some incredible stuff going on but I don’t think I appreciated it because it all looked too easy. There were some gasping moments in there, but not as many as I had expected. So Ka is on the one and done list.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">L’Atelier, however – what can I say? We did the Discovery Menu with a bottle of Pinot Noir and every single thing on the tasting was superb. It began with the Foie gras parfait with port wine and parmesan foam – quite creative. High notes for me were the scallop cooked with seaweed butter, caramelized duck foie gras with quince puree, hanger steak, and the foie gras stuffed quail with truffled-mashed potatoes.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">One of the desserts had pink grapefruit in some sort of cram base that crackled in your mouth – it made me smile. The other was a chocolate something-or-other that was great but desserts are not my thing lately so I did not note the specifics. My only regret was they did not offer a wine paring and that I did not request a regular table as opposed to the bistro style table. Reservations were defiantly necessary. $148/pp was more than worth it and this experience convinced me we have to splurge on Joel Robuchon’s proper restaurant next time.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">We cabbed it back to Palazzo for some more light gambling – I lost $30 in the Venetian’s Star Trek slot then earned a double stake from my Strar Trek slot in the Palazzo for the next day!</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Day5 – Happy Thanksgiving!</span></b></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Adding to the list of broken unofficial rules, we head down to Grand Lux for breakfast and I have the Tuscan Eggs again – I have a feeling I will be making this for many breakfasts in our house (I already have twice). My brother and I go on a little shopping excursion for my niece at the Forum shops and drop a little in his favorite machine, Top Dollar. No love!</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I manage to make it to the meet a great at First Food and Bar at 1:30 where BigVegasFan and her hubby and my friend MexicoIsabel (who has yet on post on TA) were waiting. They had reserved us two tables in the lounge as promised, which I thought was great considering they were having a $39 Thanksgiving dinner special.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">We had scored a bunch of 2-4-1 drink coupons and after a dissatisfying candy kiss, I stuck with the refreshingly intoxicating cucumber gimlet. The lollipop wings were good, but the conversation was better. Chocopenguin and Yourstarla came by and after whooping it up for a bit, we wrapped it up around 5:30.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">This was my first M&G and I was a little bummed more people did not turn out, however many folks remarked First is a little hard to find and hey, it was on Thanksgiving. I do think it is a great venue though as the food, drinks, and service were excellent and the atmosphere is great for talking.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">A friend of mine had arrived earlier that morning and checked into a GoRoom at Flamingo that I was eager to explore. I had not been into the depths of Flamingo for a while and still have not seen the habitat or the Bugsy memorial! The GoRoom was fun and the DVD player with stereo and the in-room fridge were nice additions. For a lower budget girlfriend trip, it is perfect cheese. They were dining at the </span><a class="internal auto pid3182" href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g45963-d1533327-Reviews-The_Wynn-Las_Vegas_Nevada.html" style="outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;">Wynn</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> so I hitched with them and walked over to Palazzo to get ready for our 9pm reservation at </span><a class="internal auto pid3182" href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g45963-d422683-Reviews-Aureole-Las_Vegas_Nevada.html" style="outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;">Aureole</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">We arrived at Mandalay Bay and walked around the casino a bit. We met with William, the master som at </span><a class="internal auto pid3182" href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g45963-d422683-Reviews-Aureole-Las_Vegas_Nevada.html" style="outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;">Aureole</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">., who is about as unpretentious, chatty and welcoming as he could be. We decided after he gave us a bottle of his wine and talked some potential business with hubby that using the resturant.com GC was not only tacky, but unprofessional. Naturally we did the Thanksgiving tasting menu and there were elements of this dinner that I will remember for the rest of my life.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">We started with 4 canapés each and some cocktails. First course was smoked salmon and ahi tuna tart with fennel cream and caviar plus field greens and pomegranate that he paired with his vineyard’s own white wine. The next dish was roasted chestnut ravioli with Maine Lobster in sage brown butter with toasted pine nuts – my gastronomic pleasure sensors were on overload. I don’t think I have ever had such a satisfying combination of flavors – I could have floated out after half of the dish and been happy. Funny thing was, I was not full at all. This was paired (perfectly) with a German Riesling-Gewurztraminerr hybrid wine.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">We had the roasted turkey with giblet gravy, cranberry chestnut stuffing, camalized yams, bacon wrapped green beans and garlic mashed potatoes to get through as well as a few bites of husband’s bison tenderloin. This was paired with a great </span><a class="internal auto pid3182" href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/Tourism-g1904061-Rhone_Rhone_Alpes-Vacations.html" style="outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;">Rhone</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">. I managed half of my plate. William mounted the labels of the bottles for us as a memento. The pumpkin tart with some type of sugary meringue on top came out and I was in heaven. They loaded us up with extra dessert including a selection of sorbets and a chocolate lava cake. Although the tasting menu was $75pp the wine made up a huge chunk of the bill which came to 625 with tip. Can I say it? It was better that L’Atelier and the unanimous best experience of the trip.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I met up with Evoni since I wanted to see what THEHotel rooms were like and she graciously took me on a tour of the hotel. This one is defiantly on the list for a future stay. Brother and Hubby wound up at the tables for a few hours. In one of those typical</span><a class="internal auto pid3182" href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/Tourism-g39604-Louisville_Kentucky-Vacations.html" style="outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;">Louisville</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> things that seem to happen no matter where you travel, hubby sat at a Blackjack table across from one of our neighbors for nearly 2 hours before they recognized each other.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I waled over to </span><a class="internal auto pid3182" href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/Tourism-g294205-Luxor_Nile_River_Valley-Vacations.html" style="outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;">Luxor</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> and asked Dean to please be kind. He wasn’t. I couldn’t even get the jerk to sing! I did manage to get a flying monkey bonus from Glenda for a pittance, but the best score of the night for me came from the Top Dollar and Black Cherry machines, which helped me break even. The guys faired much better bringing in a few hundred dollars each. It is great when you leave a winner.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Out last night ended about 3am and we called for a late checkout at one.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Day 6 Wrap Up</span></b></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">It always hurts to leave, and this time was worse!</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">We woke up around 11 and packed up pretty quickly to meet brother for lunch. The 1pm late checkout was perfect and we used the in-room check-out. Husband almost had a heart attack when we were on the way out and he saw the OSU basketball team was staying at Plalzzo. He almost had me convinced to stay another couple of nights.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">For our last meal I thought it would be cool to check out the </span><a class="internal auto pid3182" href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g45963-d1533327-Reviews-The_Wynn-Las_Vegas_Nevada.html" style="outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;">Wynn</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">buffet, but one look at the line and we opted for </span><a class="internal auto pid3182" href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g45963-d1486388-Reviews-Stratta-Las_Vegas_Nevada.html" style="outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;">Stratta</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">. It was a great decision. We started with the assorted salumi and marinated olives. Brother had the short rib sandwich, husband the rigatoni, and me the spaghetti. It was perfect pre-flight food. We hit the tables a bit and lost before the limo came to take us away. The airport was dead flying out so we had our bags checked and were through security in 10 minutes – I wish I had known about the Southwest baggage check at Palazzo before hand though. For anyone flying Southwest, I did the early bird and got A21 while hubby got B17.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">So it was the best trip yet. Here are some last thoughts.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Things we meant to do but didn’t:</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Use American Casino Guide coupons</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Visit M Resort, Rio, Palms, or Circus Circus</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Run the strip</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Flamingo Bugsy memorial and wildlife habitat</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Have our ceremonial Nathan’s Hot Dog or have the piano man at Petrussian Paris play our song (All the Way, for those who are wondering).</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">We also did not bother with the </span><a class="internal auto pid3182" href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g45963-d1224550-Reviews-Mirage_Volcano-Las_Vegas_Nevada.html" style="outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;">Mirage Volcano</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> or Bellagio fountains at night.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Things we loved:</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Palazzo - Relaxed casino vibe is to my liking and cocktail waitresses very quick. All staff were personable and friendly. Room spacious, comfortable, romantic. The biggest minus we could find was the sub par toilet paper quality. We would stay again.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Food – </span><a class="internal auto pid3182" href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g45963-d422683-Reviews-Aureole-Las_Vegas_Nevada.html" style="outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;">Aureole</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">, Grand Lux, Stratta, L’Atelier, </span><a class="internal auto pid3182" href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g45963-d1054627-Reviews-Dos_Caminos-Las_Vegas_Nevada.html" style="outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;">Dos Caminos</span></span></a></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Entertainment – </span><a class="internal auto pid3182" href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g45963-d602782-Reviews-Le_Reve-Las_Vegas_Nevada.html" style="outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;">Le Reve</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">, Phantom, Performers at Hawaiian Marketplace</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Gambling – O’sheas, Bills, Mandalay Bay (tables only), Fitz, Mermaids, Palazzo</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Transportation – Presidential limo wins again!</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Things we did not love:</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Food – BLT burger, Woo, Illy, Afternoon Tea at Bellagio</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Entertainment – Ka, Dealtainers at Imperial Palace (amusing to watch, but 6/5 BJ not worth it)</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Gambling – Most of the places downtown, Venetian, </span><a class="internal auto pid3182" href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/Tourism-g294205-Luxor_Nile_River_Valley-Vacations.html" style="outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;">Luxor</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">, Caesars</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Solicitation – Aggressive timeshare people at Planet Hollywood and in front of City Center (we are good at ignoring the ones in the malls now)</span></div><br />
<br />
<div>Original Trip Report <a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g45963-i10-k3240020-l23081832-The_Vegas_Turkey_Trotting_Trip_Report_Nov_22_27-Las_Vegas_Nevada.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;">Here</span></a></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div>OneDNPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13154826509898126475noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4250251722993883664.post-27634082067159838912009-03-19T04:28:00.000-07:002010-12-19T04:28:38.691-08:00Las Vegas Sidecar Adventures March 2009<div style="color: #2c2c2c; font-family: Verdana, Tahoma, 'Bitstream Vera Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">This was my big Christmas present and also the longest we have ever stayed in Vegas. My husband managed to get a few stories out of it so it morphed into a business trip too. This was my 4th visit and every time keeps getting better.</div><div style="color: #2c2c2c; font-family: Verdana, Tahoma, 'Bitstream Vera Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="color: #2c2c2c; font-family: Verdana, Tahoma, 'Bitstream Vera Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="color: #2c2c2c; font-family: Verdana, Tahoma, 'Bitstream Vera Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="color: #2c2c2c; font-family: Verdana, Tahoma, 'Bitstream Vera Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><b>Day One:</b></div><div style="color: #2c2c2c; font-family: Verdana, Tahoma, 'Bitstream Vera Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="color: #2c2c2c; font-family: Verdana, Tahoma, 'Bitstream Vera Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Flew in on Southwest at 11am and I surprised my husband with a stretch limo from Presidential. We went to the sign and had our picture taken then sipped champagne on the way to the Mirage. Yes, you get better treatment when you pull up in a limo! Check in was quick and with smiles and patience we were able to get a strip view room - not bad for $88/nt. Despite having a suite when we stayed in <a class="internal auto pid3182" href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/Tourism-g187147-Paris_Ile_de_France-Vacations.html" style="color: #202d95; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Paris</a> last time, I really liked the Mirage room better, especially since you could open the window and the beds were super comfortable. We ate lunch at Carnegie Deli then meandered around for several hours taking in the strip. While sipping Side Cars in Petrossian Paris, a piano lounge in the Bellagio , we saw Muhammad Ali checking out. I was so happy everyone left him alone and treated him with respect by not flashing photos or trying to get his attention. That night we went to Parasol Down in the <a class="internal auto pid3182" href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g45963-d1533327-Reviews-The_Wynn-Las_Vegas_Nevada.html" style="color: #202d95; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Wynn</a> for drinks and watched the amazing shows at the Lake of Dreams. If you have never been here - Go, Go, Go! The cocktails and atmosphere are amazing. They are also potent which is why I cannot remember the name of the French restaurant next door where we had dinner, only that I had the best Side Car of my life in their bar.</div><div style="color: #2c2c2c; font-family: Verdana, Tahoma, 'Bitstream Vera Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="color: #2c2c2c; font-family: Verdana, Tahoma, 'Bitstream Vera Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="color: #2c2c2c; font-family: Verdana, Tahoma, 'Bitstream Vera Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="color: #2c2c2c; font-family: Verdana, Tahoma, 'Bitstream Vera Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><b>Day Two:</b></div><div style="color: #2c2c2c; font-family: Verdana, Tahoma, 'Bitstream Vera Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="color: #2c2c2c; font-family: Verdana, Tahoma, 'Bitstream Vera Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">We slept in than headed over to an Bellagio for a quick pastry breakfast and an interview. We dropped off the gear then took the monorail down to the MGM Grand for lunch at my husband's favorite sandwich spot 'witchcraft. The lions were out both times we passed by and I enjoyed watching them play with the trainers. Got tickets for the Titanic Exhibit at the Coke Bottle and both of us managed to live despite being 3rd class immigrants. Grabbed a snack and a side car at T&T in the <a class="internal auto pid3182" href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/Tourism-g294205-Luxor_Nile_River_Valley-Vacations.html" style="color: #202d95; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Luxor</a>, then headed over to Bally's for the 7:30 <a class="internal auto pid3182" href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g45963-d209821-Reviews-Jubilee-Las_Vegas_Nevada.html" style="color: #202d95; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Jubilee</a>! show. I wanted to get one of the obnoxious ceramic showgirl cups but they were out. We played some slots then called it a night.</div><div style="color: #2c2c2c; font-family: Verdana, Tahoma, 'Bitstream Vera Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="color: #2c2c2c; font-family: Verdana, Tahoma, 'Bitstream Vera Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="color: #2c2c2c; font-family: Verdana, Tahoma, 'Bitstream Vera Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="color: #2c2c2c; font-family: Verdana, Tahoma, 'Bitstream Vera Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><b>Day Three:</b></div><div style="color: #2c2c2c; font-family: Verdana, Tahoma, 'Bitstream Vera Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="color: #2c2c2c; font-family: Verdana, Tahoma, 'Bitstream Vera Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Got up really early and walked the strip for a couple of hours. The weather was beautiful with clear skies and a light breeze. We unintentionally ate breakfast/lunch at Mesa in Caesar's which was arguably the best meal of the trip. Went to Paris for another interview then went to Billy's to check out Big Elvis. Unfortunately, he was out sick, but the sub they got in made it to one of the final eliminations of America's Got Talent, so I may see him soon! We went back to Mirage in the sports book to watch the OSU game than had a very disappointing and overpriced dinner at Japonis. Went to <a class="internal auto pid3182" href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g45963-d553438-Reviews-Cleopatra_s_Barge-Las_Vegas_Nevada.html" style="color: #202d95; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Cleopatra's Barge</a> in Caesar's for an average side car than to what is now our favorite lounge in the Bellagio for some champagne, snacks, and yes, another side car. Somehow we made it back to the Mirage, but I can't tell you how.</div><div style="color: #2c2c2c; font-family: Verdana, Tahoma, 'Bitstream Vera Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="color: #2c2c2c; font-family: Verdana, Tahoma, 'Bitstream Vera Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="color: #2c2c2c; font-family: Verdana, Tahoma, 'Bitstream Vera Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="color: #2c2c2c; font-family: Verdana, Tahoma, 'Bitstream Vera Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><b>Day Four:</b></div><div style="color: #2c2c2c; font-family: Verdana, Tahoma, 'Bitstream Vera Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="color: #2c2c2c; font-family: Verdana, Tahoma, 'Bitstream Vera Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">We had our obligatory trip to Nathan's hotdog for breakfast then hopped the monorail to the restaurant and bar show at the convention center. We got completely whacked out with a combination of energy drinks and relaxation drinks that made my husband and I hold out guts for a few hours. I think we counted 540,337 brands of vodka or some equally ridiculous number. We walked over to the Hilton to pay a momentary homage to the death of Star Trek: The Experience (may she come back to Neonopolis soon!) than to the Wynn and Palazzo for a couple more interviews. Unfortunately, this kept us from meeting up with some to the TA crew at Margaritaville - maybe there will be a next time! We walked to Encore for dinner at <a class="internal auto pid3182" href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g45963-d1450874-Reviews-Botero-Las_Vegas_Nevada.html" style="color: #202d95; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Botero</a> - I can't even put the experience into words it was so delicious and whimsical. And yes, the side car was fantastic.</div><div style="color: #2c2c2c; font-family: Verdana, Tahoma, 'Bitstream Vera Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="color: #2c2c2c; font-family: Verdana, Tahoma, 'Bitstream Vera Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="color: #2c2c2c; font-family: Verdana, Tahoma, 'Bitstream Vera Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="color: #2c2c2c; font-family: Verdana, Tahoma, 'Bitstream Vera Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><b>Day Five:</b></div><div style="color: #2c2c2c; font-family: Verdana, Tahoma, 'Bitstream Vera Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="color: #2c2c2c; font-family: Verdana, Tahoma, 'Bitstream Vera Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Had breakfast at Caribe Cafe - eahh. Went to the Wynn for an interview and lunch at Red 8, then to the Dolphin Habitat and Secret Garden in the Mirage. I thought it was phenomenal to get that close up the the animals and have that much access to researchers to ask questions. We went back to our favorite cocktail lounge for a bottle of champagne and a cheese plate. We had purchased tickets for the 9:30 performance of Love since they were half off (we wanted to see Ka) and decided to unwind with room service. We went to the Revolution Lounge for 2 for 1 drinks (do you even need to ask what we had?) then saw the show. My husband had to shush half of the row behind us since they kept talking. We enjoyed Love, but preferred Mystere. We decided to go to Venetian to play some Star Trek slots then back to the room to pack.</div><div style="color: #2c2c2c; font-family: Verdana, Tahoma, 'Bitstream Vera Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="color: #2c2c2c; font-family: Verdana, Tahoma, 'Bitstream Vera Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="color: #2c2c2c; font-family: Verdana, Tahoma, 'Bitstream Vera Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="color: #2c2c2c; font-family: Verdana, Tahoma, 'Bitstream Vera Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><b>Day Six:</b></div><div style="color: #2c2c2c; font-family: Verdana, Tahoma, 'Bitstream Vera Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="color: #2c2c2c; font-family: Verdana, Tahoma, 'Bitstream Vera Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Cashed in our winnings at Venetian and had breakfast at St. Lucia. We used the TV checkout and the Limo came to take us away to the airport. We managed to get a lot of things done and add some new favorites to our list. We missed out on Mac King, Bodies, the O2 bar at Stratosphere, and Big Elvis but there is always next time. We also added Terry Fator, <a class="internal auto pid3182" href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g45963-d662769-Reviews-Carrot_Top-Las_Vegas_Nevada.html" style="color: #202d95; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Carrot Top</a>, and <a class="internal auto pid3182" href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g45963-d602782-Reviews-Le_Reve-Las_Vegas_Nevada.html" style="color: #202d95; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Le Reve</a> to the new list of things to do. We alo really want to see Believe to see how bad it truly is - I bet it turns into the Rocky Horror Picture Show of CDS!</div>OneDNPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13154826509898126475noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4250251722993883664.post-74055165263178900652008-04-01T05:45:00.000-07:002010-12-19T05:45:43.911-08:00France: Dordogne Region March 2008<div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">This was my first trip to France sine I was 15 and spent a couple of days doing tourist activities in Paris. I decided on this trip, were I to ever become an ex-patriot, this is where I am going! </span></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></b></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Les Gites Fleuris</span></b></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">We flew into Paris (CDG) and rented a Prius for the 5ish hour drive to Hautefort (technically St. Agnan). Had we to do over again, we would have flown into Bordeaux – more expensive, but less driving. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I had the privilege of staying at Les Gites Fleuris for a week in the Petite Rose Cottage and fell in love with both Hautefort (“oat4”) and the south of France in general. The cottage is adorable with a small kitchen, huge fireplace and country French decor (but of course). There is also a DVD player, TV, and Wi-Fi for those of you who must have canned entertainment, and a washer and dryer for those that like to pack light. The outdoors has an above-ground pool, hot tub, horses, and hectares of fields to roam. The owners are amazing with helping to plan your stay and know all of the little chateaus, vineyards, shops, restaurants, and markets to visit, but you may find them so much fun that you won’t want to leave the grounds!<br />
<br />
Finding Les Gites is no small task – I highly recommend getting a local cell phone if you are not from the EU as getting lost is easy even with a GPS and back-up map. I had not spoken French since the 4th grade, but luckily some hand signals are universal and a lovely couple who owned a Peugot shop brought us there our first night when we were lost at 10pm. Without exception, everyone in the area is that helpful and friendly.<br />
<br />
Make sure to pick us a few 4 Euro bottles of wine, a loaf of bread, and an assortment of cheeses at any of the local markets to enjoy on a picnic or by the fire. Incidentally, make sure you push the logs as far back as possible into the fireplace – we accidentally smoked ourselves out (sorry again, Larry).<br />
<br />
We have been pining away for our little cottage since we got back and are already planning our next trip. Forget Paris. Get to Hautefort. Stay at Les Gites Fleuris!</span><br />
<div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Les Foie Gras d'Erillac</span></b></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I have stopped rating good meals, but whenever my life flashes before my eyes, this restaurant will be in those memories for the warm, French country cooking and hospitality. Dinner starts with a local (ie cannot find it in America for any amount of money) of your choice - I highly recommend the hazelnut. The vegetarian salad is a must to spit if you want to have a main course. We came here 3 times in the week we were in town and I never tired of the various preparations of <a href="http://fredminnick.photoshelter.com/gallery/Les-Foies-Gras-dErillac/G00002UicjNPSI1k/">duck and foie gras</a>. I am also a sucker for a good story, and the husband wife duo of this restaurant met while they were working in the French Pavilion in Epcot. We were hoping to get the chef to prepare something with truffles from one o the markets, but there too late in the year to ind one. If you happen to be in town at the right</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>Chateau de Hautefort</b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b><br />
</b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">If you have seen the movie "Ever After," this castle will look familiar. It has been restored since a raging fire nearly destroyed it after major repairs had been underway in the 60s. It is an incredibly contemplative experience walking through the halls adorned with 17th century paraphernalia and on the historic garden grounds. The is a part of on of the towers that has remained since the fire that lends a different perspective to what it must have really been like to live in crumbling estate. I am not usually a gift-shop girl, but there was something really special about this place so I picked up a small model replica to commemorate the trip.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>Benyac</b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b><br />
</b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Quite a hike to make it up the the village castle, but well worth the view. It should also be familiar as it has been featured in several films. It is amazing to imagine the chateau catapulting their weaponry at the English stronghold across the river during the 100-years war!</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b><br />
</b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>Bergerac</b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b><br />
</b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">We went here for the Saturday morning market, wine, and the amazing views along the Dordogne river. We also had a phenomenal pizza for lunch at one to the local eateries. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>Sarlat</b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The mother of all markets! We picked up one of the best wines of our lives for 3.5 euro as well as varieties of homemade cheeses, breads, and soaps. </span></div>OneDNPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13154826509898126475noreply@blogger.com0