Viva Las Vegas - A Vegas Mini-Trip Report - And Yet Another...

[brewzoo5]

On with the Show!!

We left Mesa and made it through the casino trying to re-direct my Dad's attention so that he would not embarrass my sister anymore. So we cruised by the PussyCat Dolls BlackJack Pit for a little look -see.

Then we headed down to the Mirage Casino where the Cirque Love theatre is.

We were very excited and ready to go in and get our seats. On our way in we walked over the multicolored lighted floor and stopped for a quick picture opportunity in front of the dancing beatles sign.

A couple of us went in the theatre and found our seats, while others of us stood in line for a drink to enjoy during the show. The theatre was round with seating in a big circle and stage was a big strange platform that jetted out in 6 or 8 directions. Ropes hung from the ceiling and so where large transparent canvases with images on them. We had no idea what we were in for, but I knew it was going to be fantastic.

There were random actors fully in costume roaming around the seats entertaining people while they waited. Soon, our entire party gathered and sat together in our seats just before the show began. We could hear the brilliant music of the Beatles all around us. In fact there were speakers on the back of every chair so the sound system was superb. The cirque actors acted out scenes using the music to tell the life stories of the Beatles and their music.

This was overwhelmingly entertaining and indescribable. You have to image the acrobats and skills of all the players. Some were dancing, some where climbing ropes, some were flipping, some were rollerblading, some were flying between trampolines, some were hanging from things..... just anything and everything imaginable. The props and costumes were incredible.

I LOVED IT!!!!!!!!!!!

When it was over, we went to look at the Revolution Bar. It was very crowded so we decided not to stand in line forever to get in.

Because it was a Friday night and late, the casinos were madly full of people everywhere. And Vegas people are pretty people, so if you are a people watcher... you will like it. But if you get nervous in crowds, you will hate it.

Next.... Susan will have to report about her wild night out!!!

 

[swwake]

The cabana baby sounded great--especially since it was so hot. It sounded even better once you said that you made $60 and it ended up being comped.

My husband really enjoyed the Bocce girls picture and thinks we will be visiting the Bocce Bar while we are there. I told him that I would make reservations.

Well, we gave our Dad the $60 that we made on the sublease arrangement. We felt it was only fair. Aren't we gracious daughters? Little angels.

See below for more on Bocce.

Wow! That meal sounds amazing! Susan your pink shirt was adorable, I don't care what your daddy says. I wouldn't have worn a bra either!

Thanks. I was going to say I wish there were a better picture of it, but then Jo posted on in the next post.

We made ressies for LOVE last night. Can't wait! We ended up booking for Thursday as the good seats were gone for Friday and Sat. Are there any shows or restaurants I should try to book before we go? I don't have a 7 star daddy to get me in. What's a girl to do?

There is not a bad seat in the house. In fact, I've been twice, and I can honestly say I wouldn't want the most expensive tickets that are way down by the stage. You would crane your neck all night trying to see all the overhead action. To give you an idea, we had comped tickets in October when I went with my cousin, and the comped seats are considered "best in the house". They were front row of the second highest priced section. The perspective was exactly the same as in the pics Jo posted above, since when I bought the tickets for this trip, I tried to get very simliar seats. It's just a great show! The best in Vegas right now.

Shows/restaurant recommendations:
KA is great. I think it's too short, but it's a good show.
O is fabulous. Again, don't sit too low.
Barry Manilow is good - but only if you like him. I am about a "medium" on the scale of liking Barely Manly, but I enjoyed the show. He is quite the entertainer.
Elton John is only there on limited dates - stay tuned for a report on his show.
Zumanity is good - but go with your S.O. and have a few drinks before you go. And don't expect it to go as far as they lead you to believe it will go, if you know what I mean.
I have always wanted to see Danny Gans, and he is leaving Vegas in a few months, so you may try that one.
Carrot Top is not worth the money.
Mama Mia is fantastic, but a little chick-flick-y.
Blue Man Group is one of the best shows running, if you like music. It is very interactive. I recommend getting the best seats you can get, but staying behind the "poncho section".

Food - you really can't go wrong.
Bellagio has the best buffet.
Olive's at Bellagio is good.
The Palm at the Forum at Caesars is fantastic. Also, Joe's Stone Crab at the Forum.
The Italian restaurant at the Hilton is good.
I LOVE Social House at TI. If possible, try that one and do the thing where the chef special prepares lots of samples for you. If you ask, they will know what you're talking about.
Aereole in Mandalay is also fabulous, but quite pricey.
Rum Jungle in Mandaly is a Brazilian-style churrascaria (think Fogo De Chao) that turns into a club late night. I LOVE this place.
Any Wolfgang Puck restaurant is great. (There is one in Mandalay and one in Caesars Forum (Spago), among others.)
I always stop for crepes for breakfast one morning at the counter-service place in the Paris.
There's good Italian at a place in the Grand Canal Shoppes at the Venetian (but I can't remember the name of it)
Seablue at MGM is good. There is also a Rainforest Cafe there.
For fast food during the day, try La Salsa on the strip near MGM. They also have yard-long margaritas you can carry with you.
Nine Fine Irishmen is great Irish fare at NYNY.
And there is always Jimmy Buffet's Margaritaville at the Flamingo. This is nice b/c you can eat outside on the patio overlooking the strip.

I also posted to someone on the California and the West board that you had been on the heli tour. They were wanting more information.

Send them this way! Or tell them to PM us.

Thanks! I love your report!

Thanks for the compliments. It is fun to re-live the trip.

I have been to Vegas a couple of times but never found time for the Grand Canyon but I am determined this time!!!!

The heli tour is a great way to do it in about 3 hours, and not feel like you've spent alot of the vacation time of your trip.

He's gonna love it. I don't think you will need reservations for it. We just walked right up to it. Very entertaining and the view (girls) were great.

Oh yeah, and you can play bocce there too. And the Bocce Girls keep score for you. But from the looks of it, you have to be a very tan, very fit, very handsome man with a six pack of steel and shirtless in order to get to play bocce. At least that was the way it was when we were there. You don't see me complainin'!

3 nights - 4 days...... perfect amount of time!! That's how we like to do it... and we do it with very little sleep and turbo vegas style

Yep. On our December trip, I had to train little sis. You don't sleep in Vegas. That's what the plane ride home is for.

Next.... Susan will have to report about her wild night out!!!

That update coming soon...

 

[thinkerbell]

I have always wanted to see Danny Gans, and he is leaving Vegas in a few months, so you may try that one.

Food - you really can't go wrong.
Bellagio has the best buffet.



Oh yeah, and you can play bocce there too. And the Bocce Girls keep score for you. But from the looks of it, you have to be a very tan, very fit, very handsome man with a six pack of steel and shirtless in order to get to play bocce. At least that was the way it was when we were there. You don't see me complainin'!



That update coming soon...

We have seen Danny Gans twice and he is great!! Is he really leaving Las Vegas? I thought I had read a while back that he was moving to another resort---Venetian maybe?? Maybe it has changed since I read that.

We enjoyed the Blue Man Group too.

Carrot Top--we got half price tickets for him so for what we paid for the tickets, he was okay. We definitely wouldn't go for full price.

Bellagio buffet----all I can say about them is CRAB LEGS. Those things were humongous!!



Bocce--I really was kidding when I said that I was going to make reservations for there... but now that you mention the men....maybe we really will go.


Waiting on that update!!

 

[swwake]

We have seen Danny Gans twice and he is great!! Is he really leaving Las Vegas? I thought I had read a while back that he was moving to another resort---Venetian maybe?? Maybe it has changed since I read that.

You may be 100% correct. I just saw signs and advertisements saying that he's only there until Sept or Nov or something. But that may just be for the Mirage.

Carrot Top--we got half price tickets for him so for what we paid for the tickets, he was okay. We definitely wouldn't go for full price.

We had a similar experience. Back when he was at the MGM, we were on our last night of a long week of being in Vegas (too long). We were tired and looking for something brainless to do. Tix for Carrot Top were only $25 so we decided to go. Well, the guy who sold us the tickets gave us a tip (probably works elsewhere too). He said "come back 10 minutes before showtime, when the VIP tickets are released, and you may be able to upgraded to better seats (for the same price)". So we did and we did! We had front row seats, and DH and Carrot Top kindof heckled each other. Even with that, I agree with you - I wouldn't pay full price. And wouldn't waste my time with it if there is something better to do.

Bellagio buffet----all I can say about them is CRAB LEGS. Those things were humongous!!

The desserts aren't anything to sneeze at either!

Bocce--I really was kidding when I said that I was going to make reservations for there... but now that you mention the men....maybe we really will go.

If you get to see what we got to see, it's worth it! Way better than Carrot Top!

Waiting on that update!!

It might be later tonight. I have a busy day, but I will post the story. Don't worry.

 

[Charleston Princess]

Okay, I am all caught up again! Wow! All I have to say is that Las Vegas is really like Disney World for adults!

 

[S. C.]

See a short video clip of his show on the link below. You can also hear 2 of his songs that he has out.

http://www.dannygans.com/video.htm




Danny Gans has been named entertainer of the year in vegas for 11 yrs straight.

http://www.allheadlinenews.com/articles/7011375247


Las Vegas Entertainer Of The Year Danny Gans Appears On "The View"

June 24, 2008 11:14 p.m. EST


Jan Westmark - Celebrity News Service
Las Vegas, NV (CNS) - Comedian and impersonator Danny Gans appeared on "The View" Tuesday morning. Gans has been named the Las Vegas Entertainer of the Year eleven times in a row.

Gans proved why he has been named Entertainer of the Year so many times, by singing a song for each of "The View's" hosts. Gans does over 100 impersonations, most of them through song.

He said over the years many of the celebrities he impersonates have come to his show, including Regis Philbin and Sylvester Stallone.

Gans said he never wanted to be in show business, but instead wanted to be a baseball player. While on the field he would keep the other players in good spirits by doing impersonations.

 

[NewCrew42]

They were front row of the second highest priced section.

Great! That is where my DH got out seats. He sat on the front row when he went and said it was too close and his neck was all bent out of shape after.

I love the suggestions. Thanks so much!

Elton John is one the shows we have considered. Ug! I want to do it all!

I read the report on my phone while at the reunion, but my phone is pretty slow loading so I didn't post.

But, I can't wait for another update! Keep up the great work!

 

[NewCrew42]

So my DH asked me last night, what must one do to become a "7 star" guest at a resort. I told him I had no idea. I can't imagine that we could even be a "1 star" guest. Perhaps more like a falling star.

 

[irene_dsc]

Whew - finally caught up! Dh's sister and family have been in town, so I've been busy! But, it just so happened that I mentioned to his (other) sister that I needed to figure out what to do for dh's 40th next March, and she suggested (among other things) that I take him to Vegas for the weekend. And that is sounding rather tempting, since he keeps trying to convince me to go with him. (He's been a few times, incl. his bachelor party). So, now I'm trying to get ideas - I know I want to do Cirque and a nice meal somewhere, go see the Bellagio & the Venetian, do some shopping, hang at the pool...but that's about it that I know for sure. I'm just scared how much this could cost me, 'cuz I don't think I can get anyone to comp me!

 

[Disneycrazymom]

I am enjoying your report! We get to go on Wednesday. It will be fun.

 

[ChloroFiend]

I'm heading to vegas 5-9 August. I've never been...work's sending me for a convention but I'm sure I'll have plenty of time on my own. I'll be staying at Caesar's. Wed + Thu the convention will be there, then Fri I'll be heading to another one at Riviera. 6am fight out of LAS on Saturday morning, so that's gonna hurt.

Any suggestions for a first-timer?

 

[swwake]

Okay, I am all caught up again! Wow! All I have to say is that Las Vegas is really like Disney World for adults!

That is EXACTLY what I always say. It truly is.

See a short video clip of his show on the link below. You can also hear 2 of his songs that he has out.

Thanks for posting all that good info about Danny Gans. Anything about him leaving Vegas or changing casinos? I really want to see him.

Great! That is where my DH got out seats. He sat on the front row when he went and said it was too close and his neck was all bent out of shape after.

Just as I thought. I liked our seats both times.

I love the suggestions. Thanks so much!

You're quite welcome, of course. I have been to Vegas probably 10 or more times in the past 5 years. I tend to go 2-4 times a year for pleasure, work or both.

Elton John is one the shows we have considered. Ug! I want to do it all!

I will tell you that Elton John is a good show and I am a huge fan of him and his music. But, for the money, there are better shows in Vegas. Remember, David LaChappelle (the artist) designed the set for Elton's show and it is very strange. Watch for Jo's update later.

I read the report on my phone while at the reunion, but my phone is pretty slow loading so I didn't post.

But, I can't wait for another update! Keep up the great work!

Glad you got to check it out on the phone anyway. Update coming right up.

So my DH asked me last night, what must one do to become a "7 star" guest at a resort. I told him I had no idea. I can't imagine that we could even be a "1 star" guest. Perhaps more like a falling star.

Caesars is owned by the Harrah's group. Harrah's has several membership levels in its "Total Rewards" players club. They are (I think) Gold, Platinum, Diamond and Seven Stars. The more you play, the higher your level is, and the more perks and comps you get. It isn't really the more you lose or the more you win, but they monitor how much money you have in play at Harrah's casinos (all over the world, including on cruise ships) and how long you play. Dad plays at the Horeshoe (a Harrah's casino) in Tunica, Mississippi a few times a month - to the point that they know him when he walks in the door. Odds are the casino gets their money back, so in reality, even when you're comped, you are effectively paying.

So that's how you get to be Seven Stars.

Whew - finally caught up! Dh's sister and family have been in town, so I've been busy! But, it just so happened that I mentioned to his (other) sister that I needed to figure out what to do for dh's 40th next March, and she suggested (among other things) that I take him to Vegas for the weekend. And that is sounding rather tempting, since he keeps trying to convince me to go with him. (He's been a few times, incl. his bachelor party). So, now I'm trying to get ideas - I know I want to do Cirque and a nice meal somewhere, go see the Bellagio & the Venetian, do some shopping, hang at the pool...but that's about it that I know for sure. I'm just scared how much this could cost me, 'cuz I don't think I can get anyone to comp me!

I think you should take him to Vegas. Wonder if the pool is open in March and the Bocce girls are out there? I never go in Jan - April because it is my tax season, so I wouldn't know. You can do Vegas on a budget. We have many times. And we have been several times without ever gambling a penny.

I am enjoying your report! We get to go on Wednesday. It will be fun.

Wow that is so soon! We will try to get in some updates before then.

I'm heading to vegas 5-9 August. I've never been...work's sending me for a convention but I'm sure I'll have plenty of time on my own. I'll be staying at Caesar's. Wed + Thu the convention will be there, then Fri I'll be heading to another one at Riviera. 6am fight out of LAS on Saturday morning, so that's gonna hurt.

Any suggestions for a first-timer?

Wow. Another soon trip. As a first-timer you will be overwhelmed for sure. See my notes in a previous post about tips for restaurants and shows. Most of those restaurants will require reservations, especially on the weekend.

My tips for a first-timer:
-Get a window seat on your airplane. Try to catch a glimpse of the strip on your way to land at McCarren Airport.
-Be prepared for full immersion the minute you get to baggage claim. There are jumbotrons on two ends of the building and banners hanging on every wall and post advertising the shows in Vegas.
-The airport is a ZOO. Both coming and going. Get to the airport at least 2 hours early on your departure day. I am not kidding. Security is crazy.
- A cab from the airport is about $15 to any hotel on the strip. Town cars too. In most cases, break-even between a cab and that stupid shuttle that stops at 8 different casinos before taking you where you want to go is at 2 people. If you have 2 or more, take the cab. If you have just yourself, you may want to take the cab just for convenience.
- The monorail is a novelty, but its stops are generally far off the strip and cause extra walking.
- Do lots of walking, shopping, sight-seeing.
- See the free shows like the rainshower inside the Miracle Mile shops at Planet Hollywood, the Bellagio fountains, day and night (see both), Sirens at TI, the volcano erupting at Mirage, and the live statues at Paris and the Venetian.
- See the lions at MGM (free), but know that they are drugged and this really makes me mad.
- See the dolphins at Mirage (free?)
- Walk through the lobbies and casinos of these hotels:
--MGM Grand
--Mandalay Bay
--Luxor (check out the inclinators - not elevators)
--NYNY (check out the manholes that emit steam)
--Planet Hollywood - newly renovated and bright and shiny
--Bellagio - site of Ocean's Eleven
--Caesars Palace - look for Cleopatra and Julius Caesar roaming around, and the Pussycat Dolls pits at night
--Paris - small, but quaint
--Venetian - be sure to check out the lobby ceiling and the gondolas outside and in the mall (you can pay for a ride, but the line is long)
--Palazzo - brand new addition to the Venetian
--Mirage - don't spend too long here, not much to see except for the gardens right at the entrance
--Wynn - very upscale

If you are a thrillseeker, check out the rides on top of Stratosphere. I have done the Big Shot and love it. I wouldn't do that other hangy-over-the-side thing if you paid me $50,000.

Don't do the NYNY rollercoaster. It hurts my head. Especially after drinking. Every time.

Don't bother with Circus Circus. Outdated, too far to walk, and really more for kids.

Shopping - try the Forum Shops, Bellagio, Grand Canal Shoppes at Venetian, and Miracle Mile. There is also the Fashion Show Mall but I have never been there.

If there's time, it's always worth a trip to the "old strip" on Fremont Street in downtown Vegas. Go at night when you can see the overhead light show and they often have live outdoor music.

Shows - you can get discount show tickets on the day of the show at several outlets on the strip.

That should help you get started!

 

[swwake]

Here's the long-awaited update.

Ok, after LOVE, and after we decided not to go into REVOLUTION, due to the pretentiousness and the line, we stood around picking our noses, wondering what to do. We knew we didn't want to fight the cab stand line at the Mirage to get back to Caesars. It is quite a hike to Caesars, but it's do-able.

If you recall, Dad was on a neverending quest to find "****s". Or maybe we haven't said that. But, remember Shadow? and Pussycat Dolls? Well, now he decides he wants to go see the Sirens show at TI.

Those of us who have been to Vegas in the late 90s/early 2000's really miss the old TI Pirates show. The one with all the very fine men with no shirts and dark tans. The one where one of the ships actually sinks with the captain standing at the help. You can watch that show here
Ahhh...those were the days....

Where was I? Oh, yeah, Sirens.

That picture is about as much as we saw. You see, we got there oh, about 11:45ish after our 10:00pm LOVE show. Well, I think the last show was at 11:30. So we missed it. Darn, I say. We went all the way to Vegas, took a heli ride, saw a great show, ate some great dinner, and didn't get to see the Sirens. Trip: ruined. (do you sense the sarcasm?)

So the six of us looked at each other. Dad said "I am tired" (translated: the $50 blackjack table at Caesars is calling me). Joann and Wes said "we're tired" (translated, we later learned: the $5 blackjack table at the Hilton is calling us). And Chris and I looked at each other and said "It's 11:45pm and the clubs are just getting going. Let's go to Tryst at the Wynn!" (translated: It's 11:45pm and the clubs are just getting going. Let's go to Tryst at the Wynn!)

So off we all go to the cab stand, which was much shorter at TI than it was at Mirage.

Chris and I had been told by many people "You HAVE TO GO to Tryst!!" So we went. We stood in a ridiculous line and watched the pretentious bouncers and hosts as they did their little pretentious thing and pulled their fake power plays and made a select few feel very special by dropping the velvet rope 50 people back to let them pass everyone and enter, while making the rest of us feel like the biggest worthless dufuses. Well, that is how we felt. Maybe the people ahead of us in line thought they were really something special and they would get in when it was their turn.

Finally, after watching the action for awhile, and figuring out that I was the ONLY girl in pants. Aside: I thought I was lookin' pretty fashionable in my backless sequin top and flashy satin black pants and cute-sy high heeled sandals. But then as I looked around and noticed that EVERY GIRL was in a cute little short dress, I quickly realized how out of style I am. I must be so turn-of-the-millennium. So, before I started feeling too bad and before people noticed the pants-girl standing in line, I leaned up to one of the pretentious bouncer dudes and whispered to him "Hey, man. We are really good to our bartenders and cocktails. We tip well." He kinda cocked his head and looked at me with a mischievous look saying, without words, "that's not enough". (At this time I had forgotten about the whole palm-the-guy-a-50-and-he'll-escort-you-right-in thing.)

So I quickly but confidently added "...and we're Seven Stars over at Caesars". Now, the Wynn and Tryst could really care less if you're Seven Stars at Harrah's. In fact, I am sure they would prefer that you would spend your money and your time at the tables at the Wynn. But I think this guy appreciated that I was trying really hard, so he shook his head, smiled, and opened the glorious velvet rope and strutted us past about 50 people to the front of the line.

Next up: Tryst - was it worth the hype?

 

[NewCrew42]

Excellent! A to-do list! I can't wait!
I am going to have to try to see everything on that list!

Love the update! Can't wait to hear about Tryst!

Oh, and we have been to Tunica! We went for our 10 year anniversary. We stayed at the Grand, and caught the Pointer Sisters in concert over at the Isle of Capri. We also went a few years ago to see Foreigner in concert at another casino whose name will remain anonymous as I cannot remember it and we stayed at the Grand again! I don't think either of our two trips in a lifetime will qualify us for "7 star" status.

We are in Little Rock so Tunica is about 2 to 3 hours from here.

 

[swwake]

Here we are, entering the famous, not-do-be-missed, Tryst. We pay the hefty cover charge and head down a long flight of stairs and into the darkness. When the doors open, we are in the biggest friggin crowd I have ever seen. It was sardines in there.

We bee-lined it to the nearest bar, which was at least 4-deep in people at each bartender's station. There was no rhyme or reason to the order of things. Not even "cute girls served first". I think it was just whomever the bartender could hear barking his/her order.

Chris stood in one "line" and I stood a couple of "lines" over. Guys tend to be nice to girls, so I was "allowed" to close on the bar more quickly than Chris was. After 10 minutes that seemed like an hour, in the hot, sweaty, sardine can with too-loud music (am I too old for clubs?), we got our drinks and headed to find some fresh(er) air.

It was then that we saw the super-tall waterfall. This was beautiful - what we could see of it.

Here is a pic of one of the tables and the waterfall:

Even though these are models and this is a posed pic, I can assure you that virtually everyone in that place looked just like these people that night. No, I am not in this picture, unfortunately.

I can also assure you that, in that same space on Friday night June 20th at midnight, there were about 3-4 times that number of people. But they still all looked like that. Definitely a place for "the beautiful people".

I think we stood around drinking our drinks and watching the drunkards for a song or two. Then we decided to do our best to explore the rest of the place and head out to somewhere less crowded.

A Vegas tradition for us is to have a martini at Parasol Up. This is the central bar near the lobby at the Wynn. It is circular and lounge-style and great for people-watching.

Plus, they have great drinks. At least what I remember of them. Mind you, by this time I think I had been drinking for oh, approximately 14 hours straight! (Good think I worked out that morning - no guilt - haha) Well, I proceeded to order one martini, then another, then another. Chris was sipping on his bourbon and cokes and steadily watching the downward spiral.

Did I say this place is great for people-watching? Well, at one point, we looked across the bar to see a girl we had seen "grinding" (for lack of a better word) on some guy down inside Tryst about 20 minutes earlier. Now she was sitting across from a NEW guy, looking very ill. Out of the kindness of my heart, Good Samaritan me went over to try to help her.

In hindsight, I think maybe this guy was her Pimp and was just "taking care" of her. He probably really didn't want me around. When security rolled up with a wheelchair, that was my cue to leave.

I went back to finish my last martini, spilled about half of a chocolate martini all over my black satin pants, and promptly told Chris we needed to go "home". So we stumbled to the cab stand.

Next up - Sweet sleep on the marshmallow bed - or not?

 

[swwake]

Here's the long, picture-less post about the rest of the evening. But I hope it will be entertaining for you.

Now, I am guessing we're approaching 2am? Maybe 3? We take a cab back to the Hilton and head to our room.

Up to the 26th floor on the old, slow elevators, hike it to our room. Insert key card. Red flashing lights. We look at each other, shrug, and insert again.

Red flashing lights.

We look at each other and say "oh no".

Then we remember that we have a key to the middle room. We go try that one. Then we try each of these two keys in the opposite doors.

Red flashing lights all around. Good thing I'm not epileptic.

At this point, after all these drinks, in my state, I was thinking "who ordered the red flashing lights? they sure look yummy."

So we trek (that's a play on the fact that the Star Trek Experience, along with the Star Trek Casino and the Star Trek Bridge are in our hotel - way overdone) back down to the front desk and tell them our keys don't work.

They code new keys for us and we "trek" back up to the 26th floor. Our beautiful suite. My marshmallow bed. I am so ready. I am envious, at this point, of my sister and her husband, for they have surely been asleep in their respective marshmallow bed for at least 2 hours, maybe more.

Let's try these new keys. Red flashing lights. Red flashing lights. Try them in Jo's door. Red flashing lights.

I think we MAY have thought for a fleeting second about knocking on their door or maybe even finding a house phone to call them, but I really didn't want to disturb their beauty sleep. We were the dummies, after all, who had decided to do Vegas until the wee hours.

So we "trek" back down to the front desk. New keys again. Back to 26.

Red flashing lights. Red flashing lights. Ugh.

This was the point, I believe, where I slowly melted slinkily down into the floor of that 26th floor hallway, thinking it every bit as comfortable as the king-sized marshmallow bed just on the other side of the door. I no longer cared.

So this time, Chris leaves me there while he goes down to the front desk yet again. I was done. I had my back against our door and my legs outstretched into the middle of the hallway.

The next thing I know, a man in a security uniform is shining a little flashlight in my eyes and repeating "ma'am, ma'am". I groggily replied "yes sir?"

He said "are you staying in this hotel?"

"Yes sir"

"Where is your room?"

"Right here, sir."

His chuckle was loud and obvious. "Why aren't you in it?"

Now, I did the best I could to explain to him. It sounded something like this:
"I....waiting...husband at the front desk...new keys"

He called for backup. BACKUP, I'm telling you! Have you seen my picture? Do I look threatening???

Backup gets there. He's pretty cute, as I remember, but not as built as Security One. Backup does his best to assess the situation.

Backup says "I know what to do. Let's try the master key in their room."

Before I could say "flashing red lights", he had tried the key in both of the doors and got to experience the fabulous flashing red lights all for himself. I wonder if they made his mouth water like they did mine. They were starting to look a bit like pepperoni pizza to me at this point.

So Backup and Security One made an executive decision to call Engineering. Oh, I am sure Engineering was delighted to get that 4am phone call. Tops of his list of things to do at 4am. It probably interrupted his Cosby Show re-runs. Or his Cosby Show dreams. I better stop there...

Engineering arrives about the same time as Chris. Engineering and Security One and Backup collectively figure out that the bolts are set on the other side and the little guard thing (the one that replaced chain guards in the 70's - I don't know what they are called) were set on BOTH of these doors.

That's where my drunk butt turned to Chris and said "Jo and Wes must have locked ALL the doors. Now WHY would they do that, knowing we have to come home???"

To which drunk butt Chris replied, not the least bit discreetly in front of our audience "because they wanted to have SEX and they didn't want us walking IN on them!" I immediately understood. Just not sure if Security One and Backup and Engineering really cared.

Well, we got to witness how to break into a hotel room. I always wondered how they got in when the bolt was locked and the "chain" replacement were engaged. Surely people die in hotel rooms or they have other reasons to need to get in there. Well, now I know.

So we got into our room and promptly fell into our marshmallow bed. I know, anti-climactic. But it was a fun story along the way.

Friday - done.

Next - Saturday's adventures. Did we wake in time for breakfast? What did Sierra do while the boys played golf? Where did Joann find the best view in Vegas?

And - the answer to the compelling question - why were all the doors bolted and chained????

 

[stagemomx3]

Yikes I'm a little frightened for what your morning is going to be like!

 

[stagemomx3]

That's a great story. I'm sure the security officers have seen much, much worse!

 

[swwake]

That's a great story. I'm sure the security officers have seen much, much worse!

Yeah, at least I was fully clothed!!!

 

[swwake]

One more short post before bed.

We woke up oh, around 9 or 10ish. I have lost track of time. There is a reason there are no clocks in the casinos.

What do I find? Under our door (between our room and the middle room) is a note from Joann, complete with hand-drawn hearts and stuff. "I have gone to meet Sierra for breakfast."

Wes had to have left around 7:30 or 7:45am - shortly after my head hit the feather pillow. So Jo likely left very near that time. Keep in mind that our Central Time body clocks may have thought this was 9:30 or 9:45.

So I opened the door and went into the middle room, only to find another note on my computer. "I am with Sierra having breakfast."

As If I wasn't going to see the first one.

Since the flashing red lights never transformed into pizza 3 hours prior, I was thinking this was like a trail of breadcrumbs - the notes. Don't mention BREAKFAST to me if you're not delivering it IN BED!!

We called Jo, to find out where she was and let her know that we will be about an hour behind her. We showered and such, and headed out to meet Joann and Sierra. I think they were at the Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood at this time, but I will let her fill you in on what happened in between.

<<handing the microphone over to Sister Jo>>