The old guy and I just returned from bringing in the New Year in Las Vegas. With over 50 million people visiting each year, Las Vegas can only be described as chaos on steroids. Nowhere else in the world can you see a overweight man in a pink thong body suit complete with stomach cut out name “Cotton candy” ordering coffee and no one bats an eye. Nowhere else can you see a 85 year old retired showgirl in a mini skirt and orthopedic shoes serving drinks. One minute you’re saving money by walking instead of catching a cab, the next minute you’re sitting in the driver’s seat of a $125,000 dollar Cadillac Maybach (at the Wynn resort) with the salesman asking “how many would you like to order”?
Unlike Disneyworld where part of the charm is “soaking” in the atmosphere, Las Vegas slams you upside the head with the atmosphere. Like some type of neon, virtual 2X4. It is sensory overload. Lights flashing, bells going off and smells overwhelming.
Caught a show almost every night. Saw Cher, who thanks to the wonders of modern technology still has not hit puberty at the age of 60+, also saw Ka by cirque du soliel. I’ve never saw a Cirque show that we didn’t like. Sinbad, the comedian and a dance troupe called Jabberwockeez.
Now my only comparison to a Disney trip and unfortunately it is not a favorable one for my first love.
Food in Vegas is divine. I’m not talking the celebrity restaurants, we didn’t eat at any, I’m talking about the in house restaurants hotel (the Monte carlo). We arrived on Thursday around 3:30 and were pretty much starved since you no longer get food on flights. Stopped at a place called the “Pub” which was pretty much a hotel sports bar, pretty much proceeded to have the absolute best burger known to man. They were to die for. Every meal was like this, pretty much leaving the restaurant saying “that was absolutely delicious”. I miss that feeling at the world and hopping that this is just a "temporary" laspes with the mouse house
All and all a great trip, weather was freezing, my luck, it was the coldest New Years eve in the last 50 years. Go figure… also figures that I forgot my digital camera on the kitchen table. I did buy a disposable but pics will have to wait until I get the film developed.
Thank you all for the birthday wishes. Those wishes are actually the "gift" that I appreciate more than stuff. When I was younger, I didn't like having my birthday on a holiday, now I love it primarily because every year I get to watch "It's a wonderful life" and it has a great quote.
"Dear George, remember no man is a failure who has friends". So as usual I'm thanking God this New Year with my virtual friends.
Happy New year!
Back to work for me & back to school for the kids, although DS12 is trying his best to avoid doing any work at all today. This should be a fun week with him. Not!! 
It would be the same thing if he was at "regular" school. He'd be sitting there refusing to work. It's the same every year. We just need to get through the next week or 2 until we're back on a regular school routine.
We are unsure when we will return to VWL this year. I am thinking we won't make it for Dec, but perhaps Oct or early Nov. We are doing a cruise in Oct with friends. Ship is uncertain, but let me know what you choose!
