Las Vegas:not just for gamblers anymore

One can't really start with day one of any trip to Las Vegas. After awhile, it just kinda all blends together. Its amazing how a huge desert can provide such  beautiful tropical getaways.

Seeing volcanos exploding, pirate ships sinking and rollercoasters zooming it was truly a great trip. One would have to spend a good 10 days to really see all Sin City has to offer.You'd also have to spend at least 24 hours in one hotel just to see everything in it! But if you're only going to spend 2 or 3 days, try and see the most popular attractions.
I also recommend arriving at night. There's truly something cool about a black sea below you and then boom! Vegas lights!
No matter how many times I see the Fountains at Bellagio, I am still completely captured by how relaxing and comforting it is. The Bellagio itself has so many things to see and do such as the gardens, the Chihully works throughout, and of course, for you fellow shopaholics, the shops. I've never seen so many top designers all on one floor.The Fine Art museum, which displays several different artists throughout the year, is fantastic.
Las Vegas is truly a mirage because not only do you completely forget your troubles but you also create your own.






The Paris hotel was really nice. All the employees spoke french! Going to the top of the Eiffel Tower at Paris is by far the best way to see the Vegas strip. The first 2 days we visited it was too windy so they shut it down, but once we were able to, it was a spectacular view.
Although the Venetian is the most beautiful, the Luxor has to be hands down the coolest. Once indoors, you're surrounded by pharroahs and water falls and its rather peaceful.  I highly recommend checking out the King Tut museum. The rooms are actually in the pyramid! You can even see the slant! Although we couldn't see one of the rooms, going to the top floor was great!





The excalibur is really cool. Although I do believe its more designed with kids in mind. We were hoping the armored 'men' would actually joust or step off the horses for some pictures, but unfortunately, our dreams didn't come true.  There's a great game room in the 'dungeon' too. For the adult women, "Thunder Down Under" is a marvelous show. Men stay away or you just might get jousted.
Ceasers Palace is just simply superb. No matter if it is one of the oldest casinos still left on the strip, it just gets better with age.The Forum shops aren't only fun because of the stores, but because of the 'living statues' that scare ya half to death if you come close the them. Also even if there are several around the country, for some reason this one just happens to be the best Cheesecake Factory ever! Maybe its all that oxygen they pump into the casino! We also had an opportunity to see several of Ceasers guardsmen keeping watch of everything and everyone. No need to really pay the big bucks to see nice fit bodies, just hang out at Ceasers and you'll see a great show. Rumors has it Ceaser and Cleopatra make frequent visits but we never did get to see them. Pure is a great club. We'd gotten free passes from a timeshare saleman and he wasn't joking when he said it was one of the best clubs vegas has to offer. We danced off our little booties all night long.

The Venetian was our next stop. Oh how romantic parts of Sin City can actually be.The gondolas are just that. We didn't ride them, but just listening to the serenades brought a light to our step and a smile to our hearts. If this is truly what Venice looks like, then pack my bags baby, I'm on my way. With the street painters, sidewalk vendors and outdoor cafes, I was totally hooked and ready to travel to Italy to see the real thing. And the ceiling changes from morning, to mid day to dusk etc, etc. Like most of the hotels, theres also several shops to drag the non-shopaholics through too. And remember to always always look up as soon as you step inside. Or do like some of us art buffs, just lay back on the floor and stare. You'll be amazed at what you see.
Mandalay Bay is very nice. They have a great buffett. There's also several tropical birds on display inside the lobby. Don't worry, though, you'll find them just as soon as your ears hit the inside. Heck, you may even hear them in the next hotel. I also recommend checking out the Shark reef. You'll be astonished. We also hit the Rumjungle later that night and believe me when I say, you really can have whatever kind of rum you want because there are hundreds to choose from! And for you men out there, several times at night women on trapeez and in cages with hardly any clothes on will shake their booties for ya. The dance floor is huge and theres a different DJ every weekend. Tip: because it is a restraunt, if you go in before 10pm, you will not have to pay a cover. It pays to know locals!

New York New York was a fantastic place to just hang out. I do think this was meant for the late 20's and mid 30's kinda crowd. I recommend the irish pub and the italian cafe inside the casino. But most of all, I recommend the rollercoaster. Though not as thrilling as us fellow Cedar Point fanatics are used to, it is fun. And it gives you a different view of Vegas. Even if you are speeding by like a bat out of hell.


The Mirage and TI were nice. the dolphin exhibit is pure entertainment. I suggest you check it out. What was funny the first day we stopped by was a momma duck and her chicks swimming across the pond. Even with Sin City and all its bright lights and glamour, visitors were more interested in how cute the chicks were  crossing from one side to the next. There were so many cameras going off you would've thought the papparazzi were there! I don't recommend the new pirate show to any children. But as stated by several people, Vegas wasn't meant for kids. The outdoor club Tangerine is great and make some fantastic mixed drinks.

Few days later was the MGM and the Tropicana. The MGM was just ok. I did enjoy "Studio 54" later one evening though. not only was there women is cages, but skin clad men as well. Definate eye candy for all to be had. Great music and crowd. The Tropicana was dirty and very uneventful. Rumor has it they plan on renevating AGAIN instead of imploding it . We just keep asking 'what for?'And don't forget to check out M & M World just a few stores beside it. Four or more floors of nothing but M & M's. Even baby clothes. Its hilarious! And yes, candy.

Though we stayed on the 'new strip' we did catch a cab to Freemont Street to  'vintage vegas' and I have to say, it was surprising. More young people were enjoying the outdoor music, the incredible light show and just generally, each other. We'd decided then and there we were staying on the 'old strip'  next visit to vegas. I'd read somewhere that the Golden Gate hotel was one of the very first hotels/casinos there and has no plans of ever leaving. Apparently, like most of us, experiancing Vegas the way it used to be is kinda cool. We were waiting for Dean or Frank to stop by.

  Either way you look at it, Vegas is just plain funtastic. But please, adults only.