Las Vegas Exhaustion - Too Much Fun!
Okay, to be fair, we started off our trip to Las Vegas in a fair state of tiredness. We arrived around 9:30PM (10:30PM Calgary time) and, after checking in, wandered around MGM Grand and New York New York, so it was well after 1AM when we got to bed. For me, that's at least 4 hours past my regular bedtime! Each night has been the same, so I'm really lacking in the sleep department.
We were seated on the wrong (left) side of the plane to see much flying in, but I was able to catch some of the northern strip lights. It was awe-inspiring, and I couldn't help but become excited to land. Getting to the hotel was painless, but walking into that grand, huge, chaotic lobby was a bit overwhelming! I don't think I have ever seen so many check-in desks in a single hotel before. Thank goodness we arrived at night and not sometime between 12 and 5 because each time we walk by the check-in during those times, the queue is longer than airport security at Christmas!
The casino itself was unimpressive. Sure, it's big, but it doesn't seem to offer me much beyond what I've experienced at Elbow River or Harrah's before. I'm also not a fan of slot machines, though to learn blackjack or poker and play at a table like that would be pretty fun. I think that would be more engaging than slots. This resort is like a cruise ship, only 10 times bigger. Everything you need to sustain life and have fun is located within its boundaries, so you may not ever really need to leave!
And now I realize just how large and expansive these resorts are, so walking everywhere won't be an option.
Thursday night we rode the NY NY roller coaster and Bryan giggled and laughed at me screaming the entire ride. It was a bit scary, for sure, especially when it suddenly goes upside down and twists around. I couldn't figure out why I had bruises on the tops of both shoulders on Friday until I remembered that harness and dropping in and out of that seat so often, and with such force. But, it was fun - I'd do it again if he wants to.
We found some NY style pizza for a very late dinner - I had to laugh at Bryan when he bought 2 pieces. Sure, in Calgary 2 would be good for him, but NY style pizza is WAY larger per slice.
Friday we slept in a bit and went shopping at the North Outlet mall. Our taxi driver was so friendly and chatted away about his previous job and the economic state of Las Vegas over the past few years. Many large towers sit empty and unfinished because developers ran out of money between 2008 and 2010. He said things are slowly starting to pick back up but because so many tradespeople are looking for work, he thinks he'll be driving a taxi for awhile yet.
So, two observations here - people who serve us (taxi drivers, waitresses, check-in clerks, etc.) are SO friendly! I wonder how management handles that aspect of hiring? Second, I love it when it's 33 degrees here and the locals are saying "oh, it's not that hot today, it's a nice day". That's my kind of people!
Speaking of heat, I am absolutely hating the air conditioning here in every single building and auditorium. I like being outside in the daytime, but if we are doing anything else inside, I'm quite miserable. I think it's jeans, boots, and a sweater tonight just to see if I can survive some entertainment.
Friday evening we had tickets to Ka. It's held at MGM, which is super handy! The show was good, but we were quite disappointed with the lack of acrobatics. There were 3 short acrobatic sections and the rest was drama and storyline. I guess that's what people want in Las Vegas, but it's definitely my least favorite Cirque du Soleil show.
After the show we wandered further, through Excalibur and over to Luxor. Excalibur seems more 'frat house' and Luxor seems less extravagant but more party-crowd, compared to MGM. We were hanging around, checking out shows that are playing and ended up going to see Fantasy, a topless dancing girls show. Bryan was happy!
To bed at 2AM and up at 6AM for a day trip to Hoover Dam and Lake Mead - Saturday was rough. Oh, and somehow in the 6 hours I had 4 glasses of wine, it left me feeling completely hung over on Saturday. What gives???
Hoover Dam was pretty cool - the sheer amounts of concrete and excessive manpower that went into building that massive structure in the 1930's is absolutely amazing. Not to mention the design and realization that the river had to be diverted for construction. We were able to see the turbines and one large pipe during the tour but after 9/11 they have shut down most of the original tour areas to the public.
We had a 1 1/2 hour paddle boat tour on Lake Mead as well, and could see Hoover Dam from another vantage point. It's sad to hear and see how much the water levels have dropped in the past 20 years, and the people are very concerned that they will run out of water. It provides water for 5 states plus Mexico, so that's a potentially huge disaster. I was surprised, yet impressed, to see most of the lush bushes and flowers on the Strip are actually fake.
After a quick nap, we had a very rushed Saturday evening. We had to pick up tickets at Flamingo and then get back to Luxor for the Jabbawokeez dance crew show. That was superb - these poppers, lockers, breakdancers, and freestylers are stunning to watch and really know how to put on a great show. After that, back to Flamingo for X-Burlesque. It was a pretty good show, with a lot of the same songs my burlesque crew has danced to. The dancing was quite good, especially the ballet/contemporary dancer, and the show was entertaining. Again, Bryan was happy!
Because of our long day and little sleep the night before, bedtime came immediately after the show. Hopefully today will be much better for my energy levels!
We were seated on the wrong (left) side of the plane to see much flying in, but I was able to catch some of the northern strip lights. It was awe-inspiring, and I couldn't help but become excited to land. Getting to the hotel was painless, but walking into that grand, huge, chaotic lobby was a bit overwhelming! I don't think I have ever seen so many check-in desks in a single hotel before. Thank goodness we arrived at night and not sometime between 12 and 5 because each time we walk by the check-in during those times, the queue is longer than airport security at Christmas!
The casino itself was unimpressive. Sure, it's big, but it doesn't seem to offer me much beyond what I've experienced at Elbow River or Harrah's before. I'm also not a fan of slot machines, though to learn blackjack or poker and play at a table like that would be pretty fun. I think that would be more engaging than slots. This resort is like a cruise ship, only 10 times bigger. Everything you need to sustain life and have fun is located within its boundaries, so you may not ever really need to leave!
And now I realize just how large and expansive these resorts are, so walking everywhere won't be an option.
Thursday night we rode the NY NY roller coaster and Bryan giggled and laughed at me screaming the entire ride. It was a bit scary, for sure, especially when it suddenly goes upside down and twists around. I couldn't figure out why I had bruises on the tops of both shoulders on Friday until I remembered that harness and dropping in and out of that seat so often, and with such force. But, it was fun - I'd do it again if he wants to.
We found some NY style pizza for a very late dinner - I had to laugh at Bryan when he bought 2 pieces. Sure, in Calgary 2 would be good for him, but NY style pizza is WAY larger per slice.
Friday we slept in a bit and went shopping at the North Outlet mall. Our taxi driver was so friendly and chatted away about his previous job and the economic state of Las Vegas over the past few years. Many large towers sit empty and unfinished because developers ran out of money between 2008 and 2010. He said things are slowly starting to pick back up but because so many tradespeople are looking for work, he thinks he'll be driving a taxi for awhile yet.
So, two observations here - people who serve us (taxi drivers, waitresses, check-in clerks, etc.) are SO friendly! I wonder how management handles that aspect of hiring? Second, I love it when it's 33 degrees here and the locals are saying "oh, it's not that hot today, it's a nice day". That's my kind of people!
Speaking of heat, I am absolutely hating the air conditioning here in every single building and auditorium. I like being outside in the daytime, but if we are doing anything else inside, I'm quite miserable. I think it's jeans, boots, and a sweater tonight just to see if I can survive some entertainment.
Friday evening we had tickets to Ka. It's held at MGM, which is super handy! The show was good, but we were quite disappointed with the lack of acrobatics. There were 3 short acrobatic sections and the rest was drama and storyline. I guess that's what people want in Las Vegas, but it's definitely my least favorite Cirque du Soleil show.
After the show we wandered further, through Excalibur and over to Luxor. Excalibur seems more 'frat house' and Luxor seems less extravagant but more party-crowd, compared to MGM. We were hanging around, checking out shows that are playing and ended up going to see Fantasy, a topless dancing girls show. Bryan was happy!
To bed at 2AM and up at 6AM for a day trip to Hoover Dam and Lake Mead - Saturday was rough. Oh, and somehow in the 6 hours I had 4 glasses of wine, it left me feeling completely hung over on Saturday. What gives???
Hoover Dam was pretty cool - the sheer amounts of concrete and excessive manpower that went into building that massive structure in the 1930's is absolutely amazing. Not to mention the design and realization that the river had to be diverted for construction. We were able to see the turbines and one large pipe during the tour but after 9/11 they have shut down most of the original tour areas to the public.
We had a 1 1/2 hour paddle boat tour on Lake Mead as well, and could see Hoover Dam from another vantage point. It's sad to hear and see how much the water levels have dropped in the past 20 years, and the people are very concerned that they will run out of water. It provides water for 5 states plus Mexico, so that's a potentially huge disaster. I was surprised, yet impressed, to see most of the lush bushes and flowers on the Strip are actually fake.
After a quick nap, we had a very rushed Saturday evening. We had to pick up tickets at Flamingo and then get back to Luxor for the Jabbawokeez dance crew show. That was superb - these poppers, lockers, breakdancers, and freestylers are stunning to watch and really know how to put on a great show. After that, back to Flamingo for X-Burlesque. It was a pretty good show, with a lot of the same songs my burlesque crew has danced to. The dancing was quite good, especially the ballet/contemporary dancer, and the show was entertaining. Again, Bryan was happy!
Because of our long day and little sleep the night before, bedtime came immediately after the show. Hopefully today will be much better for my energy levels!
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