Ode to Vegas

There's just something about Las Vegas.  I can't get enough of it.  I love being there.  We have gambling in Colorado, but it's just not the same for me.  For many, many years, it was our vacation spot of choice.  We would go there at least twice a year, sometimes more.  Then, we decided to have kids.  I hate it when people take their kids to Vegas.  It's not a family destination.  Everyone is smoking, gambling and there are hookers walking around the casinos late at night.  And, there lots of families walking around with screaming kids late at night too.  Hmmm - do you think it could be because they're tired?  Seriously people - leave your kids at home!!  I thought it was great that the flight attendant commented on the number of children on the plane and questioned why people would take their kids to Vegas.  She made me smile.

I went to Vegas *alone* last week for 3 full days.  It was fabulous.  Because we used to go there so much and all we ever do there is gamble (I've never been to a pool or a nightclub in Vegas), my room at Treasure Island was free and I had a $50 food and beverage credit.  The total cost of my trip including airfare, food, rental car, etc. was less than $250.  What a deal.  I even managed to come home ahead.  I had a pretty great day at the poker table (No Limit Texas Hold Em) on Saturday, and I really didn't want to leave.  I even won a jackpot for hitting quads.  I forgot that the Mirage has jackpots, so that was a nice surprise.

The Mirage is by far my favorite hotel/casino in Vegas.  They have a great poker room, good food and nice rooms.  Plus, because Love is there, they play a lot of Beatles music.  Many people complain about the smells in certain casinos.  The casinos claim they do not pump in scents (see the third tidbit), but I don't believe it.  Personally, I think the Venetian is the worst.  I visited City Center for the first time, and I think the Aria also has a weird smell too.  When you walk into the Mirage, it smells like coconut.  I'm sure they pump that smell in, but it's such a pleasant scent.  I love it!  

The hotel motel I stayed in on my first trip to Vegas is long gone.  In its place stands the Palazzo - across the street from TI.  I was 21, and I drove to Vegas with several friends (including Robin) for spring break.  There were 4 of us sharing a room (it must have been about $5 each per night).  I kid you not, the beds took quarters.  What an experience.  It was called the Tam O'Shanter.  Ahhh - memories.  After that trip, I thought every trip to Vegas would get better and better because I'd be able to afford to stay in nicer places.  Well, I was wrong.  On another trip, we stayed in an "all suite" hotel off the strip (across from the Hard Rock).  Again, I kid you not, the bed was WET!!!  They said they didn't have any other rooms.  We were on the first floor, so it wasn't a roof leak.  We slept there for one night, with towels piled up on the wet spot.  DISGUSTING.  The floor was so gross, there was no way I was sleeping on that either.  The next night we moved to the Imperial Palace.  Another dump.  Someday I hope to stay at the Bellagio, but it's hard to pass up a free room, which we've had several times at Bally's, TI and the Mirage.

My room at TI was on the 14th floor, which is really the 13th floor.  I understand there is a stigma associated with the number 13, but I'm pretty sure they don't have an entire empty floor at every casino/hotel in Vegas.  Hmmm - that would be a waste of revenue.  Maybe they can trick some people, but I just don't get it.  You can call it the 14th floor all you want, but it's still the 13th floor.  It's just silly!  Don't people notice that there is no button in the elevator for 13?

My trip to Vegas was not without a purpose, but I will elaborate more on that in a few weeks.

My dad is a truck driver, and he happened to be in Vegas on Friday night.  He and I met up, gambled and had a great steak dinner.  It was nice to spend some alone time with my dad.  We don't get to do that very often.  I introduced him to my favorite table game - Pai Gow.  He's more of a craps and black jack guy, but I think he'll play Pai Gow a bit more now.  It's certainly not a get rich quick game, but it passes the time.

There was one thing that I really wanted to do while I was in Vegas, but I never got a chance.  I wanted to go to In and Out Burger.  Everyone raves about it, and we don't have one in Colorado.  I drove by one on my way to meet up with my dad, but I didn't want to spoil my appetite for our steak dinner.  Next trip - I will definitely try In and Out Burger.

It was interesting that I thought Maggie looked different after only being away from her for 3 days.  Her walking improved over those three days.  I'm starting to think that she'll be ok.  I know I haven't posted for awhile, but I think the only major new development is that Katie is now playing peek-a-boo.  On her first visit, the speech therapist brought a book about peek-a-boo.  The next day, Katie was playing with me.  Amazing.  Last night, Maggie fell and hit her head on the sidewalk.  Poor Maggie.  We call her Goose (don't ask why).  My poor Goose got her first goose egg.

Vegas - I look forward to seeing you again next year.