It has been a month now since we returned from our trip to Las Vegas. I thought I would take some time to share photos and information about our trip. As most readers know, I was laid off from my job less than two weeks before our scheduled vacation. After much debate, we decided to go through with the trip. We just had to be more careful with the budget.
We arrived Sunday night at the airport in Vegas. We finally meandered our way through the airport to luggage pickup and to the shuttle services. We were able to get a nice little evening tour of The Strip and see several other hotels as we patiently waited for other passengers to be dropped off before the bus made it to the Monte Carlo.
 |
| Our hotel (as taken from the cab on our way to the airport on Thursday) |
Upon check-in, we were told that the room we requested was not available for our first night. We asked for an upgraded view once our requested room was available. The desk clerk was very pleasant and did everything to make the error right. We ended up changing the next day with very little inconvenience. Also upon check-in, we were informed that their were tickets waiting for us for a show at The Wynn. We did not order tickets to any show, so this would require further investigation.
It was late, and we were still on Central time, so we found a quick bite to eat at the Monte Carlo food court and headed to our temporary room.
Monday
 |
| Enjoying an Icee at the Coca Cola store |
We woke up and were ready to explore. I will not go into detail about every sight and every meal we encountered, but I will hit some of the highlights.
We walked up and down The Strip and took in all of the interested things to see. It was disappointing to learn that the lion exhibit at MGM Grand was closed for remodeling. The street performers were entertaining, though. Also along the way, we enjoyed walking through the novelty-type stores like the Coca Cola store and the M&M store. It did not take long before we were approached by a couple of different vendors with tempting offers to hear a timeshare pitch. I knew better, though, than to commit most of a day to something like that.
 |
| New room view |
 |
| New room view at night |
Later in the day, we got the call that it was time for us to change rooms.
We also began to investigate the mysterious tickets waiting for us at The Wynn. After several calls and a visit to the concierge's counter, we learned that a good friend had reserved tickets for us to see Le Reve on Tuesday night.
 |
| Bellagio Fountains |
We kept the evening journeys low-key, but we did get to see some of the night visions.
 |
| Obviously it had been a long day |
 |
| Great view of our surrounding hotels while waiting on the monorail |
Tuesday
We had already planned on spending part of Tuesday at the hotel pool area. I woke up fairly early. I went and got us something quick to eat in the room. I then headed to the gym for a quick workout while Jennifer rested.
When I returned from the gym, we went to the pools only to learn that if you are not there early the available seating is limited. We chose a couple of less than ideal lounge chairs and kept an eye on other guests. As soon as a couple left from a prime seating area, I jumped at the open chairs before someone else had the opportunity. We enjoyed having lunch brought to us, as well as the excellent opportunity to watch a variety of people.
 |
| Poolside nachos |
A lot of our fellow tourists were obviously from Europe. This, at times, provides more up close and personal viewing due to their swimsuit choices. Aside from that, we did enjoy the relaxation in our chairs and floating in the lazy river pool.
 |
| Of course I was ready to go before Jennifer. |
After a few hours of sun, it was time to head back to the room to get ready for our show that evening.
 |
| Jennifer in the lobby at The Wynn |
We chose to purchase a 24-hour bus pass to get us to The Wynn. After picking up our tickets, we had some time to kill before showtime. We had not eaten, so we walked through a couple of area hotels to try to find a desirable and affordable restaurant. We were successful. We then headed back to The Wynn to watch Le Reve.
 |
| The "stage" after the show |
The show was fantastic. I really was not sure that I would enjoy that type of entertainment, but it was by far the highlight of the trip. We were in the second row (the "splash zone"), but we barely felt a few drops. Le Reve highlighted a combination of acrobatics, dance, pyrotechnics, and synchronized swimming to convey a story. We were thoroughly entertained the entire time. I was personally impressed with the pure strength and coordination of the performers. They did not allow photography during the show, but we were able to snap a few before and afterward.
 |
| A hot-looking couple before Le Reve |
After the show, we decided to walk back to our hotel instead of taking the bus. Along the way, we saw a variety of characters and types of tourists. We also took a few minutes to watch the free outdoor show at Treasure Island. That is 15 minutes I will never get back. Unfortunately, though, the stupid songs get stuck in your head for longer than desired.
Wednesday
 |
| Brunch buffet - YUM |
On Wednesday, we were proud of our advanced planning. We had purchased the 24-hour bus passes the evening before. That meant they were still good for an adventure to the downtown area the next day. Also as a part of advanced planning brilliance, we took advantage of the day-long pass for the buffet at the Monte Carlo. Therefore, before heading to downtown, we had a huge brunch that would hold us over until we made it back to the hotel for the dinner buffet that evening.
After eating way too much, we boarded the correct bus and began the trip north. We decided to get off a couple of stops early and venture by Gold & Silver Pawn to see if we could meet some of the Pawn Stars. We were not the only tourists with that plan. I was, however, the only one of the group that had already mapped out the walking path from the bus stop to the pawn shop. Therefore, I took the lead for about a dozen people walking through a part of Vegas that would be less than appealing to most. Jennifer was a little concerned for our safety, but we made it without harm.
 |
| A shot from the back of the pawn shop facing the front door |
I was not optimistic about being able to actually see any of those on the show. Research had told me that they are rarely in the store when filming is not being done. The store was smaller than expected, but I did recognize several items bought on the show. I would estimate that half of the shop was devoted to merchandise for the show. I did not feel the need to to purchase a mug with Chum Lee's face on it.
 |
| Items that were bought on the show were clearly marked as such. |
Following the brief stop at the pawn shop, we walked toward Fremont Street.
 |
| We passed a couple of historic wedding chapels on the walk from the pawn shop to Fremont Street. |
Fremont Street is the area of Vegas that you have seen in movies featuring Sin City in the 1970s. This strip is home to the 4 Queens, the Golden Nugget, and several other classic casinos.
 |
| Fremont Street |
It was interesting to see them since I have an interest in the historical aspect of the city. There were street performers and vendors all along this area. At night, ceiling presents a light show, but we were there during the day.
The walking downtown takes its toll on the body. The wife was tired after several blocks, so we stopped for a brief rest in the Golden Nugget. Not wanting to look like we were just using the stools for rest, Jennifer decided to make her Vegas gambling debut at one of the slot machines. It was quite a complicated machine. Before we figured out what we were doing, she was already down $0.95. It was then time to head to the mob museum a few blocks away.
Anyone who knows me well knows that I have a certain interest in all things to do with organized crime. Vegas offers several options in the way of mob experiences. I researched quite a bit and learned that this particular museum would be my best value with actual historical significance.
Plus, I read that they had the actual barber's chair in which Albert Anastasia was killed in NYC. That was definitely something worth seeing in my opinion. The museum is new, but it still had a lot of interesting information. It is located in the old building where the actual Las Vegas Kefauver Hearings were held. It was neat to sit in that room while going through the museum.
 |
| It was a little scary to see how comfortable she felt with the Tommy Gun demo. |
After the museum, we boarded the bus just before our passes expired and headed back to the hotel. We once again ate way too much at the buffet. We were going to go visit the piano bar at New York New York, but Jennifer was not feeling up to it. We spent the rest of the evening in the room.
Thursday
 |
| The Star Wars slot machine had a vibrating chair with speakers that played theme music as I played the game. |
The day to head home had arrived. Our flight was not until the afternoon, so we called to make sure we could get a later check-out time. We packed up and actually decided to play a little bit in the casino. I helped Jennifer a little to figure out the video blackjack, then I explored the exciting world of penny slots.
Jennifer won $5 at her game. I won a few bucks on mine before losing it again. Overall, I lost less than a dollar, so it wasn't too devastating.
 |
| Hello Mr. Lincoln! |
We then got a cab and headed toward the airport. It was time to get back to her parents' house in Louisiana to check on our furry little son.
 |
| Our view of the Grand Canyon on the flight back home |
