I'm Back!

Ok, so I've been back for a few days but I've resisted posting because I haven't transfered my photos from the camera to the computer yet. Ooops. But I will do so soon.

I had a really fun time and actually quite enjoyed Las Vegas. Have you ever read the children's book Fortunately? Well it's a book I read quite often for work and is really cute, if you have kids you must give them and yourselves the fun of reading this book. Anyway, I've decided to write this blog in the style of that great book. Enjoy!

Fortunately, my friend Lou's plane was on time.

Unfortunately, I was running late to pick her up.

Fortunately, I found a great parking spot.

Unfortunately, she was unsuccessfully trying to help some Japanese tourists who had lost the last digit of their daughter's number. (not unfortunate that she was helping them, but that they weren't having any luck)

Fortunately, I found out where their hotel was.

Unfortunately, they had already run away in shame.

Fortunately, we decided to get on with vacation!

Unfortunately, our hotel wasn't as great as we hoped it would be.

Fortunately, we had a fun time in Hollywood and at Universal Studios.

Unfortunately, we missed our flight to Las Vegas.

Fortunately, the flight had been delayed.

Unfortunately, it got delayed again.

Fortunately, we made it to Vegas by midnight.

Unfortunately, we missed the last shuttle to our hotel.

Fortunately, the taxi wasn't too expensive.

Unfortunately, we were starving.

Fortunately, we were able to eat for 1.25. (I love Las Vegas!)

Unfortunately, I lost money gambling. (I experimented and got over the phenomenon quickly!)

Fortunately, I didn't lose much.

Unfortunately, I slept in.

Fortunately, it didn't matter because this is Las Vegas.

Unfortunately, we had to wait for the shuttle to the strip for 45 minutes.

Fortunately, it was free.

Unfortunately, our first destination required us to take the bus.

Fortunately, we met some great ladies who helped us figure all of that out.

Unfortunately, they thought I was 14.

Fortunately, we got to the discount ticket station.

Unfortunately, Mamma Mia was sold out.

Fortunately, that saved us money.

Unfortunately, we got pulled off the street by people wanting to sell us a timeshare.

Fortunately, they wanted to give us lots of free stuff as well.

Unfortunately, we had to rush to the cheesy impersonator show Lou wanted to see.

Fortunately, we caught the bus.

Unfortunately, it was really full and took us over an hour to get to the Stratosphere and that made us late.

Fortunately, no one cared and they let us in anyway.

Unfortunately, Elvis had called in sick or something.

Fortunately, we decided to walk back instead of take the bus.

Unfortunately, I need new shoes and my feet were killing me.

Fortunately, we saw the fountains at the Bellagio.

Unfortunately, we missed the shuttle back to the hotel and had to get another taxi.

Fortunately, we didn't have to wait in line for dinner and only paid 1.25 again.

Unfortunately, the service was lousy.

Fortunately, the next day we had time to look around.

Unfortunately, we got lost in the MGM Grand and were late to the timeshare presentation.

Fortunately, it didn't matter and they gave us free snacks anyway.

Unfortunately, this was a personalized sales pitch.

Fortunately, we had a super nice salesman.

Unfortunately, the timeshare resort was located off the strip and we had to take a bus to get there.

Fortunately, they gave us more free snacks.

Unfortunately, Lou became enamored with the idea of timeshare.

Fortunately, they gave her a good deal.

Unfortunately, it took forever for her to decide.

Fortunately, they gave us a bunch more free stuff.

Unfortunately, the promised limo was not very exciting.

Fortunately, it took us straight to the Venetian where we had the most fabulous salmon ever.

Unfortunately, the wax museum was closed.

Fortunately, we caught the shuttle back to the hotel this time.

Unfortunately, Friday was our last day.

Fortunately, we had free stuff to do!

Unfortunately, we weren't hungry enough to truly enjoy the huge buffet.

Fortunately, we made it to the wax museum.

Unfortunately, it was really hot and all the walking made me almost pass out.

Fortunately, it was time to go the airport.

The end! I loved Las Vegas. I don't know, I think I expected it to be this huge black hole of sin and debauchery, but really everyone was friendly and there was lots to see and do. But everywhere I went, I heard they were veering away from being a family destination as is evidenced by the fact that they are tearing down several of the old family friendly casinos (Circus, Circus for example) and turning it into a place for rich people. (resorts, etc.) The eclectic charm of the city, I think will be lost. One of my friends used to go there all the time, but is going less and less because it is no longer the place it used to be. Several places rich with memories for her and her family have been torn down to make room for more resorts. And really, who can afford that?

But I don't think anyone is losing any sleep over it. The place was absolutely packed. According to the timeshare people, it's a number one vacation spot year round. And there's no way I would bring my kids there anyway. Despite it's very friendly atsmosophere, hotels and casinos with zoo animals, and even somewhat global feel, there are also people handing out ads for strip clubs and the idea of "what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas" always brimming beneath the surface. And it's REALLY hot.

The end.