Las Vegas

After the Grand Canyon we drove to Las Vegas. There couldn't have been a greater disparity between the two places. One being a spectacular display of nature and the other being a grandiose exhibit of manmade extravaganza. We had a lot of fun and saw two wonderful shows, Cirque de Soleil and Menopause the Musical. It was all glitz and glamor and although we enjoyed ourselves, none of us want to go back. And we didn't gamble one penny!

We stayed at the Bellagio, best known for its fabulous Chihuly ceiling in the lobby.

I love this Chihuly piece set in one of the lounges. Hmmm I like blue. Do you think it would look good in my house? Maybe a little over the top.

Outside of Caesar's Palace.

Outside of the Venetian.

Inside the Venetian. Notice the "sky" which is really a painted ceiling and the "statue" which is a living person. We thought that it was a real statue until we saw the money at her feet. I asked her how long she had to stand there and she very quietly extended 4 fingers. Oh, my four hours of being absolutely still. I could never do it. I know I would get an itchy nose!

We had lunch inside at the Venetian alongside the canal, while being serenaded by gondoliers, all with great operatic voices.

Of course, this was New York, New York.

My favorite hotel was the Wynn with these incredible indoor gardens. You would think that you were in an outdoor park, beautiful flowers and foliage everywhere.

The shops were all very high end, Cartier, Gucci, Channel, Armani, etc. We didn't see anyone shopping in them. Maybe if someone hits it really big at the tables. Not us!

We walked in and out of all the major hotels and they were all very impressive, one trying to outdo the other. It was very busy with huge crowds walking around outside, but we thought that the casinos did not look very busy. Perhaps a reflection of our current economy.

This is just a small sampling of what we saw. I think that everyone should go to Las Vegas once just to see it. It truly is amazing, but I don't need to see it again.