The airport shuttle picked me up and took me to the airport...not as long a trip as it had been on Friday despite the fact that on the TV they had warned of major delays on the roads heading into San Francisco this morning. I checked in my bags...JUST under 50 pounds! I found the Ghirardelli shop at the airport too and picked up some more of that peppermint bark! I always have a while tokill waiting for the plane so it is always good to catch up on the blog as it is so easy to fall behind! While waiting at my gate I noticed...or rather heard an Italian couple also waiting for the plane. I noticed them because the young Italian woman was talking on the phone...very loudly...and I heard the occasional "Mamma Mia", which I know after being in Italy means OMG in Italian! When flying United they don't board you based on your seat number but on a 'boarding group' which is marked on your ticket. Being in the 'cheap' seat I always board with Group 6 today which seemed to get on the plane much faster than it did from New York. I got to my seat...a window...to find that I was seated next to the Italian couple! I am guessing they were newly weds judging by the shiny gold ring on her wedding finger...and I feel for they guy already. She spoke 'at' him for most of the flight...he could barely get a word in! They asked the flight attendant for a 'Coke Light' but she didn't understand what he wanted and gave him a Coke Zero. I explained to the Italian man (whose English was better than the wife's) that in America he needed to ask for a Diet Coke rather than a Coke Light...which is what they call Diet Coke throughout Europe. It was great flying during the day today, and especially having the window seat because I had a great view of the landscape. We flew over some mountain range which had snow on it too. I keep seeing snow on mountains...just the stuff falling seems to escape me! When we got off the plane I stopped at the toilet and then we had to take a transit train to the part of the airport where the baggage claim was. As I was just about to get on the train...not 100% sure that's where I was supposed to be going, I ran into the Italians again who asked me if they were going the right way, I said I didn't know for sure but that's where I was heading. I picked up my bags and found the airport shuttle...and then the Italians got on board as well...we all laughed! They got off at the Luxor hotel...I am staying further up the strip at the Vdara Hotel and Spa. I checked into the hotel and I asked if I could possibly get a room with a view of the Bellagio fountain. They didn't have any left but as I was talking to the girl checking me in, and as it was my first time in Vegas, she said she had a disabled room available with views over the Bellagio if I didn't mind taking a room with a roll-in shower and bars in the bathroom...ah no...happy to for the views!!! So I am up on the 48th floor looking over the Bellagio hotel with great views of the fountain and the north end of the strip. Just as i happened to look out the window the Bellagio fountain show began! I went downstairs to get some brochures for Maverick helicopters Grand Canyon tour and to see what shows are on in Vegas this week. It turns out that because this is such a quiet week in Vegas, many of the shows are on holidays so the choices are limited. I mentioned to the concierge that I was interested in seeing Le Reve since 'O' was on holidays and he said that it was also going on holidays so he booked me a ticket for
tonight...I was not execting to see a show
tonight...but hey...lets just launch right in shall we. Le Reve is on at the Wynn and he suggested I get a cab as it was about a 30 minute walk. Keen to see some of Vegas I decided to walk up to the Wynn. All I can say so far about Vegas is WOW! WOW! WOW! so much activity and flashing lights...and this is a quiet week! I walked past the Paris Casino, the Flamingo and the Venetian among others. I got to the Wynn...so beautiful inside...picked up my tickets and went and had a bite to eat. The theatre for Le Reve is in the round and I was seated in the middle...probably one of the best locations for the show. I had no idea what to expect as I have never seen any Cirque de soleil production...but boy was I in for a treat! This show was AMAZING"!!! It is a show that uses a combination of acrobatics and synchronised swimming, so they do their tricks in and out of the water, it really was spectacular! I then walked back to the hotel on the other side of the strip past Treasure Island and Caesars Palace. I'm starting to think I could have saved myself $20,000 and just come straight to Vegas! It's all here...the Eiffel Tower, gondola rides, the Trevi Fountain etc, etc!!! You access the Vdara through the Bellagio so I wandered through their centre Christmas display which has these huge beautiful polar bears made entirely of white roses! Las Vegas really is a place of excess and full of excitement. I can see the attraction for gamblers and hens and bucks parties. I'm a little glad I am here mid week, I imaging this place is insane over the weekend!
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