As this posts (I'll admit to writing it beforehand), we should be on our way (or nearly on our way) to Las Vegas for the week. It's kind of funny since it seems as if I am always saying we're going to Las Vegas... and while we do go there a lot, we haven't been there since October-ish 2007... so over 16 months! So probably one of our longest "breaks" from there in a long time (or possibly ever!). It is also our first trip out of town since our Beijing trip in August... so we definitely are over-due for some getaway time! I was tempted to say R&R, but no better that in Vegas either rest or relaxation are likely not to be on the plate.
That said, we are planning to do things a little differently this time around. As I may have mentioned when I announced the trip, it is kind of weird place to be going in these tough economic times. Granted that has allowed us to get 3 comp'd nights at Caesars Palace (our first stay at that monstrosity of a hotel/casino - and I mean monstrosity in the nicest, most Vegas-y way!), which made it difficult for other travel destinations to compete with right out of the gate.
Now, Caears is getting much of that room money back since Todd treated with Bette Midler tickets (no economic disaster discount there!) on Wednesday night ... and then there's the gambling... which one always need to remind themselves that the town wasn't built on folks winning... so I am sure everyone will do alright... there'll certainly be some economic stimulus going on, but hopefully not emptying my pockets too badly... though I am pretty sure I am due for a win, but got to keep it real.
Famous last words, but I do intend to increase the amount of non-gambling activities. For the past several year, we have stayed slightly off the Strip at the Rio... so at Ceasers it will be nice to be dead-center strip and be able to walk everything without driving and/or shuttles. In our year+ absence, there have been a few new casinos open up on the Strip... the Palazzo, the sister of the Venetian... and Steve Wynn has also doubled up on his properties with Encore... so we'll check those out for the first time (tho likely keep my gambling money saved for the many Harrahs owned properties that get me these comps)... and also check out the progress of the massive City Center complex.
I haven't done it in a while, but plan on doing some photography while I am there (think Todd just passed out, this may be one instance he would prefer my video poker compulsion!)... hopefully some good/different stuff... having been to Vegas so often, it'll be nice to try to find some way to photographing it in an interesting way (though it has to be one of the most over-photographed places in the country... or world).
We are also planning on a day trip out of town (again, a first!) to the Valley of Fire State Park (which I now can't seem to not refer to as "Ring of Fire"). It's supposed to be beautiful red-rock country about an hour out of town. So again, hope to get some good pics... and also enjoy some nature, in a town that is anything but natural!!
Finally... and quite coincidentally... we'll be there for part of the annual MINI Cooper event/gathering. The event starts late Wednesday and goes through the weekend... so while we miss the weekend events (we won't be officially participating anyhow since I didn't register and/or that we'll be too close to the host hotel).. but I am sure we'll see many, many more Coopers about town than normal (think they are expecting 300+).
Anyhow, this post ended up being much longer than expected (what a surprise!)... I have nothing else planned or pre-posted for while we are away. So you won't see anything here in the main section of the W&C until next week... but keep on eye on the sidebar for Twitter updates... if we are able to get Intenet access (not sure if WiFi is available and/or free at Caesars), I'll likely pop in every now and then!
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