Guess where I am going for breakfast today? That's right, Cafe Bellagio. So I meet Miss Catherine and Miss Deb and off we go. I make the indulgent decision to have waffles and of course I feel quite ill afterwards. We have our tap dancing masterclass today and really I should have filled up on protein but holidays are no place for guilt. I do buy some fruit salad to have for my lunch though.
Our masterclass with Miss Rusty Frank is about 4 hours or so and I am wearing new taps on my shoes which turns out to be a hindrance as the floor is super slippery and I am very hesitant to go nuts. I don't think it really mattered in the end as I couldn't keep up anyway. It was very difficult or rather tricky and while I know I would be able to do the steps after some practice it just wasn't coming together for me today. Oh well, never mind! It was great taking part.
Afterwards we cabbed it back to The Strip to pick up our Cirque De Soleil "Viva Elvis" tickets at Aria and then it was home to quickly shower, try to eat and get back there on time for the show. We grabbed some food and ate without taking a breath.
Tonight I wear the blue dress. It has a ribbon that goes around me under the bust but it looks awful so I put it in my hair because that hasn't gone right either. In the end I look suitably glamorous and head out the door. We arrive at the theatre just in the nick of time and it turns out I am sitting next to some mini kittens and parents with Miss Catherine in front of me. I finally take a breath and relax.
The show is fabulous but I must say a little lacking in the acrobatics department. It is more dancing which is truly wonderful and the duet for Suspicion Minds has us in a romantic swoon, but we are at a circus so I am expecting more somersaults. There was an absolutely fantastic scene with 5 or so performers dressed as superheroes jumping on trampolines and up and down walls. That was truly a highlight!
After the show we go to the Gold Lounge where we are given diva seating. We were given a bunch of 2 for 1 drinks passes on the way in so we were set for the night with cheap drinks. Otherwise some serious dollars would have been spent. The cameras are clicking furiously and we enjoy pretending to be "somebody". A couple of hours go by and tiredness is making itself known. Mr Shane has passed out simply due to insomnia but of course it is mistaken for drunkenness and he is asked to leave. Time for bed.
Another ritzy night of entertainment and frivolity has been had.
Monday, December 20, 2010
Sunday, December 19, 2010
Monday
Today I am checking out of the Imperial Palace and moving next door to The Flamingo, our official hotel. My bags are packed and it is with pleasure I close the door to my room and head downstairs to reception. I leave my bags with the Bell Desk because it is too early to check in at Flamingo and I want to get breakfast before meeting the kittens for our Jubilee backstage tour at Ballys.
Off I trot to Jean Phillippe at my second home, The Bellagio. Have you noticed I like saying that? The Bellagio! I'm sure I will see George Clooney any day now. The patisserie is very busy so I have plenty of time to decide on a pastry.
Back across the road to Ballys where we gather at the Jubilee Theatre entrance to have a class photo. Paula, a long term showgirl is our tour guide. She is an All-American girl (her own words) who always wanted to dance and now she is doing it without her top on! In a classy way! She shows us how to walk sideways without our breasts shaking and I know that everyone will be practicing when they get home. Then we learn how to walk down stairs without looking down - trade secret. She is lovely and full of information but can't help adding a little dig at some of the girls for various reasons. A few of us raise our eyebrows as it doesn't seem quite appropriate, nevertheless we do love a bit of gossip. Even though we aren't allowed to take photos Paula let's us get in some sneaky ones of the headdresses which are A-mazing! She then gives us a make up demonstration and the few boys in our group are transfixed and taking copious notes.
I am having great trouble with the exposure on my camera and I am constantly doing test pics to see if the light is right. Lots of my indoor pics are yellow and my outside ones are blurred because there is a ridiculous amount of neon light. It's annoying and the lens cover also is somehow damaged as it doesn't open and close properly. Oh dear!
After the tour I feel the need to escape with the onset of PMS. Moodiness is taking over so it's best I disappear for a couple of hours. All the ladies go to the MAC store to purchase the Russian Red lipstick that Paula demonstrated with but I am happy with my Boots No. 7 Moulin Rouge so am not bothered. I also have to go and check in at The Flamingo so it's back to the Imperial to collect my bags and make the move.
Oh my goodness will I ever get used to this smoky coconut smell? No! My room is quite nice and I even have a coffee table and lounge along with a writing desk. I settle in and chill out for a little while. I unpack my suitcase and make use of the drawers. I will be here for a week.
Time is ticking by and I must glam up for the Jubilee Show. We have terrific seats as it's only a small venue and we anxiously await Paula's entrance. We are expecting a modest show because their tops will be staying on but we Ooh and Oh when it is clear that it is to be a topless performance. The costumes are so incredibly fabulous that they are the centre of attention but I watch the ladies do their sidewalking with a knowledgable eye checking for incorrect movement. Paula told us that all the ladies are natural and this is pleasing to us all. We are also on the lookout for the ones that may be too skinny as they will be told to fatten up!!! Imagine! The men definitely take a backseat in this show and honestly they are a bit disappointing. Their efforts seem a bit lacking. As Paula descends the giant staircase in the finale we evaluate her technique and it is perfect. She really stands out as being the professional principal that she is.
After the show everyone disperses as we have a big day ahead of us tomorrow and hangovers will not be a good idea. It has been a wonderful night.
Off I trot to Jean Phillippe at my second home, The Bellagio. Have you noticed I like saying that? The Bellagio! I'm sure I will see George Clooney any day now. The patisserie is very busy so I have plenty of time to decide on a pastry.
Back across the road to Ballys where we gather at the Jubilee Theatre entrance to have a class photo. Paula, a long term showgirl is our tour guide. She is an All-American girl (her own words) who always wanted to dance and now she is doing it without her top on! In a classy way! She shows us how to walk sideways without our breasts shaking and I know that everyone will be practicing when they get home. Then we learn how to walk down stairs without looking down - trade secret. She is lovely and full of information but can't help adding a little dig at some of the girls for various reasons. A few of us raise our eyebrows as it doesn't seem quite appropriate, nevertheless we do love a bit of gossip. Even though we aren't allowed to take photos Paula let's us get in some sneaky ones of the headdresses which are A-mazing! She then gives us a make up demonstration and the few boys in our group are transfixed and taking copious notes.
I am having great trouble with the exposure on my camera and I am constantly doing test pics to see if the light is right. Lots of my indoor pics are yellow and my outside ones are blurred because there is a ridiculous amount of neon light. It's annoying and the lens cover also is somehow damaged as it doesn't open and close properly. Oh dear!
After the tour I feel the need to escape with the onset of PMS. Moodiness is taking over so it's best I disappear for a couple of hours. All the ladies go to the MAC store to purchase the Russian Red lipstick that Paula demonstrated with but I am happy with my Boots No. 7 Moulin Rouge so am not bothered. I also have to go and check in at The Flamingo so it's back to the Imperial to collect my bags and make the move.
Oh my goodness will I ever get used to this smoky coconut smell? No! My room is quite nice and I even have a coffee table and lounge along with a writing desk. I settle in and chill out for a little while. I unpack my suitcase and make use of the drawers. I will be here for a week.
Time is ticking by and I must glam up for the Jubilee Show. We have terrific seats as it's only a small venue and we anxiously await Paula's entrance. We are expecting a modest show because their tops will be staying on but we Ooh and Oh when it is clear that it is to be a topless performance. The costumes are so incredibly fabulous that they are the centre of attention but I watch the ladies do their sidewalking with a knowledgable eye checking for incorrect movement. Paula told us that all the ladies are natural and this is pleasing to us all. We are also on the lookout for the ones that may be too skinny as they will be told to fatten up!!! Imagine! The men definitely take a backseat in this show and honestly they are a bit disappointing. Their efforts seem a bit lacking. As Paula descends the giant staircase in the finale we evaluate her technique and it is perfect. She really stands out as being the professional principal that she is.
After the show everyone disperses as we have a big day ahead of us tomorrow and hangovers will not be a good idea. It has been a wonderful night.
Saturday, December 18, 2010
Sunday
A little sleep in is required, then I meet Miss Catherine and we head to Cafe Bellagio for breakfast. I am looking forward to my lobster omelette and rightly so, it is delicious. The waitress has a small freak out when I ask for a mix of orange and pineapple juice but when I change my mind and agree with Catherine about adding apple juice she almost has a meltdown. We are suitably stuffed and have a little wander around the hotel and discover Jean Phillippe Patisserie which has divine cakes and mountains of pastries. It also has a chocolate fountain dribbling white, milk and dark chocolate. Have a look at the photos if you can. We will be back for afternoon tea.
Miss C convinces me to go to Cirque De Soleil's "O" with her so I convince her to come to Barry Manilow. I hadn't planned on "O" but the tickets are 25% off (still well over $100) and it's the last show for the year. What the hell, can't see it anywhere else in the world!! I get very excited. We then go across the road to Bally to purchase our Jubilee tickets with a 2 for 1 coupon. Excitement is growing as we head next door to Paris to pick up Barry tickets for his last show of the year. I am getting a bit giddy with glee as I tuck my tickets safely in my bag and hold tight.
We are going to the Miracle Mile shops at Planet Hollywood which is a mix of labels and cheaper stores. I need to buy a t shirt because the weather is unseasonably warm and I only have long sleeved ones with me. I get a couple from H & M for $6 each. Bargain!
It's time for afternoon tea so it's back to the Bellagio and Jean Phillippe where we get $5 lattes and a cake to share. It isn't really a surprise that the coffee is average but the cake is so yummy! We need to get cracking as we have to meet other kittens in the Garden Bar at The Flamingo at 6pm prior to Barry. Along the way we run into Miss Deb (Not Maybe Miss Debby). It's always amazing when you run into someone you know in a strange place. We locate the Garden Bar, head to our rooms to shower and glam up.
As we gather in the bar it's kind of weird as I know faces but not the people. I feel awkward but I know that will pass so I just keep sipping my vodka. Off we go to Barry Manilow and I am very happy with my seat even though Miss Jane and crew have incredible seats very close. I love the show and there are lots of old home movies with Barry as a child and then he screens a clip of him singing Mandy and he duets with himself. It was lovely. He moves a bit like he has had a hip replacement but it's his voice and the songs we know so well that are so enjoyable.
We have about an hour before we see "O" so we slowly wander across the road. Of course it is very busy so it's not long before we need to be seated. The show is absolutely superb and I am constantly awestruck. There is so much happening all over the stage it's impossible to see it all. I marvel at the discipline and talent of the performers and don't want them to stop.
It has been a wonderful and magical night of entertainment and I am much happier now that I have someone to talk to and joke with.
Miss C convinces me to go to Cirque De Soleil's "O" with her so I convince her to come to Barry Manilow. I hadn't planned on "O" but the tickets are 25% off (still well over $100) and it's the last show for the year. What the hell, can't see it anywhere else in the world!! I get very excited. We then go across the road to Bally to purchase our Jubilee tickets with a 2 for 1 coupon. Excitement is growing as we head next door to Paris to pick up Barry tickets for his last show of the year. I am getting a bit giddy with glee as I tuck my tickets safely in my bag and hold tight.
We are going to the Miracle Mile shops at Planet Hollywood which is a mix of labels and cheaper stores. I need to buy a t shirt because the weather is unseasonably warm and I only have long sleeved ones with me. I get a couple from H & M for $6 each. Bargain!
It's time for afternoon tea so it's back to the Bellagio and Jean Phillippe where we get $5 lattes and a cake to share. It isn't really a surprise that the coffee is average but the cake is so yummy! We need to get cracking as we have to meet other kittens in the Garden Bar at The Flamingo at 6pm prior to Barry. Along the way we run into Miss Deb (Not Maybe Miss Debby). It's always amazing when you run into someone you know in a strange place. We locate the Garden Bar, head to our rooms to shower and glam up.
As we gather in the bar it's kind of weird as I know faces but not the people. I feel awkward but I know that will pass so I just keep sipping my vodka. Off we go to Barry Manilow and I am very happy with my seat even though Miss Jane and crew have incredible seats very close. I love the show and there are lots of old home movies with Barry as a child and then he screens a clip of him singing Mandy and he duets with himself. It was lovely. He moves a bit like he has had a hip replacement but it's his voice and the songs we know so well that are so enjoyable.
We have about an hour before we see "O" so we slowly wander across the road. Of course it is very busy so it's not long before we need to be seated. The show is absolutely superb and I am constantly awestruck. There is so much happening all over the stage it's impossible to see it all. I marvel at the discipline and talent of the performers and don't want them to stop.
It has been a wonderful and magical night of entertainment and I am much happier now that I have someone to talk to and joke with.
Thursday, December 16, 2010
Saturday
I am up early and ready to change rooms first thing so I can have, hopefully, a hot shower. I pack and go down to reception and wouldn't you know it - my room is not ready. But she said!!!!! I was calm and did not get angry but my disappointment was purposefully visible. Back to my room, to my lukewarm shower, to my blocked drain and my bad mood. I knew I should have rung first but I didn't and that's that.
Today I will explore more and head to the Forum Shops at Caesar's Palace which is full of expensive shops selling lots of glitzy stuff. I stop at the Atlantis Monument and wait for the show. Oh dear, it is quite dreadful. The sound quality is poor so I can't understand the story but I do know that sister (water) and brother (fire) are arguing with their dad over who is the best suited to take over the throne. I don't think either of them won and that's how the fall of Atlantis came about. You may want to google that if you are interested in the actual facts.
I'm not going to spend any money here so I head to the discount ticket booth and get tickets for the Bodies Exhibition and Titanic, both of which are/were here in Melbourne and I didn't get around to seeing. I have to trek all the way down the Strip to the other end where the Luxor Hotel is holding these exhibitions.
Let me just explain to you how this 5 minute trek, as the crow flies, can take 40 minutes. There are limited pedestrian crossings even though there are plenty of traffic lights. There are a number of overpasses that you have to use and all lead into the next casino. This means you go in and out of casinos constantly whether you like it or not. It is very frustrating. People meander here and most of the footpaths are not very wide so if you get 2 0r 3 people walking side by side you are stuck. As much as I try to slow down I just can't. Even at my slowest I am still paces ahead of my friends. Gladly I would find that I was not alone in having these difficulties.
Anyway, first I go into The Flamingo and try to leave a message for Miss Catherine who I am meeting with tonight to go to The Bellagio. She is driving and will arrive late afternoon but can't contact me as I have no phone. It's too busy and I am too impatient to wait. I will just make sure I get back around 5pm.
I am feeling a bit lonely and out of sorts, i.e. moody but I soldier on.
Choosing the Titanic Exhibition first I take my time and I am glad it isn't overly busy. I don't need another frustration, particularly one of crowds. As expected it is very interesting and sad. The passenger card I was given upon entry was of a woman who survived, as did her baby and husband.
I take a break and go to Starbucks for a coffee and piece of cake. So very sub standard. Then it's back up stairs to the Bodies Exhibition which is longer and a bit busier. Along the way there is a mother with her children, one of which is a boy of about 12. She has a very loud voice and is always calling for Simon to come here and telling him everything she knows about this particular part of the body. Simon is well behaved and I haven't heard a peep from him but his mother speaks to him as if he is a delinquent. I am offended for him and want to punch her in the face! Then I come across 5 women who are gathered around an exhibits of the intestine or something along those lines. They are discussing and comparing the ins and outs of their operations. The whole room can hear them so it's not just me that wants to smack them down like dominoes alongside Simon's mother who I cannot seem to get away from. The exhibition is interesting but I get a bit bored with it and rush through the last sections. I will never remember any of this information, there is so much to read.
I make my way back to The Flamingo to try again leaving a message for Miss Catherine. On my way in I spot 2 kittens at the bar so I stop and say hello. I quickly leave a message for Miss Catherine explaining I don't know my room number as I am about to change, then go back and have a drink with Miss Louise and Miss Kath. I am so glad to see someone I know I can't stop talking. I limit myself to 1 drink and head back to my hotel to move into my new room. There is a message already for me and I arrange to meet everyone back at the same bar we were just at after a much needed (hot) shower.
Bingo! The shower is hot but the drain is worse so I am standing in my shower water which is filling fast. Just lovely. The air vent doesn't make a mighty noise like the last room so that is something.
All dressed up with somewhere to go I soon meet the girls, then Miss C and I go off to The Bellagio as planned. I have come across Cafe Bellagio when doing my research and find it has very reasonable prices so we go there. There is a rather large queue but the place is only half full and we wonder if this is a ploy to create interest. We are seated and I order a champagne whilst perusing the delightful menu with many options and yes the prices are great. We immediately decide to come back for breakfast the next day and have made our food selection. But back to dinner. The meal is very nice and I eat some vegies. Miss C and I are getting along great and I have relaxed after my tense first days. The conseravatory is re-decorated for Christmas so there are lots of families (prams) and tourists who you would think had never seen a Christmas decoration before.
After dinner we head to the slot machines so we can score some free drinks. We find the 1 cent machines and put in $1. Our waitress brings us drinks that are pretty weak but who cares. We watch the roulette for a short while and soon call it a night. I stop in at Ghiradelli to pick up a hot chocolate and a brownie to take back to my room and blow me down I can't eat it all. So delish!!!!
Today I will explore more and head to the Forum Shops at Caesar's Palace which is full of expensive shops selling lots of glitzy stuff. I stop at the Atlantis Monument and wait for the show. Oh dear, it is quite dreadful. The sound quality is poor so I can't understand the story but I do know that sister (water) and brother (fire) are arguing with their dad over who is the best suited to take over the throne. I don't think either of them won and that's how the fall of Atlantis came about. You may want to google that if you are interested in the actual facts.
I'm not going to spend any money here so I head to the discount ticket booth and get tickets for the Bodies Exhibition and Titanic, both of which are/were here in Melbourne and I didn't get around to seeing. I have to trek all the way down the Strip to the other end where the Luxor Hotel is holding these exhibitions.
Let me just explain to you how this 5 minute trek, as the crow flies, can take 40 minutes. There are limited pedestrian crossings even though there are plenty of traffic lights. There are a number of overpasses that you have to use and all lead into the next casino. This means you go in and out of casinos constantly whether you like it or not. It is very frustrating. People meander here and most of the footpaths are not very wide so if you get 2 0r 3 people walking side by side you are stuck. As much as I try to slow down I just can't. Even at my slowest I am still paces ahead of my friends. Gladly I would find that I was not alone in having these difficulties.
Anyway, first I go into The Flamingo and try to leave a message for Miss Catherine who I am meeting with tonight to go to The Bellagio. She is driving and will arrive late afternoon but can't contact me as I have no phone. It's too busy and I am too impatient to wait. I will just make sure I get back around 5pm.
I am feeling a bit lonely and out of sorts, i.e. moody but I soldier on.
Choosing the Titanic Exhibition first I take my time and I am glad it isn't overly busy. I don't need another frustration, particularly one of crowds. As expected it is very interesting and sad. The passenger card I was given upon entry was of a woman who survived, as did her baby and husband.
I take a break and go to Starbucks for a coffee and piece of cake. So very sub standard. Then it's back up stairs to the Bodies Exhibition which is longer and a bit busier. Along the way there is a mother with her children, one of which is a boy of about 12. She has a very loud voice and is always calling for Simon to come here and telling him everything she knows about this particular part of the body. Simon is well behaved and I haven't heard a peep from him but his mother speaks to him as if he is a delinquent. I am offended for him and want to punch her in the face! Then I come across 5 women who are gathered around an exhibits of the intestine or something along those lines. They are discussing and comparing the ins and outs of their operations. The whole room can hear them so it's not just me that wants to smack them down like dominoes alongside Simon's mother who I cannot seem to get away from. The exhibition is interesting but I get a bit bored with it and rush through the last sections. I will never remember any of this information, there is so much to read.
I make my way back to The Flamingo to try again leaving a message for Miss Catherine. On my way in I spot 2 kittens at the bar so I stop and say hello. I quickly leave a message for Miss Catherine explaining I don't know my room number as I am about to change, then go back and have a drink with Miss Louise and Miss Kath. I am so glad to see someone I know I can't stop talking. I limit myself to 1 drink and head back to my hotel to move into my new room. There is a message already for me and I arrange to meet everyone back at the same bar we were just at after a much needed (hot) shower.
Bingo! The shower is hot but the drain is worse so I am standing in my shower water which is filling fast. Just lovely. The air vent doesn't make a mighty noise like the last room so that is something.
All dressed up with somewhere to go I soon meet the girls, then Miss C and I go off to The Bellagio as planned. I have come across Cafe Bellagio when doing my research and find it has very reasonable prices so we go there. There is a rather large queue but the place is only half full and we wonder if this is a ploy to create interest. We are seated and I order a champagne whilst perusing the delightful menu with many options and yes the prices are great. We immediately decide to come back for breakfast the next day and have made our food selection. But back to dinner. The meal is very nice and I eat some vegies. Miss C and I are getting along great and I have relaxed after my tense first days. The conseravatory is re-decorated for Christmas so there are lots of families (prams) and tourists who you would think had never seen a Christmas decoration before.
After dinner we head to the slot machines so we can score some free drinks. We find the 1 cent machines and put in $1. Our waitress brings us drinks that are pretty weak but who cares. We watch the roulette for a short while and soon call it a night. I stop in at Ghiradelli to pick up a hot chocolate and a brownie to take back to my room and blow me down I can't eat it all. So delish!!!!
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
Friday - Day 2
Oh my god, it's 6am and I am up getting dressed for the grand tour of the Grand Canyon. I only arrived yesterday didn't I?
I am hoping upon hoping that Betty's Diner is open as I can't go far without food. Yay it's open! Juice, tea, fruit and a croissant for old time's sake! I have checked where the tour bus will pick me up but I am not feeling confident with what I have been told. I go up the escalator to go down on a different one but end up in a different place. The automatic doors don't open so I push and pull and nothing happens. Uh oh! I make my way back through the only way I know for sure and go around the building. I check AGAIN with the valet where I should be and he points and says "see those orange poles?" "the yellow ones?" I say. He says "yes". I don't quite believe him as I am waiting and begin to get (more) nervous. My mind comes up with all the scenarios of what is going to happen if I don't get picked up and as I am beside myself with anxiety a bus pulls up and Sean jumps out and says "you must be Tracey, I was waiting for you down there". "Oh yes I am and I am so happy to see you. I knew I was in the wrong place." etc etc! I didn't go on about it and bother him as there was no point, he was here now and I am on my way to the Grand Canyon. So relieved.
We picked up a Venezualan couple and then a Quebecoisian? couple so with just 5 of us it was like a private tour, so good! We stopped off at the Vegas sign for a photo and then started on our journey. Off we go to the Mojave Desert! We drive through the Black Canyon past Lake Mead and Sean points out the water line on the cliff face. It doesn't really rain in Nevada so the water is evaporating very very quickly. You can see from my photos how much in the last few years alone how much the level has gone down. On to Boulder City where we make a pit stop to pick up snacks and Sean gets some bottled water for us all. I had to buy a pen as mine stopped working in the car and I needed to take notes for my journal. On the road again I was the only one asking questions and talking (what a surprise!) and I thought, oh dear, it might be a long day.
Our first official stop is Hoover Dam and as we get off the bus I spy a real live desert cactus. As we are walking up to the new bypass to get a view of the dam I see lots of mini rock pyramids that are clearly man made. I ask Sean what it is all about and he says tourists started doing that but he doesn't quite know why. I make my contribution and continue on my way. We only have a very short amount of time for photos so I walk quickly and go way past the point where I should have but I'm okay with that as I know I will catch up when it's time to return. The dam is staggering to see and once again you can see the water line on the rocks. I get my photos and run back to my group.
As we leave the dam in Nevada we drive into Arizona and past the volcano with no name. Sean doesn't know the answer so I call it Sean's Volcano. He likes that. As we pass through the Serabat Mountains some road workers are spraying the rocks in the middle of the road green. It looks very strange out here in the desert and I wonder what the purpose of it is. We turn off the highway and head into Dolan Springs, gateway to the West Rim. (I made that up but it's true geographically) Ah, trailer park life in the desert. Unfortunately these people are very poor so their choices for everything are limited. I see the ultimate trailer park porch complete with deck chairs, umbrella and various paraphenalia and take a mental note to get a photo on the way back. (I didn't spot it on the way back, damn, it would have been the perfect photo)
Sean tells us to keep an eye out for native animals and soon enough we see something ahead but they are just cows. We pass more and more cows and then Sean spies some wild horses so takes a sharp turn to get a closer look. As if the horses were actors, right on cue one of them mounts another and gives us a show. I clicked my camera just as it happened. Quite funny it was! We drive through the Joshua Tree forest which goes for miles and miles. We enter the Hualapai Tribal area as we get closer to the canyon. These are the native Indians who own the land. Sean puts the radio on and I am blasted with AC/DC, my most hated band, and then Barnsey comes on. I am in hell! All I need now is Nickelback and I will be on fire in hell.
Finally we arrive at the first meeting point and I am packed off to my helicopter ride. The others are not joining me so they go to Eagle Point and I will meet them later. This makes me nervous as I don't want to be left behind or miss them but of course it's okay.
I am excited as I make my way over to join the group for the helicopter. It's a group of 5 Japanese who don't speak English. Oh what fun this will be.....I get placed in the front seat, oh yeah, oh yeah!!!! I have been in helicopters before so that isn't the thrill, the location is. We take off and over we go down the canyon. It is breathtaking, as you would expect, and I have a grin from ear to ear. We are only flying down to the riverside but I don't care, it is wonderful. Soon we make our way down to the pontoon where our boat collects us. One of the Japanese keeps pushing his camera to me getting me to take his photo. Of course I never take the picture he wants and he gets me to take it again and again. This happens throughout the trip and I want to shove the camera back in his face and tell him to ask his friends who can under-fucking-stand him!!!! He is like some sort of official as he stands with his hands clasped in front of him or straightening his tie. And he wants me in the photo! Do you mind? Anyway, we have a short ride down the Colorado River and it is just beautiful and so peaceful. The driver tries to get everyone to be quiet so he can give us some information but I am the only one listening so I tell him it's all for me! Then he offers to take our photos which is great but of course it is for tips.
Back onto land and whilst we are waiting for our helicopter I spy some chipmunks so I get some photos. They are so cute and very cheeky. Back in the hot seat we take a different route back to the meeting point. The Japanese group hold us up just as they have the whole time by dawdling and the guides are annoyed just like me. Now I have to take the shuttle bus to Guano Point and meet up with my group......which I do. I have a wander around and get some more photos. We have a hot lunch made by the locals. It is chicken and beef, I think, with corn, potato and beans and then a brownie for dessert. It's time to head off and we make our way back through Dolan Springs. We make a short stop at the chocolate factory which is also home to the "world's best honey". Just repeating what their sign said!!!! You can see from my photos that this quote may be a stretch of the imagination.
On the way home I just had to lay down and take a nap. We arrived back at the Strip around 4pm so I had plenty of time to do something else. I am looking forward to a hot shower and am crossing fingers that mine is fixed. It isn't. I get organised to go out exploring and then go down to reception to complain again. This time I accept another room and am told it will be ready for me in the morning. I promised my Mum I would send a text to let her know I arrived and was okay but my phone isn't working so I get on the internet. It costs 35 cents per minute with a $5 minimum. I don't get much done.
I go wandering again and visit The Venetian where the ceiling is painted as the sky so it looks like you are outside in the day time. There is a river running through the shops complete with gondolas for those wanting to take a ride. The Mirage volcano is in mid show and I get one photo. Big deal! I head over to the Fashion Mall but it is closing so I go to the food court and get something to eat and jump on the internet. It costs 25 cents per minute with a $1 minimum so I send my sister a message to pass on to Mum etc. I then email Vodafone to sort out my phone problem but my request does not send properly and I get nothing done. It's 9pm and I head back to the hotel, back through the smoky casino, up to my room and into my giant bed. I am grumpy.
I am hoping upon hoping that Betty's Diner is open as I can't go far without food. Yay it's open! Juice, tea, fruit and a croissant for old time's sake! I have checked where the tour bus will pick me up but I am not feeling confident with what I have been told. I go up the escalator to go down on a different one but end up in a different place. The automatic doors don't open so I push and pull and nothing happens. Uh oh! I make my way back through the only way I know for sure and go around the building. I check AGAIN with the valet where I should be and he points and says "see those orange poles?" "the yellow ones?" I say. He says "yes". I don't quite believe him as I am waiting and begin to get (more) nervous. My mind comes up with all the scenarios of what is going to happen if I don't get picked up and as I am beside myself with anxiety a bus pulls up and Sean jumps out and says "you must be Tracey, I was waiting for you down there". "Oh yes I am and I am so happy to see you. I knew I was in the wrong place." etc etc! I didn't go on about it and bother him as there was no point, he was here now and I am on my way to the Grand Canyon. So relieved.
We picked up a Venezualan couple and then a Quebecoisian? couple so with just 5 of us it was like a private tour, so good! We stopped off at the Vegas sign for a photo and then started on our journey. Off we go to the Mojave Desert! We drive through the Black Canyon past Lake Mead and Sean points out the water line on the cliff face. It doesn't really rain in Nevada so the water is evaporating very very quickly. You can see from my photos how much in the last few years alone how much the level has gone down. On to Boulder City where we make a pit stop to pick up snacks and Sean gets some bottled water for us all. I had to buy a pen as mine stopped working in the car and I needed to take notes for my journal. On the road again I was the only one asking questions and talking (what a surprise!) and I thought, oh dear, it might be a long day.
Our first official stop is Hoover Dam and as we get off the bus I spy a real live desert cactus. As we are walking up to the new bypass to get a view of the dam I see lots of mini rock pyramids that are clearly man made. I ask Sean what it is all about and he says tourists started doing that but he doesn't quite know why. I make my contribution and continue on my way. We only have a very short amount of time for photos so I walk quickly and go way past the point where I should have but I'm okay with that as I know I will catch up when it's time to return. The dam is staggering to see and once again you can see the water line on the rocks. I get my photos and run back to my group.
As we leave the dam in Nevada we drive into Arizona and past the volcano with no name. Sean doesn't know the answer so I call it Sean's Volcano. He likes that. As we pass through the Serabat Mountains some road workers are spraying the rocks in the middle of the road green. It looks very strange out here in the desert and I wonder what the purpose of it is. We turn off the highway and head into Dolan Springs, gateway to the West Rim. (I made that up but it's true geographically) Ah, trailer park life in the desert. Unfortunately these people are very poor so their choices for everything are limited. I see the ultimate trailer park porch complete with deck chairs, umbrella and various paraphenalia and take a mental note to get a photo on the way back. (I didn't spot it on the way back, damn, it would have been the perfect photo)
Sean tells us to keep an eye out for native animals and soon enough we see something ahead but they are just cows. We pass more and more cows and then Sean spies some wild horses so takes a sharp turn to get a closer look. As if the horses were actors, right on cue one of them mounts another and gives us a show. I clicked my camera just as it happened. Quite funny it was! We drive through the Joshua Tree forest which goes for miles and miles. We enter the Hualapai Tribal area as we get closer to the canyon. These are the native Indians who own the land. Sean puts the radio on and I am blasted with AC/DC, my most hated band, and then Barnsey comes on. I am in hell! All I need now is Nickelback and I will be on fire in hell.
Finally we arrive at the first meeting point and I am packed off to my helicopter ride. The others are not joining me so they go to Eagle Point and I will meet them later. This makes me nervous as I don't want to be left behind or miss them but of course it's okay.
I am excited as I make my way over to join the group for the helicopter. It's a group of 5 Japanese who don't speak English. Oh what fun this will be.....I get placed in the front seat, oh yeah, oh yeah!!!! I have been in helicopters before so that isn't the thrill, the location is. We take off and over we go down the canyon. It is breathtaking, as you would expect, and I have a grin from ear to ear. We are only flying down to the riverside but I don't care, it is wonderful. Soon we make our way down to the pontoon where our boat collects us. One of the Japanese keeps pushing his camera to me getting me to take his photo. Of course I never take the picture he wants and he gets me to take it again and again. This happens throughout the trip and I want to shove the camera back in his face and tell him to ask his friends who can under-fucking-stand him!!!! He is like some sort of official as he stands with his hands clasped in front of him or straightening his tie. And he wants me in the photo! Do you mind? Anyway, we have a short ride down the Colorado River and it is just beautiful and so peaceful. The driver tries to get everyone to be quiet so he can give us some information but I am the only one listening so I tell him it's all for me! Then he offers to take our photos which is great but of course it is for tips.
Back onto land and whilst we are waiting for our helicopter I spy some chipmunks so I get some photos. They are so cute and very cheeky. Back in the hot seat we take a different route back to the meeting point. The Japanese group hold us up just as they have the whole time by dawdling and the guides are annoyed just like me. Now I have to take the shuttle bus to Guano Point and meet up with my group......which I do. I have a wander around and get some more photos. We have a hot lunch made by the locals. It is chicken and beef, I think, with corn, potato and beans and then a brownie for dessert. It's time to head off and we make our way back through Dolan Springs. We make a short stop at the chocolate factory which is also home to the "world's best honey". Just repeating what their sign said!!!! You can see from my photos that this quote may be a stretch of the imagination.
On the way home I just had to lay down and take a nap. We arrived back at the Strip around 4pm so I had plenty of time to do something else. I am looking forward to a hot shower and am crossing fingers that mine is fixed. It isn't. I get organised to go out exploring and then go down to reception to complain again. This time I accept another room and am told it will be ready for me in the morning. I promised my Mum I would send a text to let her know I arrived and was okay but my phone isn't working so I get on the internet. It costs 35 cents per minute with a $5 minimum. I don't get much done.
I go wandering again and visit The Venetian where the ceiling is painted as the sky so it looks like you are outside in the day time. There is a river running through the shops complete with gondolas for those wanting to take a ride. The Mirage volcano is in mid show and I get one photo. Big deal! I head over to the Fashion Mall but it is closing so I go to the food court and get something to eat and jump on the internet. It costs 25 cents per minute with a $1 minimum so I send my sister a message to pass on to Mum etc. I then email Vodafone to sort out my phone problem but my request does not send properly and I get nothing done. It's 9pm and I head back to the hotel, back through the smoky casino, up to my room and into my giant bed. I am grumpy.
Kittens In Las Vegas - Day 1
After a successful 10 year anniversary excursion for Glamour Puss Studios in 2007 it was decided that another trip simply must be taken. For those not in the know, Glamour Puss is where I tap dance. I didn't attend the last excursion but decided early this year that I would this one so here we go!
I get the chance to start my Vegas journal when I am sitting in Starbucks at LAX after 14 hours in the air, most of which were night time, i.e. spent in the dark. Let me take you back to the start of my day.....
Thursday, 9am and it's raining. It's not heavy but it is a nuisance as I am about to catch the tram to Southern Cross Station. People freak out when it rains, naturally, as they don't want to get wet and it tends to make everyone late for work or whereever they are going. Thus my tram is very busy and my suitcase falls over as I try to take my umbrella down. A man helps me, what a rare nicety. I have been out of the house 5 minutes and I am sweating with frustration and the heat on the tram. Just because it is raining it does not mean it is cold!!!!
My snail tram drops me off and oh my god!!!! The queue for the Skybus is enormous! Where is everyone going all at once? I think I will never get on the next bus and will have to wait. Thankfully I do get on and I even get a seat.
Check in was fast so I wonder if the plane will be full as I would like to be upgraded. Who wouldn't? I am on my best behaviour. Ready to board I spy Miss Debby who is our Glamour Kitten of the Year but I don't know her and I'm not 100% certain it is her because she is not wearing false eyelashes and fishnets. I make a plan to hunt her down on the plane.
The plane is sweltering and the flight attendant tells me it will cool down once we are in the air but until then this is the hottest part of the plane. We chit chat and make some jokes and I think now is a good time to ask if the plane is full with the subtext of upgrade. He tells me yes it is and Qantas flights to and from LA are always full. Hmpf!
Ready for my movie marathon, choices that I made at home online, I start with Summer Coda with Alex Dimitriades. It is pretty ordinary unfortunately. Next up is The Tree with Charlotte Gainsbourg. More of the same ordinary.
Wait, there is Maybe Miss Debby! Up ahead talking to someone! I wait a bit and then make my move but the lights have been dimmed and most people are asleep so I can't tell who is who. I stop at the galley and ask the flighty to help me but of course I am restricted by privacy laws. I give my name and Debby's to her and she will see if I am right. I don't know how to spell Debby's last name (it's Dutch) so I don't know how I will go. Oh well, might as well get a bottle of champagne whilst I am here.
My next movie is Made In Dagenham and it is good for a mood change but still not engrossing. Straight after that I watch I'm Still Here, the doco on Joaquin Phoenix. It's interesting but what an idiot, even if it is a fake. I have to stop halfway through and have a nap for an hour or so. I'm not counting on sleeping much as I get too restless and fidgety. I get up and do some stretches which I am vigilant about. My coccyx is hurting so I watch the movie standing up behind my seat as I am in the last row. I picked my seat online and it was a very good choice.
Time for a cup of tea and I am in need of chocolate. I saw some people get a stash of Lindt before so I know there is some on board. My hostie investigator tells me my friend is not in Economy but she will check with the other sections. I ask the hostie making my tea if they have any chocolate and he says a flat out "no". I said "what about some biscuits?" and he said "no". I said "really?" he said "why don't you pinch them from the guy next to you". I'm not doing that I told him and he opened a drawer and gave me a small packet. What a jerk!
I select the film The Kids Are Alright and it's just alright. Everyone around me is watching Eat, Pray, Love; Knight and Day; The Other Guys and Toy Story 3. So common! I can't be bothered with any more films now and I pretend to myself that I can sleep the final 2 hours and put on some music instead. It works a little bit.
Arriving at LAX and going through another 500 checkpoints is tedious. I am searched for explosives and they miss my head. Fools! As I am exiting there are staff that ask me about my connecting flight.
"What time is your flight?"
"I, what?" (I heard him say why did you miss your flight)
"Um, 10.30 or something"
"I take your bag"
"Oh, um, no, why?"
Then I remembered I was told that they would do this to forward it to my next flight. Phew! He then tells me to go outside, turn right and go to Gate 7. There is no one around in the biggest airport in the world and it makes me nervous. Gate 7 is miles away (it's only 1 km). Back inside I check in again and when I am close to my departure gate I spot Maybe Miss Debby heading straight for me. I stop her and she looks at me warily but soon we are laughing, spraying perfume and checking alcohol prices in the duty free shop. She tells me she was upgraded and my lip curls. And she got Lindt chocolate! Back at the gate I meet Miss Linda and Miss Judy and it turns out we are sitting together on the plane. Our itineraries tell us the flight will be 1 hour and 10 mins or 1 hour and 20 mins, depending on whose itinerary you look at. The pilot tells us 45 mins and we decide to believe him. The flight is also 50 mins later than we have been told.
I see my suitcase as we get off the plane and I am thrilled. The first thing you see upon entering the airport are the slot machines and a Welcome To Vegas sign. Soon we are on the shuttle to our hotels and we swap phone numbers but my phone has no reception so it proves useless.
The first thing you see upon entering a hotel is the casino! The stench of cigarette and cigar smoke is overwhelming and downright foul. I am all checked in at the Imperial Palace and make my way to my room which has a lovely view of the carpark. I desperately want to sleep but am so hungry I won't be able to. I look through the guest services book which falls apart in my hands and think that half the information is missing. The hotel map is so small it is unreadable. I find a cafe in the hotel called Hash House A Go Go and order a salad. It can't be too big and will be just what I need. It is enormous and I am offered some strawberry jam - fresh! - for my biscuit (scone) I don't want dessert with my meal but thanks.
I am starting to ache with fatigue so I shuffle back to my room and climb into my giant bed and nap for an hour. I don't want to get up but I don't want to waste time sleeping unnecessarily. A hot shower is going to be wonder.......where's the hot water!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I push, pull and turn the handle but it doesn't getting any hotter than lukewarm. Washing my hair I start to shiver and the expletives are coming loud and fast. The bath is filling up as the drain is blocked. I grizzle and grumble getting dressed and make my way to reception. I ask if there is a trick to using the tap (one never knows) and she said she could move me to another room and the problem would go away! Well, yes but someone else will have the same problem! I opt for maintenance to check it out while I go exploring. No reason not to trust this.
Off I go wandering down The Strip just to get my bearings and look at things superficially for now. Everything is huge and everyone is walking around with drinks in giant plastic glasses or jugs. It's quite disgusting. I stop in at a tour shop and book my Grand Canyon tour for tomorrow. The guy refers me to a tour the same as the one I chose at home but for $80 less. I book it. Getting hungry again I stop at the Hard Rock Cafe and have a "small" burger and a mojito that is 95% sugar syrup and 5% alcohol. It is horrid and I get it topped with soda water but it is still horrid. My waitress has it taken off the bill as she knew I wasn't happy with it and she "wanted me to love it". I left her a large tip, so very unlike me.
I have to get home and go to bed as I am exhausted now. I wonder what to do about breakfast and I try to ring reception but they don't answer. I hope the hotel diner will be open early as I will be up at 6am for my tour.
Sleep!
I get the chance to start my Vegas journal when I am sitting in Starbucks at LAX after 14 hours in the air, most of which were night time, i.e. spent in the dark. Let me take you back to the start of my day.....
Thursday, 9am and it's raining. It's not heavy but it is a nuisance as I am about to catch the tram to Southern Cross Station. People freak out when it rains, naturally, as they don't want to get wet and it tends to make everyone late for work or whereever they are going. Thus my tram is very busy and my suitcase falls over as I try to take my umbrella down. A man helps me, what a rare nicety. I have been out of the house 5 minutes and I am sweating with frustration and the heat on the tram. Just because it is raining it does not mean it is cold!!!!
My snail tram drops me off and oh my god!!!! The queue for the Skybus is enormous! Where is everyone going all at once? I think I will never get on the next bus and will have to wait. Thankfully I do get on and I even get a seat.
Check in was fast so I wonder if the plane will be full as I would like to be upgraded. Who wouldn't? I am on my best behaviour. Ready to board I spy Miss Debby who is our Glamour Kitten of the Year but I don't know her and I'm not 100% certain it is her because she is not wearing false eyelashes and fishnets. I make a plan to hunt her down on the plane.
The plane is sweltering and the flight attendant tells me it will cool down once we are in the air but until then this is the hottest part of the plane. We chit chat and make some jokes and I think now is a good time to ask if the plane is full with the subtext of upgrade. He tells me yes it is and Qantas flights to and from LA are always full. Hmpf!
Ready for my movie marathon, choices that I made at home online, I start with Summer Coda with Alex Dimitriades. It is pretty ordinary unfortunately. Next up is The Tree with Charlotte Gainsbourg. More of the same ordinary.
Wait, there is Maybe Miss Debby! Up ahead talking to someone! I wait a bit and then make my move but the lights have been dimmed and most people are asleep so I can't tell who is who. I stop at the galley and ask the flighty to help me but of course I am restricted by privacy laws. I give my name and Debby's to her and she will see if I am right. I don't know how to spell Debby's last name (it's Dutch) so I don't know how I will go. Oh well, might as well get a bottle of champagne whilst I am here.
My next movie is Made In Dagenham and it is good for a mood change but still not engrossing. Straight after that I watch I'm Still Here, the doco on Joaquin Phoenix. It's interesting but what an idiot, even if it is a fake. I have to stop halfway through and have a nap for an hour or so. I'm not counting on sleeping much as I get too restless and fidgety. I get up and do some stretches which I am vigilant about. My coccyx is hurting so I watch the movie standing up behind my seat as I am in the last row. I picked my seat online and it was a very good choice.
Time for a cup of tea and I am in need of chocolate. I saw some people get a stash of Lindt before so I know there is some on board. My hostie investigator tells me my friend is not in Economy but she will check with the other sections. I ask the hostie making my tea if they have any chocolate and he says a flat out "no". I said "what about some biscuits?" and he said "no". I said "really?" he said "why don't you pinch them from the guy next to you". I'm not doing that I told him and he opened a drawer and gave me a small packet. What a jerk!
I select the film The Kids Are Alright and it's just alright. Everyone around me is watching Eat, Pray, Love; Knight and Day; The Other Guys and Toy Story 3. So common! I can't be bothered with any more films now and I pretend to myself that I can sleep the final 2 hours and put on some music instead. It works a little bit.
Arriving at LAX and going through another 500 checkpoints is tedious. I am searched for explosives and they miss my head. Fools! As I am exiting there are staff that ask me about my connecting flight.
"What time is your flight?"
"I, what?" (I heard him say why did you miss your flight)
"Um, 10.30 or something"
"I take your bag"
"Oh, um, no, why?"
Then I remembered I was told that they would do this to forward it to my next flight. Phew! He then tells me to go outside, turn right and go to Gate 7. There is no one around in the biggest airport in the world and it makes me nervous. Gate 7 is miles away (it's only 1 km). Back inside I check in again and when I am close to my departure gate I spot Maybe Miss Debby heading straight for me. I stop her and she looks at me warily but soon we are laughing, spraying perfume and checking alcohol prices in the duty free shop. She tells me she was upgraded and my lip curls. And she got Lindt chocolate! Back at the gate I meet Miss Linda and Miss Judy and it turns out we are sitting together on the plane. Our itineraries tell us the flight will be 1 hour and 10 mins or 1 hour and 20 mins, depending on whose itinerary you look at. The pilot tells us 45 mins and we decide to believe him. The flight is also 50 mins later than we have been told.
I see my suitcase as we get off the plane and I am thrilled. The first thing you see upon entering the airport are the slot machines and a Welcome To Vegas sign. Soon we are on the shuttle to our hotels and we swap phone numbers but my phone has no reception so it proves useless.
The first thing you see upon entering a hotel is the casino! The stench of cigarette and cigar smoke is overwhelming and downright foul. I am all checked in at the Imperial Palace and make my way to my room which has a lovely view of the carpark. I desperately want to sleep but am so hungry I won't be able to. I look through the guest services book which falls apart in my hands and think that half the information is missing. The hotel map is so small it is unreadable. I find a cafe in the hotel called Hash House A Go Go and order a salad. It can't be too big and will be just what I need. It is enormous and I am offered some strawberry jam - fresh! - for my biscuit (scone) I don't want dessert with my meal but thanks.
I am starting to ache with fatigue so I shuffle back to my room and climb into my giant bed and nap for an hour. I don't want to get up but I don't want to waste time sleeping unnecessarily. A hot shower is going to be wonder.......where's the hot water!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I push, pull and turn the handle but it doesn't getting any hotter than lukewarm. Washing my hair I start to shiver and the expletives are coming loud and fast. The bath is filling up as the drain is blocked. I grizzle and grumble getting dressed and make my way to reception. I ask if there is a trick to using the tap (one never knows) and she said she could move me to another room and the problem would go away! Well, yes but someone else will have the same problem! I opt for maintenance to check it out while I go exploring. No reason not to trust this.
Off I go wandering down The Strip just to get my bearings and look at things superficially for now. Everything is huge and everyone is walking around with drinks in giant plastic glasses or jugs. It's quite disgusting. I stop in at a tour shop and book my Grand Canyon tour for tomorrow. The guy refers me to a tour the same as the one I chose at home but for $80 less. I book it. Getting hungry again I stop at the Hard Rock Cafe and have a "small" burger and a mojito that is 95% sugar syrup and 5% alcohol. It is horrid and I get it topped with soda water but it is still horrid. My waitress has it taken off the bill as she knew I wasn't happy with it and she "wanted me to love it". I left her a large tip, so very unlike me.
I have to get home and go to bed as I am exhausted now. I wonder what to do about breakfast and I try to ring reception but they don't answer. I hope the hotel diner will be open early as I will be up at 6am for my tour.
Sleep!
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Vegas In Numbers
Hopefully this will entice you to return over the next couple of days as I give you the finer details.
Days in Vegas: 11
Hotels stayed in: 2 but 3 rooms. Not for the reason you want!!!!
Shows attended: 6
Buffets eaten at: 3
Kilometres walked: too many
Casinos entered: approx 15
$$ spent on gambling: 4
$$ won on gambling: 0
Photos taken: 193 + deleted ones
Hangovers: 2
Days in Vegas: 11
Hotels stayed in: 2 but 3 rooms. Not for the reason you want!!!!
Shows attended: 6
Buffets eaten at: 3
Kilometres walked: too many
Casinos entered: approx 15
$$ spent on gambling: 4
$$ won on gambling: 0
Photos taken: 193 + deleted ones
Hangovers: 2
Movies watched in flight: 10
Bad coffees: several
$$ spent: classified but twice the amount I expectedSouvenirs purchased: 4
Dud purchases: 0
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