Perseverations: Thoughts on Vegas

Vegas Baby!

When we lived in San Diego we frequented Las Vegas (it was a 45 minute flight or a 5 hour scenic desert drive) and jumped at the chance to spend our anniversary there this year. It seems an odd place for us to enjoy as much as we do but it is truly one of the best getaways I can think of! It's as if you've stepped out of time into a place with the best collection of fabulous restaurants (over the years we've enjoyed 2 of Emeril's, several of Wolfgang Puck's, Bobby Flay's MESA Grill, Picasso's at the Belagio, and many others), shows (Cirque Du Soleil~10 different versions, Stomp, BlueMan Group, and an ever changing variety of concerts), and people watching like I've never experienced anywhere else in the world. We rarely spend more on gambling then we are comped ($50 or so when you check into your hotel or hear a timeshare presentation) and I hardly even think of it as a place to gamble (though I know for many that is the draw and even the problem with this intriguing place). I'd never want to live there but I do love to spend 72 hours in this alternate universe and thoroughly enjoy the total escape from reality!

Jameson loved Vegas! He followed patterns on the floors (rugs, tiles, etc) for miles each day and then passed out each night. This was our very first night there, he actually fell asleep while being pushed down the Strip~just couldn't take any more stimulation!

This picture was taken at the Secret Garden and Dolphin Habitat at the Mirage. They have amazing lions and tigers (we even got to see a litter of 5 tiger cubs that were only 18 wks old, some white with blue eyes and some yellow, all playing together with a trainer) and 2 giant pools with dolphins. Jameson loved it! http://www.mirage.com/attractions/secret-garden.aspx

We saw the Beatles Cirque show "LOVE" which is also at the Mirage~it was fabulous! If you've never seen a Cirque show before, that is an experience in itself but then add Beatles music with personal speakers in each seat, divine. http://www.mirage.com/entertainment/love.aspx

We ate at Carnevino, Mario Batali's new restaurant in the Palazzo which is attached to the Venetian. Best service we've had in a long time and wonderful food/atmosphere.

http://carnevino.com/

Palazzo and the Venetian are 2 of our favorite spots to explore...In the video on the right, that is actually a person!

Next, onto the Bellagio...

These pictures are from the Sculpture Gardens at the Bellagio which change seasonally. Jameson loved the trains that are part of the current show. We also went to the Richard McDonald Sculpture Gallery~it is amazing!

http://www.bellagio.com/amenities/richard-macdonald.aspx