Friday, May 30, 2008

...back from Vegas...

Overall, it was a really good trip. We threw ourselves 110% into being on vacation and came back a little sunburned, exhausted and not quite broke.

We stayed at the Luxor this time -- and I wouldn't really recommend it. The Luxor is the big black pyramid shaped hotel on the airport end of the strip. What could have been a really cool hotel turned out to be mostly a dimly-lit huge square hotel.... and completely predictable. Sure, inside there are places where you can see up to the top inside -- but, it isn't all that great. Walking inside is very disorienting and we spent the first couple of days just trying to figure out how to get to and from our room.

They also closed the large pool after Memorial day -- so what should have been nice, relaxing time without a huge crowd turned into squishing all of us around one pool and the sound of jackhammers as they worked on the other pool.... not exactly what I was looking for...

Tuesday afternoon I found the spa at THE Hotel.... dammm.... I'd move in there if I could. I got an expensive pedicure, but getting access to that amazing spa was totally worthwhile. No matter where we stay next time, I'm going back to that spa -- for the day.

Tuesday night we went to the Second City show -- which was great. One skit was a 'dramatic recreation' of a conversation in a bathroom. The great bit was that they did the skit with IE black books, using/mocking all the conventions of Duo. They turned the pages, did the exaggerated opening and closing thing, hugged the books to their chests, had blocking and coordinated head moves etc. Most of the audience didn't really get the sketch, but Hubby and I really, really got it.

Wednesday we left Vegas and went to a natural red rock area north of town. We were thinking about going to Area 51 -- but it was a bit too far away.... so instead we went to the chocolate factory/cactus garden.... and, after a nice long nap, dinner at a nice Italian place :).

Thursday we did the King Tut's toumb and virtual reality ride stuff at the Luxor (not really worth full price, but worth the 2 for 1 deal..), then we went for lunch at the deli at the Mirage -- because I love their chopped liver -- and then we went to the atomic testing museum. That was really interesting, as it outlines the history and procedures they used for atomic testing not that far from Vegas itself. Since our flight didn't leave until 11:54 PM, we napped, checked out late, ate dinner and began our trek home.

The flight home was predictably bad... mechanical stuff delayed us about 45 minutes, the seat was uncomfortable, Hubby got stuck next to a fat guy, and the lights above our seats didn't work --- so, since we were uncomfortable we couldn't sleep AND we couldn't read because it was too dark. Yea, we were glad to get home this morning.

More later, including a list of the Mysteries of the Luxor.... as seen by a couple of long-time married folks from BNstate.....

4 comments:

Seeking Solace said...

Sounds like you and hubby had a great time :)

Greyhound Girl said...

You had the best and worst of vacations... but sounds like more fun than not!

Anonymous said...

wait wait, where is THE spa?! i want to know for when i go to a conference next year!

Inside the Philosophy Factory said...

The spa I went to was at THE Hotel -- it is next to Mandalay Bay, which is next door to the Luxor.

You'll love it -- make sure to bring your swimsuit -- or be ok with being nude in the hot tubs... because you'll want to get in! Also, make sure to bring a good book and plan to have time to really relax -- it is really, really great!