"In this sticky web that we're all in, behaving decently is no small task." -- Novelist Stacey D'Erasmo

Thursday, May 30, 2019

What a Difference a Day Makes

     On Monday, Memorial Day, we watched a traditional parade that marched down the street to the historic cemetery, around the corner from our house. Then on Tuesday we hopped onto American Airlines Flight 1886 and flew to Las Vegas.

The view outside our hotel window -- we're not going to see JLow

     I admit I don't like to fly. And then American is talking about going on strike, and the weather report said there were scattered thunderstorms coming in during the afternoon . . . and yet, the flight took off on time and went perfectly smoothly. Sometimes we worry too much.

Gambling machines everywhere

     Neither B nor I is a gambler. We're spending two days at the MGM Grand. B has taken a tour to see the Hoover Dam, while I go rent a car and then spend the afternoon in the hotel's Lazy River. Tonight we're going to see Cirque du Soleil Ka.

We are going to see Cirque du Soleil

     So we're skipping most of the "charms" of Las Vegas, in favor of driving up to see the more natural beauty of Zion Canyon in Utah and the even more spectacular vistas of Bryce Canyon further up in the hills.

This is not us ... we don't really gamble
   
     Then it's on to Phoenix, the real reason for our trip.

15 comments:

Olga said...

My one time in Vegas was only as a starting point for all the natural scenery to be had in that area. I really enjoyed the parks and the dessert scenery as well.

Wisewebwoman said...

I've refused trips to Vegas in the past. I'm not a gambler and those who invited me were and none of the shows appealed at the time. Wayne Newton et al.

But enjoy yourself!

I see you have the same troller I had up above. Nasty piece.

XO
WWW

Kathy @ SMART Living 365.com said...

Hi Tom!

I'm with you. I only visit Vegas if I HAVE to...last time was for the wedding of a friend. We don't gamble either. But I guess I didn't know you were going to Phoenix. You're so close you should come visit us too. We are normally about 4 hours from Phoenix by Freeway...but starting Saturday we will be up in the mountains above Palm Springs. That adds another hour. But if you had time it would be great to meet you and B in IRL and we even have a guest cottage where we could put you up. What do you think??? ~Kathy

Barbara said...

Las Vegas is interesting. Having gone there once in the summer and once in the winter, I would advise Winter Trips Only. But that's just me. I don't like hot, says the Texan. Hahaha.

Anonymous said...

Tom, are you going to visit Bob while you are down in Phoenix?

DJan said...

I've been to Las Vegas a couple of times. Once it was for a quickie wedding, another time to protest nuclear proliferation. But I don't think you could drag me into those gambling places. What a waste of good money and time. Just my opinion. :-)

Janette said...

I’ll be the odd woman out. I enjoy Vegas. I don’t stay on the Strip, but travel in from my sister in law’s hillside home. Crepes at Paris, a good show and listening to the fountains at the Bellagio are great memories. A quick hop to the great parks or the dam. Enjoy! And say hello to my hometown when you get there.

gigi-hawaii said...

I have been to Vegas once. My younger daughter lives there, owns a house, and works as a physical therapist in a hospital.

Kay said...

I'm with you on Vegas although it's considered the 9th Hawaiian island because so many of our islanders go there. We enjoyed doing the national parks and canyons much more.

Oh dear! You have that horrible spam at the top too. Looks like it's making the rounds.

Anonymous said...

Went to Las Vegas for a conference last November. As soon as the conference was done we headed up to Bryce and Zion - we ended up entering Zion through the tunnel - what an experience - the switchbacks on the way down were scarier than any amusement park ride!!!
Enjoy the beauty!

Madeline Kasian said...

I love live shows ..a trip to Vegas maybe once every two years is a fun vacation for me! I love the lobby at Bellagio, the Conservatory also at Bellagio,lunch in the outdoor patio of the restaurant next door to Paris is a nice way to people watch and enjoy a nice meal. The hotel pools are a treat.. ONE margarita at Margaritaville.. and a tour through the VEnetian.. Last time we visited we took a bus over to the older part of town and visited the Mob museum.. very cool. Of course, the parks nearby are a good side trip— all in all I say you get a lot of bang for your money buck in VEgas (if you don’t gamble..we don’t ). HAVE FUN!!

Tom said...

Sigh ... I deleted the spam item. It seems to me that the people who don't gamble enjoy Vegas more than the gamblers do. Funny how that works!

Arkansas Patti said...

Didn't know there were so many cool things to do in Vegas outside of the bright lights. I'm not a gambler either. Only time in casino I didn't get far from the penny slots. Took in $5 to spend and came out $3.65 ahead.

Rian said...

Not a gambler either (although I do know many who love it), but have heard that the area around the Vegas is beautiful! Enjoy!

Linda Myers said...

I saw KA in March. Also Zion. Beautiful country