Viva Las Vegas Baby, Part Two

Howdy Podner!

Well, here we are, Part Two and the end of this Vegas trip.  We spent a total of 4 days and three nights in our luxury surroundings.  Since sweet hubby had to attend classes each day, I ventured out to the strip on my own.  I started where the shuttle bus left me........at Fashion Show mall.  I only took a quick tour of the mall, and I managed to find a "Betsy Johnson" store that was going out of business.  My oldest daughter adores her clothing, so I checked to see if anything was marked down enough for me to get her something for her birthday in June.  NOPE, even the 40% to 50% markdowns were still too rich for me............a tank top for $195, are you serious?

I stopped in at a "Papyrus" stationary store and found a lovely birthday card for her, and then I meandered through the "Sur Le Table" kitchen store and found her an amazing apron in her favorite colors of white, gray and mustard yellow.

Once the shopping was over with, I headed out to attempt a walk on the "strip."  I didn't get very far folks, but what I did manage was at least to take pictures of my short journey.

Across the street from the mall were the twin casino/hotels of Steve Wynn, very modern and sleek.  As I walked further I came across "Treasure Island" and made a quick foray through the casino to see what I could see.  Not much on the inside, as I'm not fond of the smell, but the outside was kind of fun.

Various images from outside Treasure Island

I managed to awkwardly stumble over to the Venetian, and do some serious window shopping.  Since they happen to have some of the (nose in air) designer boutiques in a shopping mall inside the casino, I thought I'd better see my first pair of Manolo Blahnic shoes.  I did, and the thrill ended with their $1,500 price tag.  After shopping, with my nose high in the air, I got hungry and decided to have some lunch.  I stopped by Wolfgang Puck's "Postrio" bar and grill for a lovely Mandarin style chopped salad and iced tea.

While munching away on my delicious salad, there just happened to be a lovely Renaissance style group singing in front of the "Pandora" store.  After the musical interlude came the famous "white man" mime who just stood there and made very small changes in his stance and then you could go up and either put money on the floor in front of him........or stick it in his hat.  Very weird, and kind of cool. 

More entertainment images, and one shot of
tourists riding on the gondola's within the
river inside the mall.

And that's as far as I made it on my own, as my knees and back were killing me, and I was baking in the 100+ degree heat.  However, my sweet hubby had managed to purchase tickets to one of the Cirque du Soleil shows for that evening.  We took a taxi in the evening and went to see "O" at the Bellagio, and I tell you folks.....if you haven't seen a Cirque du Soliel show......DO IT!  It was a fabulous show and I only wish I had pictures of it for you.  We weren't allowed to take pictures, which of course didn't stop most people from snapping away with their phone camera's.........but I'm a good little dooby and followed the rules.

Night and day images from the strip.

Hubby and I arrived early enough at the Bellagio to tour around inside.........I was not disappointed!

Exterior and interior views of the Bellagio.

I was very excited to see the Chihuly Glass on display.........WOW!  In their lobby was a huge....I mean huge, chandelier that seemed to go on forever........just stunning.  We stopped by the small store/museum featuring Dale Chihuly glass pieces, and then found that there were more gorgeous pieces throughout the casino.  You should definitely click on this image collage to get a better look at this exquisite work.

Breathless Beauty!

We came across one of the most amazing cake, chocolate and confection shops I've ever seen.  Stunning wedding cakes, and goodies made of chocolate.......like the blue shoe made entirely of chocolate (below).

At the very entrance to this confectionery heaven was the neatest of all things.....a chocolate waterfall!  Check out the images below.

Lastly, I discovered a sculpture bonanza right outside the entrance to the show we were about to see.  OMGosh, this guy is amazing!  Richard MacDonald is his name, and I gotta' tell you folks........I was speechless (very hard for me to do).  I got goosebumps checking out his work, and since I'm a very tactile person, I just had to touch them all...........and they let me!  The strength, yet sheer beauty of the lines of his work was thrilling.

All in all, I'd have to say I had a very satisfying trip........even though I didn't quite make the complete circuit of casinos and things to see.  Las Vegas had been on my "bucket list" and now it's out of my system.  I do not have any need to go back there, but should the opportunity arise..........I'll definitely go again!

Thanks for coming along!

Big Hugs,

Meri