Forgive the cliche. But I just had to use it to describe the 4 nights of adventure we did at the city of skins and beer drinking at any time of the day.
Yes, it is summer and yes, we were crazy to go to the desert at this time of year - but heck, when all we do is work, work, work - 4 crazy nights in a wild, rebellious, luminous city as Vegas should not be a bad thing, isn't it? So yes, it was in the 40Cs when we went there and even a tropical lass like me had to complain - dang, it's hot! :) But hey, hot is always nice than cold, isn't it?
So, here's the lowdown of our 5 day Vegas-Vancouver trip. We left Sunday for Vancouver and before we did so, we met up with our friend F who was kind enough to chauffeur us to the airport. Had breakfast at Cora's in McKenzie (note to self: will have to come back as they have super delicious non-greasy food there!) then picked up F's friend in the Hillhurst area. Had plenty of time for the first leg of our trip.
Once we've boarded the plane, we were in BC in no time. We proceeded to the PAL terminal to get our bags checked. We flew PAL as this is my way of breaking B in for when we go home this year. It was not a long flight but at least, if he gets familiar with the PAL services, he won't have a hard time in the long haul flight to Manila. It was a painless journey save for one old cow who did nothing but cause trouble in the PAL gate - and I'll save this story for later as really, while this might seem insignificant - you know my knack for observing people did not escape this.
We arrived in the desert city at 7-ish. The line up was looooooooongggggggg - and ugh, the international airport is not pretty!!!! :( So there we were, waiting for our immigration stuff to be cleared then, we got out for our first desert air. And dang, it was hot, hot, hot!
McCarran International is about 5 to 10 minutes away from the strip. So, we got in plenty of time in MGM Grand which was our place of respite for the full 5 days.
MGM is h-u-g-e! It's so big that on the first night that we were there, we can't find our way back to the West Wing where we were billeted. lol We seemed to have circled around the different wings trying to decide if we will go for the buffet dinner or not. We found the MGM Buffet but holy crow the line is as ever so huge as the hotel - so we went, nahhhhhh... tomorrrow, we'll do the buffet, but tonight, we just want real food!!!! The last 'real' meal we had was at OPA Souvlaki in the YVR airport. So, here is where we ended up eating.
It's casual enough for us in shorts and even with a longer line up (not as bad compared to the buffet), we were able to snag a very nice cozy lounge and ate to our heart's desire. It's American food all the way and at a good price too. Here is hubby chomping on the warm artichoke appie. Look at the happy face lol - he was like, ahhhhhh!!!! food!!! :)
And here's me grinning from ear to ear because I am having cajun seafood and ribs!!! ;)
After we ate, we went and checked out the pool. And since we are on the west side, we have to go all the way to the south area where the pool and spa were - which means, like a literally 15 to 20 minutes brisk walk. Did I say the hotel is huge??? No kidding!!! I guess it also did not help that wherever you go, the casinos are screaming at you (play me! play me!) and there's no beating around it because it's sprawled all over the hotel!!!
So, after we found the pool, we went our way back to our room. The West Wing is the lower tower and is closer to the casino. The nicer entrance is for people who are in the Signature and Loft (hence, they have the easy access to Wet Republic - an exclusive pool party place). But like a true Vegas place, the West Wing looks pretty chic to me. It is obviously been renovated and yes, you can drown in their toilettries. lol Here are a few pictures of the room. King size bed, nonsmoking room has leather headboard, dimmers and that ubiquitous roman blinds. Down feather duvet and firm pillows!!!
The lounger has the same material as the headboard. The lamp is also a dimmer. The room is decorated in tasteful browns and terra cotta.
The other side of the room which has the desk and the cool artwork. The mirror hides the roomy closet.
Then, the bathroom/vanity! To the right most side is the separate door for the toilet and if you can see the little square thing on the mirror - that is a tv! Cool eh? :)
At first, I was kinda weirded out by the fact that when you open the door to the room, the vanity is right in front of you - then again, I guess after 1 day, the layout grew on me. I guess it also helped that we always get a heaping (yes, they are generous!) in the subtly scented toiletries they give out every day.
Next up, the sights and sounds of Vegas.
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