Las Vegas, here I come!

[hyphenate]

Since coming back to the east coast three years ago, will actually be making my first trip back west next Tuesday (my birthday! :)) to visit my brother, SIL, and see Vegas as it is now--I've been told totally different from the last time I was there, back in 2002.

My mom and sister are flying in on Wednesday for a couple of days as well from L.A., so it should be fun to see everyone. Last time I saw my mom was in August, 2003 (on a stopover at Logan from a trip to Canada for them), and last saw sis February, 2003.

I was supposed to go back in November to see them in SoCal, but there was no transportation once I got there, and it wasn't going to be too much fun to go just to sit at my mother's. I didn't need to play the tourist, but just getting out would have been a lot of fun, and not having that ability made it tough to go.

I'm bringing my laptop so that I'll be checking in, though, and I'm taking the digital to make sure I get lots of pics as well.

How many Nevadans live in Vegas, especially those in the southern part on the way to Henderson? My brother and SIL live in one of the gated communities off E Warm Springs Rd, between Paradise and S. Eastern. The big mall--Belz--is not far from them. Barbie (SIL) said it was 92 about a week ago--yikes! I think it's safe to say that spring in New England is nicer than "spring" in Vegas, since we're in the 50s, 60s and low 70s!

Anyhow, while I know I'm not a huge enough part of DU to be truly missed, I thought I would at least let everyone know where I'll be. :)

[Shine]

1. What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas.

:D


Have fun and Happy Birthday, hyphenate! :toast:

[hyphenate]

4. Thanks!

I just hope I don't gamble away too much money! :)

[NMDemDist2]

2. have fun! my birthday is Monday and we're going on a road trip too

to Carlsbad NM with thoughts of relocating there

[hyphenate]

5. New Mexico is supposed to be nice

I've only seen what I have through going cross country. I don't think I would ever want to live in the Southwest again, though; the heat nearly killed me after 15 years in L.A.!!

Good luck, though--sounds like you're working with a plan! Don't forget to go to the Caverns while you're there, and if you can get the chance, find out more about the bat caves. Literally--bat caves. There are some biologists who are working with the government (I'm not sure whether it's federal or state) to protect the bats. If you're not claustrophobic, they do have tours into the caverns.

Oh--and Happy Birthday, too!! :)

[hyphenate]

6. P.S.

This page gives you some great detail:

http://www.americansouthwest.net/new_mexico/carlsbad_caverns/national_park.html

[CabalPowered]

3. I just got back from vegas

I hadn't been there since the dead shows in 95' and I think I'm good for another decade at least. We stayed at the Hard Rock for two nights. That place is insane. Period.

My buddy got shoulder checked by Jesse Ventura and then roughed up by his body guard. I inadvertently started a cat fight at the main bar but I went unnoticed and got to watch the whole thing from a distance. :evilgrin: Another friend got into all sorts of trouble in a stretch Hummer and went missing for 36 hours. :crazy:

[hyphenate]

7. Definitely a little too fast

for me--I'm happy if I win a little cash at the slots, and sit and enjoy the Keno games.

The hotels have gotten fricking expensive. It used to be $45 Sun through Thursday and $55 for Fri-Sat at the Excalibur, but I was shocked to see them expecting $139 for one night there now. We're lucky to get $90 a night at the Golden Nugget downtown. It's ridiculous. It also used to be cheaper at Circus Circus, which used to be a favorite. It's not as much fun anymore.

[Ramsey]

8. You must go see

A Cirque Du Soleil show. They are incredible!! My favortie is Ka, but O is pretty damn amazing too.

[medeak]

10. also

Penn and Teller are a hoot

[hyphenate]

12. At the prices they're charging for shows

I doubt if I will get the chance. We were looking at some of the upcoming shows, and was shocked to see how much they are getting. Vegas used to be "the Undiscovered Country" once upon a time, but now it's too damned commercialized and greed-filled. But thanks for the suggestion. Perhaps my SIL will be able to get two-fer tickets.

[medeak]

9. your brother lives damn close to my parents

Sandhill and Flamingo/Tropicana

Was only in the 60's today. Will be there next week....and yes it's changed.

[skygazer]

11. That sounds like fun

Have a good time and happy birthday! :party:

[hyphenate]

13. Thanks!

and thanks again! :)