IT'S A WRAP!

 I did, I believe, hint at having a big week ahead of me, when signing off.  I did, indeed, have a big week ahead of me.  I was being taken to Las Vegas by my daughter and her husband.  They had vaguely intimated that they wanted to go before Christmas, and I had vaguely intimated that it would be lovely to go somewhere just before Christmas.  My son-in-law said that he would gladly have me 'tag along' but I may have to sleep on the sofa. A sofa in a Las Vegas hotel, on the strip, would suit me fine!  I knew their preferred choice of hotels and was sure that the sofa would be more luxurious than some of the beds I have slept in around the country!

Of course, I packed, unpacked and packed again.  Did I need? Would we go? Weather? Whether?  All the questions were left unanswered, so I just put in my bag what I thought would be appropriate, and from my last visit, nothing appeared to be inappropriate.  I could wear a bikini all day and night (although I would not) and be no less out of place than wearing the jeans and boots I intended for during the day. It was going to be a tad on the chilly side.

Leaving on time Monday morning did not happen.  I was like a child waiting to be picked up and taken home for the holidays.  My suitcases were by the back door, my shoes on my feet, my hat on my head, and my mood pensive!  Where were they?  "Just leaving" came the message as I was about to ask the question.  

The airport was not particularly busy, despite reports that it had been heaving and the busiest day in its history had been recorded a couple of weeks earlier.  However, it was not the Christmas week, and it was Monday morning  Perhaps at one time it would have been busy, but everything was very quiet. There were a few families, presumably taking an early trip back to see 'mama', and several straggling kids. "Home Alone 7" said Samantha, as a child stood defiant as his mother ran pushing a pram, with another toddler under her arm.  

Our journey was a straight through flight, and we landed on time. As we exited the plane, Las Vegas appeared.  Slot machines lined the walkways, and there were several around the bag carousels.  I found it a little intimidating, but then, this is Vegas!  

We followed Edward around the baggage hall, and I wondered where he was going. The sign for the 'shuttles' and taxis was quite clear. "We just walked in a circle", I whispered to Samantha, who did not seem to be concerned. Edward started to talk to a man with an electronic tablet, and I noticed that his name was displayed. The stranger asked me if I wanted him to take my bag. Edward responded in the affirmative. I was still oblivious. Didn't he know this was a game. Someone offers to take your baggage then expects a large tip, and then all sorts of things can happen! Where were we going? Were the kids that naïve? Never trust someone who says "Do you need a ride to your hotel. I have a car".  Try as I might, I could not retrieve my bag, and when we reached the stretch limousine, I was still convinced something was amiss, until the man opened the door, and lights shone in the shape of the hotel insignia on the road. "Surprise!" my daughter whispered. 

The ride to the hotel did not take long. In fact, had we walked it would probably have been quicker, but then I doubt it is possible to walk across the perimeter of the airport and over the road to the strip. It still fascinates me that this city, including the airport is surrounded by mountains and nothingness. (If you can call the Grand Canyon nothingness!)  Apologies were forthcoming as the entrance to the part of the hotel where we were staying was being refurbished. The entrance through which we went was quite stunning in my opinion, but we were then taken to a different area. A lounge which needed a pass card, and which had lovely sofas and a rather sophisticated snack bar. Our room was not ready as we were a couple of hours early. but we were being put in a newly renovated room, and it should not be too long before it was ready. Housekeeping were just 'finishing up'. Leaving our bags (with a little more confidence) we headed to the pool area, and I was sorry I had not put my swimsuit in my handbag as despite it being quite chilly, the pool was heated, and a couple were taking advantage. The wife made a comment about my hair and asked what was my secret. I told her that I was my mother's daughter, and she was her mother's daughter, and it must be in the genes. "It's beautiful" she said. I did not tell her that my mother thinks I am too old to have long hair, and the plaits make me look ridiculous! 

After a while, we went back to the lounge and enquired as to the check in progress. It was ten minutes to three, and apparently there was no estimated time. I was a little irritated. My sofa awaited! I did not want to cause a fuss, as I was a 'tag along', but as softly as possibly, pointed out to Edward that if 'check in' is at three, then they need to have the room ready by that time. You are paying from three! He said he would give them a little longer. At four, the cheese and bread basket appeared, with the offer of red or white wine.  I took a glass.  With a couple of swigs inside of me, and not having had much to eat, I took the bull by the horns, and decided I would go to the desk and see what was happening.  Samantha quickly jumped up from her seat to join me. "Um", said the girl. "Let me get a manager". The manager appeared, and started with, "I will be honest with you". Well that was a start. "Please!", I heard myself say! It appears the previous tenant did not want to leave and had vacated twenty minutes earlier. She, the manager, was devastated that our experience had been so bad, and she would get as many teams as she could to clean the room, quickly, and she would, of course, remove the first night's charge from the bill, and give us a complimentary amount to spend on food, drinks and anything we wanted from the hotel. This is, after all, Las Vegas! (My thoughts, not her words!) The complimentary amount would have been enough to feed us breakfast, lunch and dinner for a week anywhere else, but at the hotel prices it would not go far!  However, it was a nice gesture. She also offered us a late check-out, which would give us the room until 4pm on the day of our departure. Now that was a good deal!

Just before seven we were given our keys and headed up to the room. The cleaner (one) was just finishing up, and in we walked. Directly ahead was a view of 'the strip' from a lounge that had an enormous sofa, a television and some arm chairs. I would be very happy here! This room led to the kitchen area, which did not have a microwave, but there was a fridge, a coffee maker and a long bar with stools, and a dining table with half a dozen chairs. The picture window showed almost the same view. The bedroom was enormous, with a king size bed, lounge chairs, and of course, a television, and led to a bathroom with two sliding doors. In between the sliding doors was a bath with jacuzzi, a sink area on either side of the bath, a walk in closet, a shower with steamer, and a toilet which was anything but basic! On the wall was a television! I found it amusing that in this city, where there is so much to do, that every room in this flat had a television! The bellman brought my case into the bedroom. I didn't want to bother him and let him know that my room was the living room, and was about to wheel it out, when I saw him take Samantha and Edward's cases into their room, which was almost identical to what I now realised was mine! "Surprise", said my daughter!

After playing with the curtains, (little things) which were operated by buttons, I started to unpack. There was so much to explore, just in the room! The square footage was larger than my house!  I had to shout from one end of the flat to the other to get anyone's attention.  I have stayed in some nice hotels in my lifetime, and admittedly, on my last trip to Las Vegas with Dana, our hotel room was equally as luxurious, but no where near as big! (The bathroom did not have a television!)

We swanned around our hotel, and then walked into the adjoining palace, and swanned around there a while. I danced up stairs, posed in swing seats, and generally enjoyed the surroundings.  As I am not a maven in the ways of this city, I was happy to act the tourist! At midnight, which was 2am Austin time, I fell into bed and snoozed on and off for most of the night.

Being two hours behind Austin, I was awake very early on Tuesday morning. I called Dana and then got dressed. Samantha appeared at my door, and asked if I wanted to go for a walk. It was around six. We headed down to the lounge, had coffee and a savoury 'amuse bouche', or two, and headed out. It was cold.  The small(ish) mall next to the hotel was open, although the shops were not. It was so pretty, with all the decorations. Then we headed to the Bellagio hotel where their centre piece was as spectacular as ever. Of course, being Christmas time, the tree was erected, and the scene was that of wonder! We headed back to our hotel about an hour after we left, and went to the reception area.  I was a little disappointed that the bar counter in the room was sticky and there were still crumbs in the stools. A fuss I did not intend to make, but this is a rather posh place, and although I had no idea as to the cost, it mattered not, because a room should be clean. "Let me add....", and another amount was 'comp'd'.  I felt a little embarrassed, but then this is, apparently, what happens! If it is not perfect, then it needs to be rectified, and it is rectified with 'comps'.   I would imagine that they gain far more back in their machines and on their tables than they give away, although I do not partake!  

The 'old' strip was a taxi ride away.  "How long have you been driving a cab?" I asked the driver. "Do you know", he said, "that in my twenty years of diving a taxi, no one has ever asked that question correctly, until now". Perhaps he was playing, perhaps not. "They all say, 'how long have you been driving', and I say, 'today, this week, or since I was 17', but they never add driving a cab".  He did seem pretty animated so perhaps I did strike a chord!  The old strip was less glitzy and definitely not as posh as the new. Apparently, after dark it is very vibrant, and I can imagine that, but there are still some original hotels on Freemont Street.  We saw the golden nugget after which the hotel is named, in said hotel, and Samantha and I had our caricature drawn, to add to our collection. Once again, it resembled us not! However, it was a tradition not to be thwarted!

Lunch was at a deli, inside an hotel, and was plentiful and delicious. I tried not to faint when the cash register spewed out a jackpot number! I was in Las Vegas. I was having a good time! I really was having a good time!  We walked for miles, and eventually took a taxi back to our hotel.  It was 'wine o'clock', and I partook.  I did not really want the cheese and snacks on offer, but they looked so tempting. We sat for an hour or two, booked a table at a restaurant within the hotel, and then went back to the apartment to get ready.  Watching Judge Judy whilst enjoying the jacuzzi, and finishing off my glass of wine, was rather decadent.  I went from princess to pauper in an instant! "Of course not!" said my daughter when I enquired as to whether they had a laundry room.  I had guessed they would not because who wants to do their laundry whilst on holiday?  They would leave it for room service or a dry cleaning service.  I wanted to wash my travel trousers so I could wear them home.  Princess to pauper? I filled the bath, put the trousers in the water, and then turned on the jacuzzi! Instant washing machine!  Eyes rolled!  I thought it was a brilliant idea. I then rolled them in a clean towel (mangle effect, for those who remember a mangle) and hung them up in my walk in closet!  I may be able to pull of 'snob', but I am still a homemaker at heart!

Dinner was spectacular, and on the house!  I had snapper on a bed of lobster mash, and Samantha had another fish on a bed of lemon rice. We swapped 'sides', and along with some sort of salmon sushi, I was quite content.  I wandered around the casino, and watched some people play roulette, and then we walked in to the other hotels, and generally enjoyed the atmosphere.  I went back to our room at around 11:30 and collapsed.  It had been a long day and we had not taken the nap I had been promised!

Another morning walk, with coffee and snacks, was followed by breakfast.  I ate half of Samantha's enormous Dutch oven pancake, after scoffing my avocado on toast! Not just avocado on toast, but a whole variety of salad vegetables were added. It was rather delicious, but I needed something sweet.  By the time I had finished, I was bursting at the seams!  We headed to a new complex which comprises a few Hilton hotels, and wandered around the plush interior.  I watched a few people lose a fortune on the roulette tables, and once again tried to fathom the slot machines.  There are still a few that operate as a 'one armed bandit' although most have buttons.  Most machines operate on the same basis but with different pictures and music. All have the allure of sound and lights, and bells and whistles. Of course, the pictures all have to match to win!  I found it funny that most have a 'cherry' symbol.  Presumably for 'old times' sake.  I could not see any pattern in the machines, and when Samantha sat at one and said, "I have not played this one before", I asked her if it mattered, to which she said "No".  They were all the same. Take your money, sometimes you win, sometimes you lose!  

I had to close my eyes to those who were obviously addicted. Locals come and play and sit for hours. I don't generally 'judge a book by its cover' but some signs are obvious.  Desperation was not seen a lot, and I suppose that is because of our surroundings, (a big strip hotel,) but it was spotted at the smaller venues, and off strip.  However, I cannot change the world, and would not want to try! Downer over!

Back we came to our hotel, where the wine was flowing and cheese in abundance. Why was I still eating?  We had been shopping and I had found some shoes!  Life was good!  Jacuzzi, Judge Judy, and wine!  How would I survive next week!  Ready we got and down we went to meet a friend of Edwards, with whom he went to middle and high school.  His wife joined us after a while and we headed out to another hotel for dinner. The buffet was closed! Apparently the hours during this week were 8am to 3pm, and it was now 8pm. I was not sorry. I was still stuffed, not only from breakfast, but I did not stop with the cheese!  Back we came to our hotel and we were seated at a rather lovely Asian restaurant.  Despite the glorious surroundings, a soft drink was brought up in a plastic cup with a lid   We all stared but did not comment.  Even the water was in fancy glasses.  "Everything okay, sir", said the waiter to Edward.  He nodded but said he was waiting for a coke.  The waiter quickly scuttled away and spoke to a waitress. All was revealed.  "A sprite and two cokes", was apparently interpreted as "A sprite in a to go cup".  It was rather noisy! Dinner was, again, wonderful.  We took the couple back to our flat where they had left their things, and bid them farewell.  It had been a lovely evening. We were all shattered, and had a relatively early night!

Coffee, pastry and individual egg bites were consumed before heading out for another walk.  This time we went right.  The 'park' was empty but it was lovely.  We walked for miles.  Photo opportunities were taken and in and out of hotels we went.  When we returned, I went to the desk.  "Hello, we are in room....". I told her that the electronic curtains were stuck in the shut mode, and the electrics were a bit 'out'.  Apparently we were not the first to 'complain'.  I told her that I was not complaining but letting her know as the room was newly renovated.  She 'comp'd' us..  Is this how it works?  I told Samantha I would go to the desk tomorrow, tell her my room number and just wait.  

Thursday was particularly full.  We went to the buffet that was closed the previous evening, enjoyed too much to eat, walked back along the strip and took in most all of the other hotels.  We went from Paris to New York, to Venice, via the Venetian.  I was approached by a 'Chippendale' look alike, who asked if I wanted to have my photo taken with him.  I could not imagine why I would!  Perhaps I looked like a desperate housewife! Despite being in the 'holiday' mood, I did not feel that would have been 'part of the fun'.  I suppose I am just a bit of a killjoy when it comes to that sort of thing.  After all, I did not want my photo taken with a 'genuine show girl collectable'.  I know they have to make a living!  Just not from me!  Our final stop was the Cosmopolitan, where we went to their pool, which had been turned into an ice-rink, and Samantha and I skated for the best part of an hour. I realised that I had not skated since the turn of the millennium and I was a little hesitant at first. However, like riding a bike, it comes back to you!

We took a cab to the Luxor, and saw a show. It was the 'winners' of the America's Got Talent programmes.  Apparently, the best of the best over the years.  I think the 'best of the best' have probably got their own shows!  It was very entertaining though, and I did enjoy it immensely.  A show in Vegas, what is not to like!  

I headed back to the room, and just slumped.  I had already partially packed and as we had the room until late the following day, I felt no rush.  I had been burning the candle at both ends and it was starting to have an effect.  I slept quite soundly.

Friday morning we took our final tour.  We walked around, went shopping, headed back, and went for breakfast at an Irish pub.  It was quite yummy, and complimentary, probably!  The 'pub' was in the Mandalay Bay, where I had stayed over a decade ago with my besties, Lynda and Lesley.  My four trips have had me staying off strip, and either end, and now in the middle!  Each time there was something new to see!  

Finally, after walking around, making a final tour around the hotels on our side of the road, and drinking in the atmosphere one last time, we headed back to the room, packed up and said goodbye to our suite. It was time to go.  Edward had said that he had booked a mountain view, as it was considerably cheaper but they had upgraded him.  I think the hotel was fairly empty this week, as they had been full the week before, as the rodeo was in town, and they could not accommodate us. I had my mountain view, along with a view of the strip, and the airport, which for me was a plus!  

The charges to the mini-bar, and the 'romance pack' were removed from the bill.  I told her that when we got to the room, it was late, the cleaner had just finished, and the mini bar was virtually empty. We had no need to take anything from the mini bar, and she whispered that she didn't know why anyone would, especially with the use of the lounge, and there being a Walgreens (pharmacy) opposite where we could get water at a fraction of the price!  I thought that was amusing, or perhaps she just saw the 'homemaker' in me.  How many guests tell her that the laundry service is not necessary?  I didn't!

After a final glass of wine, and some cheese and flat breads, our limousine was ready. The newly renovated entryway was now available for use.  We waived farewell, and headed out.  The airport was not busy.  People were coming in but not so many were going out. I had forgotten to remove the small bottle of water from my coat pocket and that particular 'bin' was sent to the 'wrong side' of the collection point, together with that of the woman in front of me who had a bullet in hers!  In the confusion, once on the concourse I noticed that I had not picked up my laptop case.  I ran back and asked the security man if he had it.  "Can you describe it. Was it in a bag?" I did describe it, but did not add that my kindle had a picture of Ollie and Jamie on it, as I did not think they would know who Ollie and Jamie were, but by the time I got to that bit, they had already found it!

"Home Alone 8" said my daughter, as another mother, pushing a pram, with a toddler under her arm, and another in tow, was screaming at two stragglers, who were fascinated by their surroundings. Bells and whistles blowing from the machines that spun and chinked, were far more appealing than keeping up with mum!

Our trip back was quick, and comfortable. I had a whole row to myself.  I ate a sandwich, drank ginger ale and watched a film.  At just before 2am, I got into bed and fell asleep.  The rest of the weekend is really mundane in comparison!

Three days of work next week.  The weather for Christmas Day is expected to be warm, so that should be nice, although I am not sure if I will ever get used to that.  All that remains for me to say in this post is, have a very happy Christmas, and this time next week it will all be over!  Nothing will compare, I am sure, to the penultimate week before the week before Christmas, but I will try to find something to put in ............ another story!