PART 1, DAY 1: Experienced a 45 minute delay in departing DFW due to heavy rain - but within a few minutes we were above it (National Airlines). Security at DFW and McCarran was routine and uneventful. Arrival at LAS and check-in at the Orleans was routine and our room (13th floor) overlooked the Strip - great view at night. We had a reservation at the Canal Street restaurant but a kitchen fire closed the restaurant and we adjourned to the Cortez at the Gold Coast. For those of you who have never tried this restaurant-this is an upscale restaurant with excellent decor, menu, and prices-reservations recommended. Upon completion of dinner, we strolled across the street to the RIO for the "Parade in the Sky". The RIO was packed and I think the "tourism" in our favorite city is definately on the upswing. (TO BE CONTINUED IN PART 2) Wendell