Thursday, up early again and I don't feel too bad. Back to the strip park at Paris, played here broke even, lunch buffet, caught a special 2 for 1. Next Bally's about even here, next stopped at IP to see the dealertainers (we didn't know they came on at 6pm) too early, up about $60. Stopped at the Harrahs outdoor bar had some free shots and a drink, watched the bartenders throw around the bottles and listened to the band. Very entertaining had a few laughs. On to the Mirage no luck, on the TI won but not big. Watched the new show, a lot different than the old. This is more of stage show lots of dancing and singing and a slew of gorgous sirens. They now have a special viewing area for hotel guests, just show your room card and get in, or smile and talk to the guy at the rope like me! :p The show last about 1/2 hour. Back into TI for a few more bucks, won a little. Over to Venetian no luck. Back to Bellagio to catch the water show and the Conservatory (love both of these). Won a little, then back DT. MSS to the Brew Pub great fish & chips, Tim really liked the Black Chip Porter. I had to check out the Berlin Wall in the Mens room (I had Tim make sure the coast was clear first)!! No luck here.

Tried California no luck here either! Started to walk back to Fitz when we decided to stop at Binions. We were doing really well had cashed out about $150 with only a $ 20 investment for 2 hours. We played a progressive BP with not much luck, we were about to take our small winnings and move when Tim's very next spin he hit a Royal!!! It was one of those progressives that pays for each suit he hit Diamonds and it happened to the largest one $1502!!!!! We were in shock! Tim's first Royal ever and it was a progressive! Well we were very excited went back to Fitz to put the money in the safe then back downstairs to play some more. Not a lot of luck but not too bad. I guess we can't expect too much. Bed at 4:30am

Friday I'm up by 7am , can't sleep leave today. I head downstairs to play while Tim sleeps. About even so far. Back up to the room, wake up Tim and pack. Meet up with sis at New Frontier(today is her birthday) lunch at the Mexican cafe. Pretty good food. Tim hits a 4 of a kind progressive for $110 (good thing I can't get anything). Drop off sis they were going to Blue Man Group. We head to MC to wander around before heading to the airport (flight is at 11pm), go to M&M world to pick up souveniors for the kids. Hit NYNY on last time. Strip is getting busy Friday night lots of traffic. We decide to get off the strip, checked out Terribles not impressed.

Drop the car off at Thifty much easier drop off. Check in went smoothly. No problems with security. Hit the smoking lounge played BP cashed out $100 (I always win at the airport even a little). Plane left 10 min early smooth flight not full so just the 2 of us in the aisle. Home by 6am. Very tired still recovering! But that's what it's about!

Karen

Tim and Karen,

Congratulations Tim, on the progressive Royal. That first one is really exciting especially hitting the high suit. You guys really hit a bunch of casinos and it sounds like you did pretty well all over. Nice trip and great trip report. Thanks.

Bob

WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

You really moved around during your trip. It tired me out just reading. Congratulations on th "BIG" royal. I would be happy with a "little" one on our next trip.

What did you think of your trip to Hoover Dam? Our daughter and S-I-L will be taking our pre-teen Granddaughters there at Thanksgiving. We have not been there since 9-11.

Thanks for the report.

Tim & Karen,

Thanks for the great report! Congrats on the royal.

You were certainly on the move. Do you always do that much casino hopping?

I haven't stayed at the Fitz for several years. There were a couple years that America West would offer packages to the Fitz for less than I could buy air alone. I think I've stayed there 3 times and had the exact same room twice.

Thanks Karen and Tim for the trip report. Please tell me - how did you get free shots at the Harrah's bar, and the 2 fer at Paris buffet? I will be in that neighborhood in about 3 weeks, and I'm pretty sure I will get thirsty or hungry at some point

Kes

All,
Thanks for the "props" on the Royal. Yes, it was incredible to hit one for the first time in Vegas. We didn't used to play alot of VP, but I do believe it just became one of our favorites...

Fred,
The Hoover Dam was nice. They discontinued the "hard hat" tour that took you down even farther, but we did enjoy the facts and tour of the turbines. The women enjoyed it to a degree, the technical portions bored them.

Senator,
Yes, we normally like to hop around at least 1 or 2 of the days so that we get the flavor and feel of as many casino's as possible. However, at night we usually stray to our favorites and do most of our playing there.

As for the Fitz, it was nice. We got a good rate and a corner room without having to pay extra. The whole 7 days cost us less than $200 and most of the valet's and bell hops remembered us from over a year ago.

Kes,
The paris buffet was easy. We were going to go eat there regardless and the hostess asked if we had a club card, which of course we did. She then told us that if we would like to wait for 5 minutes and come back, they were doing a two for one special. Don't know how long it will last, but it was definately a good deal.

As for the Harrah's shots, well...it seems that at different times (which seemed to correspond with the band starting back up after each set) they would just call it out and people would go to the bar. Then "Flippy" the bartender would get on top of the bar and go around giving out shots, most people were tipping him a buck or two for it. As for my wife, she (like many of the ladies) tipped by putting the dollar in her bossom for Flippy to grab out with his teeth. It was fun for all, especially when the guy next to us then put the dollar in his chest and had Flippy grab it... If you do go and "Flippy" and "Steve" are working, you can get the shot in a drink. They asked my wife to name it and we told them "boob job". It would be hilarious if you went to them and asked for it by that name...you will probably get a good laugh and great service.

Tim

Tim & Karen,
Thanks for the great report! A good Vegas fix right before i leave for my trip! Couldn't ask for better timing!
Was nice to see you won something to take back home with you. Those Royals really help out!
Sounds like you really had a great time, I know I had a great time reading all your travels.
So....I have to ask....when is your next trip? I'll bet your already talking about it!

My, oh My Tim -- you two certainly did have a great time!

I think I would have to get a few of those shots in me before I could tip "boob job" style ! But you never know, after a few days there - the place does do a number on you!

22 days to go !

Kes

Sounds like I'm buying shots for Kestral!

Thanks for the report ... it's nice to read about a Royal right before my trip, kinda gets me in the mood. I also enjoy casino hopping; it add to the entertainment value, and it looks like I should get entertained at Harrah's watching the Senator get a Boob Job<vbg>. Thanks for reminding me I want to spend more time downtown on this trip!

Looks like Harrah's just made the "to do" list this trip! LOL
Hey, if you got'm, flaunt them. I'll never forget the first time Sharon ......never mind, bad idea! Y'all can ask her in person! LOL

Great trip report!! You had a lot of fun. I also might have to check out Harrahs. What time does the band start? Sounds like a good time. Reading your report makes me all the more anxious to be going at the end of next week.

Susan,

I am not sure what time the band started but we were there around 4pm when the free shots started. They were still there when we past by later about 9pm. When we first were by there the band had on BIG afro wigs and disco looking suits. Later they had on different costumes. I think the name of the band was Boggie Fever or something like that.

Have fun, we did!

Karen