This trip got off to a great start with an Allegiant flight that was not even half full, an early departure and an unusual flight pattern that took us east about 100 miles before we turned south and flew down over the Sierra Nevada Mountains. I knew there were a lot of lakes up in them thar hills, but there is also a canal of some sort that runs partway down along the summits, and I saw it so I know it

Great first Daisy Day!

Was that the IP machine you were sitting at when you left me a message? Sort of in a low ceiling area? I've found a friendly machine or two back there.

And at the airport, were you looking for a smoking lounge?

Looking forward to more!

LOL, Kes, I remember leaving you a message, but I can't remember where I was, and somehow that call didn't make my notes<g>. Thank God for notes; I haven't even started the second day yet cuz it's a little crazier than usual in CA this week.

I don't have to look for the smokers lounge at the airport; I know exactly where it was, and I growl every time I go by there - it was petty overkill to outlaw smoking in that tiny area IMHO, but it was politically correct.

I got a good nights sleep in that LuvTub room in spite of all those mirrors<g>, and I was still amazed by that tub in the morning

Daisy - what are the Las Vegas Tenors? Are they at the Shimmer Cabaret or in the Barry Manilow theater? Never heard of them - worth seeing?

The Las Vegas Tenors are four fellows that perform individually but also come together at irregular intervals for group performances. Their combined list of credits would be both impressive and funny, ranging from the Stirling Club, Bootlegger Bistro, Clint Holmes show and Maggianos Little Italy to being among the original gondoliers at the Venetian. They've appeared at both the Hilton and the SunCoast and will be back in the Hilton Theatre on Apri 6.

I like them and would call them one of the "feel good" shows, but here's a link to their website so you can figure out if you'd enjoy them.

www.lasvegastenors.com/home.html

Mike, they play the Barry Manilow theater and usually fill it up, including the balcony. The interesting aspect is that they come from different times, places, and backgrounds. They sing a lot of songs together and the sing solos from their roots. For instance, Mark Giovi, who is in Bite at the Stratosphere has a background in hard rock. So he usually sings a couple of Bon Jovi songs. Bill Fayne has a very strict classical background, so his solos will usually be opera type music. Teddy is an Italian crooner, but is very versatile. You never know what his solos will be. It might be Paul Simon or might be Sinatra. Bobby Black is versatile too. Classic or country, he sings it all and has filled in for Mark in Bite.

So if you go to the show, there will be a couple of opera songs, a few classic Italian songs, a little country, a little rock, some Rat Pack type music, and more. They are pretty darn good and have a strong and loyal fan base. They love to listen to good music too and you can usually spot at least one of them any time great local talent comes out to play.

They always have a great band with them as musicians love to play with them. They might have a small band, they might have an orchestra, they might have a big band with a string section. That's always a variable that is icing on the cake.

Along those same lines of local talent that doesn't get enough credit or bookings, that started at the Bootlegger, keep your eyes open for Shades Of Sinatra and Dangerous Curves.

Oops, I left out dinner Sunday night - a southwest burger and a huge plate of fries at the IP TeaHouse. I polished off the half pound burger but barely dented the fries - it was a good burger but I remember laughing that a burger, fries & a coke on the strip cost as much as the brunch out at Rampart. I guess that's what happens when you're too tired to crawl over to the Stage Deli for a Reuben<g>.

I was up early again on Monday

Sounds like a relaxing trip, with a great balance of gabbing, gambling and gobbling!

Daisy - thanks for a great read. The description you and JMT gave of the Las Vegas Tenors makes me want to see them in the future. Glad you had fun!

Daisy,

Good job on the car. I know you enjoy playing the game as much as I do.
I wish we'd had more time at the P, I think you may have been REAL fun after a few more Macallans!
You're most welcome for dinner and I really think you'd have enjoyed Bette.
Glad to hear you needed all thos win/loss statements. 2007 must have been good to you.
Like you, I hadn't walked the strip for years. Just the people watching was worth it!
Great to see you as always.

Till the next 'meet'.

Hey, Great trip report Daisy!

I think you really got around this trip. Enjoyed seeing you again, and look forward to our next meet. But it seems so far away....I'll bet you have a trip or 2 planned or being planned before I can make a return trip?
We never made it out to Sams this trip. Where the Treasure chests still on the second floor? It seems like they are trying to push them out the door.
Thanks for sharing, and coming out to meet with us on your vacation.
Lee-PA

Kes, it was a relaxing trip, and I just got in that mindset while walking down to the Palazzo. Or .. Maybe I was "put" into that mindset since the strip was so crowded, and I had no choice but to just go with the flow of traffic<g>. Like Jeff, I got into a people-watching mode right from the start.

Mike, eclectic is the best word I could come up with for the tenors - at some point, they just about have to do something you'd like since they do so many types of music. I forgot to mention that we got treated to the Star-Spangled Banner that night - it seems they put a lot of practice into it for some sporting event that had a lousy turn-out - they figured their practice deserved a better audience so they threw it into the show - and it was pretty darn impressive!

Hey, Jeff, are you saying I wasn't REAL fun when I was just half-looped? :p I think I enjoyed dinner & drinks much more than I would have enjoyed Bette<g>. Which nights were you walking the strip? LOL, I looked around at the crowds on Saturday and thought "wow, this is what I've been avoiding all those years!" It was a great time to leave the car parked and get some exercise.

Lee, I think I made good use of my time, because I felt like I got around but never felt rushed. I figured you & Sharon wouldn't make it out to Sam's so I played those Treasure Chests for you - and got zipped on quads. ROTFL, the only trip I have planned is this Thursday - up to the foothills to see "the King & I" and have some more of those buckwheat pancakes at Black Oak Casino. However, I wouldn't be surprised to find myself in Las Vegas in May or July.