As the time draws near to another Las Vegas trip, I still get that antisapation feeling I used to get around Christmas time, as a little kid. I don't want to do anything but think about LV and it seems like trip time is never going to get here! I can't beleive that after all these trips to LV and at my age, these Las Vegas trips still excite me. Although, now I'm looking forward to just piddleing away my time in LV and having a great time at it. The Gambling excitment has faded away some in the last few years. I enjoy Las Vegas differntly then I did at one time.

*I used to think of that big jackpot, the big score.
Now I'm happy to have no plans, no direction, no worries for the entire time I'm out there.
*We used to check-in and we'd bounce on the bed with excitement...we're here, we're finally here thing.
Now we check in, quitely wait for our luggage and take a nap.
*We used to wildly throw our money at those one armed bandits, and try any foolish new game.
Now we look for the right spot to play, checking pay out schedules, and how deep do they deal into the deck.
*We used to go back to the room in the late afternoon and ....well, never mind about that, we'd get dressed for the evening, that's it! That's what we'd do! Dress for the evening's dinner & shows.
Now we don't go back to the room to change, it seems no one dresses in LV anymore.
*We used to know no one and nothing about Las Vegas, and we'd walk around in blind bliss.
Now we know a lot about Las Vegas, and have made many friends, to boast a little.

So did Las Vegas Change or did we, or both?

I'd like to think we grew. I don't think I'd have the same love for Las Vegas if I was still trying to hit that home-run on a slot machine after all these trips. Don't misunderstand, a good win still gets my blood flowing, regaurdless of the amount won. But it's differnt!

Anyone else have a story to tell?



------------------
Lee-PA
Moderator, What's New Forum
lee@talkvegas.com

Lee,

Nice post! No doubt a lot of us fall into the same category. However, I still look forward to trips with great anticipation and love it when we arrive in town.

Lee,i could have written your post almost word for word,reno was my hang and we would go 6-8 times a year.wife could play all day on 10 bucks worth of nickles,i would work on paying for the trip on dollar slots.my fun stopped with the invention of the random number generator!! the rng took the skill out of playing slots and made it a 100% luck game.the rng also created the last line of most trip reports"we did't win any money but had a great time" Me? i'm gonna stick with playin the ponies,it's what i do best

------------------
D.A.G.SEATTLE
furdoo3@aol.com

Nice post, Lee.

Though I've only been visiting Las Vegas since 1992, I can say that what I do when I'm there has changed quite a bit now that I know more about the place. For example, one of my first meals in Las Vegas was a "Steak and Lobster Special," I think at the Stardust, and I believe for $9.99. Boy, was it bad. I now know that in Las Vegas, as in everywhere else, you generally get what you pay for, but at least in Las Vegas there is a better chance that a "smart consumer" can grab a good, gambling-subsidized, deal.

------------------
Mark L. in NJ

Lee, while a lot of things have change, you can still hang on to the old habits in some cases. We still try to make reservations for a top headliner. Then we get dressed up and have a fancy dinner and go to the headliner show. That's what we used to do in the old days and we still try to do it today.
Las Vegas has changed a lot and so have we, but I try to hang onto as much of the old traditions as I can.

------------------
John
Moderator Dining Forum
john@talkvegas.com

You guys don't want to hear my "ever changing Las Vegas" thoughts <lol>!!

However, Lee, you did remind me of something. On our first trip to Las Vegas we stayed at the Frontier. It was a junket. Do they still have those <g>? We stayed in the same casino for 5 days straight except for one quick trip over to the Silver Slipper. I don't think I got any sleep for the fives days we were there <g>.

Anyway, with the junket came comped food and drinks and cigarettes and a show. We saw Juliet Prowse and the guy who acted drunk all the time. I can never remember his name.

But the food is what I wanted to talk about. Las Vegas at that time was supposedly known for the *best* beef in the country. I clearly remember as if it was yesterday the prime rib dinner we had one night. It was the worst (tough, dry, tasteless) piece of meat I had ever had.

DAG, I'm really good with the ponies too. Someday we'll have to spend a day in the sportsbook together.

The most fun (and winnings) I've ever had is when we used to go to Suffolk Downs or Rockingham Park on Sundays. Used to have a good, relaxing meal and pick 'em good. I have not done this once since I've been in Las Vegas.

The Mirage is the only place I can think of that has a dining room (California Kitchen) right next to the sportsbook. Anyone know if there are any other casinos where you can watch a race and eat at the same time?

------------------
gailsacco@prodigy.net
Moderator, TalkVegas After Hours
Administrator, TalkVegas BB


[This message has been edited by gailsacco (edited April 10, 2000).]

Beth,
Thanks, for the nice words. As I was sitting here, I got to thinking how my Las Vegas trips have changed over the years. Figured, why not make a post out of it and see if other have noticed any changes.



------------------
Lee-PA
Moderator, What's New Forum
lee@talkvegas.com

D.A.G.,
Glad we have something in common!
I do like the ponies too, but we never play them in Las Vegas. Unless we are there for the Kentucky Derby or some such "big race".
And those I never win much on, if any!

------------------
Lee-PA
Moderator, What's New Forum
lee@talkvegas.com

Markl,
The name of that place at the Stardust was Tucan Harry's. Oh I remember that bad food well! LOL I guess every veges newbie gets suckered in with that one at one time or another! I do have a few years on ya with my vegas stories though! Wonder if Tucan's is still there?


------------------
Lee-PA
Moderator, What's New Forum
lee@talkvegas.com

John,
Do you still get dressed up for a show? Good for you if you do! I tip my hat to ya! But Sue & I actually started to feel out of place the last couple of times we sressed for the evening. Makes me mad, when you take the time to go first class and there's some joker sitting aside of you, wearing sandels & a tank top, and and old pair of shorts
I still have a hard time with jeans in LV, but wife is slowly changing my mind. They are comfortable when your sitting for hours at a bar or table game.

------------------
Lee-PA
Moderator, What's New Forum
lee@talkvegas.com

Gail,
I think you could eat & play at Harrah's. they serve sandwiches & such in the sports bar area, where all the TV's are.

As for your ever changing Las vegas....lets hear it!



------------------
Lee-PA
Moderator, What's New Forum
lee@talkvegas.com

Gail, I think the comic/drunk is Foster Brooks.
Lee, we still get dressed up on Sat nights. There are others dressed the same way on Saturdays, so we don't feel out of place.
It does bother me to go out on a Sat to a first class show/restaurant and have the guy in shorts and sandles sitting next to me.

------------------
John
Moderator Dining Forum
john@talkvegas.com

Ok John....I'll wave to ya next time! LOL

------------------
Lee-PA
Moderator, What's New Forum
lee@talkvegas.com

Gail,it's just not the same as going to the track is it.can't beat the sites-sounds-excitement of being at "da track" i think of the times you would have to yell your horse to victory knowing he would have lost had you not urged him on!! i think of my famous call of "slide dammit slide" for the real close ones. can't get that at a race book. ah the good ole days

------------------
D.A.G.SEATTLE
furdoo3@aol.com

Lee,

Good subject. I was telling somone today how much my Vegas habits have changed. I used to do teh marathon gambling. Now I get out of town and enjoy the desert and the mountains. I go to a lot of the resorts off the strip. I still like to gamble but I don't feel I have to be making a wager every minute I'm there.

Gail, There's still gambling junkets. I've never been on one to Vegas but have to Atlantic City and Biloxi.

John, Guess I'll never spend a Saturday night with you in Vegas. My Vegas packing consists of a pair of jeans, a pair of dockers, a pair of shorts and golf shirts and t shirts. Not to mention the personal stuff .

jm

Jeff,
I know you like to "get out of town" while in Vegas. Mesqueit, sounds interesting and I would like to try it on a future trip. September has been mentioned. How are the crowds over thanksgiving?
I think anyone that has been going to LV for a long time, thier LV vacations have changed somehow.
Thanks for the kind words on this post!

------------------
Lee-PA
Moderator, What's New Forum
lee@talkvegas.com

Lee:

RE: Vegas at Thanksgiving

We have been going the Saturday before Thanksgiving for a few years. Comdex has just ended, and there is a lull between that and Thanksgiving. We get great rates then, and get out of town on Thanksgiving morning when the crowds are picking up. We go to Zion Nat'l. Park for a couple days, then drive back to Vegas and fly home. We love Zion and it's only a 3 hour drive. Always take a break at Mesquite going both ways. Going to Utah makes it seem like two entirely different vacations.

Susan

Lee,
What a great idea for a topic! Thanks for posting it.

Even though our first trip to Las Vegas was only four years ago, I agree that our trips have changed since then. Obviously on our first trip, we were awestruck by all the lights and glitz, now when we arrive we feel more of a sense of being in our "home away from home." Michael and I have done a bit of traveling and there have been few vacation destinations that we have visited more than once, much less the 10 times that we have been to Las Vegas. I have been thinking why is that? OK, I admit that gambling is part of it, but I could gamble in AC, a few hours from home. I enjoy the shows and the food, as well as visiting with friends while we are in town.

On our first trip we tried to see everything. We still always try to do too much on each trip, but I know I always think, so what we'll see it next time, when we don't manage to do and see everything.

Another change that we have made is to try dining in some of the great restaurants in Las Vegas. On our first trip, we figured that Las Vegas we had the stereotypical idea that we were "buffetland", so when in Rome...or Las Vegas, well you know what I mean. Besides, eating at buffets gave us more time to try to do everything.

As for gambling, I agree with Lee concerning picking machines. On our first trip, I knew nothing about full pay machines. I played any machines. Now I walk around and look for full pay machines.

Thanks again Lee for a great topic.

Lee Ann
Past, Present and Future Forum Moderator
leeann@talkvegas.com

Susan,
I guess we'll see you in Vegas then in 2000!
We are also avid Turkey day travelers! Watch this BB for a possible meet during your next trip in Nov.. No excuses excepted!
Lee-PA

Lee Ann,
I'd guess your at a stage 2. Your a bit ahead of us on the time frame though! (we where slow learners) but I swear, next is you relize, you don't have to go 100mph 24/7. Your picking your machines...now you start to pick your spots.
That's where we are at now. From the rate your going it won't be long! You must remember, I'd say for the first 5 or 6 years we where on our own, no internet, no BB's no nothing. Just lemmings following the flock. This BB and others like it have helped me along this route. Just like every trip report, no matter how long or short, I learn something from it. I know this sounds alot like self praise, but I really credit these BB's with helping us. The sharing of idea's and information have opened my eyes to what is possible in Las vegas.
I always enjoy talking with anyone that has a love for this city, because you just might learn something important that you didn't know before. Lee Ann, I'm sorry you didn't discover Las vegas sooner, but your a fast learner!
? Do you get excited at the chance to talk about Las Vegas, as though it was your own?

------------------
Lee-PA
Moderator, What's New Forum
lee@talkvegas.com

Lee:

Yes, it is a very good possibility that you'll see me in Vegas at Thanksgiving time.
Excuses??? Me?? Never. (g)

By the way....have a great time on your upcoming trip. Sorry we won't get to meet some of you at Easter time.....but then you know....I have really good excuses!! (g)

Susan

Lee --

Yes, yes, "Tucan Harry's" it was.

If THAT was Steak and Lobster, then. . .

------------------
Mark L. in NJ

Great topic Lee!

I have only been coming to this wonderful city for the last 6 years but it always feels like Christmas to me! I can't think of a place where I have more fun and I meet people from all over the world.

Hey John, if you're still dressing up, I'll go with you! I love to dress up for the evenings...not only on Saturdays! And Jeff, I guess as long as we get to smoke cigars, you don't have to be dressed up!

Trina

Trina, We still dress up on Sat nights in Las Vegas if we are going to a headliner show and a good restaurant--which we usually do.
You can come ANYTIME!!
I'm working on 2 upcoming trips and on both of them we will be staying over on a Sat night so I will pack the suit if there is a good show in town.

------------------
John
Moderator Dining Forum
john@talkvegas.com

I just wanted to jump in and say the number one way our trips to LV have changed over the years is . . . this BB!

With every visit, I bring along some great new tips the I've learned from all the helpful people here. It's great to have access to so much information, especially in a city like LV where there is so much to choose from. My husband still gets a chuckle out of the ideas I come up with on things to do, places to go, all based on what all of you advise.

John,

When are you planning to go? I am trying to work on bringing my new beau to the city sometime soon. I would love to see you all decked out in your suit! I'll be sure to bring a great dress to match....what color will you be wearing?

Trina

Gail, Glad you like the bb.

------------------
John
Moderator Dining Forum
john@talkvegas.com

Trina, my suit will match my Rio Rita fruit hat, whatever color that is. I make a new one for each trip<G>
I just booked Caesars for June 7-12. June 11 is the BIG 50 for me-UHG!!! But where better to celebrate it than Las Vegas.
I also have a trip in the works for July 14-19. I haven't booked that one as of yet, but it is pretty definite that we will go.
Are you sure you want to introduce your new beau to this group?<G> Maybe you should wait for a while before springing us on him<G>

------------------
John
Moderator Dining Forum
john@talkvegas.com

Gail A., The reason I like this type of forum is it gives everyone with internet access the chance to learn so many ways of not getting ripped off in Las Vegas.

This at least "helps" to keep the casinos and hotels in check, imho.

Thanks to you and all who contribute to this BB for making it such a success!!

------------------
gailsacco@prodigy.net
Moderator, TalkVegas After Hours
Administrator, TalkVegas BB

John,

Hmmm, maybe you're right.... If I show Ian pictures of you and JMT with those fruit hats he might think twice about meeting you! But then again, you'll probably get along as he's a CP person!

I will see check those dates out...I'm starting my new job next month so I may or may not have a lot of choices!

John congrats. of 50 in June, Mine is June 20 I will hit 73. Jog 3-5 miles at least 5 days a week at 73. want to come along

Kizzy, I'll get in my 3-5 miles about 3-4 days a week. I'm just waiting for the nice weather to arrive here in Ohio so I can go outside and get off that @#$% treadmill<G>
I wouldn't want to try jogging in Las Vegas in the summertime. That would not be good.
I keep telling myself that when I'm in Las Vegas I'm going to take advantage of the exercise facilities at Caesars, but I never seem to do so. Too many vp machines I guess<G>

------------------
John
Moderator Dining Forum
john@talkvegas.com