June Las Vegas Trip

I took some time off of work, but didn't plan any big trips. I did want to take my niece to Las Vegas. She had recently discovered Cirque du Soliel, but had never seen them in person. I thought it would be fun to take her to one of the shows. I thought I got a deal at the MGM grand. It didn't turn out to be the deal I thought it was for many reasons. Apparently, their special summer rates had just started and there were 2000 people trying to check in at close to the same time. This was the lovely line that I had to stand in for over an hour to check in. I was not too happy about that. My niece took an immediate dislike to the whole city. I told her that there were some positive things there along with the negative. She wasn't convinced. We also had the privilege of calling security for a fight in the room next door. And really bad food at the "free" buffet we got with our room deal.

Only in Las Vegas do you have little TV screens with advertising on them on the faucets in one of the public bathrooms at the MGM Grand.

In an effort to find something my niece would like, that was free or cheap, I took her to see the atrium at the Bellagio. They redo it several times of year and it is always stunning. It has an Americana summer theme now, with birds. They even have an atrium with live finches in it.

She seemed to think it was nice, but wasn't that impressed. my photos loaded a little out of order so bear with me.  We also went to the aquarium at Cesar's Palace.She liked the aquarium.

I thought this blue chandelier in this store we went by was stunning. They sell shoes.

As we drove around town, we saw this fabulous city library. Apparently it used to be a children's museum, hence the fun architecture.

I hadn't been inside Cesar's Palace before. The parking was horrendous, but the Italian faux streets were quite fun. We came back our second night to see Shania Twain in concert. I enjoyed it. She even road two horses on to the stage. My niece had never been to a concert. She thought it was an interesting experience, but that the music was too loud and that she didn't need to go to a concert again.

Another sight my niece enjoyed was the "old Mormon Fort". It was the first Anglo settlement in the area. It was a brief interesting stop.

We were going to watch the fountains in front of the Bellagio, but they were working on them. Boo hoo.

More atrium photos.

View of Paris hotel from the Bellagio. Notice them working on the fountains.

Bellagio atrium.

We saw the Mystere show at Treasure Island. In the lobby, there is this fabulous mammoth tusk that has this amazingly detailed scrimshaw carving. We loved it. This is just a small segment.

Chihuily glass on the ceiling of the Bellagio lobby.

Caesar's palace.

My niece is a big fan of the show Pawn stars. We had to drive by the shop. There was a line to the corner of the building to get in. The guy in the black shirt was only allowing a few people in at a time. We didn't stop.

I thought this store display was cool.

Caesar's Palace.

Atrium.

Prior to Mystere starting. No photography allowed. It was a cool show. We both really enjoyed it.