Las Vegas, NV; January 1, 2012 to January 3, 2012

From the naturally beautiful landscape of the drive, the sudden monstrosity of Vegas seemed to come out of nowhere. We were able to see the bright lights of the city from at least 30 miles away. When we checked into our hotel at the end of the strip (Circus Circus), we were surprised at all of the things that are given for just $30 a night (or roundabouts that number). We first decided to look around the hotel, which has a full theme park inside called the Adventuredome and then we headed out into the city. It certainly was breathtaking. Minus the fact that you have to be very careful about where you look because littering the ground are pictures for prostitutes and throughout the street are people handing out cards. Thank goodness for Uncle John who warned us long beforehand. “Look straight ahead and don’t take anything people try to give you.” Man isn’t that the truth.

The next day we slept in a bit and headed for our free lunch buffet at our hotel. I couldn’t believe how large it was. After lunch, we drove up the strip to the Las Vegas North Side Outlet mall which was shopaholic heaven. They had everything from Kate Spade and Burberry to Ed Hardy (ick). By the time we left it was getting dark, so I had Daniel drop me off at the Venetian hotel so I could get some Basin White Bath products. Hooray!! Then ran over to the Paris Hotel to make it there before 715 to go to the top without getting charged an extra $12. Upon arriving at the top, the fountain show at the Bellagio was just beginning and had the best view in the city. It is truly the most amazing experience (never mind that I am terrified of heights) seeing the city lit up and the fountain show!! Then we ran back to the hotel to get freshened up and went to look around the city some more. We took a quick peek into the Monte Carlo and the Riviera after grabbing a beer and a Mango Margarita at Rock-n-Rita’s. Inside the Riviera was a room full of old arcade games where we played a game of air hockey, Donkey Kong, the Simpsons and Daniel tried to win me a rubber duck. It made us sad to see how few people were at the Riviera, since it was such an iconic place back in the 60’s and 70’s. Since we had a free pass to ride a ride at the Adventuredome, we tried to run back to our hotel across the street to ride the roller coaster. Unfortunately it was closed and we decided to grab a late dinner at The Garden Grill where Daniel tried a half rack of ribs and I enjoyed a delightful cheese quesadilla.

Doubtful

Why a clinic needs a fancy building is beyond me.  And why it’s the CLEAVELAND clinic when its in LAS VEGAS is also beyond my comprehension.

….sigh….inside the Venetian

Balloon Runaway

Paris

The Fountains of Bellagio atop Paris Eiffel Tower

Once again….the Fountains….ooohhh

Pinball machines inside the Riviera

Casino: “You can win THIS if you give us all your money in PENNIES!!” (disclaimer: and you will lose sleep and your family and all you own) “You can have the best car of anyone you know!” (to live in)

Poor Sucker who Gambles: “OOOHHH, I could win this for A PENNY!!” (and everyone will love me)

The next morning, we cashed in our final free buffet meal at our hotel and met an interesting woman at the next booth who had won 7 jackpots on her stay. When she found out we were from Kentucky, she gave us a disgusted look and was surprised to find out that bourbon was made there. She also inquired as to why they wear such gigantic hats for the derby. Tradition I guess. But she gave us a president’s collector’s edition dollar coin so I guess we weren’t too hillbilly for her….and thus ended our lovely stay in the gambling capital of the planet.

*Most disturbing thing I saw is a tie between the sheer amount of children (they were everywhere) and a drunk guy pushing a stroller through the casino with his toddler, well and the advertisements for hookers. The thought still gives me the he-bee-jeeb-ees.*

On the Road…Yet Again; January 1, 2012

Well today was pretty uneventful, 12 hours of driving in the car from Denver to Las Vegas. While most know that I can get extremely car sick, one would be surprised that I fared rather well. Traveling through the Rockies is an endless motion of steep inclines and declines and sharp curves while keeping an eye out for ice. And dead towns. This leg of our journey has by far been my favorite (car wise). It took about 3-4 hours to get through the Rockies . I am going to try and not underestimate natural wonders like that again. I had thought it probably wasn’t much bigger than the Appalachian Mountains. Ha. Not much bigger turns out to be at least 2-3 times the size. Being a bit squeamish of semi-trucks, it surely didn’t help that, because of the steep inclines, there were ‘run away’ ramps. You know, in case a truck driver decides it would be smart to go 50 or something and then loses control. Not to mind that you have to keep a look out for falling rocks. At least they have netting….

The Rockies

The High School’s Mascot in Argo was Golddiggers, go figure

No one can express the magnitude of the size and how red these really were

After we got through the Rockies, we passed end upon end of canyons. Who knew Utah was just one big canyon. I sure didn’t. It was a bit overwhelming I must say. With all of the scenery to take in, it was definitely hard to stay cooped up in the car. I even broke down at one point saying “I want to go play!” (meaning I was planning an escape route so that I didn’t have to get back in the car). Unfortunately, that wouldn’t have worked because Daniel is much taller and faster than me. So in the car I stayed. And stayed. And stayed. Since this was a painstakingly long drive, we ate in the car and took short bathroom and gas breaks.

Ghost Rock

Goblin Canyon

Trailer in the middle of no-where Utah…meth lab????

Ah….sunset

So in case I haven’t impressed upon you how many canyons there are in Utah, here is a sampling.  There were so many I don’t even know all of the names.

Denver & Boulder, CO; December 31, 2011

For our first morning to actually sleep in, we were a disappointment to loafers everywhere because we were both up by 9 am. Taking our time getting ready, we decided to see if the UL vs. UK game would by chance be on. Low and behold it was and we enjoyed watching the first half while slowly getting ready.  Finally venturing out, we went in search of Jack-N-Grill, another Man vs. Food Challenge.  From there we happened upon the Denver Museum of Contemporary Art where we learned about Ant Farms in the 60s and 70s and other art forms of that era.  I enjoyed the faux library the most.  Next we walked a few blocks into LoDo (Lower Downtown) and went to the Tattered Cover Bookstore, Union Station and the 16th Street Mall. 

Elitch Gardens Amusement Park in Downtown Denver

Across from the MCA

Part of the “West of Center” Art Exhibit

Inside Union Station (they have recently moved the Amtrak, so it’s pretty much a dead area)

The Statue that most think of when it comes to Denver

….And….Break….

Driving around the city, we decided we wanted a change of scenery, so we took the 20 minute drive NW to Boulder.  This town embodied the perfect amount of city and old town square feel.  Unfortunately, I didn’t get to take many pictures of Boulder.  We found a cute vintage store called Gold Mine Vintage and then enjoyed some street performers of the accordion and ‘bucket’ drum variety.  Finally, to cap off the night, we grabbed some Black Jack pizza and heading back to the room.

 

My Only Boulder Pic

Black Jack Pizza…yumm