So here we are in Vegas again. After booking this trip a few months back, I realized that I have never blogged about our past two experiences with the city! Are you surprised? Good, me neither.
I'm a bit bummed because I had to get a new phone in November of 2013 (due to my last one getting stolen--long story), and therefore, I've lost a lot of pictures! So unfortunately, unless you are my friend on Instagram, you won't get to see any pictures from our previous trips to Vegas! My point? Instagram awaits you.
Vegas is normally not my first choice for a get away (I think beach, country, small town, loveable big city), but when your husband has to go there for business and invites you along because it's an inexpensive getaway, you go! His company does not pay my way, but seriously, a getaway (or as the British like to call it--"holiday") for two at the expense of one cheap airline ticket and a few lattes is a pretty good deal! Plus, the fact that Southwest allows two free bags and flies you over a beautiful landscape as you arrive doesn't hurt the matter whatsoever. Hoover Dam, anyone? :)
When people find out you're going with your husband on a business trip, they generally want to find out where you're going. However, when you say "Vegas", you tend to get a random mixture of responses. Most people are genuinely excited for you or have been there themselves, but then there are a few subtle reactions that are all smiles on the outside, but seem to disapprove under the surface. Maybe I'm reading into things, but I also know that there are those kind of people out there regardless if they will ever admit it. Yes, granted, Las Vegas is known as the infamous "Sin City". Yes, there is an insane amount of gambling and drinking that happens all around. Yes, there have been porn cards handed out at every corner and strewn all over the sidewalks. And yes, there are even locals dressed in dirty costumes trying to be the best Hello Kitty and Elmo in the world. Um...they aren't.
They say what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas. But you know what? It doesn't. Is Las Vegas--excuse me, "Sin City", really that much different than the street corner in the downtown area of where you live? Is is that much different than the cluster of high end bars and clubs in your city--or even the lone bar down the road? Is it any different than the casinos and billboards that you've driven by on your way to work? Are the porn cards any different than secretly stashed magazines or the erotic audio book playing in your car? Are the shows any different than some of the movies or TV shows you watch? Is it any different than the depths of my own heart? The truth is, the town and city that we each currently live in is a "sin city". No one city or town (or heart) is exempt. Thank the LORD for salvation, truth, and grace.
Las Vegas and all of it's sin and craziness is simply just illuminated in lights. Some may view it as a place like Pleasure Island that Pinocchio went to with Lampwick or a town like Sodom and Gomorrah. And yes, some people do desire those kinds of towns and seemingly thrive on the electricity of them. Side note: this is not meant to be a judgmental post whatsoever. My husband and I are believers, but for those who don't know or care to know the Lord like that, our personal standards and choices will be different. Vegas is also known as "the city of lights", and ironically, as believers, we've been called to be a light to the world, a city set on a hill (Matthew 5:14), and to honor our bodies as the temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). We feel convicted to honor the Lord and set an example while handling situations and atmospheres with the right perspective and with a loving heart, but that doesn't mean that we're the ultimate judge and can't extend grace and love others well. We're definitely not perfect, and we've learned that in order for others to see Jesus, you start building relationships where others are at physically and personally. Judgment for the sake of cynicism and legalism gets you nowhere. You learn what works, you re-adjust, you don't compromise, but you love well and share truth, all while extending grace.
That being said, for us personally, we have no problem being set in an environment like Vegas, but I do think that there is a difference between being surrounded and immersing yourselves in even the tiniest way. Truth is, we've been to Vegas three times now. We choose not to drink or gamble, but do you know what we've enjoyed doing? We take opportunities to strike up conversations with Vegas store clerks, people at the bus stops, as well as other business men from Craig's company who were alone and by themselves on the trip. Sure, they all hung out with each other and had their share of crazy nights and definitely don't mind telling you about them, but we interacted and had conversations with them during other parts of the day that they're probably starving for at home. Regardless if they even realize that or not. You can tell. We all want someone to talk to and someone who is genuinely interested and willing to listen, ask questions, and not shudder every time a cuss word is used.
The people that handed the porn cards out were another story. They're also called smut peddlers or card slappers (you can hear them continually slapping their cards to get your attention as you walk past). I was about to write that if you ever go to Vegas, you cannot escape them. Apparently, that is not entirely true! As we were walking back to our hotel on Tuesday night, we suddenly noticed how clean the sidewalks were and then realized that we hadn't seen a single peddler, homeless person, or street performer! We wondered if they had been completely banned. We're located at the Mandalay Bay this time and have not noticed anybody like that down on that end of the strip. However, when we ventured out to the middle of the strip last night, we realized that there are still plenty of those people out and about, but thankfully, it didn't seem as intense as it has been in years past.
The previous times that we've come to Vegas, the card holders were on every single street corner. Sure, it's aggravating and awful, but we averted our eyes and walked right past their outstretched hands. However, I did get mad when some of the men didn't respect the fact that I'm holding my husband's hand and literally reach past my face to try and give my husband a card. Uh, hold up, wait a minute, yo. (There may have been a time or two that it was too much and I admit that I lifted my hand to push their hands away).
Friends warned me of these people that handed out the cards. I, being naive I suppose, thought that they were men--all of them. Men dressed in sharp suits, wearing hats and sunglasses, and looking well, pretty much like a pimp. Guys, it was a perfect movie scene in my head and now is a good time to tell you I'm extremely gullible and naive at times. As reality would have it, these people handing out cards were all dressed in orange sweatshirts that had the call number of their "business" plastered on their fronts and backs. What really saddened me were the women that were handing these cards out as well. I couldn't believe it the first time I noticed them! At first I was shocked, but then I thought...I wonder if they have to do this job? They weren't necessarily smiling as they were handing out the cards. Sure, some of them probably don't care and some may actually like it because it's an easy job, but I can't help but think that there may be a few women (and even men) who feel trapped in that business. How many families or relatives are forced into a business because it pays well and it's a job? I do believe we all have a choice (some with more drastic cons than we'd like) as well as a lack of humility to ask for help in some cases, but I can understand not feeling like you have a choice at all.
Since I saw those women, I started to see everything differently. I didn't want to treat them as faceless people. Honestly, those cards are very rarely taken, much less stay in one's pocket or wallet. You used to see a million littering the ground between every single bus stop. It's easy to get angry at the people handing them out, being forceful, being brazen, but it wasn't until I saw the quiet women also handing them out that I realized that there may be several different stories behind those eyes. I made it a point to smile at them and shake my head instead of disregarding them like they weren't there at all. Point is, I want to see faces this time. I want to be sharp and aware of my surroundings, but in doing so, I want to remember that everyone has a story and sometimes people just need someone to notice them, no matter what they may be doing, and to look at them with a smile.
Alright, don't get me wrong. Vegas does have its happy corners and it can be very fun--especially now that its sidewalks are a bit cleaner and more visitor friendly! There are still plenty of things left on our Vegas bucket list, but listed below are a few of our favorite eateries, shops to visit, as well as some fun things to do! :)
Oh my goodness. Just GO. Agh. Go go go! Again, we refrain from seeing the more sensual side of cirque (Zumanity), but there are plenty of other shows available! We've seen Mystère and Zarkana and both are very imaginative and adorable. I cannot imagine the amount of time that each performer spends in training. Their movements are flawless and so beautiful, and each show is bound to be absolutely breathtaking!
If you're not sure of what show you want to see, Yelp and Trip Advisor are always great tools to use for checking reviews! Keep in mind that most shows can be pretty expensive! Check the hotel where you're staying to see if a show takes place in their theatre and if they might offer a show package. If not, there are certain Las Vegas websites [www.vegas.com & www.bestofvegas.com] that offer really great deals on the "simpler" shows. Unfortunately, more majestic productions like Le Reve - The Dream and "O" will generally be the most expensive!
And yes, there are plenty of crazy shows on the strip, but the family friendly ones are not just limited to Cirque shows! Penn and Teller, Blue Man Group, and Jabbawockeez are some great options to name a few!
This is a famous tourist spot to visit, not only because the fountain display and music are beautiful and magnificent, but also because it was featured at the end of the movie Ocean's 11. You can watch that scene here! I have to tell you about our first time being in Vegas and watching the fountains!
While waiting for the fountains to start, we heard a commotion behind us. We saw a guy running and looking over his shoulder. It seemed that he had taken something and we realized that he was being chased buy a guy carrying a big knife and wearing a tight shirt and what looked like parachute pants! Haha! He was yelling at the first guy to stop and then stopped himself because he knew he couldn't catch him. He then stabbed a tree out of frustration! I think it was then that he realized his surroundings and apologized saying, "SORRY! I had permission!!". Haha! Oh man. I wasn't afraid, but just thought, wow. Welcome to Vegas.
These shops are located within The Venetian! Each hotel on the strip has its own decor and layout and you'll find that their walkways, ceilings, and walls (not to mention the rooms) mirror the history and beauty of the style they want to emulate or of a particular country or city (Italy, Paris, Rome, New York City, etc.).
Most of the shops in this area are very high end and expensive, but it's fun to walk around! Plus, there is a moat in the middle of some of the shops and main eateries where you can take gondola rides or simply be serenaded by a singing gondolier as you walk by. One store I loved checking out was the Thomas Kinkade Gallery! I do love his artistry, style, and attention to detail, but for my personal taste, most of it is a bit old fashioned. However, he has created so many Disney paintings that I adore! With each canvas, no matter the visible storyline, he has intricately hidden other Disney characters (from totally different Disney movies) within the scene. Some are completely minute and others may be bigger. It is SO cool! It's like a Where's Waldo without Waldo. You're not allowed to take pictures of the canvases and prints in the store so I had to find the images below on Google and create a collage. If you ever have the chance, definitely check out his Disney artwork! If you have all the money in the world, you should go here and buy one of each piece!
This mall is part of Caesars Palace and carries stores that are slightly more familiar and more budget friendly than the Grand Canal Shoppes! Craig's favorite place to go is H&M (3 stories!) while my favorites all have to do with makeup: Inglot, Mac, and Sephora. I'm glad you're not surprised. :)
Another mall, I know. However, this is where Forever XXI located! I know most people have gone to a Forever XXI, but this one has a photo booth located in its lower level! Need I say more? Ok, fine. This mall also features popular shops like Francesca's, Free People, Urban Outfitters, Anthropologie, AND for my stationary loving heart, Sanrio!
We LOVE this place! This is one of Gordon Ramsay's restaurants, and being that we're huge fans of the show Masterchef and Gordon Ramsay, we always find the time to go! His menu is simple, affordable, and intriguing. We've been twice now, and both times, I've gotten the Euro Burger with goat cheese--so good! And those truffle parmesan fries...you might think you need/want your own, but one is enough to share between two people!
This place is so fun! Their decor and ordering system reminds us of Chipotle, but obviously, it's pizza! Get in line, choose your pizza from their yummy menu (all thin crust, plus a gluten free option) or build your own! Either way, your pizza is built right in front of you and then thrown into their brick oven! About 10 minutes later, you can sit down and enjoy your very own personal pizza!
Serendipity 3
Have you seen the movie Serendipity? A storyline containing silly fate, New York, Christmas, chocolate, Kate Beckinsale, John Cusack, Jeremy Piven, and Molly Shannon--just watch the trailer! You're welcome. :) In the movie, Kate Beckinsale and John Cusack visit a unique little restaurant called Serendipity 3 which is famous for their "frrrozen" hot chocolate. New York is the original location of this quirky restaurant, but I was extremely excited to see that they had added a Las Vegas location! And yes, you can easily make the delicious concoction at home as well, but it's always fun to live out a scene from a movie instead.
I forgot to mention that they also have cake--a yummy variety to choose from and HUGE slices.
Crepes, coffee, artisan chocolate (a sweet nod to Christopher Elbow), macarons, gelato, and more chocolate. Oh, and a spectacular holiday display of the Grinch created out of over 200lbs of fondant and chocolate. Shall I continue? (The rest of my words consist of chocolate)
There are Starbucks located on most every corner around the Las Vegas strip, but we'll admit it, we're coffee snobs so finding really good coffee can be challenging! That's where Yelp comes in handy yet again! Sambalatte is located just outside the Monte Carlo hotel, and honestly, it's been perfectly quiet each time I've visited due in part that most people would rather hang out in front of a slot machine than the inside of a coffee shop. Total win for me! I don't know why, but I'm so surprised I found such a cute and cozy coffee shop filled with coffee bean burlap sacks and beautiful Christmas trees! Plus, their music selection is awesome! I'm not sure what's playing today, but it reminds me of a toned down soundtrack version of Zarkana mixed in with Christmas music. And I love it. Yesterday it was The Grinch soundtrack. :)
I guess one more important thing to include is that Sambalatte closes early during the holiday season! I just got kicked out because they close at the dreadfully early hour of 5pm. So much for that second iced mocha!
I hope this helps you create your own adventures in Vegas someday! :)
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