Why do I love Vegas? I don't know? Words can't describe it, its the emotions that just run deep. I love losing myself in the glitz and glam of this truly fabulous oasis in the desert.
The excitement of its lights, the sin city history, the casinos, the shows, the buffets, the people, the shopping, the museums, the Johnnie blacks, the hundred dollar chips, the weddings, Elvis, oh and most of all the totally fabulously amazing Fremont Experience!
When you arrive you forget about everything and do whatever you want and no one seems to care, you are famous, you are real and you are alive!
Recently I travelled with a group of friends to the US, this is my 10th trip to LA and there is still something that I really love about this city, our experience this time was somewhat different we stayed in Orange County and it is truly beautiful, adding to the fact that my niece Tania lives there with her husband Gayle, we had more of a local experience which I totally enjoyed. Disney is always a hit and the drive to Hollywood and downtown was also a highlight. We managed to secure some tickets to the LA Lakers who played the Clippers at the brand new staples centre, definitely a must do in LA. I am not a huge fan of basketball but I loved soaking in the atmosphere and checking out one of my favourite actors bad boy Jack Nicholson and of course just being with a wonderful group of friends really made my night.
The road trip to Las Vegas was another treat, I love that drive, this time after a stop at the Barstow factory outlets we stopped at Peggy Sues diner and I must say the best collection of memorabilia that I have ever seen , definitely worth a road trip stop, great milk shakes too!
We arrived in Vegas at around 6pm just as it was getting dark and as we drove closer to the city you could see the city lights, the heart starts beating the excitement builds we start singing Viva Las Vegas, the girls are just in sheer heaven, I can almost taste it and then their it is, the drive up the famous Las Vegas Boulevard is just amazing and oh my God it was totally and utterly awesome. I close my eyes now and I can still see it. Luckily for the GPS we managed to find our way to the main entrance of our stay at the newly renovated Planet Hollywood.
The road trip to Las Vegas was another treat, I love that drive, this time after a stop at the Barstow factory outlets we stopped at Peggy Sues diner and I must say the best collection of memorabilia that I have ever seen , definitely worth a road trip stop, great milk shakes too!
We arrived in Vegas at around 6pm just as it was getting dark and as we drove closer to the city you could see the city lights, the heart starts beating the excitement builds we start singing Viva Las Vegas, the girls are just in sheer heaven, I can almost taste it and then their it is, the drive up the famous Las Vegas Boulevard is just amazing and oh my God it was totally and utterly awesome. I close my eyes now and I can still see it. Luckily for the GPS we managed to find our way to the main entrance of our stay at the newly renovated Planet Hollywood.
Now, Planet Hollywood, I definitely loved! I have stayed at most of the casinos on the strip and even though there was a touch of the Aladdin seeping through the hotel, I loved the ambiance, boppy music and the atmosphere this casino offered, definitely funky and laid back!
I really never spent enough time in my room, however they were movie themed, clean and like most other rooms at casinos on the strip the rooms did not have enough lighting to my liking however and more importantly the beds were grand and for the time I spent in bed I always had a great nights sleep.
So many highlights on this trip, we celebrated Santo's 21st, my birthday, anniversaries and saw Bette Midler, Jersey Boys, Tony and Tina's wedding, Peepshows, Sky walk at the Grand Canyon with Scenic flights, Halloween, the Fremont experience, as many buffets as you can count, shopping at factory outlets, the New York New York roller coaster ride, the extras bar, Rain night club VIPs, restaurants and so much more.
I must say, however, our day dressed up in 80's outfits for the Graceland wedding chapel renewal of wedding vows for Bruce and Tania and Mary and Marcello, was definitely my favourite day. We hired a stretch hummer that drove us around for a couple of hours as we took in the sights of Vegas, definitely a must do when in Vegas. For me 9 nights was not enough and always sad to leave, however knowing that I will be back makes me feel better.
Like all of my trips to Vegas I just have to add in another stop this time Tuscaloosa, Alabama, another added highlight to my trip. Through my extended family we headed south to watch an amazing game of American Football, Alabama University Crimson Tide who played against Louisiana State University the tigers, now this was totally unbelievable, the night before the game we headed downtown and had drinks with locals who were just preparing for game day the atmosphere was electric and such passion and pride toward their local college football team, something like I have never seen before!
On game day we had an early morning start as we headed off to purchase our Alabama t-shirts, just so we could blend in with the crowd, we had a hot dog, a coke and waited patiently for the parade of champions, this is where fans gather out the front of the stadium to welcome and cheer on the Coach and team prior to the big game.
We then took our seats in the family section which was very very special and waited for kick off, while being entertained by a 100 piece marching band, cheerleaders and just hair raising atmosphere! We chanted roll tide roll, sang Sweet home Alabama, ate hot dogs and popcorn and just totally absorbed the experience.
I have a better understanding of the game now and I am hooked. Alabama won that day and are now heading toward the championships league for 2009. I just have this feeling it will be their year, this year, so proud of Eryk he had a great game and so deserves a win in his final year of college.
We farewelled Tuscaloosa and headed to the airport for our flight back to LA, American Airlines was impressive and we flew via Dallas airport. Dallas is usually a nightmare to transit in however with the new sky train it now makes transiting so much easier I was totally impressed.
We stopped in LA with my niece Tania for another night prior to our flight back home. I must thank Qantas for the Business Class upgrade on my trip, I guess after all those years of selling the product, I am so glad I can say it is my job to try it out, so I can then tell you all about it!
If you haven't flown business class you just have to try it, it makes your journey so much better and you arrive well rested and refreshed. Congratulations Qantas the service and experience was impeccable!
Well that was my holiday! Amazing huh! The memories of this trip will stay with me forever. I will always reflect on the perfect nights I had with my mates and just so many stories to share! Oh how I love a great holiday that includes amazing destinations!
You have just got to go! Our dollar is great at the moment, so it is a great time to be travelling, don't think about it just do it!
Love y'all
Ida
Who boasts Las Vegas as her favourite destination!
