Welcome to Cindy and David's 2014 Adventures
Reno and Las Vegas
Our flight leaving Reno on time was vital for us to get to Las Vegas, check in, change ready for the 7 pm show, Michael Jackson One Cirque du Soleil. So naturally there was a huge delay due to our plane (below) arriving late at Reno delivering a large group of WWII veterans home from an event. Huge reception committee and water fountain delivered by the fire brigade on their arrival. Lovely to watch everyone being so appreciative of them.
This did however mean we arrived somewhat late into the Mandalay Bay Resort at Las Vegas,where fortunately the show was actually situated and we were staying. We rushed about and made it just in time which we meant we arrived there in our travelling clothes but not to worry. We were stunned by the absolute glory of the hotel! Magnificent in every way. We four were given a suite of two bedrooms plus living area with all round sweeping views of Las Vegas,
The show was LOUD. When we had all got over that we sat back and enjoyed a lot of fun and entertainment.
We quickly realised that lots of action and noise was to be part of life in our new environment! When the show finished we found a restaurant for dinner (one of 28 in the hotel!!!) then wandered off exploring the vast expanse to find the way out! (I kid you not, it was not easy!)
Las Vegas strip was mind blowing. We caught the overhead tram to cross the street (!) and then joined the crowds gawking at the lights, the magnificent buildings and general hubbub that is Vegas. Long after midnight we found our way back and retired in luxury!
We quickly realised that lots of action and noise was to be part of life in our new environment! When the show finished we found a restaurant for dinner (one of 28 in the hotel!!!) then wandered off exploring the vast expanse to find the way out! (I kid you not, it was not easy!)
Las Vegas strip was mind blowing. We caught the overhead tram to cross the street (!) and then joined the crowds gawking at the lights, the magnificent buildings and general hubbub that is Vegas. Long after midnight we found our way back and retired in luxury!
Unfortunately, Las Vegas really was just an overnight stop on our way to the Grand Canyon so the next day we had just enough time to explore the hotel grounds where we found the most amazing pool area!
Below is just one pool but lower to the left is the wave pool. Around all this is a "river" where the water propels you around on blow up rings or by your own power. It is a huge area with literally hundreds of sun-beds arranged around each pool area. Lifeguards are everywhere and drinks and food available non-stop.
It was quickly clear to us that one could spend a week here and never have a reason to leave the actual hotel!
Below is just one pool but lower to the left is the wave pool. Around all this is a "river" where the water propels you around on blow up rings or by your own power. It is a huge area with literally hundreds of sun-beds arranged around each pool area. Lifeguards are everywhere and drinks and food available non-stop.
It was quickly clear to us that one could spend a week here and never have a reason to leave the actual hotel!
David was fascinated by the various designs on the floors and by the magnificent artwork in the reception area.
Had to take a shot of Caesars Palace. One of the many historical hotels we had heard of. (This was taken whilst at a traffic light which we have all voted as the longest traffic light in the world! You wouldn't believe how long we actually sat there, waiting, waiting....)
We returned to Vegas for one further night on our way back from the Grand Canyon and stayed at the Monte Carlo Hotel. Also very impressive but voted to be not quite the Mandalay Bay!
At least at this one we did get to swim and use their version of the "river".
The show that night was David Copperfield. Having now witnessed this phenomenon we very much regret not seeing him in Sydney. It was an amazing experience to see what this man can do. It was a show that relied on audience participation in order to convince everyone that there was no trickery involved. He started off with a bang by arriving in a previously proved empty curtained box sitting on a huge motor-bike which seemed to appear from thin air! It only got better and better. A few of us were asked to stay behind after the show and he tried out a new illusion on us which was truly over the top and we left just shaking our heads as to how he had achieved so much in such a short time. We went on line to check him out and we were not surprised to find he is a multi-multi millionaire!
We returned to Vegas for one further night on our way back from the Grand Canyon and stayed at the Monte Carlo Hotel. Also very impressive but voted to be not quite the Mandalay Bay!
At least at this one we did get to swim and use their version of the "river".
The show that night was David Copperfield. Having now witnessed this phenomenon we very much regret not seeing him in Sydney. It was an amazing experience to see what this man can do. It was a show that relied on audience participation in order to convince everyone that there was no trickery involved. He started off with a bang by arriving in a previously proved empty curtained box sitting on a huge motor-bike which seemed to appear from thin air! It only got better and better. A few of us were asked to stay behind after the show and he tried out a new illusion on us which was truly over the top and we left just shaking our heads as to how he had achieved so much in such a short time. We went on line to check him out and we were not surprised to find he is a multi-multi millionaire!