Q&A Regarding Our Vegas Trip
by Jenners • 05/21/2012 • Travels • 93 Comments
- Did you have fun? Hell yeah! It was one of my best vacations EVER!
- How did you get to the hotel from the airport? In a stretch limo, baby!! We felt like total frauds riding in it, but it was super fun. Like losers, however, we declined the bottle of champagne offered to us by our driver. I did accept the red rose though.
I feel sorry for anyone who thought someone famous might have been in the limo and then they got these two goons.
- Did you win big? Not enough to retire, but Mr. Jenners won $900 playing blackjack and $200 in a poker tournament. The best news is that we managed to bring back $400 from the initial budget set aside for gambling. My gambling efforts were limited to losing at slot machines. I did win about $40 playing The Big Wheel, but then I lost it all in less than 5 minutes playing Casino War. I’m not really a gambler. I think it actually caused Mr. Jenners pain to watch me play those games.
- Sounds like Mr. Jenners gambled quite a bit. What did you do, Jenners? When Mr. Jenners was playing in poker tournaments and attempting to beat the odds at blackjack, I spent my mornings at the Qua Spa—getting my chakras balanced, getting a shiatsu massage, and being hypnotized. (More on the hypnosis in my upcoming book review for Liane Moriarty’s The Hypnotist’s Love Story.)
- Did you cheat on Romeo while you were gone? Ummm…maybe.
OK ... how cute is this guy? How could I resist?
- How was the Cirque du Soleil LOVE show? According to me, it totally rocked. According to Mr. Jenners, it wasn’t so good. He wanted more acrobatics and feats of strength. Plus, he isn’t a big Beatles fan. On the other hand, I love the Beatles and thought it brought their music to life in a fun and creative way. At one point during the song Within You Without You when a really neat special effect was happening, the guy sitting next to me leaned over and said “I so wish I was on acid right now.” In many ways, the show was like an extended drug trip … but in the best possible way!
- Did you see any other shows? I moseyed down to the Caesar’s box office on Friday morning to see if there were any available tickets for one of the long-running shows at Caesars. There was. So I bought it and went to a concert by an obscure artist named Elton John. Ever hear of him? HAHA! It was really great and considering the amount of hits he has, I was sure he wouldn’t play my favorite song by him, Mona Lisas and Mad Hatters, but he did and it was terrific.
Did I mention I had front row in the rear orchestra? My seat was the best!!!!!
- Did you see any celebrities? Well, if you consider Daniel Negranu (a professional poker player) a celebrity, then yes, we did. Oh yeah … we also walked past Pete Rose who was signing autographs in a sports memorabilia store.
- Did you have any good meals? Oh indeed. The best meal was probably at Bobby Flay’s Mesa Grill (despite my initial reluctance to eat there). I also had excellent tempura and sushi at a Japanese restaurant. We also enjoyed our lunch at Todd English’s Olives.
- How about desserts? Well, we never had room after our meals but I did manage to convince Mr. Jenners to go with me to get crepes three different times. I seemed to have stumbled on quite a few chocolate croissants as well.
Me and crepe #1. I don't think I've written about my love of chocolate banana crepes before. But I love them. A lot.
- How was your room? It was just lovely but the best feature of all were the awesome reading lights next to the bed!
There was one on each side of the bed!!! It was perfect. Now I want one at home!
- In your expert opinion, what hotel/casino looks the best? Of all the ones we visited (and we trekked to most of them), I still think Bellagio gets top marks for design, elegance and loveliness. It is hard to beat their garden and art collection. Plus the front of the hotel is just so appealing. I was entranced by the inside of Wynn as well (so colorful and playful), but I still have to give the nod to The Bellagio. By far the worst design/appearance goes to Ballys. Seriously, Ballys, you have a prime location and you do NOTHING to make anyone want to come in. Even The Flamingo scores higher than you in my book.
- Did you get a lot of reading done? Uh …. no. Usually I read like a demon on vacation but this trip I was just so busy that I only finished one book (Lamb by Bonnie Nadzam.)
- Were you ready to come home? Hell no! But the dream had to end sometime. Sigh.
- Did you miss BB while you were gone? Errrr…uhhh…no comment.
You make me smile Jenners! So glad to hear and see that you had a fun trip! Sounds like you got the full Vegas experience!
Except for winning a huge amount of money and getting married, we almost did it all.
FUN!! Daniel Negranu is my husband’s favorite poker player, so he definitely would have considered that a celebrity siting!
Love it!! In his world, he is a celeb.
So glad you got to go on this trip! You look so happy and relaxed in the pictures!! Is it like it never happened now?
And I have never tried a chocolate banana crepe! Gasp! I must!
You got it … it feels like the trip is now in the distant past. I need to go again!!! ACK!
You are smiling ear to ear in those pictures! You know that I want a banana crepe now real bad. Super cool that you saw Elton John. I’m laughing at the guys “acid” comment too. I would have liked Cirque de Soliel. My husband would have been out cold. lol Glad you had fun. You look great by the way!!!!
I wish we could have seen Cirque Du Soleil together — Mr. Jenners wasn’t the ideal companion it! HAHA!
I’m so sorry I’ve been so neglectful about commenting especially since I missed your anniversary. Happy Belated Anniversary….Vegas sounds like a fantastic way to spend your 10th.
Congrats to Mr. Jenners for winning some money…he should give you $100 for books!
I love blackjack but I think I preferred your Vegas trip…spa treatments, Elton John (I’m thrilled for you getting to see him in concert, & a teensy bit jealous!) Cirque de Soleil sounds wonderful especially with the Beatles music – you got to hear some great music on your trip.
The chocolate banana crepes look delicious and I’m determined to find and taste some!
The dog is adorable but what’s all the stuff the poor thing is wearing?!
I, too, want those lights by your bed…I’ve been looking for some good over the bed reading lights.
Thank you for sharing your trip. I’m so happy for you that you had a great time!
Never ever feel bad if you can’t visit … life often gets in the way of blogging. I totally get that. I like your idea of $100 for books … but I think my spa visits kind of used up quite a bit of his winnings! : )
Wow! Happy decade anniversary. And what a wonderful trip. I used to live in Las Vegas but I’ve never seen it in style. I am so glad you had such a great time. I can tell by the smiles I seen on your face in the photos.
So, was your little one happy to see you when you returned and did you bring him back any souvenirs?
My boy was happy we returned (kind of) but really happy about souvenirs. He had as good a time as we did (perhaps more even) but his aunts were ready for us to come home. When you don’t have kids yourself and then take care of one for 4 days, it can be exhausting.
Thanks to Mr. Jenners I was able to convince my mom that we don’t want to see LOVE when we go to Vegas in October. So we now have tickets to Zumanity! Yay!! (I’m not a big Beatles fan, either.)
Glad you guys had fun!
Mr. Jenners will be thrilled he saved you from LOVE. If you aren’t a Beatles fan, it probably won’t float your boat.
I have always wanted to go to Vegas. Maybe this summer for my 40th birthday!
Oh I hope you get to go! It would be a great way to celebrate your 40th!
How awesome! I’m so jealous. Oooooooh, those crepes look to die for – yummy. Nothing better than bananas, chocolate and whip cream in my world. And Elton John! No way you lucky girl – now I’m really jealous. Anyhow I can’t believe you cheated on Romeo though – lol. I’m glad you to had such a great time – it looks like it was loads of fun.
ps- I need that light!
I need that light too! And those crepes … I am missing them so much. That cream was amazing. It was called Chantilly Cream and it was heavenly. And I’m ashamed of myself for cheating on Romeo but what can I say? Duby was hard to resist!
what a freakin awesome time it looks like y’all had! and Elton John tickets?!? very cool!
Freakin’ awesome is the way to describe the trip! It was that!
Oh my gosh! You went on vaca and posted pics already? Where have I been? lol. I swear you just mentioned your Vegas trip.
That doggie is so cute! Only in Vegas! I’m surprised he is ok being dressed up like that…lol.
Anyway, GREAT photos! It looks like an awesome trip.
Very cool about the Elton John concert. I’m curious about the hypnosis!
Time has a way of doing that, doesn’t it?
And the hypnosis was very cool but I can’t say it has worked. I’ll write about it in more detail in my book review.
Glad you had such a fun trip! There is so much to do in Vegas – I think it makes a perfect 4 day trip (more than that and I get creeped out by the unnaturalness of it all!)
My friends and I stayed in the Wynn a couple of years ago and it was great – I loved all the fresh flowers in the lobby. But the Bellagio lobby with all the Chihuly sculptures was stunning!
You can tell that Wynn and Bellagio were by the same company but I got the nod to the Bellagio as well. I agree — any more than 4 days and it is too much. I was exhausted by the end … despite all my spa appointments.
Wow, what an amazing trip!!
I didn’t know there was a Mesa Grill in Vegas… we ate at the one in NYC on our first trip there!
Yup … right smack in the middle of Caesar’s Palace. I would definitely eat there again.
So glad you had a great time. I absolutely love the picture of you and that dog.
That dog was so relaxed and cool. Look at him smiling!!!!
Oh and I totally loved the format that you did this post
So glad you had such a fun trip! And coming away from Vegas ahead is definitely a good thing. Sounds like you saw good shows too. Happy belated anniversary!
It was sooooo fun and soooo relaxing. It ws definitely worth flying first class. It was only something like $250 more so it was easier to justify. Just having the extra room, the hot meals, the bathroom was worth it for the longer flight. Plus flying without a child made it easier to appreciate it. I was in heaven! (It will be hard to go back to coach I tell you.)
I always fall in love with reading lights in hotels. Why I never bother to install something similar in my own room (which is probably a somewhat affordable upgrade), I don’t know. Those crepes look delicious — and, oh yeah, the rest of the trip looked fun too.
I thought the same thing. How hard would that be to install? I’m sure it would be just complicated enough not to justify it. I love that they had it. I think all beds should have reading lights to accompany them.
That dog’s outfit is hysterical! Aaaand, I love crepes.
I am glad you had a good time!
Isn’t that dog hilarious looking? I can’t believe how calm he was wearing it. The guy said it took him a 1.5 years to train him not to take it off. And viva la crepes!
I’m sitting here full of envy!! I’d LOVE to go to Vegas! I’d probably come home 30 lbs heavier though. I hear they have awesome buffets!!
Glad you and Mr. Jenners had such a great time!
I hope you get to go someday. There is just so much to see and do and eat!
It sounds like you had a wonderful time!
We really did. I’m still not 100% adjusted to being home yet.
Glad you had such a wonderful time and that you actually came home with money. You can put that toward your next trip!
I know!! We just need to convince the aunts they want to watch BB again for a few days. That will be the tricky part. He tired them out!
what a great trip and those crepes look divine!
I’m wishing for those crepes again. Sigh.
Okay, you are officially cool in my book! I thought I was the only one who adored Mona Lisa and Mad Hatters!! My fave of all my Elton songs (I don’t have to add “Sir” – we are that tight!) When I was in school (back in the days when he sang a bit higher) I could actually play it on the piano and spent many an hour doing so….ahhh.
You’re right – Vegas is quite a trip. Literally and figuratively. Weird, eclectic and full of whatever you’re looking for. My birthday this year was a blast there, but after 3 days we were ready to hit the road and venture home too.
Congrats on 10 years – here’s to more fun and frivolity!
Yay … another Mona Lisas and Mad Hatters lover!! Woo hoo! I was hoping he’d sing it but I didn’t have much hope but then there is was. Lovely. I’m sure Elton was a huge inspiration to aspiring pianists. I wish I’d gotten to play his songs during my piano heyday but it was all classics all of the time.
Your smiles say it all!! I’m so glad you had a good trip. I’m loving that chocolate banana crepe…yummmm.
Congrats on your anniversary, and wishing you many many more!!
Right back at ya!
You two sure know how to celebrate an anniversary! Congratulations on the marriage, the first-class flight, the limo, the spa time, the shows (both I would have loved) and for the fun seat neghbor you had who wantedto be on acid (not enough people share this kind of information).
You look fabulously happy and who wouldn’t with that monstrasity you’re calling a chocolate banana crepe. I hope you and Mr. Jenners shared
Mr. Jenners said he wanted to do this right since we weren’t going to get this chance again so we did it up right and I’m glad he convinced me to do so. And yeah … wasn’t that weird about the acid comment? YOU don’t usually get that kind of conversation with a stranger. Of course, he had a 32 oz drink with a bunch of tequila in it so that might have something to do with it. And that crepe … Mr. Jenners had his own. I ate it all!! ALL I Tell you!!!
Hell, I was once out gambling with friends and was called the big WINNER because I only LOST $50 (as opposed to the hundreds they all dropped). You both were amazing! As I mentioned before, I loved “LOVE.” But Mr. Jenners is right. If you’re looking for great Cirque de Soleil acts, that is not the show.
What a joy-filled post. I love all the pictures!
Well, I try not to think about what Mr. Jenners lost before actually winning that $900. I can’t think about it and I can’t watch him play because it freaks me out. It is his thing though so as long as he adheres to the predetermined budget, I close my eyes. And I agree with him about LOVE — but I still fell for it. He’s so not a Beatles person so I could see where he was coming from.
Vegas is fun, it’s also fun to GO HOME after awhile as that place can get depressing with the smokers and drinkers and the losers at the casino who stay up all night to win it big.
You guys had a blast! I love the photos. Better not tell Romeo that you hung out with a pup names Duby.
I agree — Vegas is fun but three full days was enough for me. When we were leaving for the airport at 4:30 am, there were so many people still out drinking and partying and gambling. I don’t know how they do it.
We’re headed to Vegas in two weeks! I especially appreciate all the specifics! I’m not a gambler but once I put a dollar in a slot machine and won $140…I can see very easily how that can be addictive! The husband is the planner for our trip so I’m not sure yet exactly what we’ll be seeing, doing or where we’re staying!! Can’t wait!! Glad you had such a great time!
Ooohh…I’m so excited for you!! There is so so much to see and do. I hope you get to see a Cirque show. There are a bunch of them and I don’t think any of them are bad. Have so much fun. I want a full report!!! : )
I can’t believe you got to see Elton John (and get awesome seats for the concert no less)! That crepe looks heavenly!
I know!! I didn’t even plan on seeing Elton John but I saw he was playing so I thought “What the heck?” and then scored amazing seats. And the lady next to me paid twice as much for her seats!! Go figure!
You make me smile so much! I love your enthusiasm and wish I could spend some time with you. I love the fact you cheated on Romeo, but I agree that is a cute dog! What an amazing trip!
When I saw that dog, I made a beeline to him saying “Give me money to pose with that dog.” I think I missed Romeo a bit.
Your trip looks amazing!!! I’m glad the Beatles show was good. That’s high on my list if I go to Vegas. The food looks so good too!
I think any Cirque show is amazing to watch but if you like the Beatles, LOVE is a must see!
Awesome post, I love your sense of humor and style! It sounds like you had a great time and took full advantage of all that Vegas had to offer. I saw Elton John in concert years ago and had a great time.
He has such a huge amount of songs to draw from that I was curious what he would play. I mean, if he played all his hits, the show would go on for hours. I wish he had skipped Crocodile Rock though .. I hate that song!!
How wonderful. Your spa experience sounds so much more relaxing than any poker tournaments and as for that crepe, yummmyyyy. Shame on you for cheating on Romeo though – to have actual proof in the form of a picture is just shameful.
Well, you know what they say: What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas so Romeo will never know. HAHA!
Looks like you had a fantastic time!
I really did. I can’t wait until we can go back .. but who knows when that will be!
What a fantastic trip!! Wow.
It was a WOW kind of trip. : )
oh, Sammy needs an outfit like that puppy!!
I know!!! Just think if you trained him to wear it (and I think you could) you could set yourself up on the AC boardwalk and make a tidy little bundle of cash. That guy was making more than all the other street acts combined!
Looks like you had a grand old time in Vegas….and the picture with crepes made me want to go out and get ice cream.
I’m glad people enjoy Las Vegas. I have to admit that I’ve been there four times, and it creeps me out a little bit more each time. Also, I’m probably a worse gambler than you, as in totally uninterested. The Liberace Museum is fun though
I think Vegas can be creepy if you let it be but fun can be had too. I’m not interested in gambling but Mr. Jenners really loves it so I was happy to go to the spa! ; )
Oh wow – sounds like a perfect holiday! And you came home with money in your pocket! (I usually spend all mine…)
And Elton John – wow! Lucky lucky you!
I was most impressed with Mr. Jenners — he exercised amazing control in not gambling it all away. (I think he knew that, deep down, I couldn’t handle it.)
I’m so glad you had a great time, and came home with some money. ELTON JOHN, wow! I’m sure Romeo will forgive you. Just one book, that is definitely the measure of a great time.
I know!! A one book trip means you were busy doing lots of other stuff.
Sounds like you had a marvy time – crepes rock! I learned how to make my own, cuz we’re cheap like that.
I have my own crepe pan and I do sometimes make them on my own but then I sit there and just eat them … plain but with tons of butter taste. They are delicious even then. I really should make more crepes than I do.
so happy you had such a fun time
and didn’t lose the nest egg!
We have pretty good rules about what the budget is as far as “losses we can afford.” Still, it nice when you don’t actually lose it all!!
Jenners, it’s a safe bet to say that you really enjoyed your trip to Vegas! I’m surprised you got ANY reading done. Fun post!!
(P.S. Don’t worry, I won’t tell Romeo about any indiscretions.)
Thanks for not telling Romeo. After all, what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas! : )
We saw the Cirque O show, with the water, and it blew us away. Very cool. I would have to agree that Bellagio is one of the classiest places on the strip. My husband found a little video poker machine tucked away in a corner of their casino that was loose, and he paid for entire trip once with it. Well, it looks like you had a ball. I am envious!
Oh I wish I’d found your husband’s little slot machine!! We saw O too a few years back and it was pretty cool but we saw the “late” show and I think I was too tired to really get into it. Plus we didn’t have super great seats and that makes a difference. I think my favorite is still the first one we saw — Mystere.
Man! It all sounds great!!! You have me psyched and ready to go now. We ate at the Mesa Grill last time and are hoping to make it there again. Did y’all get downtown at all? No zipline at the Fremont Experience?
I’m so glad it was such a fun vacation for you. Welcome home.
We didn’t make it downtown at all. Maybe next time. There is just SO MUCH to do just on the Strip that we never quite make it off of there.
We went four years ago and I decided it was the best place in the universe……..
…we hope to go back sometime this year……
…love the photos!!!!
I hope you do get to go back. It is just the perfect place to let loose and have fun for a few days.
I also thought the Cirque de Soliel show was weird and trippy, but I enjoyed it upon further reflection. And YAY Mr. Jenners for winning some dough! It sounds like you had an amazing time, and I loved the photo spread. So glad that you are back and that you shared your journey with us!
LOVE was weird and trippy … but in a totally creative and neat way I thought. I thought it fit the Beatle’s music quite well — especially when they delved into the “weirder” songs. I mean it was almost a literal interpretation of Lucy in the Sky With Diamonds in many ways!! So cool. This kind of stuff, however, is NOT Mr. Jenners cup of tea so I know where he is coming from.
I can tell you were having a blast in all those pictures.
I was having a blast. It was such a fun trip. I’m so sad it is over. : (