Making those Vegas memories

The last time I was in Vegas was for my daughter's wedding in 2009. Before that, it was to plan her wedding. We had both been in Vegas after her college graduation and for a few days in 2008 when I was there with some friends. This past trip, although fast, was one of the best and most memorable trips we have taken together.

Arriving early on Saturday, we hit the ground running with bloody marys and breakfast at our favorite Parisian spot, Mon Ami Gabi. At breakfast, we were surprised by our good friend, Debbie and had a very nice chat along with a quick picture. The rest of the day we spent wandering the strip sampling bloody marys as we walked, talked and shopped. We head back to the Paris hotel to meet Susan for a late lunch at the Sugar Factory. Unfortunately, we were spotted by the "blonde squad", as my daughter calls them, while walking through the lobby of the hotel. I had made it a point to keep this trip quiet to avoid just this type of confrontation, hateful stares and annoying gawking. Of course, if you are anywhere near the theater or the M Store you're bound to bump into them. I wish I had taken a photo of their faces when they spotted me. It was priceless. Meeting Susan for the first time, I don't think I've laughed so much in years. My only regret is that I didn't meet her sooner during my Manilow journey, because I know we would have had an absolute blast!

Rushing back to the room to change for the Manilow show, we met Debbie and Lori for drinks before making our way to the theater. We had tickets in the center section that were graciously given to us by Joanne, a dear British friend, and I was looking forward to seeing the Paris show for the very first time. Before the show, Susan and I posed for a quick picture before heading into the theater for the first time. The show was great as you read in my previous blog.

After the show we headed over to Mandalay Bay to see Michael Jacksons' Cirque de Soliel presentation to end our first day in Vegas. If you're a fan of his music, it is definitely worth seeing. As we were walking back to our hotel, my daughter pointed out that we had been up for almost 24 hours. Yikes! No wonder I was tired!

The goal for this trip was to sample some new restaurants. The next day we found a quaint little bistro type restaurant in Caesar's Palace called Pavard Patisserie & Bistro. The meal was superb and after momosos for the both of us, we headed out for some shopping, where we both purchased hats to wear for the day and discovered the BEST bloody marys at a stand in the middle of the forum shops. We then made our way over to the Wynn for some chocolate martinis, good conversation and a stop at the Joe Malone store where my daughter purchased both of us some fragrance as a reminder of our trip together.

Before the show, we headed over to the Palazzo and Sushi Samba based on my son's recommendation. It did not disappoint. We had a marvelous meal and more great conversation before making our way back to our hotel to dress for the evening. I was looking forward to the last show, expecting a once-in-a-lifetime performance. The show was great, but it was what happened after the show that made the night memorable (you'll have to wait for a future post to get all the deatails).

After the show we went to the piano bar at the Paris with Susan and Judy and had a great time singing along and watching the performance of some of the drunk attendees. You just never know what you'll see in Vegas! Some gambling and a late night dinner ended the evening and our last night in Las Vegas.

The next morning we made our way over to Aria for some sight seeing and breakfast. Then a final shopping trip at the forum shops to pick up a pair of boots for my daughter (her early Christmas present) and some last minute gambling before leaving for the airport.

I've been going to Vegas since 1995 and will continue to travel there. It's so much more to me than a place where Barry performs. I have the best memories there and I know I will make more in the future. There are great restaurants, tons of free entertainment, and some of the best shopping all in one place. It will be nice to go back and enjoy the city, visit with friends, and explore new hotels, restaurants and bars.

This trip will top my list of great memories, in spite of (or perhaps because of) the confrontations that FINALLY gave me clarity. You just never know what will happen in Vegas, but this time...it won't and can't stay there.

Looking forward to closing the final chapter,

Texas Fan

Coming up:

December 29-Here's to Las Vegas--where did the time go?

Decemer 30-What happens in Vegas...can't stay in Vegas

December 31-A Manilow Musings Q&A

January 1-It's ALL about the Music