Viva Las Vegas

We had such a good time in Vegas!  Such a good time.  We got to there on Tuesday night after Erik worked 10 hours at Enterprise, I worked 6 hours at the elementary school, and we drove 6 hours to get there, so we were pretty beat.  We mustered enough energy to explore our hotel and see all the shops and kiosks.  Maybe it's because I was so tired, but I thought it was hilarious to listen to Erik negotiate the kiosk salesmen down, and I enjoyed the benefits when he negotiated the water massage lady to 1/8 of the original price.  My very favorite, however, was talking to the dead sea spa guys.  You've seen these people, the guys from the middle east who draw you in, spray some goop on your arm and refuse to let go.  Upon finding out that we were from Utah, our salesmen insisted that we should buy his $80 face soap because we were Mormon and he was Jewish, and "Mormons and Jews are very good friends (fist bump)" .  He was also shocked that I was only 21 and married.  I had him test the product on Erik's arm, and after he rubbed off the dead skin he showed me the messy cotton ball and went "And you are going to get into bed with that!?"  It was a good time.

Erik and our Jewish buddy

On our way up to the room, we were assaulted by this fellow. 

In charming broken english he told us how we could earn $100 to the spa if we "went on a tour of a new hotel".  We were a little skeptical, but $100 is a $100, so we agreed, and at 10:00 the next morning we were bused to "The Greatview at Las Vegas", where we endured 2 hours of a former boxer-turned-salesman trying to sell us a timeshare.  Right.  On the plus side, we managed to get breakfast and lunch out of this little outing.  And we left with $100 in spa services, that my wonderful husband gave all to me. 

The spa was INCREDIBLE.  They gave me this comfy robe and sandals to put on, and while I was waiting for my services they brought me hot chocolate, a water bottle, and chocolate covered fruit.  I first got a body wrap and a massage.  After this cute lady rubbed out all my tension and slathered me with some concoction of cucumber, coconut milk, etc.  and wrapped me in body foil like a great big burrito, she actually offered to feed me my chocolate covered fruit while massaging my scalp.  I love that place.  Next I got a much needed manicure, I rip at my nails as a nervous habit and they were a mess.  I left the spa with baby-soft skin and beautiful hands, ready for a night on the town.

After I got ready, Erik and I hurried to grab a bite to eat before Donny and Marie.  We went to the closest place, a little restaurant called Dick's.  This fulfilled my requirement of going somewhere I could only go because I was 21. 

We both ordered waters, and we were a little surprised when our waitress brought us this:

Our meal was yummy, and we hurried to the Flamingo for Donny and Marie.  I was too distracted to take pictures, but can I just say, they were FABULOUS.  They were everything I wanted them to be and more.  The show was so fun.  Erik and I were in a booth with a 65 year old woman and her 40 year old daughter (a much better representation of the average audience member than Erik and me).  I ordered a virgin strawberry daiquiri in a special Donny and Marie glass and it was so fun to sit there and drink my fancy little drink and watch the show.  Even Erik enjoyed it, and said it was almost worth the dignity loss of walking in and out of the showroom.  A particular high point was when were walking out of the theater and the little old lady in front of us squealed "He touched my hand!  I'm never washing it again!".  Hehehe

 

After the show we walked the strip, but it was a little chilly, so  we went inside the Bellagio.  I love the Bellagio fountains, and we found a perfect little window with a great view that was close enough to hear the music and we watched the fountain.  It was a very romantic ending to a a wonderful day.

The next morning we laid by the pool for a little while and then checked out and drove home.  We had the best time, and I have to say Erik intimidated me a little bit as far as birthdays go.  What the heck am I supposed to do for his birthday to top that?  Luckily I have until July to figure it out.  

Goodbye Excalibur