This will also help to keep me sane until my October Vegas trip.
So here we go!
In recent years it has been my custom to divide my time between the Strip and Downtown, with a heavy leaning towards Downtown. This Spring my son, Mike, informed me that he and his buddies were doing a May 24 (Canadian holiday) trip to Vegas. I wanted to devise a method to help them out so instead of doing my usual end of April birthday trip, I decided to do a May 24 trip too and give up my Strip nights to the fellas.
The guys were looking for a "party pool" so I booked some nights at the Flamingo because I knew it would fit the bill. I booked myself into the Plaza and the D. I needed one night at the front of the trip so I secured a MyVegas night at Mirage and we were good to go.
My son wanted to work on our departure day. I hate leaving at night. That day always seems like it drags on for an eternity when you are waiting to fly to Vegas. He came home early from work and my husband drove us to Detroit Metro. We suffered through the border tension and the horrendous traffic in Detroit, at one point even having to go miles out of our way, but we finally made it to the airport in one piece. Our Spirit flight was uneventful and left on time.
By Sam
Happy people in the airport...and a heavenly light is shining on our trip!
Mirage's check-in was a mess at ten P.M. on a Wednesday. There was a huge line up, only three desk staff who seemed to take an eternity to do anything and there were some really rude drunks in the line behind us that we had to listen to for 30 minutes. Finally it was our turn. They were out of rooms with two beds so they gave a lovely room facing the volcano (which we never saw go off) and a cot. We were fine with that...just let us dump our stuff and get this party started!!!
The Mirage room
Happily, at the last moment, I had decided to pack a bottle of whiskey in my luggage. I ran to get some ice and bought a cold drink from the pop machine and we mixed a few stiff drinks in the room to celebrate our arrival in Vegas. Even though it was around 11 pm Vegas time, which meant 2 am our time, we were running on adrenaline and decided to go downstairs to play a bit.
(
...a bit) We wandered through the Mirage casino and came across this GINORMOUS new game called Dragon Spin. It is made by Aristocrat, my favorite slot manufacturers, so I said "Let's try this one!"
We ended up sitting there for hours. We were having such a blast; quite possibility my best first night in Vegas ever. I am not sure how but the waitress figured out that we were Canadian (Did we let an "Eh" slip?) and she was bringing the drinks as fast as we could toss them down. I try not to over imbibe in Vegas, but that night was an exception...
. The Dragon Spin machine does all kinds of fun bonuses and I ended up doubling my stake. Mike only lost twenty dollars, which isn't bad after playing and drinking for hours. We finally tore ourselves away at 2 am. (5 am our time!!!)
After the drinks....
Thursday May 19th
I had obtained a MyVegas two for one breakfast buffet at Mirage so we used that this morning. We had a great meal as always. It was too early to take advantage of the alcoholic beverages though; I needed coffee!
I made a special point of going to a Mirage employee and asking where the ride share pick up was. They told me out front with the other cabs but that was incorrect. The "opening doors on cabs" guy told me (in a rather hostile manner) that it was at the north entrance, so we dragged our suitcases back though the hotel to the other side. We used another one of Michael's free LYFT rides to take us over to Flamingo.
We arrived at Flamingo around 11 am and I was thrilled to see that Platinum Total rewards members could still use the Diamond check in room and avoid the horrendous line up in the lobby. I don't know if that is the case at other CET hotels but that is how it works at Flamingo. I went inside to attempt to check in but did not succeed. I explained that I had an important meeting at 5:30 pm downtown and I needed to get squared away ASAP. The woman at the desk rather snippily informed me that official check in time was between 4 and 6 pm. Even though I said nothing my brain went "Since when?" and "That is ridiculous". A 3 pm check in was bad enough; then they pushed it to 4 pm and now it is sometime before 6? If you are lucky? My daughter says that I am incapable of hiding my feelings so my face probably did this.
Not sure. Anyhow I slunk away quietly. I wasn't about go outside to give our luggage to the bell desk, because apparently that is what you have to do now at many Vegas hotels, so we just pulled our junk into the casino. We played some Gremlins and some Britney but had no exciting wins.
After an hour or so had passed I decided to try to check in again and I prayed for a more accommodating desk person. As I lined up I could see Miss Snippy was still at her station, but thankfully a different girl waved me over. I again explained my plight and also asked if we could have a studio room, because I knew the boys would appreciate the extra space. This girl was delightful. She found us a clean, ready, studio room on a high floor, with a fridge, coffeemaker and a couch! I could have kissed her...but tipped her instead.
Mike and I were really happy when we saw the room. Yes, the furniture is worn and chipped, but the room was huge and perfect for these guys.
The room
When I arrived at the Plaza I was dismayed to see a long check in line there too, so I used my King card to get checked in quickly.
My Plaza room...
I had enough time to go up to my room and freshen up and rest a bit before meeting the CEO of the Plaza, Jonathan Jossel for drinks at Oscar's.
I know what you are thinking "Why are you, Miss Nobody, meeting with Jonathan Jossel?"
Good question and I asked myself the same thing. Apparently he had seen my Vegas Bright article
10 Reasons Why I Love The Plaza
and had also seen me write complimentary things about the Plaza on various boards and wanted to meet me to chat.
I was early to the meeting at Oscar's lounge. The place was packed. It was Happy Hour and apparently it was also Ladies Drink Free night.
I ordered a whiskey and diet and looked around me.
OMG...Oscar Goodman is sitting right next to me!!!
I noticed that people were approaching him for pictures and to chat and he was gracious enough to comply. I wanted to ask too but I always think to myself how annoying it must be to have people accosting you all day so I just admired him from afar.
Then Jonathan appeared; what an awesome young man! My first thought was "He is just like my son!" because they are so close in age.
I was nervous meeting him but he is so kind and approachable that my nervousness dissipated immediately. We discussed all kinds things about the Plaza and downtown in general.
Jonathan went up to Mr Goodman and hugged him. He told me that he is just like a father to him. Then Jonathan asked if I wanted my picture taken with Oscar. Did I???
Next Jonathan took me on a tour. I told him that I had never received snail mail from the Plaza so he brought me into the host's office to try and figure that out. Apparently it had something to do with the computer program not being compatible with my Canadian postal code or something similar. After working that out he took me out to the pool area that was under construction. He explained all the new things that were going in; the hot tub, the stage, the cabanas, the pickle ball courts. My very favorite thing were the cabana rooms that open right out into the pool area!
I debated taking pictures, but decided not to until it was all finished. They had an event planned for Memorial Day weekend and then more finishing touches were to be put on the pool after that.
I noticed something about Jonathan as we walked around the Plaza; he literally stopped and greeted every single employee that he passed. EVERY one. He knew all about them and made inquiries about their lives. I have never seen a boss act like that before. The Plaza staff seem like one big happy family. He took leave of me then and I must say I felt very privileged to have had that time with him.
At this point I was eager to find something new to play. I settled in at a Buffalo Gold and got a nice $200 bonus from that machine.
I wandered around playing a little here, a little there. Suddenly a woman approached me with a huge smile and a twinkle in her eye.
I thought "Either this woman is crazy, or she recognizes me." It turned out that she was Stephanie S, a member of LasVegas4ever.com, our forum. We hung out together for awhile and chatted. After she left I decided I had had enough for one day and turned in.
Friday, May 20
I was lost in blissful slumber, when suddenly I was awoken by excruciating pain! I had legs cramps in both my calves and thighs. This was new! The only time I ever had an issue with cramping was the time I was briefly put on statins for a month. I had never had pain like this before. I writhed around for awhile and it took some doing to get my legs over the side of the bed in order to stand up. It took quite awhile before the cramps abated. I was unhappy about being wide awake at 3 in the morning.
Luckily I was able to fall asleep again around 5 and slept until 8 so I didn't feel like total crap the next day. In my LIVE trip thread I asked my members for advice and they gave me lots of tips. I can only assume it had to do with;- the amount of walking I had done that day
- the amount of sitting in one position I had done that day
- or the amount of alcohol I had drank that day
It sounded ridiculous but I was willing to try anything.
When I got up I went downstairs to the gift shop and bought several bottles of Gatorade. I tried to be more conscious of drinking water from then on as well.
Breakfast was yogurt and a senior coffee from McDonald's. ($2.57) When I was done I thought a trip to my favorite store, ROSS, was in order. I had never used Uber at that point and I had a list of discount codes that I had gotten off of the internet. Most of them would not work but finally I came to one that did and it bestowed upon me a $20 credit. I have taken cabs from the Plaza to ROSS on multiple occasions and the fare usually runs around $15.00. Imagine my shock and dismay when I took that same ride in an Uber and the fare was only $7.00!!! Argh!
And you cannot bank what is left over; so I basically threw $13.00 out the window! So frustrating!
I had my usual fun time at ROSS trying things on. I was in the market for new swimsuits as mine had disintegrated and I was happy to see that there were quite a few nice ones. I bought two swimsuits, two cover ups and a top or two.
After cashing out I walked back over to Peppermill next door to use their WIFI to call a Lyft but I was hungry so I decided to stay and have something they called a Walnut Creek salad.est salad of my life; it had chicken, blue cheese, walnuts, cranberries, greens and a yummy avocado dressing!Walnut Creek salad
at the guys were up to but it was probably better hat way. After I got home from shopping I went to play for awhile, cashing in those LVA coupons. I went to the D because I had $75 in freeplay and I played my favorite Buffalo Deluxe but they were not hitting for me today. So I lost the freeplay and more of my own money and I was quite bummed. I did the thing you are never supposed to do....I went into the next day's money. Something in my head told me to go to Binion's and play video poker."
Going into tomorrow's money worked out well for me because I wound up getting two premium hands and won back everything I spent that day! Yay!
T
There was an unusual couple sitting next to me the whole time I was playing at Binion's.
I could have sworn that were doing something other than playing VP. The woman was screaming " Do it! Do it! Oh baby! You are the man!"
I could have sworn that were doing something other than playing VP. The woman was screaming " Do it! Do it! Oh baby! You are the man!"
I would have been happier without the Xrated commentary on their "action". 
I also spent some time wandering Fremont and taking pictures, especially of all the places about to close. As I was standing there taking pictures of Le Bayou, the girls began to yell at me not to take their photo. Really? When did this become a thing? I understand that the street performers act this way but since when did the Le Bayou and Mermaid girls start this?, if you look like Carmen Miranda,
I also spent some time wandering Fremont and taking pictures, especially of all the places about to close. As I was standing there taking pictures of Le Bayou, the girls began to yell at me not to take their photo. Really? When did this become a thing? I understand that the street performers act this way but since when did the Le Bayou and Mermaid girls start this?, if you look like Carmen Miranda,
Being told I was doing a bad thing.....
Taking pictures downtown...
Saturday, May 21
Despite being very careful about my water intake, drinking two Gatorades and taking an Aleve before bedtime as a precaution, I still woke up with leg cramps. They were not as severe as the night before and only one leg was involved. I was able to fall back to sleep quicker this time, but I was still puzzled by this weird health development. I take senior vitamins and magnesium daily so that wasn't it. I resolved to be even more careful about my water intake today.
My son had allowed me to use an old Iphone of his for the trip so I was taking some pictures with it and attempting to post them. I wasn't having much luck. Imagine my excitement when I finally figured out that I had to change the editor, and then I was able to post pictures to my forum using the (not very good) Yuku Mobile App. I was having a hard time with the orientation of the pictures. I could alter them in the phone but not in the Yuku app. So my first pictures looked like this....
And this...
Finally one of my smart board members told me to hold the IPhone as though was it were a camera. Apparently there is a top and a bottom...who knew? 
(Not me obviously)
I was thrilled to finally have that mystery solved. I will do better next time. I swear.
I did my usual McD yogurt and coffee breakfast then played four card keno for a bit. Kodi and I had discussed doing the bingo at the Plaza but had never gotten around to it so I determined that today was going to be the day.
The bingo is on the third floor and at that time it was under construction so I had to do a fair amount of wandering around wooden walkways in order to locate it. Finally a kindly construction worker led me there. I haven't played bingo in years so I had hard time figuring out what to purchase as far as cards went. I asked the attendant for help and she recommended a $39 package that contained most of the "specials" so I went with her suggestion. I also grabbed one of their computerized thingies that let's you know if you are winning or not. (I would never leave such an important thing up to my own brain!)
They also have complimentary doughnuts and beverages if you want them. They played many games that I have never heard of but I didn't Bingo on any of them. Jonathan Jossel came by with his construction team and came over to say hi and ask me if I was winning.
I wasn't.
The whole process only took about an hour. I didn't find it very exciting but I imagine that would change if I ever actually hit something. I will try it again next trip.
I wish there were washrooms right off of the bingo room though.
Don't they realize how often seniors have to pee, especially when drinking their coffee?
After bingo I went down to the casino and played some Deuces Bonus and hit the deuces!
Around three pm I realized I was starving. Isn't it amazing how gambling can make you forget to eat? (Almost) I decided to go have a nice big salad at the Fremont Buffet. I got there just in time to see them closing. I didn't realize they had a down time between lunch and dinner. I wound up with some mediocre Chinese food from Lanai Express.
Like a moth to a flame I was once again drawn into the D to try and get some cooperation out of my former friends, the Buffaloes.
Sadly they kicked dirt in my face once again. I played a little bit here and there as I worked my way back "home".
I decided to try sleeping with a bar of soap, as ludicrous as it sounded. I didn't want to annoy the housekeepers so I just cut a few slits on the soap's package so that the soapy magic could ooze out without getting junk all over the sheets.
(Not me obviously)I was thrilled to finally have that mystery solved. I will do better next time. I swear.
I did my usual McD yogurt and coffee breakfast then played four card keno for a bit. Kodi and I had discussed doing the bingo at the Plaza but had never gotten around to it so I determined that today was going to be the day.
The bingo is on the third floor and at that time it was under construction so I had to do a fair amount of wandering around wooden walkways in order to locate it. Finally a kindly construction worker led me there. I haven't played bingo in years so I had hard time figuring out what to purchase as far as cards went. I asked the attendant for help and she recommended a $39 package that contained most of the "specials" so I went with her suggestion. I also grabbed one of their computerized thingies that let's you know if you are winning or not. (I would never leave such an important thing up to my own brain!)
There was a pleasant looking woman sitting alone at one of the tables to I parked myself close to her so that I could ask her questions. She was very helpful.
The helpful woman ...
They also have complimentary doughnuts and beverages if you want them. They played many games that I have never heard of but I didn't Bingo on any of them. Jonathan Jossel came by with his construction team and came over to say hi and ask me if I was winning.
I wasn't.
The whole process only took about an hour. I didn't find it very exciting but I imagine that would change if I ever actually hit something. I will try it again next trip.
I wish there were washrooms right off of the bingo room though.
Don't they realize how often seniors have to pee, especially when drinking their coffee?
After bingo I went down to the casino and played some Deuces Bonus and hit the deuces!
Around three pm I realized I was starving. Isn't it amazing how gambling can make you forget to eat? (Almost) I decided to go have a nice big salad at the Fremont Buffet. I got there just in time to see them closing. I didn't realize they had a down time between lunch and dinner. I wound up with some mediocre Chinese food from Lanai Express.
Like a moth to a flame I was once again drawn into the D to try and get some cooperation out of my former friends, the Buffaloes.
Sadly they kicked dirt in my face once again. I played a little bit here and there as I worked my way back "home".
I decided to try sleeping with a bar of soap, as ludicrous as it sounded. I didn't want to annoy the housekeepers so I just cut a few slits on the soap's package so that the soapy magic could ooze out without getting junk all over the sheets.
The magic soap
Hopefully my sleep tonight will be more restful.
Sunday, May 22
I awoke feeling refreshed this morning.
I had slept from 10 pm to 8 am with NO LEG CRAMPS. I picked up the bar of soap I had slept with and studied it. It was completely illogical, but it appeared that sleeping with the soap cured me, either that or my body had adapted to whatever it was that was causing the spasms in the first place. I didn't understand it but I was grateful and I slept with that soap for the rest of the trip.
I noticed that my son had updated his Facebook status, and even though this is not the kind of picture I normally share, I just couldn't resist sharing this one with my board.
I awoke feeling refreshed this morning.
I had slept from 10 pm to 8 am with NO LEG CRAMPS. I picked up the bar of soap I had slept with and studied it. It was completely illogical, but it appeared that sleeping with the soap cured me, either that or my body had adapted to whatever it was that was causing the spasms in the first place. I didn't understand it but I was grateful and I slept with that soap for the rest of the trip.I noticed that my son had updated his Facebook status, and even though this is not the kind of picture I normally share, I just couldn't resist sharing this one with my board.
It was clear that the fellas were having a great time at the GO pool. (Even if they did have to pay ten dollars to get into their own hotel's pool!!!) By the way, they had no idea who that girl was...
or at least...that is the story I got.
I planned to have a low key day and just stay at my home base and conserve my energy for my Meet and Greet with Carrot Top that night.
I did the customary yogurt and coffee and played Deuces Bonus all day at the Plaza. I lost almost all of my daily stake, then I hit the deuces and won it back, then I lost it again.
or at least...that is the story I got.
I planned to have a low key day and just stay at my home base and conserve my energy for my Meet and Greet with Carrot Top that night.
I did the customary yogurt and coffee and played Deuces Bonus all day at the Plaza. I lost almost all of my daily stake, then I hit the deuces and won it back, then I lost it again.
Today Deuces
When I figured it was time that I should start making my way to the Luxor for my dinner, Carrot Top show and Meet and Greet, I went up to my room to freshen up. Much to my dismay my keys wouldn't work and I had just passed a long line at the front desk that would make me late if I had to stand in it.
Unfortunately there are no house phones at the Plaza so you can't call and get them to send someone up with a key. So I flew back downstairs and once again used the King card to get through the line quickly and get new keys. Then I got ready for my evening and went down to the lobby to call an Uber. The Uber came and drove me to the Luxor for $11.93. Remember that number.
Since I knew I would be seeing Carrot Top this trip I had gotten a MyVegas reward for the MORE Buffet. I had to stand in an extremely long line at the MLife counter. The line ups in Vegas are starting to kill me. I will do almost anything to avoid them. Also I noticed at this particular counter they are not very disabled friendly. There was a lady in a wheel chair who couldn't stand and she had to just holler up at the staff. There is no lower counter for disabled people. Not good MGM.
I haven't been to this buffet since 2004 so I was eager to see what it was like now. I was happy to see that the room was virtually unchanged. I truly enjoyed the extensive salad bar. I wasn't keen on many of the hot dishes, but the dessert selection was amazing. The man busing my table was particularly sweet and though I had no change on me when I was done...I made a point of going to the cashier and breaking a twenty to give him a decent tip. He seemed shocked when he saw me returning to tip him.
Unfortunately there are no house phones at the Plaza so you can't call and get them to send someone up with a key. So I flew back downstairs and once again used the King card to get through the line quickly and get new keys. Then I got ready for my evening and went down to the lobby to call an Uber. The Uber came and drove me to the Luxor for $11.93. Remember that number.
Since I knew I would be seeing Carrot Top this trip I had gotten a MyVegas reward for the MORE Buffet. I had to stand in an extremely long line at the MLife counter. The line ups in Vegas are starting to kill me. I will do almost anything to avoid them. Also I noticed at this particular counter they are not very disabled friendly. There was a lady in a wheel chair who couldn't stand and she had to just holler up at the staff. There is no lower counter for disabled people. Not good MGM.
I haven't been to this buffet since 2004 so I was eager to see what it was like now. I was happy to see that the room was virtually unchanged. I truly enjoyed the extensive salad bar. I wasn't keen on many of the hot dishes, but the dessert selection was amazing. The man busing my table was particularly sweet and though I had no change on me when I was done...I made a point of going to the cashier and breaking a twenty to give him a decent tip. He seemed shocked when he saw me returning to tip him.
The Carrot Top show was supposed to start at 8 pm and the Meet and Greet at 7 pm. I was so excited to be meeting Carrot Top that after dinner I just went upstairs and lurked outside the showroom to make sure I wouldn't be late for anything. As it turned out I was the only one meeting him that night so he decided to do it after the show and he had his staff come out and tell me.
When they opened the doors I made a beeline for the bar and asked the bartender for something tall and strong.
This turned out to be a mistake for several reasons.
- First because I got a $20 Long Island Iced Tea that I swear had little to no booze in it and
- Second because of what happened after the show.
Carrot Top's show was hilarious as always. I could see it every trip and never tire of it. I had chosen a seat that was right in the center of the theater. That was a great vantage point to see the show from, but not so great when your giant 24 oz drink decides it wants to leave your body. So this left me in a quandary; the show was almost over but not quite. Do I....
- crawl over 25 people, stepping on ALL of their feet, possibly falling in their laps, to get to the washroom?
- risk waiting for the show to end to run to the washroom and thereby miss my chance to meet Carrot Top?
- meet Carrot Top and pee my pants while doing so?
I did not like any of these choices but I decided to go with number one. They leave literally no room between the rows to escape, so I stepped on countless feet. There are probably a whole lot of people with foot issues now because of me. I said "SORRY" 75 times. I ran down the twirly whirly entrance , through the showroom lobby, out through the Atrium lobby and finally made it to the washroom. Before I left I had to explain my problem to the guy at the door so he would be sure to remember me and let me back in! I returned to the Atrium theater just as the show was letting out. It turns out I would have had lots of time to pee because CT showers after every show.
I chatted with his staff for awhile and then he emerged, smelling fabulous. He seems super nice. I told him how many times I have seen his show and that I was going to write an article about him. I also told him how I miss the snow machine they used to use to make it snow on the crowd. That was awesome. They gave me an autographed picture (He signed it in front of me) and a T shirt and CT Frisbee.
I chatted with his staff for awhile and then he emerged, smelling fabulous. He seems super nice. I told him how many times I have seen his show and that I was going to write an article about him. I also told him how I miss the snow machine they used to use to make it snow on the crowd. That was awesome. They gave me an autographed picture (He signed it in front of me) and a T shirt and CT Frisbee.
This meeting was a real thrill for me!
My Vegas bright story about it...
I was tired at this point and wanted to head back to the Plaza. It was my understanding that all the MGM properties have free wifi in their common areas now, but maybe I am wrong. I could seem to connect to Facebook, but I could not get either the Uber or Lyft APPS to work for me! I was very frustrated. I walked all over trying to catch the wifi. Finally I had to give up and take a normal cab. The cab fare was $30.00!!! (And I tipped on top of that)
So $11.93 there and $30 back.
Just insane.
And the taxis wonder why they are losing business?
Back at the Plaza I went straight to bed with my bar of soap.
Monday, May 23
The Golden Gate casino had given me a $15 food comp so I thought I should use it to try the fabulous Dupar's pancakes that people rave about. I have never met a pancake I didn't like, so this seemed like a great plan for my first meal of the day. I enjoy the old school atmosphere at Dupar's. I chose to sit at the counter because the place was packed and also because you can get quick service there. I ordered a "short stack" which consists of 3 pancakes. They douse them with melted butter and give you warm syrup to use. They are beyond delicious.
When I went to pay my bill the cashier told me I had enough credit to get a doughnut too but I passed. Sweetness overload.
Here is my review of their pancakes.
The Golden Gate casino had given me a $15 food comp so I thought I should use it to try the fabulous Dupar's pancakes that people rave about. I have never met a pancake I didn't like, so this seemed like a great plan for my first meal of the day. I enjoy the old school atmosphere at Dupar's. I chose to sit at the counter because the place was packed and also because you can get quick service there. I ordered a "short stack" which consists of 3 pancakes. They douse them with melted butter and give you warm syrup to use. They are beyond delicious.
When I went to pay my bill the cashier told me I had enough credit to get a doughnut too but I passed. Sweetness overload.
Here is my review of their pancakes.
I had twenty dollars of free play at Golden Gate but that didn't last long. My plan for the day was to check into Main Street Station in order to take advantage of the fabulous point multiplier they had going. I did that and settled in at my favorite Loose Deuces machine but it didn't want to be generous. I lost most of my daily allotment there. My last few twenties went into a Flintstones machine just to check it out and enjoy its funny bonuses. Unfortunately I could not hit the broad side of a barn today so I wasn't able to cycle my money through as often as I would have wished.
There goes the plan to put lots of points on my card.
I tucked my tail between my legs and slunk home.
Back in my Plaza room I formulated a plan for the night. I decided to text Scott Roeben of Vital Vegas and Fremont Street Experience fame but I accidentally called him and hung up instead.
(My talent knows knows no bounds!) Scott called right back and asked if I had mistakenly just called him. I admitted my guilt and apologized. We arranged to meet up at Binion's for a drink and a chat. This man is one of my very favorite people in the world to talk to. We can blather on for hours about Vegas blogs, Vegas sites, Vegas podcasts, Vegas gossip etc.
Spending time with Scott turned a disappointing day into an awesome one!
When our glasses were empty he went off to find some dinner and I decided to stay at Binion's and play nickel V.P. for awhile. I did end up hitting the deuces again, but in nickels that is only $50 so it is hard to work up real excitement over that.
Fifty dollars?
I did some snapping of pictures and then went home to bed.
It is just like taking a walk downtown, right?
Tuesday, May 24
I switched hotels from the Plaza to the D today. Jonathan graciously offered to let me stay at the Plaza comped for the rest of my trip and I seriously considered it. I hate moving and I am very comfortable at the Plaza. I love the free WIFI in my room and I don't know if I will have that at the D. However I find that it is like a whole new trip every time you change hotels so I am going to move down the street anyhow.
I switched hotels from the Plaza to the D today. Jonathan graciously offered to let me stay at the Plaza comped for the rest of my trip and I seriously considered it. I hate moving and I am very comfortable at the Plaza. I love the free WIFI in my room and I don't know if I will have that at the D. However I find that it is like a whole new trip every time you change hotels so I am going to move down the street anyhow.
I rolled my bag down Fremont around 10:30 am. I was pleased that they let me check in immediately to a renovated room; AND best of all this time they gave me the WIFI code. Last trip I could not get it even though I asked three people. I broke down and paid for a day only to discover that it was only for ONE appliance so Kodi could not even use her tablet. I think that is pretty chintzy of them. I don't know what changed. I must have passed some level or other, but I don't think my play increased. It is a mystery.
My view from my D room
My room
After I got settled Kiddo came over for a visit. We chatted in my room for awhile and then went over to Hennessy's for our board meet. I expected this to be a very small meet and was surprised at the turnout. We moved from the patio to a big table inside so we could all sit together. I met lots of people that I have talked to online for years but never met in real life. I always get frustrated when people said they have read the board for years but never speak.
Please speak!
A forum can't function without yappers!
Hennessy's
Some Meet pictures...
At the table, Kiddo, Flamboro and her guest
bbking opposite them. Stephanie's hubby on his phone. Stephanie S next to him.
Craig K...you can't see him well here but you can see him in the other pictures.
Flysrb and Ty and in behind them Ty's wife Kim
After everyone left I went to talk to management about the Fall/Halloween meet. If we can't get the private Claddagh room we will meet out in the main area. There is games area they said they could rope off for us possibly.
Next on my agenda was a totally new experience for me; a massage at Happy Feet at El Cortez. I have only had one massage in my life so I really did not know what to expect.
After my massage I came downstairs to the Player's Club to use my Las Vegas Advisor coupon for freeplay. I chose ten dollars out of the barrel. Huge surprise! Apparently some people do get higher amounts...but it is never me.
El Cortez is supposed to have the loosest slots but nothing ever seems to hit for me there. After using my freeplay I went back to the D to play some at home base.
Walking "home" to the D.
After the show I summoned another Uber and had a twelve dollar trip home.
