"Las Vegas...Land of Lost Wages" Las Vegas by keida84

Las Vegas Travel Guide: 8,369 reviews and 17,097 photos

Carl and Berni listen to a message from Gillian

Here Comes the Bride and the Groom too!

April 10, 2006 a day which will be remembered as an historical event here on VT. Berni and Carl Shand renewed their wedding vows in the "Shalimar Wedding Chapel" Las Vegas, Neveda. Many of Berni and Carl's family, friends and regulars on VT watched the ceremony via the chapel's web cam. Those in attendance were: Best Man: Rex Vaughan (along with his wife, Sacra), Matron of Honor: keida84 (Kat) with her husband, Paul and "sis" Kris, CatherineCG and her husband, Jay, VT member Kymbanm and her friend, Missy. A wonderful reception was held at the "Center Stage" restaurant in the Plaza Hotel downtown Las Vegas, Nevada.

In September of 2005 I visited the Las Vegas area, namely the "Strip" in honor of my favorite Aunt and Uncle's 60th wedding anniversary. Those two are the most active pair of 82 year olds you'd ever want to meet. We stayed at the "Treasure Island Hotel", which impressed me a great deal with their facilities for people with diabillities and handicaps, as well as one of the nicest Spas on the strip. We had Room Service the first night as my husband is a fan of good Room Service, and a fabulous meal at The "Steak House" on Sunday night in honor of Mary and Don's wedding anniversary.

The Night our Sorority Invaded Las Vegas

I got all my sistas with me!

I have a love-hate relationship with Las Vegas. I love to go in the summer when it is hot, but the crowds make walking unbearable, even at night when the temp is 104 degrees. I have stayed at many hotels on the strip...Ceasar's Palace, The Luxor (my husband's favorite), Treasure Island, The Excalibur, The Aladdin, & Bally's are just a few.

Speaking of Bally's, there was a week end in the not so distant past that my sorority took a trip to Las Vegas for our dear sista "Flo". She was turning 21. Legal! So we rented a suite at Bally's, on the concierge floor, went to the spa, rented a cabana at the pool and for all intensive purpose was virtual eye candy for everyone who gawked at us!

LtoR: the woman and man I cannot remember their names (oops) Shugah, Wanda, Edna, Shirl, Concha
back row: Babs, Toots, Trixie, Flo

My "sistas" are all chorally gifted and everytime we would see a bride, we would break into a spontaneous acapella song, "Goin' To The Chapel".

In the New York, New York Hotel, We even serenaded a bride as she was actually going to the chapel, she was so stunned she thought her husband to be set it all up for her. When she found out we just happened by she invited the lot of us to her reception! How's that for singing for your supper?

We closed the place down with a conga line all through New York New York to the tune of, "We Are Family, I Got All My Sisters With Me!"

Sunset with rain showers LV airport 2006

The Alexis Park Resort is a good accomodation off the strip as is the Crowne Plaza Hotel (both non-gaming facilities).

The shows are terrific, I love Cirque du Soleil's "Mystere" at Treasure Island that is my favorite but "O" at the Bellagio is a stupendous undertaking and not to be missed!

Gone is the "old" Vegas with it's cheap breakfast, free shrimp cocktails, Rat Pack shows and cheap buffets. Too bad, that when Vegas was great.

Despite my many visits I have yet to find my voice about this town. I have a lot of pictures to scan yet, mybe that's it. Somehow I can't find the words for this place.

Check back maybe I will get it together soon. (LOL)

Pros and Cons

Pros:Astounding architecture, great shows
Cons:Crowds and crowds of people and no more "great" deals
In a nutshell:Glitz and glamour but it's really just the desert all painted up

Last visit to Las Vegas: Apr 2006
Intro Updated Sep 21, 2006
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Reviews (10)

Planning a wedding or vow renewal Warnings and Dangers (1)

If you plan to get married or renew your wedding vows in Las Vegas please take notice and check with your chapel or... more travel advice

This is not your regular circus! Things to Do (3)

Mystere at Treasure Island is a circus unlike I have ever seen before. A mystical, primordial extravaganza celebrating... more travel advice

Spa delightful Things to Do (3)

One of the things I enjoy doing is traveling to places such as "Spa Destinations" I have been to many, many Spas both... more travel advice

Treasure Island, Las Vegas Hotels (1)

We were originally given a room on the 6th floor, however the noise from the bar and pool were just too much to ignore.... more travel advice

Travelogues (3)

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Comments (20)

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jojocan Jan 2, 2008 at 2:50 PM

I think Nicole and I are going to go to Vegas in March - and she decided she wanted to stay at the TI, so I had to come and look on VT to see if it is any good!
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deecat Dec 27, 2006 at 9:02 AM

What a pleasure to read. Your writing skills are outstanding. Great description of the facial and supplies provided...my kind of pampering. Another "topnotch" page.
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moiraistyx Oct 30, 2006 at 6:25 PM

Great tips, Patrick and I will be flying into here on our way to the Grand Canyon. Looks like I'll treat him to the Treasure Island.
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jo104 Oct 3, 2006 at 7:46 AM

Some cool Vegas tips
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Dabs Sep 20, 2006 at 7:27 AM

Finally got through all my mail and found your postcard, thanks!!!! Hope you had a great time :-)
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nhcram Aug 10, 2006 at 10:26 AM

I always dream of visiting LA...one day hopefully. And you met Alan Alda WOW
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kymbanm Jun 16, 2006 at 9:31 AM

My local friends took me to the Artisan one night on a lark ... LOVED IT! Now, if we'd had more time - I could have helped you add to your spa tips ;) Seems we may have similar tastes in getting away in that area.
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Beach_dog Apr 4, 2006 at 2:40 PM

I love Vegas, in small doses. Like Paul my favourite is the Luxor. Now just how closely were you watching that man to see the bead of sweat. Have fun on your upcoming visit :o)
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Waalewiener Apr 3, 2006 at 9:11 PM

Well well Hansi Hansi How did you ever miss this page Hansi ,even LoriPori found it Oh well Dahlink I am here now and I loved this page ,the family pic is great You do love to be pampered dear Kit Kat don't you (Rooom service Pls )
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sunlovey Apr 3, 2006 at 9:42 AM

Yeah, I don't think you can find a better view of the strip unless you are -in- a helicopter! (re: Mix) :-) And yeah, I want one! (a helicopter) That was by far the coolest.